Malaysian shares ended in the green zone on Monday, extending gains from the previous session. The index opened lower as investors remained cautious after Wall Street's weaker performance but picked up pace towards the day's end.
The FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI, the main gauge of Malaysian stocks, added 0.81 points to end 0.05% higher at 1,553.64. The day ranged between 1,544.32 and 1,557.33.
In economic news, Malaysia's total trade rose 3.3% annually to 211.8 billion Malaysian ringgit in February from 205 billion ringgit a year prior, according to data released by the country's Department of Statistics on Monday.
Exports fell 0.8% annually to 111.3 billion ringgit, while imports jumped 8.4% to 100.5 billion ringgit versus a year ago, the data showed.
In corporate news, shares of the metal stamping company Ge-Shen (KLSE:GESHEN) jumped over 24%, and those of the engineering services provider Petra Energy (KLSE:PENERGY) rose over 9% today.
Meanwhile, shares of the dairy products maker Dutch Lady Milk Industries (KLSE:DLADY) gained nearly 7% on Monday's close.
