The benchmark FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI fell 0.3 per cent to 1,664.72 points Tuesday, extending Monday’s 0.1 per cent slide. The index rose 1.1 per cent last week.

“From the technical perspective… we believe the consolidation is not yet over as selling pressure is still visible,” UOB Kay Hian said in a note.

The ringgit ended higher for the first time in three sessions, rising 0.1 per cent to 4.122 against the dollar, as Asian currencies strengthened after the first of three US presidential debates.

NAR reported that BMI Research downgraded its 2016 end-year forecast for the ringgit at 4.10, from 4.05, to the dollar to reflect recent weakness.

“Over the longer term, we expect the currency to appreciate gradually as the recovery in hydrocarbon prices and an undervalued real effective exchange rate provide structural support,” the brokerage was quoted as saying by NAR.

Global markets received a boost after the first US presidential debate between Democrat Hillary Clinton and Republican Donald Trump seemed to go in Clinton’s favour.

On the KLCI, 14 of the 30 constituents ended lower Tuesday and seven closed unchanged, while overall declining issues outnumbered advancing ones 426 to 338.

RHB Bank led losses among lenders on the KLCI, sliding 1.7 per cent to RM4.70. Malayan Banking ended 1.3 per cent lower at RM7.59 while Public Bank fell 0.2 per cent to RM19.94.

CIMB Group Holdings slipped 0.6 per cent to RM4.77, AMMB Holdings fell 0.5 per cent to RM4.18 and Hong Leong Financial Group ended 0.6 per cent lower at RM15.84.

Hong Leong Bank was the only lender on the index to close higher, rising 0.3 per cent to RM13.02, NAR reported.

IHH Healthcare fell 1.9 per cent to RM5.82, leading losses on the KLCI.

Axiata Group was the biggest gainer on the KLCI Tuesday, rising 1.5 per cent to RM5.45. Maxis edged 0.2 per cent higher to RM6.15.