STRONG gains in some index-linked stocks pushed the Kuala Lumpur Stock Exchange Composite Index to a new closing high of 695.43 yesterday, up 2.86 points from Tuesday.
The previous high was on Monday when the index closed at 693.44.
But the broader market was mixed as further speculative buying alternated with bouts of profit-taking.
''There was some heavy profit-taking in the afternoon as players became increasingly cautious,'' said an institutional dealer. ''But the undertone is still firm.'' Brokers said the market was likely to consolidate in the immediate term although rotational interest would continue.
TOKYO STOCKS ended higher but off their morning peaks on profit-taking, with the easing yen helping to boost sentiment.
''Dealers wanted to secure profit before going into the long holiday,'' said a second-tier securities broker.
