Open higher on improved sentiment (ext: Edge)

Shares on the FBM KLCI are likely to open higher on improved sentiment on Aug 4 as European markets hit a nine-month high yesterday on improved corporate earnings, underpinned by the firmer close on Wall Street.
 
The European stock exchanges were also boosted by stronger commodity prices, as crude oil gained almost 2% to stay above the US$70 per barrel mark.

Overnight, the Wall Street closed higher, as the broader S&P 500 index crossed the psychological-important 1,000 for the first time in nine months, buoyed by data on the manufacturing sector which showed the economy was recovering,
 
At Bursa, there could see some buying interest returning after the week began on a negative note, with the index falling 3.59 points to 1,171.31 yesterday due to some mild profit taking.