The Jakarta Composite Index (JCI) at the Indonesian Stocks (IDX) strengthened slightly at close on Friday as investors stayed alert after the US Federal Reserve delayed a fund rate increase, although suggested that it may happen sometime this year.

The JCI strengthened by 1.93 points, or 0.04 percent, to 4,380.32, while the index of the most liquid stocks (LQ45) weakened by 0.59 points, or 0.08 percent, to 440.37.

Research head of NH Korindo Securities Reza Priyambodo said in Jakarta on Friday that the investors were trading with a short-term outlook following the Fed'€™s decision, but added that although the market was improving, the Fed decision would cause uncertainty in the future.

'€œInvestors are still buying selected shares although never in huge volumes,'€ Reza said as reported by Antara news agency.

He added that the weakening rupiah against the US dollar added to investors'€™ caution because it negative affect on domestic company performances.

According to Reza, one factor preventing the JCI from moving up significantly is selling by foreign investors. On Friday, the IDX recorded sales transactions worth Rp 464.03 billion (US$32.3 million) by foreign investors.

The IDX recorded 238,842 transactions on Friday and saw 4.33 billion sheets of shares traded worth a total of Rp 4.89 trillion. As many as 150 shares grew, 137 shares shrunk and 80 remained the same.

In regional stock exchanges, the Hang Seng strengthened by 66.20 points (0.30 percent), the Nikkei moved down by 362.06 points (1.96 percent) to 18,070.21 and Straits Times weakened by 5.76 points (0.20 percent) to 2,890.05. (bbn)

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