Weaker regional sentiment weighs KLCI down

KUALA LUMPUR (May 11): The weaker investor sentiment at regional markets weighed on the FBM KLCI and led the benchmark index lower at the mid-day break on Friday.

Asian shares slid on Friday, spawning declines in other risk assets, as deepening political turmoil in the eurozone fuelled concerns about global growth and a huge loss from JPMorgan added to jittery sentiment, according to Reuters.

At the mid-day break, the FBM KLCI fell 1.14 points to 1,586.92.

Losers led gainers by 362 to 176, while 330 counters trade unchanged. Volume was 475.81 million shares valued at RM374.95 million.

The ringgit weakened 0.15% to 3.0725 versus the greenback, crude palm oil futures for the third month delivery fell RM41 per tonne to RM3,299, crude oil lost US$1.27 (RM3.90) per barrel to US$95.81 and gold fell US$9.25 an ounce to US$1,584.77.

At the regional markets, Japan's Nikkei 225 fell 0.48% to 8,966.10, Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index fell 1.18% to 19,989.50, the Shanghai Composite Index shed 0.25% to 2,404.31, Taiwan's Taiex fell 1.23% to 7,391.94, south Korea's Kospi lost 1.37% to 1,918.33 and Singapore's Straits Times Index was down 0.72% to 2,882.77.

On Bursa Malaysia, PPB was the top loser in the morning session and fell 34 sen to RM16.14, BAT lost 30 sen to RM53.70, United PLANTATION []s down 24 sen to RM26.26, GAB 22 sen to RM13.40, Southern Acids 19 sen to RM2.26, Tasek 17 sen to RM9.19, while Milux, Shell and Far East lost 10 sen each to RM1.18, RM9.90 and RM7.55 respectively.

Harvest Court was the most actively traded counter, with 37.29 million shares done. The stock fell 4.5 sen to 58 sen.

Other actives included Utopia, Focus, Ariantec, Permaju, LFE Corp, Naim Indah Corp, CSL, Winsun and Metronic.

Gainers included SAM Engineering, Aeon Credit, Aeon, Tahps, Binutulu Port, BLD Plantations, Malpac and Fiamma.



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KLCI pares down gains at mid-day as Asian equities turn negative

KUALA LUMPUR (May 10): The FBM KLCI rebounded at the mid-day break on Thursday but pared down its gains as some regional markets turned negative.

Asian shares fell on Thursday, as a weak Chinese trade data stoked fears of a growth slowdown, further undermining risk appetites already reduced by worries about the health of Spanish banks and deepening political chaos in Greece, according to Reuters.

The FBM KLCI gained 3.51 points to 1,588.41 at the mid-day break, lifted by select blue chips. It had earlier risen to its intra-morning high of 1,590.20.

Losers edged gainers by 332 to 256, while 309 counters traded unchanged. Volume was 722.32 million shares valued at RM493.12 million.

The ringgit strengthened 0.11% to 3.0681 versus the greenback; crude palm oil futures for the third month delivery rose RM25 per tonne to RM3,349, crude oil fell 37 cents per barrel tp US$96.44 while gold rose US$4.18 an ounce to US$1,593.75.

At the regional markets, Japan’s Nikkei 225 fell 0.11% to 9,035.48, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index lost 0.93% to 20,141.90, the Shanghai Composite Index shed 0.18% to 2,404.15, Taiwan’s Taiex was down 0.16% to 7,487.42, South Korea’s Kospi down 0.10% to 1,948.35 and Singapore’s Straits Times Index fell 0.20% to 2,895.11.

ON Bursa Malaysia, BAT was the top gainer in the morning session and rose 36 sen to RM54.74, Petronas Gas added 30 sen to RM17.28, United PLANTATION []s and Ajinomoto were up 24 sen each to RM26.18 and RM4.47, Petronas Dagangan 16 sen to RM19.86, KrisAssets 12 sen to RM7.12, whiel Hup Seng, RHB Capital and GAB added 10 sen each to RM2.35, RM7.43 and RM13.64.

Focus was the most actively traded counter with 103.8 million shares done. The stock rose two sen to 16.5 sen.

Other actives included Utopia, Ariantec, ManagePay, Naim indah Corp, Astral Supreme, SuperComNet and Permaju.

Decliners included Tahps, The Store, Tradewinds, Panasonic, Dutch Lady, Ekovest, Shell, PPB, KESM and Fiamma.



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KLCI falls as eurozone woes grip global markets

KUALA LUMPUR (May 9): The FBM KLCI fell on Wednesday as concerns over the economic and political direction of several eurozone countries kept regional and global investors on tenterhooks.

The FBM KLCI lost 5.70 points to close at 1,584.90, weighed down by losses at blue chips.

Losers outpaced gainers by 450 to 273, while 313 counters traded unchanged. Volume was 1.28 billion shares valued at RM1.42 billion.

Asian bourses were mired in the red as Greece struggled to form a government two days after an election, heightening the risk that a hard-won bailout deal could be scrapped, according to Reuters.

Meanwhile, European shares edged lower on Wednesday as a technical rebound from four-month lows was offset by falls among Spanish banks, which were dragged by fears they would be forced to raise money to cover their property assets, said Reuters.

Technical momentum was supportive after key indexes in the US and Europe closed above support levels on Tuesday, sending a bullish short-term signal despite still-depressed market sentiment as a political impasse in Greece threatened to deepen the eurozone crisis, it said.

At the regional markets, the Shanghai Composite Index lost 1.65% to 2,408.59, Japan's Nikkei 225 lost 1.49% to 9,045.06, Taiwan’s Taiex fell 0.93% to 7,475.71, South Korea’s Kospi lost 0.85% to 1,950.29, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index shed 0.75% to 20,330.64 and Singapore’s Straits Times Index fell 1.06% to 2,900.91.

On Bursa Malaysia, BAT fell 64 sen to RM55.04, Petronas Dagangan and HLFG lost 24 sen each to RM19.70 and RM11.94, MISC 13 sen to RM4.46, PPB, MMHE and Aeon 12 sen each to RM16.60, RM4.88 and RM9.75 respectively, MSM 11 sen to RM5.20, IJM Corp 10 sen to RM5.44 and BLD PLANTATION []s fell nine sen to RM8.81.

Naim Indah Corp was the most actively traded counter with 80.2 million shares done. The stock was unchanged at 49 sen.

Other actives included Ingenuity Solutions, Metronic, Permaju, Harvest Court, Focus, Ariantec, Astral Supreme and CBSA.

Gainers included Tahps, GCE, GAB, Panasonic, Nadayu, YHS, KGB, Ajinomoto, Tasek and Sunway.



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KLCI remains in the red at mid-day as Asian markets slide

KUALA LUMPUR (May 9): The FBM KLCI remained in the red at the mid-day break on Wednesday in line with the slump at key regional markets, following the overnight fall at Wall Street.

At 12.30pm, the FBM KLCI was down 3.04 points to 1,587.56, weighed by select blue chips.

Losers beat gainers by 386 to 207, while 286 counters traded unchanged. Volume was 692.41 million shares valued at RM558.87 million.

The ringgit weakened by 0.34% to 3.0675 versus the greenback, crude palm oil futures fell RM6 per tonne to RM3,334, crude oil fell 35 cents per barrel to US$96.66 while gold lost US$14 an ounce to US$1,591.48.

Shares, gold and oil fell and the euro remained pressured on Wednesday as Greece struggled to form a government two days after an election, heightening the risk that a hard-won bailout deal could be scrapped, according to Reuters.

Radical leftist Alexis Tsipras meets the leaders of Greece's mainstream parties on Wednesday to try to form a coalition government, an effort seen as doomed after he demanded that pledges made in exchange for an European Union/International Monetary Fund rescue package be torn up, it said.

Officials estimate Greece could run out of money as soon as next month if it does not stick to the aid package terms, which kept the country solvent and in the single currency bloc, said Reuters.

At the regional markets, Japan’s Nikkei 225 lost 1.62% to 9,032.78, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index fell 0.94% to 20,292.00, the Shanghai Composite Index fell 1.33% to 2,416.28, Taiwan’s Taiex shed 0.86% to 7,480.85, South Korea’s Kospi fell 1.10% to 1,945.31 and Singapore’s Straits Times Index shd 0.65% to 2,912.84.

On Bursa Malaysia, BAT fell 48 sen to RM55.20, F&N down 16 sen to RM18.88, Petronas Dagangan 14 sen to RM19.80, Sarawak PLANTATION []s and MSM lost 11 sen each to RM2.92 and RM5.20, Sarawak Oil Palms and Iretex down 10 sen each to RM6.56 and RM1.20, while BLD Plantations and IJM Corp fell nine sen each to RM8.81 and RM5.45.

Harvest Court was the most actively traded counter with 48.1 million shares done. The stock fell half a sen to 70.5 sen.

Other actives included Permaju, Metronic, Ingenuity Solutions, Naim Indah Corp, Ariantec, Focus, CBSA and Perisai.

Gainers in the morning session on Wednesday included GAB, KGB, Cybertowers, MTD ACPI, Rubberex, United Plantations, Sunway, Ajinomoto, Mercury and Kawan Food.



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KLCI crosses 1,590-level as blue chips lift

KUALA LUMPUR (May 8): The FBM KLCI closed higher on Tuesday on some mild bargain hunting while regional markets ended mixed, albeit recovering from sharp decline on Monday after election results in Europe spooked investors.

The FBM KLCI rose 5.73 points to close at 1,590.60 on Tuesday, lifted by gains including at BAT, Petronas-linked counters and Genting.

Gainers beat losers by 404 to 307, while 357 counters traded unchanged. Volume was 1.27 billion shares valued at RM1.24 billion.

Uncertainty over the implications of the Greek and French elections for Europe's efforts to resolve its debt crisis sent the euro and shares lower on Tuesday and supported safe-haven German government bonds, according to Reuters.

Attention is focused on Greece where politicians are struggling to form a government after voters plunged their country into limbo in Sunday's election. The uncertainty has reignited fears its hard-fought bailout deal could unravel, forcing the country's exit from the euro, it said.

At the regional markets, the Shanghai Composite Index shed 0.12% to 2,448.88, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index was down 0.25% to 20,484.75, while Japan’s Nikkei 225 rose 0.69% to 9,181.65, South Korea’s Kospi gained 0.54% to 1,967.01, Taiwan’s taiex added 0.10% to 7,545.71 and Singapore’s Straits Times Index.

On Bursa Malaysia, BAT and Petronas Dagangan added 52 sen each to RM55.68 and RM19.94, Tasek and Dutch Lady were up 26 sen each to RM9.29 and RM33.30, Kulim 21 sen to RM4.45, MKH 20 sen to RM2.40, GAB 18 sen to RM13.34, Ekovest 17 sen to RM2.65, Iretex 16 sen to RM1.30, Permaju 14.5 sen to 87.5 sen, Petronas Gas 14 sen to RM17, Genting 10 sen to RM10.66 and Petronas Chemicals two sen to RM6.57.

Ariantec was the most actively traded counter with 76.74 million shares done. The stock fell half a sen to 24.5 sen.

Other actives included Naim indah Corp, Compugates, Sanbumi, TMS, Harvest, Permaju, JCY and Metronic.

Decliners included Jaya Tiasa, Toyo Ink, MMHE, Lafarge Malayan Cement, Sarawak Oil Palms, JCY, Top Glove, Ibraco and IJM land.



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KLCI stays in the black at mid- day break

KUALA LUMPUR (May 8): The FBM KLCI reversed its earlier losses and stayed in positive territory at the mid-day break on Tuesday, in line with most key regional markets that shrugged off jitters from a day earlier following election results in Greece and France.

The FBM KLCI added 2.75 points to 1,587.62 at the mid-day break, lifted by gains at select blue chips.

Gainers outpaced losers by 302 to 272, while 332 counters traded unchanged. Volume was 620.94 million shares valued at RM467.71 million.

The ringgit strengthened 0.01% to 3,0543 versus the US dollar; crude palm oil futures rose RM28 per tonne to RM3,374, crude oil shed two cents per barrel to US$97.92 and gold fell US$1.63 an ounce to US$1,636.93.

Shares recovered on Tuesday from the previous day's plunge, as sentiment improved on hopes Spain would use public funds to bolster its struggling banks, although persistent wariness over Greece weighed on the euro, according to Reuters.

MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan inched up 0.1 percent, having slid more than 2 percent the day before for its worst daily fall in about five months and hitting its lowest in about three months, it said.

At the regional markets, Japans’ Nikkei 225 gained 0.68% to 9,180.87, South Korea’s Kospi added 0.50% to 1,966.13, Singapore’s Straits Times Index was up 0.42% to 2,937.16 and Taiwabn’s Taiex edged up 0.13% to 7,548.19.

Meanwhile, the Shanghai Composite Index lost 0.65% to 2,435.90 and Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index shed 0.05% to 20,525.90.

On Bursa Malaysia, BAT was the top gainer and rose 70 sen to RM55.86, Kulim 24 sen to RM4.48, Tasek 20 sen to RM9.23, Ekovest 17 sen to RM2.65, MSM 16 sen to RM5.34, Atlan 13 sen to RM4.39, Tong Herr and Permaju 11 sen each to RM2.51 and 84 sen, whiel Nakamichi and Multico added 10 sen each to 76 sen and RM1.25.

Menawile, Genting rose eight sen to RM10.64, Genting PLANTATION []s six sen to RM9.50 and Petronas Chemicals up three sen to RM6.58.

TMS was the most actively traded counter with 41.34 million shares done. The stock added half a sen to 9.5 sen.

Other actives included Sanbumi, Ariantec, JCY, Permaju, Naim Indah Corp and Metronic.

Decliners in the morning session included Jaya Tiasa, Toyo Ink, Lafarge Malayan Cement, PPB, JCY, Sarawak Oil Palms, IJM Land, MMHE, Texchem and OIB.



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KLCI stays in the black at mid-day, blue chips lead

KUALA LUMPUR (May 4): The FBM KLCI rose higher at the mid-day break on Friday, going against the general trend at most global markets, which remained tepid U.S. stocks fell on Thursday as economic data sent mixed signals on the recovery a day before the April payrolls report.

The FBM KLCI rose 6.48 points to 1,589.65 at 12.3pm, lifted by gains at select blue chips including BAT, AirAsia, Petronas Dagangan and Hong Leong bank.

Gainers outpaced losers by 383 to 216, while 334 counters traded unchanged. Volume was 694.69 million shares valued at RM644.21 million.

The ringgit weakened 0.17% to 3.0378, crude palm oil futures for the third month delivery rose RM24 per tonne to RM3,376, crude oil added 13 cents per barrel to US$102.67 while godl fell 66 cents an ounce to US$1,635.32.

Asian shares fell for a second successive day on Friday as another batch of lacklustre U.S. data stoked concerns that the recovery in the world's biggest economy is faltering, according to Reuters.

The euro was steady after a bumpy session on Thursday, when European Central Bank chief Mario Draghi gave a more upbeat assessment of the region's battered economy, reducing hopes of further monetary stimulus measures in the pipeline, it said.

At the regional markets, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index fell 0.73% to 21,094.10, the Shanghai Composite Index shed 0.10% to 2,442.56, Taiwan’s taiex lost 0.48% to 7,696.07, south Korea’s Kospi was down 0.41% to 1,986.90 and singapore’s Straits Times Index fell 0.23% to 2,993.93.

Japan’s Nikkei 225 was closed for a national holiday.

On Bursa Malaysia, BAT jumped RM1.74 to RM56.98, Panasonic gaine 28 sen to RM23.30, Petronas Dagangan and Aeon 20 sen each to RM19.50 and RM10, Hong Leong Bank 18 sen to RM12.44, Maybulk 14 sen to RM1.79, Coastal Contracts 13 sen to RM2.07, whiel MPHB, Hartalega and Orient added 10 sen each to RM2.96, RM7.95 and RM6.78 respectively.

Menwhile, AirAsia, which was among the most actively traded counters, gained seven sen to RM3.67.

Other actives included Ariantec, Maybulk, Astral Supreme, Naim Indah Corp and Benalec.

Decliners this morning included Dutch Lady, Knusford, SAB, Asia File, Takaful, Hoover, LPI Capital, Cepco and Ireka.



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KLCI advances as Asian markets fall

KUALA LUMPUR (May 4) : Malaysian stocks rose on Friday morning as Asian peers declined following a weaker overnight performance by US equities.

Global markets have taken the cue from weaker updates on the US’ services industry and private sector hiring, deemed crucial indicators of the health of the world’s largest economy and major importer of goods from emerging Asian countries.

In Malaysia, analysts have cautioned investors that gains in the 30-stock FBM KLCI could be curbed by domestic pre-election sentiment and global factors. As such, it will be interesting to see if the benchmark can sustain its gains.

“A strong rally above 1,600 would give the bulls the momentum to test the historical high at 1,609,” Hong Leong Investment Bank Bhd wrote in a note.

At 9.59am, the FBM KLCI added 5.28 points to 1,588.45. Across the exchange, some 318 million shares worth RM188 million were traded, leading to 261 gainers versus 155 decliners.

Top gainers BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO (M) [] Bhd added RM1.76 to RM57 while NESTLE (M) BHD [] was up 30 sen to RM55.80.

Among decliners, SOUTHERN ACIDS (M) BHD [] fell 21 sen to RM2.21 while GRAND HOOVER BHD [] was down 10.5 sen to 20 sen

Among actively-traded stocks, ASTRAL SUPREME BHD [] fell one sen to 31.5 sen with some 15 million shares done.

Across Asia, Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 added 0.5% to 4,406.9 points while South Korea’s Kospi fell by a similar quantum to 1,985.23. Singapore’s Straits Times was down 0.3% to 2,992.02. The Japan bourse is closed for a public holiday.



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Select blue chips lift KLCI marginally higher

KUALA LUMPUR (May 3): The FBM KLCI closed higher on Thursday, erasing its earlier losse, lifted by gains at select blue chips including AirAsia, Telekom, AMMB and CIMB.

The stock index added 0.78 of a point to 1,583.17.

Gainers trailed losers by 344 to 390, whiel 325 counters traded unchanged. Volume was 1.29 billion shares valued at RM1.21 billion.

Meanwhile, Asian shares slipped on Thursday and the euro languished near a two-week low after disappointing economic data from both sides of the Atlantic rekindled concerns about the strength of global growth, according to Reuters.

But European stock markets were seen opening stronger, fueled by hopes that a European Central Bank policy meeting later in the session will prepare the ground for further stimulus measures, it said.

At the regional markets, the Shanghai Composite Index edged up 0.07% to 2,440.08, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index fell 0.28% to 21,249.53, Taiwan’s Taiex lost 0.23% to 7,659.53, South Korea’s Kospi shed 0.20% to 1,995.11 and Singapore’s Straits Times Index down to 3,000.94. Japan’s Nikkei 225 was closed for a national holiday.

On Bursa Malaysia, Knusford was the top gainer and rose 34 sen to RM2.28, Airasia added 27 sen to RM3.60, Panasonic up 22 sen to RM22.92, BAT 20 sen to RM55.24, Country View 19.5 sen to 84 sen, MPHB, Tradewinds PLANTATION []s and Tradewinds added 14 sen each to RM2.86, RM6 and RM9.99 respectively, MBM Resources was up 13 sen to RM5.09 and Permaju was up 12.5 sen to 55.5 sen.

Utopia was the most actively traded counter with 84.11 million shares done. The stock was unchanged at 8 sen.

Other actives included Ariantec, Naim Indah Corp, AirAsia, Metronic, Astral Supreme, Compugates and DayaMaterials.

Meanwhile, the decliners included Genting, BLD Plantations, MAHB, PPB Bank, Shell, Pasdec,Eng Kah and Rexit.



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KLCI reverses earlier losses at mid-day break

KUALA LUMPUR (May 3): The FBM KLCI managed to reverse some of its earlier losses at the mid-day break on Thursday and edged up, lifted by gains at select blue chips including AirAsia, BAT and RHB Capital.

The FBM KLCI added 0.41 of a point to 1,582.80 at the mid-day break.

Losers outpaced gainers by 314 to 234, while 318 counters traded unchanged. Volume was 779.26 million shares valued at RM479.15 million.

The ringgit weakened 0.14% to 3.0323 versus the greenback, crude palm oil futures for the third month delivery fell RM31 per tonne to RM3,404, crude oil shed 13 cents per barrel to US$105.09 while gold fell US$5.02 an ounce to US$1,648.48.

Meanwhile, Asian shares slipped on Thursday and the euro languished near a 2-week low after disappointing economic data from both sides of the Atlantic rekindled concerns about the strength of global growth.

Commodities and the Australian dollar - all sensitive to growth expectations - also struggled as the data put investors on the defensive and limited appetite for riskier assets.

At the regional markets, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index fell 0.5% to 21,203.40, the Shanghai Composite Index shed 0.37% to 2,429.49, Taiwan’s Taiex was down 0.23% top7,659.09, South Korea’s Kospi lost 0.33% to 1,992.46 and Singapore’s Straits Times Index edged down 0.07% to 3,004.14.

On Bursa Malaysia, AirAsia was the top gainer at mid-day and rose 21 sen to RM3.54, Country View was up 19.5 sen to 84 sen, BAT 16 sen to RM55.20, Nestle and Takaful 12 sen each to RM55.50 and RM4.29, NPC 10 sen to RM2.78, Crest Builder 9.5 sen to RM1.02 and RHB Capital nine sen to RM7.50.

Utopia was the most actively traded counter with 59.68 million shares done. The stock fell half a sen to 7.5 sen.

Other actives included Naim Indah Corp, AirAsia, Ariantec, Metronic, Compugates, Daya Materials and JCY.

Decliners in the morning session included Dutch Lady, MAHB< Genting, Carlsberg, Pasdec, Delloyd, Rexit, Shelll and Sarawak PLANTATION []s.



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Malaysian stocks gain on US economic data

KUALA LUMPUR (May 2) : Malaysian shares gained on Wednesday morning in tandem with Asian peers following a stronger close across US stock markets in overnight trade.

World markets have reacted positively to better US manufacturing data in April, during which, the growth rate was the strongest in 10 months , according to the Institute for Supply Management.

In technical terms, analysts, however, foresee downside possibilities for Malaysia’s stock benchmark FBM KLCI as the index had failed to close above the 50-day moving average of 1,584 points as of last Monday. As such, it will be interesting to see if the 30-stock FBM KLCI will be able to sustain its gains on Wednesday.

At 9.59am, the gauge added 6.07 points to 1,576.88. Across the exchange, some 269 million shares worth RM161 million were traded, leading to 222 gainers versus 126 decliners.

Top gainers NESTLE (M) BHD [] rose 62 sen to RM55.92 while AEON CREDIT SERVICE (M) BHD [] added 30 sen to RM11.

Among decliners, BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO (M) [] Bhd fell 44 sen to RM55.10, while DUTCH LADY MILK INDUSTRIES BHD [] was down 30 sen to RM33.10.

Among actively-traded stocks, ASTRAL SUPREME BHD [] added one sen to 34 sen with some 14 million shares done.



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KLCI falls 25.72 points in April

KUALA LUMPUR (April 30): The FBM KLCI closed higher on Monday but fell some 25.72 points in April, as investor sentiment took a beating given rising external and domestic uncertainties.

The FBM KLCI rose 2.81 points to close at 1,570.61 on Monday.

Gainers trailed losers by 297 to 388, while 318 counters traded unchanged. Volume was 945.42 million shares valued at RM1.38 billion.

Asian shares were mixed on Monday as weaker-than-expected U.S. growth data left open the possibility for more monetary stimulus from the Federal Reserve, but trading was subdued with Japanese and Chinese markets closed, according to Reuters.

At the regional markets, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index rose 1.7% to 21,094.21, South Korea added 0.34% to 1,981.99, Taiwan’s Taiex was up 0.28% to 7,601.72 while Singapore’s Straits Times Index shed 0.26% to 2,973.91.

ON Bursa Malaysia, BAT was the top gainer and rose 74 sen to RM55.54, Aeon Credit added 64 sen to RM10.70, Shell rose 36 sen to RM10.28, Petronas Dagangan 30 sen to RM19.36, Nestle and Panasonic gained 20 sen each to RM55.30 and RM22.70, OSK 15 sen to RM1.71, Tradewinds and Knusford added 14 sen each to RM9.78 and RM1.94, while Toyo Ink gained 12 sen to RM1.53.

Ariantec was the most actively traded counter with 399.1 million shares done. The stock fell one sen to 24.5 sen.

Other actives included Utopia, Metronic, CSL, Astral Supreme, Focus, DRB-Hicom, Bumi Armada and BIMB warrants.

Decliners on Monday included SAM Engineering, Dutch Lady, Petronas Gas, MMHE, Kluang, Dayang Enterprise, Subur Tiasa. UAC and Bumi Armada.



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KLCI finishes in red on pre-election sentiment

KUALA LUMPUR (April 27) : The FBM KLCI stayed in the red till the market closed on Friday as pre-election sentiment gets an upper hand in dictating the direction of local equities. This comes ahead of the much-anticipated Bersih 3.0 rally on Saturday.

The less-optimistic sentiment across the local bourse was despite a stronger overnight close across US markets as global investors responded positively to improving US real estate and corporate earnings updates.

At 5pm, the FBM KLCI fell 11.89 points to close at 1,567.8. Across the exchange, 1.3 billion shares worth RM1.4 billion were traded, leading to 286 gainers versus 409 decliners.

Among top gainers, NCB HOLDINGS BHD [] was up 49 sen to RM4.39, while MALAYAN BANKING BHD [] added 12 sen to RM8.64.

Decliners include NESTLE (M) BHD [] which fell 80 sen to RM55.10 while BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO (M) [] Bhd was down 70 sen to RM54.80.

Most active was Ariantec Global Bhd which gained two sen to 25.5 sen with some 300 million shares done.



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Malaysian stocks weighed down by pre-election sentiment

KUALA LUMPUR (April 27) : Malaysian stocks traded in negative territory on Friday morning as domestic pre-election sentiment gains an upper hand in dictating the direction of the FBM KLCI.

The local market may take the cue from domestic concerns ahead of the coming general election as investors assess the impact of the much-anticipated Bersih 3.0 rally on Saturday. Analysts said while US equities registered a stronger close in overnight trade, Asian stock markets could trade in an opposite direction on Friday.

“This is because sentiment will likely be affected by the negative vibes arising from S&P’s downgrade of Spain’s sovereign credit rating yesterday.

“Reflecting investors’ adverse reaction, the DJIA June futures contract tumbled this morning to hover at a 91-point discount to the spot rate,” HwangDBS Vickers Research Sdn Bhd wrote in a note.

At 9.59am, the FBM KLCI fell 9.28 points to 1,570.41. Across the exchange, some 455 million shares worth RM195 million were traded, leading to 163 gainers versus 208 decliners.

Top gainers NCB HOLDINGS BHD [] was up 45 sen to RM4.35 while PARKSON HOLDINGS BHD [] gained seven sen to RM5.29.

Among decliners, BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO (M) [] Bhd lost 76 sen to RM54.74, while Bumi Armada Bhd fell 18 sen to RM4.04.

Among actively-traded stocks, Ariantec Global Bhd gained two sen to RM25.5 sen with some 222 million shares done.

Across Asia, Japan’s Nikkei 225 rose 0.15% to 9,575.82, Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 climbed 0.08% to 4,378.8, while South Korea’s Kospi was up 0.78% to 1,979.43.



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KLCI claws back to close higher

KUALA LUMPUR (APRIL 26): The FBM KLCI clawed back to reverse its losses and close higher on Thursday in line with the advance at most key regional markets, on the back of the firmer overnight close at Wall Street and encouraging statements on policy from the US Federal Reserve.

The FBM KLCI rose 0.34 of a point to 1,579.69 at 5pm, clawing back from its intra-day low of 1,577.71.

Market breadth remained weak with 453 losers, 253 gainers and 321 counters trading unchanged. Volume was 1.45 billion shares valued at RM1.46 billion.

Asian shares rose on Thursday, retaining positive momentum as the Federal Reserve reassured markets it would keep its very accommodative stance to support growth, while optimism grew over strong quarterly corporate earnings.

Investor confidence was also boosted by a rally in Apple Inc shares as it reported quarterly profits nearly doubling on the back of soaring iPhone sales in China, lifting tech-heavy Asian markets such as Taiwan and South Korea earlier in the day.

There was scepticism Asian markets would climb as much as their global counterparts did overnight, however, as concerns remain over European banks, with Spain's Santander reporting its first-quarter results later in the session, it said.

At the regional markets, the Hong Kong’s hang Seng Index gained 0.79% to 20,809.71, Japan’s Nikkei 225 edged up 0.01% to 9,561.83, south Korea’s Kospi rose 0.10% to 1,964.04 and Singapore’s Straits Times Index

Meanwhile, Taiwan’s taiex fell 0.55% to 7,521.35 and the Shanghai Composite Index shed 0.09% to 2,40470.

On Bursa Malaysia, United PLANTATION []s led the gainers and was up 44 sen to RM25.94, Panasonic added 40 sen to RM23, BAT up 38 sen to RM55.50, Dutch Lady added 20 sen to RM33.90. Milux 15 sen to RM1.35, KrisAssets and Tradewinds Plantations up 14 sen each to RM6.90 and RM5.70, while Takaful and KPJ Healthcare rose 13 sen each to RM3.80 and RM5.56.

Utopia was the most actively traded counter with 194.51 million shares done. The stock fell half a sen to 9 sen.

Other actives included Ariantec, Metronic, Focus, Naim Indah Corp, SCL, Astral Supreme and ManagePay.

Decliners included Country View, Jaya Tiasa, HLFG, SapuraCrest, Petronas Dagangan, Genting, Kencana, SEGi and Sunway.



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Local uncertainties keep investors at bay

KUALA LUMPUR (APRIL 26): The FBM KLCI was unable to sustain its earlier gains and slipped at the mid-day break on Thursday as while most regional markets improved on US data and policy, local investors remained edgy ahead of this weekend’s planned Bersih 3.0 protests.

The FBM KLCI shed 0.69 of a point to 1,578.66 at 12.30pm, weighed by losses including at BAT, PPB, Petronas Dagangan and Hong Leong Bank.

Losers led gainers by 375 to 198, while 312 counters traded unchanged. Volume was 839.42 million shares valued at RM563.21 million.

Te ringgit strengthened 0.13% to 3.0560 versus the greenback, crude palm oil futures for the third month delivery fell RM32 per tonne to RM3,479, crude oil slipped six cents per barrel to US$104.06 while gold rose US$3.48 an ounce to US$1,647.10.

Meanwhile, Asian shares mostly rose on Thursday, retaining positive momentum as the Federal Reserve reassured markets that it will keep its very accommodative stance to support growth, while optimism grew over strong quarterly corporate earnings, according to Reuters.

Along with the Fed's assurance that its very easy monetary policy will be kept in place as long as needed, U.S. stocks rallied on Wednesday after Apple Inc reported quarterly profits nearly doubled, it said.

At the regional markets, Hong kong’s Hang Seng Index gained 0.51% to 20,752.20 and South Korea’s Kospi was up 0.19% to 1,965.61.

However, Japan’s Nikkei 225 shed 0.06% to 9,554.94, the Shanghai Composite Index lost 0.21% to 2,401.83, Taiwan’s Taiex fell 0.50% to 7,525.33 and Singapore’s Straits Times Index was down 0.17% to 2,974.74.

On Bursa Malaysia, BAT fell 82 sen to RM54.30, PPB down 14 sen to RM16.66, Petronas Dagangan and HLFG down 12 sen each to RM19.08 and RM12.08, Jaya Tiasa and Petronas Gas fell 10 sen each to RM9.48 and RM16.48, Warisan nine sen to RM2.25, while Hong Leong bank and SEGi fell eight sen each to RM12.22 and RM1.73.

Utopia was the most actively traded counter in the morning session with 134.96 million shares done. The stock was unchanged at 9.5 sen.

Other actives included Ariantec, Focus, Metronic, CSL, RGB, Naim Indah Corp and Winsun.

Gainers included Aeon, Panasonic, Aeon Credit, KrisAssets, Takaful, Tradewinds, Globetronics and Dutch Lady.



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KLCI dips to below 1,580-level, blue chips drag

KUALA LUMPUR (April 25): The FBM KLCI closed below the 1,580-point level on Wednesday, reversing its gains earlier in the morning session, weighed by losses including Genting, Tenaga, CIMB, KLK and Petronas Dagangan.

The index fell 2.93 points to 1,579.35.

Market breadth was weak with 405 losers, 315 gainers and 346 counters trading unchanged. Volume was 1.47 billion shares valued at RM1.53 billion.

Meanwhile, global shares rose on Wednesday ahead of the U.S. Federal Reserve's policy meeting, due mainly to signs of good demand for euro zone sovereign debt before a German bond sale, and some strong corporate earnings, according to Reuters.

Markets could take their cues from several planned public speeches by European Central Bank officials, which will be scrutinised for any signs it would consider more liquidity operations if the euro zone's problems worsened, it said.

At the regional markets, Japan’s Nikkei 225 rose 0.98% to 9,561.01, Taiwan’s Taiex added 0.86% to 7,563.18, and the Shanghai Composite Index gained 0.75% to 2,406.81 and Singapore’s Straits Times Index added 0.20% to 2,980.19.

Meanwhile, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index lost 0.15 % to 20,646.29 and South Korea’s Kospi shed 0.07% to 1,961.98.

Among the decliners on Bursa Malaysia, BAT fell 28 sen to RM55.12, KLK and TH PLANTATION []s lost 16 sen each to RM23.82 and RM2.65, CSL down 15 sen to RM1.48, UMS 14 sen to RM1.66, Yeo Hiap Seng 13 sen to RM2.88, Toyo Ink, Tanjung Offshore and MMC Corp down 12 sen each to RM1.36, 78 sen and RM2.62 respectively, while Quality Concrete lost 11 sen to RM1.24.

Utopia was the most actively traded counter with 186.1 million shares done. The stock added one sen to 9.5 sen.

Other actives included Ariantec, Ramunia, CSL, Metronic, Astral Supreme, HWGB and JCY.

Meanwhile, the gainers included Panasonic, UMWE, The Store, NSOP, SPB, Batu Kawan, Cepco, TDM and Scientex.



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Maybank IB Research maintains Hold on BAT, target price RM50.40

KUALA LUMPUR (April 24): Maybank Investment Bank Bhd Research has maintained its Hold rating on British American Tobacco (Malaysia) Bhd with a target price of RM50.40 and said the company’s RM194.5 million 1Q12 core net profit (+9% YoY, +14% QoQ) accounted for 25% and 26% of its own and consensus forecasts respectively.

“Despite beaten-down ELPC market share and declining illicit cigarette consumption, the industry remains vulnerable to regulatory risks e.g. tax hikes and other legal sanctions. BAT's valuations have also overtaken its fundamentals; at 20x 2012 PER, it is trading at more than 1SD above its mean PER of 17x.

“We maintain our Hold call with an unchanged DCF-based TP of RM50.40 for its decent dividend yield of 4.4% and defensive earnings,” the research house said in a note Tuesday.



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Stocks to Watch Kencana, SapuraCrest, Oriental, KAF, BAT

KUALA LUMPUR (April 23): Malaysian stocks may see further weakness on Tuesday against less-optimistic fundamental and technical indicators. Analysts have a downside-bias perception on the FBM KLCI in anticipation that global economic data and Malaysia's pre-election sentiment could curb gains across the 30-stock benchmark.

Crucial global highlights this week include potential indications of further quantitative easing by US policymakers, and China's monetary policy, results from which will influence the direction of global financial markets.

The spotlight also falls on Europe after the Flash Purchasing Manager's Indexes for Europe indicated a quicker pace of economic decline for the region. These global updates have resulted in a sell-off across Asian stockmarkets.

The FBM KLCI fell 8.05 points to 1,583.8 on Monday.

Stocks to watch on Tuesday include KENCANA PETROLEUM BHD [], SAPURACREST PETROLEUM BHD [], ORIENTAL HOLDINGS BHD [], KAF-Seagroatt & Campbell Bhd, and BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO (M) [] Bhd (BAT).

Shares of Kencana and SapuraCrest rose on news that trading of both stocks will be suspended beginning May 2 to facilitate the capital repayment exercises by the oil and gas support service providers. The capital repayment is in conjunction with the merger of both firms under a new-listed entity, SapuraKencana Petroleum Bhd.

Diversified entity Oriental trades ex-dividend on Tuesday. The company — the portfolio of which includes automotive, property and PLANTATION []s — plans to reward shareholders with a single-tier interim dividend of 3% for the financial year ended Dec 31, 2011. The final lodgement day is this Thursday.

KAF's third quarter (3Q) net profit more than doubled from a year earlier, as the stockbroking firm registered higher non-operating gains, which mitigated the impact of lower revenue and higher operating expenses. In a statement to the exchange on Monday, KAF said net profit came to RM8.62 million in the quarter to Feb 29, 2012 versus RM4 million a year earlier. Revenue fell 15% to RM7.18 million from RM8.45 million.

BAT's net profit rose 9% to RM194.51 million in the first quarter ended March 31, 2012 from RM178.56 million a year earlier, helped by higher revenue and lower operating expenses. The company said revenue rose 5% to RM1.04 billion from RM992.15 million. The tobacco firm plans said it plans to reward shareholders with a first interim tax-exempt dividend of 65 sen a share for the current financial year ending Dec 31, 2012.



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BAT 1Q net profit up 8.93% to RM194.51m

KUALA LUMPUR (April 23): BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO (M) [] Bhd net profit for the first quarter ended March 31, 2012 rose 8.93% to RM194.51 million from RM178.56 million a year earlier, due to absence of the one-off impact on merchandising assets from change in accounting policy in Q4’ 2011 (RM15 million), as well as lower marketing expenses due to timing of brand activities.

It said on Monday that revenue for the quarter rose 5.1% to RM1.04 billion from RM992.15 million in 2011.

The company declared a first interim dividend of 65 sen per share, tax exempt under the single-tier system amounting to RM185.59 million in respect of the financial year ending Dec 31, 2012.

Earnings per share rose to 68.1 sen from 62.5 sen a year earlier.

On its prospects, BAT said it continued to show growth momentum behind its portfolio of brands, increasing market share by 1.4 percentage point year to date as compared to 2011 full year.

“Dunhill in particular continues with its commendable performance as displayed last year, and with the recent new product launch in April 2012, the Group is confident that it will take Dunhill into greater heights.

“Nevertheless, the threat of illicit trade is still prevalent with illicit incidence of 36.1% recorded for full year 2011 Illegal Cigarettes Study commissioned by CMTM,” it said.

BAT said that supported by a strong portfolio of products it was relatively optimistic on its outlook for 2012.



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