Global woes drag Asian equities lower

KUALA LUMPUR (May 7): The FBM KLCI remained in negative territory at the mid-day break on Monday, in line with the gloomy investor sentiment at key regional markets that saw the Japan and Hong Kong markets fall steeply by more than 2% each.

The FBM KLCI fell 7.76 points to 1,583.28 at 12.30pm, weighed by losses at select blue chips and index-linked PLANTATION [] counters.

Losers beat gainesr by 474 to 151, while 258 counters traded unchanged. Volume was 522.55 million shares valued at RM423.45 million.

The ringgit weakened 0.66% to 3,0613 versus the greenback, crude palm oil futures for the third month delivery fell RM30 per tonne to RM3,336, crude oil lost US$1.37 per barrel to US$97.12 while gold slumped US$4/27 an ounce to US$1,637.85.

Asian markets fell after elections in France and Greece raised concerns on whether euro zone economies will continue to pursue austerity measures and as U.S. jobs data came in weaker than expected, according to Reuters.

At the regional markets, Japan’s Nikkei 225 slumped 2.72% to 9,125.48, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index lost 2.43% to 20,573.10, the Shanghai Composite Index down 0.26% to 2,445.68, Taiwan’s Taiex fell 2.23% to 7,529.40, South Korea’s Kospi lost 1.77% to 1,953.91 and Singapore’s Straits Times Index fell 1.80% to 2,936.85.

On Bursa Malaysia, Dutch lady fell 30 sen to RM33.08, Tradewinds 19 sen to RM9.85, Carlsberg 18 sen to RM10.82, Hong Leong Bank and Asia Ply 16 sen each to RM12.20 and 14 sen, Allianz 15 sen to RM4.60, while IJM Corp and Petronas Dagangan fell 12 sen each to RM5.46 and RM19.38.

Among the plantations, Tradewinds Plantations fell 18 sen to RM5.80, KLK 16 sen to RM23.60, PPB eight sen to RM16.68, Batu Kawan four sen to RM18.80, Genting Plantations and IOI Corp two sen each to RM9.58 and RM5.25, while Sime Darby, IJM Plantations and Kulim fell one sen each to RM9.78, RM3.25 and RM4.23 respectively.

Time Engineering was the most actively traded counter with 399.51 million shares done. The stock rose four sen to 37 sen.

Other actives included SAAG, Ariantec, KFCH, Maybulk, Benalec, Metronic, JCY and Rubberex.

Gainers included Country View, Lafarge Malayan Cement, Glenealy, GAB< Permaju, NCB, Tan Chong, Tasek, Mentiga and MAHB.



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KLCI stays below 1,600-level at mid-day break, global woes weigh

KUALA LUMPUR (April 20); The FBM KLCI stayed in negative territory at the mid-day break on Friday in line with generally weaker performance at regional markets.

The FBM KLCI was down a marginal 1.14 points to 1,595.48 at 12.30pm, weighed by losses including at Genting and RHB Capital and CIMB.

Gainers trailed losers by 242 to 313, while 322 counters traded unchanged. Volume was 950.42 million shares valued at RM600.85 million.

The ringgit weakened 0.12% to 3.0693 versus the greenback, crude palm oil futures for the third month delivery fell RM16 per tonne to RM3,461, crude oil gaind 34 cents per barrel to US$102.61 while gold added US$1 an ounce to US$1,643.93.

Asian shares fell and commodity-linked currencies such as the Australian dollar slipped on Friday after disappointing U.S. economic data stirred doubts about the strength of the recovery, according to Reuters.

Renewed worries on the euro zone debt crisis also kept riskier assets under pressure, as a better-than-feared Spanish bond auction failed to allay concerns that Spain may follow Greece, Ireland and Portugal in needing an international bailout, it said.

At the regional markets, Japan’s Nikkei 225 fell 0.35% to 9,555.17, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index was down 0.24% to 0.24% to 20,944.10, the Shanghai Composite Index shed 0.60% to 2,392.92, Taiwan’s Taiex fell 1.12% to 7,537.58, South Korea’s Kospi lost 1.25% to 1,974.93 and Singapore’s Straits Times Index was down 0.20% to 3,002.14.

On Bursa Malaysia, Manulife was the top loser in the morning session and fell 14 sen to RM3.22, Batu Kawan and genting fell 10 sen each to RM18.80 and RM10.82, RHB Capital fell nine sen to RM7.43, Mentiga 7.5 sen to 68.5 sen, while SAM Engineering, Pintaras, S P Setia, Guan Chong and CIMB fell seven each to RM3.58, RM2.96, RM3.81, RM2.85 and RM7.56 respectively.

Ariantec was the most actively traded counter with 325.08 million shares traded. The stosk rose six sen to 23.5 sen.

Other actives included Metronic, Focus, CSL, SuperComNet, Astral Supreme, AWC and Utopia.

Gainers included BAT, Aeon Credit, KLK, Panasonic, Country View, Jaya Tiasa, Dutch Lady, Far East, Ta Ann and CBIP.



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KLCI closes higher, but stays shy of 1,600-mark

KUALA LUMPUR (APRIL 10): The FBM KLCI closed higher on Tuesday, but stayed shy of the 1600-point mark as investor sentiment appeared to be cautious given the concerns over data that came from the US and China.

Regional markets were mostly mixed on Tuesday, as investors remained cautious after Chinese trade data showed the world's second largest economy may be able to achieve a soft landing but global growth concerns lingered given the sharp slowdown in U.S. job creation, according to Reuters.

Meanwhile, European stocks posted sharp early losses on Tuesday and German government bond yields hit their lowest levels since September, as investors returning from a holiday weekend cut their exposure to risky assets after surprisingly weak March U.S. jobs data, it said.

The FBM KLCI rose 5.89 points to 1,597.17. It had earlier risen to its intra-day high of 1,598.53.

Gainers overtook losers by 365 to 332, while 33 counters traded unchanged. Volume was 1.11 billion shares valued at RM1.58 billion.

The worries about the health of the giant U.S. economy overshadowed positive trade numbers from Germany and China, with both nations enjoying strong export growth, although weak Chinese import numbers took some of the gloss off the data, said Reuters.

At the regional markets, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index fell 1.15% to 20,356.24, Japan’s Nikkei 225 shed 0.09% to 9,538.02, and South Korea’s Kospi was down 0.13% to 1,994.41.

The Shanghai Composite Index rose 0.88% to 2,305.86, Taiwan’s Taiex gained 0.52% to 7,640.68 and Singapore’s Straits Times Index up 0.59% to 2,977.70.

On Bursa Malaysia, Country View was the top gainer and rose 29.5 sen to 95.5 sen, Tradewinds PLANTATION []s added 26 sen to RM5.71, Genting rose 24 sen to RM11.08, Tradewinds added 24 sen to RM10.16, Batu Kawan 20 sen to RM18.74, BLD Plantations 19 sen to RM9.39, Chin Teck 14 sen to RM9.20, KPJ and SMPC up 13 sen each to RM5.29 and RM2.49, while Carlsberg added 12 sen to RM10.86.

Naim Indah Corp was the most actively traded counter with 69.82 million shares done. The stock gained one sen to 54 sen.

Other actives included DiGi, Metronic, KBES, Tiger Synergy, CSL, DPS, Ariantec and Managed Pay.

Meanwhile, decliners included Aeon, Sarawak Oil Palms, GBH, Advanced Packaging, GAB, Amtek, Malpac, Panasonic, UAC and Inno.



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KLCI edges up at mid-day break, crosses 1,590-mark

KUALA LUMPUR (APRIL 9): The FBM KLCI ticked upward at the mid-day break on Tuesday and moved above the 1,590-point mark, while investors at the regional markets took a cautious stance.

Asian shares struggled on Tuesday as investors remained cautious after Chinese trade data showed the world's second largest economy may be able to achieve a soft landing but global growth concerns lingered given the sharp slowdown in U.S. job creation, according to Reuters.

The FBM KLCI added 4.38 points to 1,595.66 at the mid-day break.

Losers edged gainers by 257 to 297, while 295 counters traded unchanged. Volume was 471.75 million shares valued at RM531.72 million.

At the regional markets, Japan’s Nikkei 225 fell 0.20% to 9.565.81, Hong Kong’s hang Seng Index lost 1.11% to 20,365.10, the Shanghai Composite Index wa down 0.96% to 2,263.78, and South Korea’s Kopsi shed 0.03% to 1,996.55, while Singapore’s Straits Times Index added 0.23% to 2,967.04 and Taiwan’s Taiex gained 0.18% to 7,614.54.

BIMB Securities Research in a note Tuesday said that as expected, sellers overwhelmed Wall Street following the weak job data last week.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average consequently declined 130 points to 12,929 as funds flowed back to the US Treasuries as depicted by a dip in the 10 year Treasury yield to 2.04% (-0.14%), it said.

The research house said investors would pay heed to some of the upcoming corporate earnings due this week.

With European markets closed for Easter, regional markets have had a rather traumatic Monday with almost all ending up in a sea of red taking cue the weak job data, it said.

“As for the local bourse, its performance was in synch with the regional decline as the FBMKLCI lost 7.6 points to 1,591 just above the support level of 1,590.

“We expect the market to be lacklustre today with the index to see further decline albeit marginally as China continues to be plagued by the fine art of balancing between growth and inflation. We see current developments as excellent windows of opportunities to accumulate and expect the index to hover between 1,585-90,” it said.

ON Bursa Malaysia, Tradewinds PLANTATION []s was the top gainer in the morning session and added 28 sen to RM5.73, Tradewinds up 23 sen to RM10.18, Bonia 17 sen to RM2.60, KPJ 15 sen to RM5.31, Batu Kawan and SMPC up 14 sen each to RM18.68 and RM2.50, Genting 12 sen to RM10.96, YHS 11 sen to RM2.75 and Carlsberg added 10 sen to RM10.84.

Tiger Synergy was the most actively traded counter with 24.8 million shares done. The stock was unchanged at 15.5 sen.

Other actives included KBES, Digi, Naim Indah Corp, CSL, KTB, Managed Pay and Asia Media.

Meanwhile, the decliners included Nestle, Aeon, Lafarge Malayan Cement, Panasonic, UAC, Parkson, Amtek, Shangri-La, LPI and Milux.



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KLCI stays above 1,590-level at mid-day break

KUALA LUMPUR (March 30): the FBM KLCI stayed above the 1,590-point level at the mid-day break on Friday, lifted by blue chips including Maybank, CIMB, Petronas gas and KLK.

Meanwhile, Asian shares steadied on Friday as the region's benchmark indices marked their best first quarter in over 20 years and investors awaited a meeting on a possible euro zone firewall and Chinese data that may dictate market trends in coming months.

The FBM KLCI rose 6.44 points to 1,591.88 at the mid-day break.

Gainers trailed losers by 268 to 317, while 354 counters traded unchanged. Volume was 563.26 million shares valued at RM612.26 million.

The ringgit was unchanged at 3.0683 versus the US dollar; crude palm oil futures for the third month delivery fell RM26 per tonne to RM3,430, crudd oil added 62 cents per barrel top US$103.40 while godl shed 45 cents an ounce to US$1660.13.

On Bursa Malaysia, KLK added 42 sen to RM24.56, Takaful up 25 sen to RM3.37, Carlsberg 18 sen to RM10.38, Batu Kawan 14 sen to RM18.74, SEGi 11 sen to RM1.83, Petronas Gss 10 sen to RM16.84, Maybank nine sen to RM8.89, CIMB seven sen to RM7.67 and Ibraco eight sen to RM1.29.

Carotech was the most actively traded counter with 812.94 million shares done. The stiock fell 2.5 sen to 2.5 sen.

Other actives included Metronic, Focus, Key West, Tiger Synergy, SuperComnet, Ariantec, IFCA MSC and CIMB.

Decliners included Dutch Lady, genting, PPB, Shangri-La, TDM, Delloyd, Rapid, HELP, Kluang and Teo Seng.



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KLCI slips at mid-day break in line with regional markets

KUALA LUMPUR (March 28): The FBM KLCI slipped at the mid-day break on Wednesday in line with the overall weaker sentiment at key regional markets, after US stocks retreated from near four-year peaks on Tuesday.

Asian shares drifted lower on Wednesday as investors waited for more clues on the state of the U.S. economy, after hopes for further stimulus from the U.S. Federal Reserve strengthened risk appetite and lifted prices the previous session, according to Reuters.

Te FBM KLCI shed 0.91 of a point to 1,587.19, weighed by losses at select blue chips including BAT, MISC and Tenaga.

Gainers trailed losers by 173 to 383, while 296 counters traded unchanged. Volume was 637.64 million shares valued at RM341.29 million.

The ringgit weakened 0.20% to 3.0635 versus the US dollar; crude palm oil futures for the third month delivery rose RM 9 per tonne to RM3,490, crude oil fell 57 cents per barrel to US$106.76, while gold lost 88 cents an ounce to US$1,679.00.

Among the decliners in the morning session, United PLANTATION []s fell 16 sen to RM24.72, BAT down 10 sen to RM54, Parkson and MISC down eight sen each to RM5.42 and RM5.21, WCT and Tenaga lost seven each to RM2.37 and RM6.42, while Box-pak, Batu Kawan and Ivory fell six sen each to RM2.18, RM18.62 and 65 sen respectively.

Shares of Supercomnet Technologies Bhd extended their losses in active trade for the second day on Wednesday after the proposed disposal of an 18.66% stake by several major shareholders fell through.

Supercomnet fell 13 sen to 23 sen with 85.09 million shares traded.

Other actives included Utopia, Metronic, Ariantec, Silver Bird, and Tiger Synergy.

Meanwhile, the gainers included Dutch Lady, Takaful, Bintulu Port, TDM, Widetech, Alliaaz, KLK< KFCH and Kulim.



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KLCI stays in the black at mid-morning, lifted by select blue chips

KUALA LUMPUR (March 23): The FBM KLCI stayed in positive territory at mid-morning on Friday, while most key regional markets were mired in the red following the weaker overnight close at European and US markets on worries of a slowdown in the world economy.

At 10am, the FBM KLCI rose 1.55 points to 1,584.79, lifted by gains at select blue chips including BAT, Genting, Hong Leong bank and KLK.

Gainers trailed losers by 171 to 198, while 259 counters traded unchanged. Volume was 704.78 million shares valued at RM225.39 million.

Meanwhile, most Asian shares fell on Friday and the safe-haven yen gained after data showing shrinking factory activity in China and the euro zone heightened concerns about a slowdown in the global economy, acco0rding to Reuters.

At the regional markets, jaoan;s Nikkei 225 fell 1.07% to 10,019.00, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index lost 1.08% to 20,675.00, the Shanghai Composite Index shed 0.66% to 2,360.08, Taiwan’s Taiex lost 0.26% to 8,039.14 and South Korea’s Kospi was down 0.25% to 2,020.98, while Singapore’s Straits Times Index rose 0.28% to 2,987.71.

Maybank Investment Bank Bhd head of retail research and chief chartist Lee Cheng Hooi in a note to clients the KLCI closed 0.71 points higher on Thursday, at 1,583.24.

“Its resistance areas of 1,585 and 1,594 may cap market gains, whilst the firmer support areas are located at 1,567 and 1,583. Due to the US markets’ weaker tone last night, we could be in for a range-bound day,” he said.

BIMB Securities Research in a note Friday said traders are at it again and we believe any forthcoming negativity will be amplified exponentially. At present they are citing slower global growth as a major concern hence the prevailing selling on equities.

Despite a four-year low in unemployment claims, the Dow Jones Industrial Average declined 78.5 points to hang precariously just above the psychological 13,000 mark. For the same reason, European bourses also suffered similar fate from broad based selling as all ended up in the red, it said.

The research house said the sea of red spread to Asia as well with only a handful posted gains and one of them being the KLCI showed great resilience at 1,583 (+0.7).

“We were again astounded by the buying on the local bourse spearheaded by the foreign side as net foreign participation was a positive RM87 million. Maybe today would be the day that the index may retrace with the immediate support seen at 1,580,” it said.

On Bursa Malaysia, Jaya Tiasa was the top gainer and rose 52 sen to RM8.21, BAT up 50 sen to RM53.80, Genting up 16 sen to RM10.94, Lipo added 16 sen to RM1.20, UMW and Batu Kawan gained 12 sen to RM7.25 and RM18.7.

Kobay rose 10.5 sen to 89.5 sen, Hong leong Bank and Subur added 10 sen each to RM12.18 and RM2.59 while KLK gained eight sen to RM23.90.

SAAG was the most actively traded counter with 12.7 million shares done. The stock gained half a sen to eight sen.

Other actives included Trinity, Ingenuity Solutions, Ariantec, Metronic, Flonic, Astral Supreme and Iris Corp.

Meanwhile, the decliners at mid-morning included Ta Win Holdings, SMPC, Carlsberg, Deleum, AMMB, Kein Hin, Sarawak PLANTATION []s, Tenaga and KYM.



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MMC, Gamuda in focus after MRT projects

KUALA LUMPUR (March 20): MMC Corp and Gamuda’s securities provided some life into the otherwise lacklustre market on Tuesday as investors stayed mostly on the sidelines in line with the cautious regional markets.

The FBM KLCI closed up 4.02 points or 0.26% to 1,577.62, lifted by gains in IOI Corp and Tenaga. Turnover was 2.14 billion shares valued at RM1.76 billion. There were 314 gainers, 431 losers and 376 counters unchanged.

Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index fell 1.08% to 20,888.20, Shanghai Composite Index lost 1.38% to 2,376.84, Taiwan’s Taiex shed 0.89% to 7,972.70 but Singapore’s Straits Times Index added 0.42% to 3,002.73.

Market sentiment was cautious as reflected in the broader market where declining stocks led advancers. While there was some fund support for key stocks, trading activity was heavy in penny stocks and lower liners.

The KLCI is one of the laggards among the key regional markets, with the index up 6.27% in US dollar terms year-to-date compared with STI’s 16.55%, Hang Seng Index’s 9.87% and Shanghai Composite’s 7.77%.

IOI Corp and Tenaga rose five sen each to RM5.29 and RM6.54, pushing up the index by 1.39 points.

MMC added 15 sen to RM2.95, pushing the index up by 0.57 of a point. Gamuda rose 12 sen to RM3.74 and Gamuda-WD 10 sen to RM1.45.

The securities of the companies saw active trade after their joint venture won the underground package for the Sungai Buloh-Kajang MRT line with the bid of RM8.2 billion.

Hartalega was the top gainer, up 26 sen to RM8.19, Ta Ann 13 sen to Rm5.88, HLFG 12 sen to RM12, and Batu Kawan 10 sen to RM18.60.

Share prices of Metronic Global and its 17%-owned unit Ariantec Global slipped in active trade. Ariantec fell 3.5 sen to 10.5 sen and it was the most active with 121.23 million shares done while Metronic eased two sen to 11 sen.

Focus, which was queried over the sharp increase in the price of its securities and volume, saw its share price ending the day two sen higher at 21.5 sen. Focus-WA added four sen to eight sen and Focus-WB two sen to 14.5 sen.

Among the index-linked stocks, Petronas Chemicals fell three sen to RM6.71, Public Bank two sen to RM13.62 and RHB Cap three sen to RM8.

Aeon was the top loser, down 25 sen to RM9.13 with 20,500 shares done. Cypark lost 11 sen to RM1.87 and United PLANTATION []s 10 sen to RM25.



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Quality of buying declines on Bursa

KUALA LUMPUR (March 20): The quality of buying in the morning session on Tuesday declined, with trading interest focused on penny stocks, while the broader market showed some signs of weakness.

Investors were staying on the sidelines, as evidenced by the small gains and cautious regional markets. Most of the most active stocks were penny counters.

At 12.30pm, the FBM KLCI was up 3.48 points to 1,577.08. Turnover was 1.28 billion shares valued at RM676.65 million. Decliners led advancers 382 to 245 while 333 counters were unchanged.

Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index slipped 0.67% to 20,974.03, Taiwan’s Taiex shed 0.69% to 7,988.42, South Korea’s Kospi 0.26% lower at 2,041.59 but Singapore’s Straits Times Index added 0.58% to 3,006.53. Japan was closed.

At Bursa Malaysia, dealers said retail investors were staying on the sideline while some who had already bought blue chips and mid-cap stocks were awaiting fresh news. They said the retail investors were not ready to rush in.

According to Bursa Malaysia, local retail participation had declined to about 26%, local institutions were at 54.6% and foreigners at about 19.4%.

Focus, which was queried by Bursa Securities over the sharp rise and heavy volume, added 3.5 sen to 23 sen. There were 112.93 million shares done. It warrants, WA added 4.5 sen to 8.5 sen and WB 2.5 sen to 15 sen.

Dutaland-LB added 15 sen to RM1.05, BCorp-LR 15.5 sen to 13 sen. Index-linked stock BAT rose 14 sen to RM52.52, HLFG 10 sen to RM11.98 and PetGas eight sen to RM16.48.

Ta Ann added 12 sen to RM5.87, PIE 11 sen to RM4.88 and IGB seven sen to RM2.87.

Share prices of Metronic Global and its 17%-owned unit Ariantec Global slipped in active trade. Ariantec fell three sen to 10.5 sen and it was the most active with 121.23 million shares done while Metronic eased one sen to 12 sen.

HL Industries was the top loser, down 12 sen to RM4.06, Batu Kawan and United PLANTATION []s shed 10 sen each to RM18.40 and RM25. EPMB extended its decline, down 6.5 sen to 90 sen.



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KLCI erases gains at midday, China weighs

KUALA LUMPUR (March 15): Malaysian equities pared earlier gains at lunch break on Thursday dragged down by China’s economic growth concerns.

PLANTATION [] stocks had earlier lifted the FBM KLCI by as much as 3.74 points or 0.2% but mild profit taking erased the gains.

At 12.30pm, the KLCI was just up 0.09 of a point to 1,575.80. Across the local bourse, about 662 million shares worth RM697 million changed hands. The broader market was cautious, with 368 decliners to 228 advancers while 343 stocks were unchanged.

Asian indices hit by less optimistic sentiments in China include Hong Kong’s Hang Seng which lost 0.11% to 21,284.7 while the Shanghai Composite retreated 0.12% to 2,388.26. Singapore’s Straits Times Index fell 0.14% to 3,022.02 but Japan’s Nikkei 225 managed to eke out a 0.92% gain to 10,142.81.

China’s outgoing premier Wen Jiabao said on Wednesday that measures to curb property speculation must be maintained to prevent a real estate bubble which will be detrimental to the country’s economy. Wen’s comments had reversed gains across China stock markets, resulting in major indices finishing in the red.

On Thursday, the Commerce Ministry announced that China’s foreign direct investment fell 0.9% to US$7.7 billion in February from a year earlier.

At Bursa Malaysia, plantation heavyweight SIME DARBY BHD [] rose seven sen to RM9.78 as crude palm oil futures climbed above RM3,400 a tonne. This followed updates from Intertek that Malaysian palm oil exports increased 37% to 697,804 tonnes in the first 15 days of March, according to wire reports.

However, Far East fell 38 sen to RM7.22, PPB 18 sen lower at RM16.80 and Batu Kawan 16 sen to RM18.52.

Top gainers Aeon Credit added 40 sen to RM8.75 while Yeo Hiap Seng was up 16 sen to RM2.62. F&N rose 12 sen to RM18.12.

Among the banks, RHB Cap added 10 sen to RM7.92 and CIMB eight sen to RM7.48.

Most active was Tiger Synergy Bhd which added one sen to 16 sen with some 62 million shares done .



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Plantations top losers midday

KUALA LUMPUR (March 15): PLANTATION []s were the top losers in the morning on Thursday but volume was relatively thin, as investors took profit after the recent run-up.

At 11.52am, Far East was down 38 sen to RM7.22, PPB 18 sen to RM16.80, Batu Kawan 14 sen to RM18.54 and IOI Corp eight sen lower to RM5.24.

The FBM KLCI shed 0.09 of a point to 1,575.62. Turnover was 569.98 million shares valued at RM567.17 million. There were 230 gainers, 352 losers and 316 stocks unchanged.

Crude palm oil prices for May delivery dipped RM1 to RM3,384 a tonne.



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KLCI lags key regional markets’ recovery

KUALA LUMPUR (March 8): Key regional markets racked up gains of up to more than 2% on Thursday, as investors’ sentiment was boosted by hopes that Greece could avert a default and positive news on the US economy.

However, the FBM KLCI lagged the regional markets and managed to close up only 3.53 points or 0.22% to 1,578.36, after falling 15.08 points – the worst loss for this year – on Wednesday. Turnover was 1.77 billion shares valued at RM1.76 billion. Advancing counters beat decliners 415 to 336 while 339 stocks were unchanged.

Reuters reported that in Europe, indications are major banks and pension funds are likely to take part in the Greek deal, easing concerns about a chaotic default. But some hedge funds and Greek pension funds are still holding out, injecting uncertainty before the deadline expires later in the day.

Greece aims to persuade 90% of creditors to take part in the bond swap. With two-thirds acceptance or more it may be able to trigger collective action clauses (CAC) to force bondholders to accept losses, an event that would have knock-on effects for banks but has largely been priced-in.

Among the key regional markets, the Nikkei 225 rose 2.01% to 9,768.96, Hang Seng Index 1.32% to 20,900.70, Shanghai Composite Index 1.06% to 2,420.28, Taiwan’s Taiex 1.03% to 7,984.56, South Korea’s Kospi 0.94% to 2,000.76 and Singapore’s Straits Times Index 1.96% to 2,970.38.

At Bursa Malaysia, penny stocks fell in active trade as traders decided to stay on the sidelines. Recent leaders Naim Indah Corp and HWGB fell in active trade while recent IPO China Stationery Ltd continued to lose ground.

Naim Indah fell 2.5 sen to 63 sen with 360 million shares done. clarified on Thursday there was no proposal from new major shareholder Datuk Raymond Chan Boon Siew to inject new development projects into the company.

CSL lost 10 sen to RM1 on continued selling as the allure of the second listing on Bursa Malaysia, which would have brought Chnia stocks back into focus, seemed to have faded. Its IPO price was 95 sen when it was listed on Feb 24 and it rose to a high of RM1.39 on Feb 28.

Mild buying of blue chips saw Tenaga adding seven sen to RM6.26, CIMB five sen to RM7.36 and Sime four sen to RM9.84. Their gains pushed the KLCI up by 2.34 points. Genting added six sen to RM10.80 and Genting Malaysia three sen to RM3.86.

PLANTATION []s rose on firmer crude palm oil prices, which rose RM34 to RM3,293, the highest since Feb 28. PPB added 16 sen to RM16.90, Sungai Bagan 12 sen to RM3, Far East and United Plantations 10 sen each to RM7.40 and RM24.50. However, Batu Kawan fell six sen to RM18.64.



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KLCI falls the most in 2012

KUALA LUMPUR (March 7): Blue chips closed lower on Wednesday, with the FBM KLCI among the biggest losers among the key regional markets as it fell the most so far this year on uncertainties whether Greece could secure enough support for its debt revamp.

At the close, the KLCI was down 15.08 points to 1,574.83, which could derail the recent rally which saw the 30-stock index poised to hit the all-time high of 1,597 in July last year.

Turnover was 1.74 billion shares valued at RM2.03 billion. However, the broader market did show some improvement with losers beating gainers 476 to 283 while 314 stocks were unchanged.

Reuters reported a clutch of Greek pension funds and some foreign investors are holding back on a bond swap deal which would enable Greece to meet a debt repayment on March 20, sparking concerns about a chaotic default if participation is low. Greek private creditors have until late Thursday to say whether they will take part.

Key regional markets fell, with the Nikkei 225 down 0.64% to 9,576.06, the Hang Seng Index 0.86% to 20,627.70, Shanghai Composite Index 0.65% to 2,394.79, Taiwan’s Taiex 0.44% to 7,903.08, the Kospi 0.91% tp 1,982.15 and Singapore’s Straits Times Index 0.58% to 2,915.03.

As for Bursa Malaysia, dealers said the pullback was expected as the KLCI was running counter to the key regional markets on Tuesday which fell up to 2%.

They said there was some trading activity in lower liners and penny stocks but this did not have much bearing on the market’s direction.

They also saw no reason for Naim Indah Corp to jump 13.5 sen to 65.5 sen in the absence of any positive fresh news.

Sime Darby fell the most, down 19 sen to RM9.80 and dragging the KLCI down 2.70 points. CIMB lost 11 sen to RM7.31, Genting 18 sen to RM10.74 and Maybank eight sen to RM8.71, pushing the 30-stock index down by a total of 4.93 points.

BAT was the top loser, down 56 sen to RM51.96, HLFG 40 sen to RNM12.10, Batu Kawan 24 sen to RM18.70, MISC 23 sen to RM5.38 and Oriental 21 sen to RM6.28 and Genting PLANTATION []s 20 sen to RM9.29.

Dijaya Corp fell 18 sen to RM1.49 and the warrants 8.5 sen to 54.5 sen.



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KLCI takes a breather, Tenaga, Genting weigh

KUALA LUMPUR (March 6): Stocks on Bursa Malaysia took a breather on Tuesday as investors locked in recent gains, with profit taking seen in heavyweight Tenaga and Genting while key regional markets put on a lackluster performance after the weaker close on Wall Street.

At 10.04am, the FBM KLCI was down 2.79 points to 1,586.43. Turnover was 284.50 million shares valued at RM202.80 million. Losers led gainers 245 to 152 while 276 stocks were unchanged.

Reuters reported Asian shares and growth-linked currencies were under pressure on Tuesday as slowing economies in China and Europe and tension over Iran dampened sentiment, prompting investors to take profits from recent rallies that had been driven by ample liquidity.

CIMB Equities Research said that while the KLCI close to testing its all-time high of 1,597 in July 2011, it expected the index to face resistance.

“Only a successful close above the 1,600 psychological level could further lift prices towards a new heights at 1,620. Otherwise, we expect some consolidation to take place. On the downside, the 1,550 key support level is still a level to keep watch as it would eliminate all bullish potential if it is breached. There is also a minor support at 1,570,” it said.

Among the decliners were Tenaga and Genting, down six sen each to RM6.25 and RM10.70. Shell was the top loser, down 26 sen to RM10.12 but in very thin volume of 200 shares done.

PBB lost 26 sen to RM16.68, Oriental Holdings 13 sen to RM6.52, Can-One six sen to RM1.83, MBM Resources five sen to RM4.58 and Batu Kawan four sen to RM18.90.



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KLCI bucks key regional markets

KUALA LUMPUR (March 5): The Malaysia stock market bucked the regional markets on Monday, underpinned by gains in selected banking stocks and heavyweights, while the broader market displayed an upbeat outlook as the FBM KLCI neared the all-time high of 1,594.

At 12.30pm, the KLCI was up 0.4% or 6.71 points to 1,590.49, but off a fresh intraday high of 1594.72. Turnover was 832 million shares worth RM818 million. Gainers beat losers 381 to 289 decliners while 316 counters were unchanged.

However, Asian stock indices declined at noon amid news that China had revised downwards its economic growth forecast to 7.5% in 2012. This compares to policymakers’ targeted growth of 8% between 2005 and 2011. China's economy rose 9.2% in 2011 from a year earlier following a 10.3% expansion in 2010.

Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index fell 1.13% to 21,318.9, Taiwan’s Taiex lost 1.08% to 8026.96 while South Korea’s Kospi was down 0.9% to 2016.31 and Singapore’s Straits Times Index 0.16% at 2,988.72.

On the KLCI, analysts said it was trading at more expensive valuations compared to regional peers.

In a note on Monday, TA Securities Holdings Bhd head of research Kaladher Govindan said Indonesia and Thailand, offered better calendar year 2013 earnings growth prospects of 17.8 % and 14.9% respectively and are trading at a relatively cheap price-to-earnings ratios (PER) of 11.5 times and 10.7 times respectively.

This compares to Malaysia's FBM KLCI’s projected 12.2% growth at a PER of 13.2 times (based on Bloomberg consensus figures).

“While Malaysia being a low beta market had only advanced by 2.5% year-to-date, continued PER expansion in other regional markets on positive market undertone has the potential to rerate Malaysia as well.

“The impending announcement of various infrastructure and oil gas projects under the Economic Transformation Programme banner in the first half of this year could be strong drivers for the market apart from the listing of Felda Global Ventures that could draw fresh funds from abroad,” said Kaladher who does not discount the possibility of the KLCI testing the 1650 point level during the first half of the year.

Among the finance stocks, CIMB rose 16 sen to RM7.49 and Public Bank 10 sen to RM13.80. Heavyweight Sime Darby, which was upgraded, rose 10 sen to RM10.08.

As for PLANTATION []s, NSOP added 14 sen to RM6.10, TDM 10 sen to RM4.96, Batu Kawan four sen to RM18.98, TH Plantations three sen to RM2.83 but KUALA LUMPUR KEPONG BHD [] fell 12 sen to RM23.46.

Top gainer ORIENTAL HOLDINGS BHD [] added 21 sen to RM6.70 followed by Tasek Corp which rose 19 sen to RM9.

Notable decliners include PETRONAS DAGANGAN BHD [] which fell 22 sen to RM18.12 while Kulim and MBM Resources lost eight sen each to RM4.37 and RM4.57.

Most active was THE MEDIA SHOPPE BHD [] which added 1.5 sen to 10 sen with some 45 million shares done.



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Market mixed midday, concerns over high oil price

KUALA LUMPUR (Feb 27): Blue chips were higher at midday on Monday, buoyed by CIMB and Telekom but the broader market was mixed as investors’ sentiment was cautious about the impact of higher oil prices on the global economy.

The FBM KLCI rose 2.66 points to 1,561.43. Turnover was 851.34 million shares valued at RM730.13 million. There were 340 gainers, 330 losers and 310 stocks unchanged.

Brent crude eased slightly but stayed around 10-month highs above US$125 per barrel amid escalating tension over Iran's disputed nuclear programme, according to Reuters. Investors concerns were whether it could break through US$130.

US light crude oil fell 40 cents to US$109.37. Crude palm oil prices for third-month delivery rose RM20 to RM3,296 per tonne. The ringgit weakened against the US dollar to 3.0162.

Key regional markets which fell included Japan’s Nikkei 225, South Korea’s Kospi and Singapore’s Straits Times – three countries which are heavily dependent on imported crude oil.

At Bursa Malaysia, Dutch Lady rose RM1.70 to RM27.50 and Carlsberg 35 sen to RM9.80 while Guinness Anchor added 16 sen to RM9.10. Among PLANTATION []s, Batu Kawan added 24 sen to RM18.80 and Chin Tek 15 sen to RM9.10.

CIMB added eight sen to RM7.14, pushing up the KLCI by 1.41 points, Telekom added seven sen to RM5.15, nudging the KLCI up 0.59 of a point while AMMB’s six sen gain to RM6.09 pushed the index up by 0.42 of a point. RHB Capital rose 22 sen to RM7.88.

Naim Indah Corp was the most active with 99.48 million shares done, It added 3.5 sen to 55 sen. China Stationery rose 10 sen to RM1.20.

MBM Resources was the top loser, down 20 sen to RM4.42 on profit taking and also concerns about earnings per share dilution from its proposed rights issue.

BAT, SOP and MAHB lost 10 sen each to RM52.46, RM6.15 and RM5.70 respectively. Latexx fell 12 sen to RM1.56 and the warrants 10 sen to RM1.18.



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Sentoria fails to excite investors

KUALA LUMPUR (Feb 23): Shares of Sentoria Group Bhd, the first initial public offering (IPO) of the year, fell 9.7% at the closing bell, failing to excite investors as fears of an economic slowdown brought on by possible high oil prices and the ongoing European debt saga.

Sentoria's share price closed at 78.5 sen, down 8.5 sen from its reference price of 87 sen, with 34.2 million shares traded in.

Meanwhile, the FBM KLCI on Thursday ended 3.86 points lower, or 0.25%, to close at 1,556.66, dragged down by banks — such as CIMB Group Holdings (down 8 sen to RM7.16), Hong Leong Bank (down 18 sen to RM11.66), and RHB Cap (down 17 sen to RM7.61) — to bring the index down 2.07 points.

A total of 1.95 billion shares were traded in, valued at RM2.11 billion. Losers led gainers 689 to 217, while 264 counters traded unchanged.

Regionally, markets closed on a weak note, as fears of a possible economic slowdown brought on by high oil prices and the ongoing European debt saga continues.

South Korea's Kospi was down 1.03% to 2,007.80, Taiwan's Taiex fell 0.80% to 7,937.30, Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index was lower by 0.78% to 21,380.99, and Singapore's Straits Index dropped 0.92% to 2,968.34.

However, Japan's Nikkei 225 (up 0.44% to 9,595.57) and Shanghai's Composite Index (up 0.25% to 2,409.55) bucked the trend.

On Bursa Malaysia, top gainers included United PLANTATION []s (up 76 sen to RM24.18), ORIENTAL HOLDINGS BHD [] (up 56 sen to RM6.34) and MBM RESOURCES BHD [] (up 41 sen to RM4.89).

Top losers included British American Tobacco (down 64 sen to RM52.12) and Batu Kawan Holdings (down 30 sen to RM18.50).

Most actively traded was Naim Indah Corporation, which was down 3.5 sen to close at 42 sen, with 68 million shares traded in.



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Weak start for Bursa Malaysia’s first IPO of 2012

KUALA LUMPUR (Feb 23): Bursa Malaysia’s first initial public offer (IPO) for 2012, Sentoria Group Bhd, got off to a weak start, with the share price ending the morning session below its reference price of 87 sen.

The weak debut also reflected the cautious local and key regional markets as investors feared high oil prices would slow down global economic growth and also the continuing Euro zone debt crisis saga.

At 12.30pm, the FBM KLCI was down 1.08 points to 1,559.44. Turnover was 937.15 million shares valued at RM811.77 million. Declining stocks beat advancers 515 to 206 while 293 counters were unchanged.

All the key regional markets fell, with the exception of Japan where the Nikkei 225 rose 0.13% to 9,566.42.

Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index fell 0.98% to 21.337.50, Shanghai’s Composite Index lost 0.05% to 2,402.30, Taiwan’s Taiex 0.71% to 7,945.15 and South Korea’s Kospi 1.12% to 2,006.01 while Singapore’s Straits Times Index shed 0.97% to 2,966.66.

At Bursa Malaysia, property developer Sentoria fell eight sen to 79 sen in active trade, with 21.62 million shares done. Its reference price was 87 sen, which was the placement price while the price offered to the public was 85 sen.

CIMB fell seven sen to RM7.17, dragging the KLCI down 1.23 points while HL Bank lost 12 sen to RM11.72 and Maybank one sen to RM8.70. Public Bank rose four sen to RM13.72.

AirAsia shed seven sen also to RM3.58, pushing the index down by 0.45 of a point. GENTING BHD [] lost four sen to RM10.80.

Among the PLANTATION []s, IOI’s decline of five sen, dragged the index down by 0.76 of a point. Batu Kawan fell 20 sen to RM18.60 and KLK 16 sen to RM23.48.

Lafarge fell 17 sen to RM7.20 and Boustead 16 sen to RM5.38 while SapuraCrest gave up 12 sen to RM4.88.

However, Axiata managed to support the index by 1.8 points when it rose nine sen to RM5.10. Tenaga added eight sen RM6.19, nuding the index by 1.02 points. United Plantations was the top gainer, up 54 sen to RM23.96, Hartalega 26 sen to RM8.23 and Oriental 25 sen to RM6.03.



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Market down, weighed by big cap plantations, Greece worries, high oil prices

KUALA LUMPUR (Feb 22): Big cap PLANTATION [] stocks weighed on the 30-stock FBM KLCI in the morning session on Wednesday, with PPB emerging as the top loser.

At 12.30pm, the FBM KLCI was down 2.46 points to 1,561.32. Turnover was 1.15 billion shares valued at RM744.330 million, reflecting the lower quality of trading with interest seen in lower liners and penny stocks. There were 283 gainers, 450 losers and 287 stocks unchanged.

The broader market was cautious as investors were still nervous about Greece’s ability to stick to the austerity plan. High crude oil prices also posed another major concern, with Brent crude for April at US$121.21 a barrel and US crude for April at US$105.80 a barrel.

Regional markets were mostly higher with Japan’s Nikkei 225 up 0.77% to 9,536.34, Shanghai’s Composite Index added 0.45% to 2,392.16, Taiwan’s Taiex 0.92% to 7,994.53, South Korea’s Kospi 0.04% to 2,025.01. However, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index fell 0.8% to 21,460.90 and Singapore’s Straits Times Index 0.43% lower at 3,012.06.

Crude palm oil third-month futures rose RM13 to RM3,281 while the ringgit weakened to 3.0255 to the US dollar.

PPB fell 46 sen to RM17.18, dragging the 30-stock KLCI down 0.86 of a point , IOI Corp fell five sen to RM5.39, pushing the index down 0.76 of a points while KLK fell 30 sen to RM23.70, shaving 0.5 of a point of the index.

Batu Kawan shed 32 sen to RM18.60 and Genting Plantations 15 sen to RM9.25. However, Chin Tek rose 24 sen to RM8.90 and Far East added 12 sen to RM7.40.

PPB’s 18.3% associate Wilmar International Ltd -- the world's largest listed palm oil firm -- reported fourth-quarter profit that missed analysts’ estimates.

BAT was the top loser, down 70 sen to RM52.30, Harrison 52 sen to RM3.18, Fima Corp 43 sen to RM6.32 and YTL Cement 26 sen to RM4.54. Loss-making Perwaja fell 14 sen to 77 sen.

Among the gainers were Dutch Lady, up 40 sen to RM25.80, RHB Cap 30 sen sen to RM7.85, Kris Assets 17 sen to RM6.60, F&N 16 sen to RM18, Hartalega 13 sen to RM7.89 and Genting 10 sen to RM10.84.



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Plantations mixed in early trade, United Plantations up, KLK down

KUALA LUMPUR (Feb 21): Shares of PLANTATION [] stocks were mixed in early trade on Tuesday, after crude palm oil (CPO) futures hit an eight-month high of RM3,260 per tonne on Monday.

The FBM KLCI was down 1.47 points to 1,559.10. Turnover was 452.59 million shares valued at RM232.01 million. There were 203 gainers, 253 losers and 292 counters unchanged.

United Plantations was the top gainer, up 74 sen to RM23.50 after it reported a higher pre-tax profit of RM491.541 million for the financial year ended Dec 31, 2011 versus RM349.46 million in FY10. Revenue rose to RM1.385 billion from RM995.107 million

BLD Plantations added 23 sen to RM10.06.

However there was some profit taking, with Chin Tek down 20 sen to RM8.66.

Batu Kawan and KL Kepong, which are scheduled to announce their results this week, slipped as investors locked in gains. Batu Kawan fell 14 sen to RM18.80 and KLK six sen lower at RM24.08.



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