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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Asian markets mired in red as Europe stumbles

KUALA LUMPUR (May7): The FBM KLCI fell on Monday as Asian markets were mired in the red as European markets stumbled following election outcomes in France, Greece and Italy that raised concerns on whether euro zone economies will continue to pursue austerity measures.

Meanwhile, European equities slumped to 4-1/2 month lows on Monday after elections in France and Greece that reflected deep public discontent over austerity measures and cast doubt over the euro zone's ability to fix its debt crisis, according to Reuters.

Greece's benchmark stock index fell by more than 7 percent in early morning trading on Monday, after the country's main parties failed to win enough votes to form a ruling coalition following elections on Sunday, it said.

Royal Bank of Scotland strategists in a note Monday said the results of a number of elections across Europe that took place over the weekend were likely to keep the market squarely focused on politics this week, and on the results implications for the European policy response devised to address the debt crisis so far.

The FBM KLCI fell 6.71 points to 1,584.87 at 5pm, weighed by losses at select blue chips.

Market breadth was negative with 540 losers, 208 gainers and 305 counters trading unchanged. Volume was 963.02 million shares valued at RM1.19 billion.

At the regional markets, Japan’s Nikkei 225 lost 2.78% to 9,119.14, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index lost 2.61% to 20,536.65, Taiwan’s Taiex fell 2.11% to 7,538.08, South Korea’s Kospi was down 1.64% to 1,956.44 and Singapore’s Straits Times Index lost 2.08% to 2,928.34.

On Bursa Malaysia, Dutch Lady was the top loser and fell 34 sen to RM33.04, Tradewinds PLANTATION []s lost 23 sen to RM5.75, Tradewinds down 22 sen to RM9.82, SAM Engineering 19 sen to RM3.01, Hong Leong Bank, Genting Plantations and IJM Corp lost 16 sen each to RM12.20, RM9.44 and RM5.42 respectively, Allianz and Tahps down 15 sen each to RM4.60 and RM4.65, while Atlan fell 14 sen to RM4.26.

SAAG was the most actively traded counter with 48.97 million shares done. The stock gaindd half a sen to 7 sen.

Other actives included Ariantec, Time, Maybulk, Benalec, KFCH, Metronic, permaju, Naim Indah Corp and JCY.

Meanwhile, the gainers on Monday included Permaju, Country View, PMB Tech, Tasek, GAB, Lafarge Malayan Cement, MKH, KESM, Nestle and HLFG.



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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 weighed down by US and Europe economic data

KUALA LUMPUR (May 3) : Malaysians stocks fell on Thursday morning in tandem with Asian bourses after US markets finished weaker in overnight trade.

Global investors have responded negatively to fresh updates on slower private-sector hiring in the US and weaker factory output figures from Europe.

At 9.59am, the FBM KLCI fell 2.44 points to 1,579.95. Across the exchange, some 321 million shares worth RM164 million were traded, leading to 155 gainers versus 173 decliners.

Top gainers include HARTALEGA HOLDINGS BHD [] which added 28 sen to RM8.08 while AIRASIA BHD [] rose 14 sen to RM3.47.

Among decliners, DUTCH LADY MILK INDUSTRIES BHD [] was down 40 sen to RM33 while PPB GROUP BHD [] fell 16 sen to RM16.54.

Most actively-traded was Naim Indah Corp Bhd which fell 0.5 sen to 51 sen with some 34 million shares transacted.

Across Asia, Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 added 0.02% to 4,437 points, South Korea’s Kospi fell 0.2% to 1,995.01, while Singapore’s Straits Times was down 0.05% to 3,004.66. The Japan bourse is closed for a public holiday.



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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 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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KLCI gains on US policy, corporate updates

KUALA LUMPUR (April 26) : Malaysian shares erased gains, albeit, still in positive territory in tandem with gains across Asian bourses on Thursday morning. This follows a stronger overnight close across US equities.

Global markets found support from US lawmakers’ commitment to maintain accommodative policies to sustain growth, besides improving corporate earnings from the world’s largest economy.

At 10am, the FBM KLCI added 1.31 points to 1,580.66. Across the exchange, some 343 million shares worth RM160 million were traded, leading to 167 gainers versus 182 decliners.

Top gainers Panasonic Manufacturing Malaysia Bhd was up 40 sen to RM23 while DUTCH LADY MILK INDUSTRIES BHD [] gained 24 sen to RM33.94.

Among decliners, KUALA LUMPUR KEPONG BHD [] fell 14 sen to RM23.68 while SEG INTERNATIONAL BHD [] was down eight sen to RM1.73.

Among actively-traded stocks, Ariantec Global Bhd fell 1.5 sen to RM24.5 sen with some 21 million shares done.



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Stocks to Watch Dutch Lady, Opensys, TH Plantations, SunREIT, SEGi

KUALA LUMPUR (April 25): Malaysian stocks are expected to exhibit weak technical dynamics on Thursday against global economic volatility and domestic pre-election sentiment.

Analysts said crucial world highlights include the lack of clarity over European countries' ability to manage their sovereign debt woes, and the direction of US monetary policy, the effects of which may dictate the direction of global equities.

The FBM KLCI erased earlier gains to close in negative territory, with a 2.93-point decline to 1,579.35 on Wednesday.

Stocks to watch on Thursday are DUTCH LADY MILK INDUSTRIES BHD [], Opensys (M) Bhd, TH PLANTATION []s Bhd, Sunway Real Estate Investment Trust (SunREIT), and SEG INTERNATIONAL BHD [] (SEGi).

Dutch Lady and Opensys shares will trade ex-dividend on Thursday. Dutch Lady, a manufacturer of dairy products, plans to reward shareholders with a dividend of RM1.30 a share comprising a single-tier interim payout of 50 sen and a special portion of 80 sen for financial year ending Dec 31, 2012.

Opensys, an information TECHNOLOGY [] firm, plans to reward shareholders with a first interim tax-exempt dividend of 5% which is equivalent to 0.5 sen a share for financial year ending Dec 31, 2012.

MIDF Amanah Investment Bank Bhd downgraded TH Plantations shares to a "trading sell" from "neutral", with a lower target price of RM2.12 compared with RM3 previously. This follows a downward revision in MIDF's earnings forecast for TH Plantations by 41% and 33% in financial years ending Dec 31, 2012 and 2013 respectively.

SunREIT said its third quarter (3Q) net profit rose 9% from a year earlier, as the group registered higher turnover from an expanded property portfolio. In a statement to the exchange, SunREIT said net profit came to RM47.55 million against RM43.73 million previously. Revenue was up 19% to RM98.09 million from RM82.35 million.

Private equity firm Navis Capital has made a takeover offer for the remaining shares it does not own in higher education provider SEGi. This follows a shareholders' agreement between Navis and SEG managing director Datuk Seri Clement Hii Chii Kok, who is also the single-largest shareholder in the education entity. This has, in turn, triggered a mandatory general offer obligation for the remaining stake in SEGi. Navis, which already owns 27.84% in SEGi, is offering RM1.714 for each share, and RM1.214 for each warrant in the higher education firm.



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KLCI pares down losses at mid-day break, edges above 1,580-level

KUALA LUMPUR (April 24): The FBM KLCI pared down some of its earlier losses at the mid-day break on Tuesday and moved above the crucial 1,580-point level.

Meanwhile, Asian shares inched up on Tuesday but gains were limited as political uncertainty and disappointing data in Europe raised fears the euro zone could struggle to push through austerity measures and may stay in recession until late in the year, according to Reuters.

A weaker-than-expected reading of consumer inflation in Australia, a day after a weaker producer prices report, set the scene for an local rate cut next week and bolstered local shares up 0.4 percent from a flat early trade, it said.

The FBM KLCI was down 3.11 points to 1,580.69, weighed by losses at select blue chips including Petronas Dagangan, Genting and CIMB. The index had earlier fallen to its intra-morning low of 1,579.04.

Loser ebeat gainers by 379 to 191, while 314 counters traded unchanged. Volume was 727.97 million shares valued at RM608.87 million.

The ringgit weakened 0.009% to 3.0695 versus the greenback, crude palm oil futures for the third month delivery fell RM20 per tonne to RM3,455, crude oil shed 14 cents pare barrel to US$102.97 and gold lost US$2.15 an ounce to US$1,636.68.

At the regional markets, Japan’s Nikkei 225 fell 0.90% to 9,456.13, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index was down 0.32% to 20,559.10, the Shanghai Composite Index fell 1.4% to 2,355.17, Taiwan’s Taiex fell 0.23% to 7,464.14, South Korea’s Kospi was down 0.74% to 1,958.04 and Singapore’s Straits Times Index lost 0.34% to 2,972.53.

On Bursa Malaysia, SAM Engineering was the top loser and fell 29 sen to RM3.26, Petronas Dagangan down 24 sen to RM19.30, Jaya Tiasa 14 sen to RM9.62, S P Setia shed 13 sen to RM3.71, Hong Leong Bank 12 sen to RM12.30, while Dutch Lady, Carlsberg, AirAsia, Genting and CIMB fell eight sen each to RM35, RM11.42, RM3.40, RM10.54 and RM7.42 respectively.

Ingenuity Solutions was the most actively trade counter with 732 million shares done. The stock was unchanged at 9.5 sen.

Other actives included Ariantec, TMS, Focus, JCY, Ramunia, Metronic, Sanichi and CSL.

Meanwhile, the gainers in the morning session included Aeon Credit, United PLANTATION []s, Aeon, UMW, Quality Concrete, SapuraCrest, Fiamma, PacifiMas and KrisAssets.



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KLCI in volatile trade on global weakness, local pre-election sentiment

KUALA LUMPUR (April 20) : Malaysian stocks exhibited volatility on the first trading day of the week as the stock benchmark erased gains and sank into the red on Monday morning.

Analysts said global economic data and Malaysia’s pre-election sentiment could curb gains across the FBM KLCI. 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.

“Downside pressure remains for the FBM KLCI,” TA Securities Holdings Bhd wrote in a note.

“Against the backdrop of mixed economic data, it remains to be seen whether the Federal Reserve will provide any clue on a third quantitative easing when the policy makers start a two-day meeting tomorrow. Signs of another round of liquidity injection will drive up equity markets and the opposite could trigger some profit-taking pressure,” TA added.

At 9.59am, the FBM KLCI fell 9.24 points to 1,582.61. Across the exchange, some 424 million shares worth RM208 million were traded, leading to 160 gainers versus 263 decliners.

Top gainers DUTCH LADY MILK INDUSTRIES BHD [] added 38 sen to RM35.26 while Panasonic Manufacturing Malaysia Bhd was up 30 sen to RM22.30.

Among decliners, BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO (M) [] Bhd fell 76 sen to RM55.72 while KUALA LUMPUR KEPONG BHD [] was down 22 sen to RM23.90.

Most active was Ariantec Global Bhd which rose one sen to 23 sen with some 13 million shares done.

Among Asian bourses, Japan’s Nikkei 225 rose 0.2% to 9,580.16 points, South Korea’s Kospi was down 0.32% to 1,968.34, while Australia’s S&P/ ASX 200 declined 0.33% to 4,352.2.



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KLCI closes lower as investors remain jittery

KUALA LUMPUR (April 19): The FBM KLCI closed lower on Thursday, in line with the mixed sentiment at regional bourses underpinned by concerns of the Euro zone sovereign debt crisis.

Markets have grown jittery about the euro zone's capacity to prevent Spain's fiscal woes in particular from spreading to other vulnerable peripheral euro zone economies, despite massive liquidity injections by the European Central Bank, according to Reuters.

The FBM KLCI shed 2.24 points on Thursday to close at 1,596.62.

Market breadth turned negative with 429 losers, 281 gainers and 350 counters trading unchanged. Volume was 1.71 billion shares valued at RM1.56 billion.

At the regional markets, Japan’s Nikkei 225 fell 0.82% to 9.588.38, South Korea’s Kospi down 0.23% to 1,999.86 and the Shanghai Composite Index shed 0.09% to 2,378.63.

Meanwhile, Taiwan’s Taiex gained 0.23% to 7,622.69.

On Bursa Malaysia, Dutch Lady fell 60 sen to RM34.38, KLK down 40 sen to RM23.80, BAT shed 20 sen to RM55, Country View down 18 sen to 64 sen, CSL 15 sen to RM1.53, SAM Engineering 14 sen to RM3.65, Tradewinds and KESM down 13 sen each to RM9.69 and RM2.05, while Subur Tiasa lost 10 sen to RM2.98.

Ariantec was the most actively traded couter with 266.8 million shares done. The stock fell 1.5 sen to 17.5 sen.

Other actives included Utopia, CSL, Metronic, DBE Gurney, Compugates, Managed Pay, Iris Corp and Astral Supreme.

Gainers on Thursday included Pintaras, F&N, GAB, Metal Reclamation, Tan Chong, Can-One, Kian Joo, Bintulu Port and Genting.



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KLCI slips into the red at mid-day break

KUALA LUMPUR (April 19): The FBM KLCI gave up some ground to slip into negative territory at the mid-day break on Thursday, in line with the generally tepid sentiment at key regional markets.

Asian shares and the euro traded in tight ranges on Thursday ahead of a Spanish bond sale seen as a key test of investors' risk appetite amid renewed concerns over the euro zone's debt crisis, according to Reuters.

Meanwhile, U.S. stocks slipped on Wednesday, a day after Wall Street's best gains in a month, as uninspiring earnings from tech bellwethers IBM and Intel gave investors a reason to take profits, according to Reuters

The FBM KLCI fell 2.80 points to 1,596.06 at 12.30pm, weighed by losses at select blue chips including CIMB, KLK, Maybank and Genting.

Losers beat gainers by 358 to 221, while 311 counters traded unchanged. Volume was 1.02 billion shares valued at RM661.94 million.

The ringgit weakened 0.13% to 3.0686 versus the greenback, crude palm oil futures for the third month delivery fell RM30 per tonne to RM3,449, crude oil shed 11 cents per barrel to US$102.56 while gold lost US$4.50 an ounce to US$1,637.60.

At the regional markets, Japan’s Nikkei 225 fell 0.89% to 9,580.90, the Shanghai Composite Index down 0.14% to 2,377.57, Singapore’s Straits Times Index fell 0.08% to 2,998.17, south Korea’s Kospi lost 0.33% to 1,997.92, Taiwan’s Taiex edged down 0.01% to 7,604.367 while Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index gained 0.36% to 20,856.40.

Among the major losers on Bursa Malaysia, Dutch Lady lost 38 sen to RM34.60, KLK 24 sen to RM23.96, Country View 21 sen to 61 sen, Tradewinds 16 sen to RM9.66, KESM and SAM Engineering down 12 sen each to RM2.06 and RM3.67, CSL 10 sen to RM1.68, Subur Tiasa eight sen to RM3 and Nice seven sen to 31 sen.

Meanwhile, CIMB lost three sen to RM7.64, Maybank and Genting down two sen each to M8.85 and RM10.80, and DiGi was down one sen to RM3.92.

Ariantec was the most actively traded counter with 143.99 million shares done. The stock was unchanged at 19 sen.

Other actives included Utopia, CSL, metronic, DBE Gurney, Compugates, Iris Corp and Astral Supreme.

Gainers included Can-One, Tan Chong, F&N, Pintaras, Jaya Tiasa, Bintulu Port, Aeon Credit, Utusan and GAB.



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Positive external vibes prop KLCI higher, but index stays shy of 1,600-mark

KUALA LUMPUR (April 18): The FBM KLCI closed higher on Wednesday, in line with the firmer performance at key regional markets, which saw Japan’s Nikkei 225 rising 2%, but the local benchmark index stayed shy of the 1,600 point level.

Japan's Nikkei index rallied 2.1 percent on Wednesday on robust U.S. corporate earnings, firm demand for Spanish debt and an upbeat German economic sentiment survey, with signals that the Bank of Japan may take more easing steps also providing momentum, according to Reuters.

Mewnwhile, China shares also ended up 2% on Wednesday, the biggest one-day percentage rise in more than two months, led by finance and property sectors on expectations the government would ease monetary policy, it said.

The FBM KLCI was up 2.67 points to close at 1,598.86.

Gainers edged losers by 394 to 350, while 337 counters traded unchanged. Volume was 2.13 billion shares valued at RM1.62 billion.

At the regional markets, Jpan’s Nikkei 225 rose 2.14% to 9.667.26, the Shanghai Composite Inde gained 1.96% to 2,380.85, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index was up 1.06% to 20,780.73, South Korea’s Kospi added 0.97% to 2,004.53, Taiwan’s Taiex edged up 0.25% to 7,605.00 and Singapore’s Straits Times Index

Among the gainers on Bursa Malaysia, BAT rose 74 sen to RM55.20, United PLANTATION []s up 40 sen to RM25, Dutch Lady 38 sen to RM34.98, Subur Tiasa 26 sen to RM3.08, Carlsberg 24 sen to RM11.28, SAM Engineering and Can-One 20 sen each to RM3.79 and RM2m, while KESM and Hong Leong Industries added 18 sen each to RM2.18 and RM4.29.

Metronic was the most actively traded counter with 362.76 million shares done. The stock added two sen to 19.5 sen.

Other actives included Ariantec, SuperComNet, Focus, Naim Indah Corp, Sanichi, DVM, CSL, Asral Supreme and Tiger Synergy.

Decliners included Tradewinds, Tan Chong, KLK, Genting, Far East, PMB Tech, Aeon Credit and Tradewinds Plantations.



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KLCI stays put above 1,600-mark at mid-day break

KUALA LUMPUR (APRIL 18): The FBM KLCI stayed put above the crucial 1,600-point level at the mid-day break on Wednesday, up in tandem with its key regional peers that rose on the back of a firmer overnight close at Wall Street.

Asian shares rose on Wednesday as firm demand at Spanish debt sales, positive U.S. corporate earnings and an improvement in a key German sentiment survey boosted investor confidence in riskier assets, according to Reuters.

The FBM KLCI rose 5.05 points to 1,601.24 at the mid-dy break, lifted by key blue chips including Maybank, CIMB, Sime darby, Axiata and Tenaga.

The broader market sentiment improved with 319 gainers, 297 losers and 310 counters trading unchanged. Volume was 1.43 billion shares valued at RM757.83 million.

The ringgit strengthened 0.04% to 3.0642 versus the greenback, crude palm oil futures for the third month delivery fell RM8 per tonne to RM3,495, crude oil added 19 cents per barrel to US$102.39 while gold rose US$3.13 an ounce to US$1,652.70.

At the regional markets, Japan’s Nikkei 225 rose 1.85% to 9,639.36, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index up 1.2% to 20,808.80, the Shanghai Composite Index gained 1.33% to 2,366.11, south Korea’s Kospi rose 1.06% to 2,006.31 and Singapore’s Straits Times Index edged up 0.57% to 3,003.63, while Taiwan’s Taiex was up 0.39% to 7,615.42.

Among the gainers in the morning session, BAT rose 54 sen to RM55, Dutch Lady added 38 sen to RM34.98, SAM Engineering up 27 sen to RM3.86, subur Tiasa 22 sen to RM3.04, Carlsberg 20 sen to RM11.24, Hong Leong Industries 18 sen to RM4.29, while Tong Herr, Panasonic and United PLANTATION []s gained 10 sen each to RM2.49, RM21.70 and RM24.70.

Meanwhile, Maybank and CIMB rose six sen each to RM8.87 and RM7.68, Sime Darby, Axiata and Tenaga were up three sen each to RM9.93, RM5.39 and RM6.54 respectively.

Metronic was the most actively traded counter with 291.81 million shares done. The stock rose four sen to 21.5 sen.

Other actives included Ariantec, SuperComNet, Focus, Naim Indah Corp, Sanichi and SCL.

Decliners included Nestle, Far East, Sarawak Oil Palms, APM, PMB Tech, KLK, UMS, HLFG and SMPC.



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KLCI succumbs to global economic woes

KUALA LUMPUR (APRIL 17): The FBM KLCI succumbed to the mounting concerns over the euro zone sovereign debt crisis that kept most regional markets in negative territory on Tuesday.

The FBM KLCI closed 1.32 points lower at 1,596.19.

Gainers edged losers by 355 to 341, while 351 counters traded unchanged. Volume was 2.08 billion shares valued at RM1.63 billion.

Hong Kong shares fell on Tuesday, dragged lower by large-cap bank and materials shares as nervous investors awaited a bond auction which could see a further jump in Spain's borrowing costs, threatening a new crisis in the euro zone, according to Reuters.

On the mainland, the Shanghai Composite fell 0.94% to 2,334.98, while the CSI300 index was off 1.3 percent, it said.

Elsewhere, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index fell 0.23% tyo 20,562.31, Japan’s Nikkei 225 shed 0.06% to 9,464.71, Taiwan’s taiex lost 1.86% to 7,585.87, South Korea’s Kospi down 0.37% to 1,985.30 and Singapore’s Straits Times Index shed 0.18% to 2,986.59.

Among the decliners on Bursa Malaysia, Dutch Lady fell 56 sen to RM34.60, Warisan down 30 sen to RM2.33, Tahps fell 27 sen to RM4.53, BAT lost 22 sen to RM54.46, SMPC 21 sen to RM1.12, MISC 13 sen to RM5.17, while KLuang and Ta Ann fell 12 sen each to RM2.68 and RM6.57.

Ariantec Global was the most actively traded counter with 515.66 million shares done. The stock jumped 8.5 sen to 20 sen. It had earlier been issued an unusual market activity (UMA) query by Bursa Malaysia Securities Bhd to Ariantec Global Bhd over the sharp rise in the price and high volume in the company’s shares recently.

Other actives included Metronic, Focus, Astral Supreme, Ingenuity Solutions, SuperComNet, CSL, Naim Indah Corp and Winsun.

Meanwhile, the gainers on Tuesday included SAM Engineering, Carlsberg, CSL, Subur Tiasa, Y&G, Golsta, Southern Acids, Rapid, Manulife and The Store.



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KLCI struggles to breach 1,600-mark

KUALA LUMPUR (APRIL 17): The FBM KLCI stayed in positive territory in the morning session on Tuesday, but struggled to breach the 1,600-point mark as regional markets mostly retreated on mounting concerns over the euro zone sovereign debt crisis.

Asian shares were capped while the euro fell on Tuesday, as soaring Spanish borrowing costs underscored the fading impact of the European Central Bank's bond purchases and stoked investor nervousness over euro zone debt woes, according to Reuters.

The FBM KLCI was up 0.69 of a point to 1,598.20 at the mid-day break.

Gainers trailed losers by 283 to 278, while 322 counters traded unchanged. Volume was 1.2 billion shares valued at RM669.23 million.

The ringgit strengthened 0.03% to 3.0665 versus the greenback, crude palm oil futures for the third month delivery fell RM2 per tonne to RM3,485, crude oil was unchanged at US$102.93 per barrel while gold fell US$2.63 an ounce to US$1,649.25.

At the regional markets, Japan’s Nikkei 225 edged up 0.11% top 9,480.84 while Taiwan’s Taiex fell 1.61% to 7,605.13, Hong Kong’s hang Seng Index lost 0.58% to 20,490.90, Singapore’s Straits Times Index was down 0.39% to 2,980.57, South Korea’s Kospi shed 0.30% to 1,986.75 and the Shanghai Composite Index inched down 0.18% to 2,352.72.

Mybank Investment Bank Bhd head of retail research and chief chartist Lee Cheng Hooi in a note to clients on Tuesday said the FBM KLCI dropped 5.61 points to close at 1,597.51 on Monday.

“Its resistance areas of 1,597 and 1,609 may cap market gains, whilst the obvious support areas are located at 1,580 and 1,594,’ he said.

He said despite the US markets’ mixed tone last night, Bursa Malaysia could be in for a low-volume trading day.

“From the 1,310.53 low (Sept 2011), the market has surged past its previous resistance of 1,597.08 to stall at 1,600.33 (On April 3).

“Bearish divergence is ample and investors may liquidate on rallies,” he said.

SAM Engineering was the top gainer in the morning session and rose 41 sen to RM3.60, Hartalega added 16 sen to RM8.12, CSL 14 sen to RM1.62, Far East and Subur Tiasa gained 10 sen each to RM7.60 and RM2.73, Rapid nine sen to RM2.54, Carlsberg eight sen to RM10.90, MBSB and Lafarge Malayan Cement gained seven sen each to RM2.23 and RM7.29, while Golsta was up 6.5 sen to 59.5 sen.

Among the decliners, Dutch Lady fell 46 sen to RM23.70, SMPC fell 25 sen to RM1.08, Nestle down 16 sen to RM55.84, Sarawak Oil Palms lost 13 sen to RM6.81, Iretex 12 sen to RM1, Knusford and Bintulu Port fell 10 sen each to RM1.80 and RM6.90, while MalPac and Ta Ann lost nine sen each to RM1.49 and RM6.60.

Ariantec was the most actively traded counter with 315.47 million shares done. The stock rose 5.5 sen to 17 sen.

Other actives included Metronic, Focus, Ingenuity Solutions, SuperComNet, Naim Indah Corp and JCY.



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KLCI closes lower in tandem with regional markets

KUALA LUMPUR (APRIL 17: The FBM KLCI fell on Monday, in tandem with its regional peers, as investors spooked by re-emerging worries over the European sovereign debt crisis sold down riskier assets.

The FBM KLCI fell 5.6 points to close lower at 1,597.51 on Monday.

Market breadth was negative with 428 losers, 272 gainers whiel 320 counters traded unchanged. Volume was 1.05 billion shares valued at RM 1.26 billion.

Asian shares and the euro fell on Monday as a surge in Spanish government bond yields renewed concerns about Europe's sovereign debt crisis and undermined investor appetite for riskier assets, according to Reuters.

At the regional markets, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index fell 0.44% to 20,610.64, Japan’s Nikkei 225 lost 1.74% to 9,470.64, South Korea’s Kospi fell 0.81% to 1,992.63, Taiwan’s Taiex lost 0.75% to 7,729.86 while, Singapore’s Straits Times Index edged up 0.14% to 2,992.12.

Among the decliners on Monday, Dutch Lady fell 42 sen to RM35.16, United PLANTATION []s down 38 sen to RM24.62, The Store fell 24 sen to RM2.25, Aeon 19 sen to RM9.61, Hibiscus 17 sen to RM1.93, Amway 14 sen to RM9.84, Genting, BAT and Shell lost 12 sen each to RM10.92, RM54.68 and RM10.16 respectively.

Ingenuity Solutions was the most actively traded counter with 59.4 million shares done. The stock fell half a sen to 9.5 sen.

Other actives included Ariantec, Naim Indah Corp, Metronic, CSL, AWC, DVM and SuperComNet.

Gainers included Jaya Tiasa, Tasek, Warisan, PMB Tech, Subur Tiasa, Ta Ann, Iterex, Ekovest and Hong Leong Industries.



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KLCI pares down losses at mid-day break

KUALA LUMPUR (APRIL 16): The FBM KLCI pared down some of its losses at the mid-day break on Monday showing some resilience compared to its regional peers, as renewed worries about the euro zone debt crisis took a toll on investor sentiment at global markets.

The FBM KLCI fell 3.35 points to 1,599.77 at the mid-day break. The index had earlier fallen to its intra-morning low of 1,594.63.

Market breadth was weaker, with losers beating gainers by 372 to 198, while 304 counters traded unchanged. Volume was 509.4 million shares valued at RM430.95 million.

The ringgit weakened 0.55% to 3.0741 versus the greenback, crude palm oil futures for the third month delivery slipped RM10 per tonne to RM3,487, crude oil shed 76 cents per barrel to US$102.07, while gold fell US$8.75 an ounce to US$1,649.40.

Asian shares and the euro fell on Monday as a surge in Spanish government bond yields renewed concerns about the euro zone's sovereign debt crisis and undermined investor appetite for riskier assets, according to Reuters.

Spain's government bond yields jumped on Friday and the cost of insuring its debt against default hit an all-time peak as record borrowing by its banks from the European Central Bank highlighted fears about the country's finances.

At the regional markets, Japan’s Nikkei 225 fell 1.4% to 9,502.61, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index lost 0.69% to 20,559.00, the Shanghai Composite Index was down 0.22% to 2,353.99, Taiwan’s Taiex lost 0.77% to 7,728.06, South Korea’s Kopsi fell 0.96% to 1,989.55 and singapore’s Straits Times Index edged up 0.03% to 2,988.83.

BIMB Securities Research in a note Monday said traders were now renewing their focus on Spain’s financial position and China’s economic slowdown as the main excuses to sell down equities.

As a result, it said the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 137 points to below the 13,000 level despite the better than expected batch of earnings from corporate USA.

The research house said European bourses wobbled across the board from Spain’s mounting debts as its 10-year treasury yield jumped to 5.98% (+0.16).

Asian equities fared better as most ended the week higher obviously before the profit takings both in the US and Europe.

“We view China’s decision to expand their trading band for its Yuan as positive showing that its economy is resilient and is able to withstand the vagaries of its currency.

“Locally, the FBM KLCI added a mere 1.85 points to 1,603 signaling that the market may be due for a consolidation and may be expedited from the weaknesses in both the US and Eurozone. We expect the index may severely test the 1,600 mark after which 1,595 would be the next support level,” it said.

ON Bursa Malaysia, Dutch Lady was the top loser and fell 30 sen to RM35.28, Amway and BAT lost 18 sen each to RM9.80 and RM54.62, HLFG doen 10 sen to RM12.34, while, Sungei Bagan, CCK, Shell, Hong Leong bank and Petronas Dagangan fell eight sen each to RM2.90, 91 sen, RM10.20, RM12.48 and RM18.72 respectively.

Ingenuity Solutions was the most actively traded counter with 51.59 million shares done. The stock was down half a sen to 9.5 sen.

Other actives included Naim Indah Corp, AWC, Ariantec, CSL, Sinotop, Hibiscus and Metronic.

Gainers included Jaya Tiasa, Tasek, Ta Ann, Subur Tiasa, BLD PLANTATION []s, Hong Leong Industries and Tradewinds Plantations.



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Global economic concerns weigh on KLCI

KUALA LUMPUR (April 16) : Malaysian stocks fell on Monday morning in tandem with regional peers following a weaker close across US markets last Friday. Global equities were hit by fresh concerns on the European debt crisis besides news that China’s first quarter economic growth came in below street forecast.

Analysts foresee a correction in the FBM KLCI this week against a backdrop of weak technical indicators and still-volatile global landscape.

“Moreover, weaker-than-expected economic numbers from the US due to weak jobs growth in March, drop in consumer confidence and more than forecast jobless claims does not augur well for growth in the world's largest economy, hence, increasing correction potential.

“Additional worries in Asia after China's economy expanded by 8.1% in the first quarter, the slowest pace since 2009, could exert further downward pressure for the local market this week,” TA Securities Holdings Bhd wrote in note.

At 10am, the FBM KLCI fell 4.89 points to 1,598.23. Across the exchange, some 184 million shares worth RM109 million were traded, leading to 163 gainers versus 237 decliners.

Among top gainers JAYA TIASA HOLDINGS BHD [] added 60 sen to RM9.68 while TA ANN HOLDINGS BHD [] was up 13 sen to RM6.69.

Decliners HONG LEONG FINANCIAL GROUP BHD [] fell 20 sen to RM12.24 while DUTCH LADY MILK INDUSTRIES BHD [] was down 18 sen to RM 35.40

Most active was INGENUITY SOLUTIONS BHD [] which traded unchanged at 10 sen with some 23 million shares done.

Among Asian bourses, Japan’s Nikkei 225 fell 1.44% to 9,499.33 points while Australia’s S&P/ ASX 200 declined 0.61% to 4,296.9. South Korea’s Kospi was down 1.14% to 1,985.98.



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KLCI down on weaker global economic data

KUALA LUMPUR (April 9) : Malaysian stocks fell on Monday morning in tandem with Asian market as less-optimistic economic data from the US, and anticipation of more updates from China weakened sentiment.

Analyst said the FBM KLCI is exhibiting weaker technical dynamics, despite gains last week. This could point to a decline in the index this week, they said.

“A market pullback may be in the horizon, with the FBM KLCI possibly making its way towards the first two support levels of 1,580 and 1,555, respectively, “ HwangDBS Vickers Research Sdn Bhd wrote in a note.

At 10.01am, the FBM KLCI fell 7.07 points to 1,591.8. Across the exchange, some 268 million shares worth RM148 million were traded, leading to 115 gainers versus 235 decliners.

Top gainers DUTCH LADY MILK INDUSTRIES BHD [] added 68 sen to RM36.48 while newly-listed EITA Resources Bhd rose 11.5 sen to RM87.5 sen.

Decliners BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO (M) [] Bhd fell 74 sen to RM54.72 while KUALA LUMPUR KEPONG BHD [] lost 28 sen to RM24.36.

Most active was Naim Indah Corp Bhd which declined two sen to 55 sen with some 63 million shares done

Among Asian equity benchmarks, Japan’s Nikkei 225 fell 1.51% to 9,541.71 points while South Korea’s Kospi declined 1.45% to 1,999.59.

The Hong Kong and Australian bourses are closed on Monday for the Good Friday and Easter holiday season.



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