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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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 rises 0.7% on positive external factors

KUALA LUMPUR (May 2): The FBM KLCI rose more than 0.7% on Wednesday, advancing in line with the firm gains at key regional markets following positive data coming out from the US.

Asian shares rose and the dollar recovered against the yen on Wednesday after strong U.S. factory activity data raised hopes that the world's biggest economy remained on a recovery track while growth in Asian manufacturing improved broader sentiment, according to Reuters.

European shares were expected to open mixed, with most exchanges reopening after the May Day holiday on Tuesday. Financial spreadbetters predicted that major European markets, it said.

The FBM KLCI rose 0.75% to close 11.78 points higher at 1,582.39 on Wednesday, lifted by gains including at Genting-related counters.

Gainers beat losers by 458 to 281, while 288 counters traded unchanged. Volume was 1.33 billion shares valued at RM1.43 billion.

At the regional markets, the Shanghai Composite Index rose 1.76% to 2,438.44, Hong Kong’ Hang Seng Index added 1.02% to 21,309.08, Taiwan’s Taiex Jumped 2.33% to 7,676.81, South Korea’s Kospi gained 0.86% to 1,999.07, Japan’s Nikkei 225 was up 0.31% to 9,380.25 and Singapore’s Straits Times Index rose

On Bursa Malaysia, Genting was the top gainer and rose 32 sen to RM10.66, Aeon Credit added 30 sen to RM11, Aeon was up 29 sen to RM9.80, Orient 25 sen to RM6.67, Takaful 21 sen to RM4.17, Metrod,Tasek and Genting PLANTATION []s added 20 sen each to RM2, RM8.87 and RM9.60 respectively, Cybertowers 19. 5 sen to RM1.16 while Lafarge Malayan Cement was up 19 sen to RM7.38.

Naim Indah Corp was the most actively traded counter with 84.41 million shares done. The stock was up six sen to 51.5 sen.

Other actives included Utopia, Ariantec, Metronic, Astral Supreme, BIMB, AWC and Hubline.

Decliners included BAT, Shell, BLD Plantations, Y&G, Top Glove, Cepco, Milux MISC and JT International.



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KLCI inches higher at mid-morning, brushes off concerns after Bersih rally

KUALA LUMPUR (April 30): The FBM KLCI brushed off events over last weekend arising from the Bersih 3.0 rally and inched higher on Monday, in line with the gains at most regional markets, lifted by select blue chips in early trade.

At 10am, the FBM KLCI was up 3.64 points to 1,571.44.

Gainers led losers by 184 to 151, while 202 counters traded unchanged. Volume was 183.93 million shares valued at RM115.43 million.

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

Global stocks ended higher on Friday on strong earnings reports, while the dollar dipped as data showed growth in the U.S. economy cooled in the first quarter to a 2.2% annual growth rate, below a 2.5% forecast, feeding views that the Fed could ease policy further to boost growth, it said.

At the regional markets, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index rose 1.12% to 20,973.80, South Korea’s Kospi added 0.44% to 1,984.09, while Singapore’s Straits Times index fell 0.20% to 2,975.60 and Taiwan’s Taiex shed 0.27% to 7,460.38.

Maybank Investment Bank Bhd in a market strategy note Monday maintained its Neutral stance on the FBM KLCI and said it expects the market to continue pricing in political concerns ahead of the 13th General Elections (13GE).

It said last Saturday's Bersih 3.0 rally had thrown up the possibility of the 13GE being deferred.

“On the external front, renewed concerns over the Eurozone imply heightened volatility again for equity markets.

“Against such a backdrop, we expect domestic equities to stay range bound ahead of the 13GE, and advise investors to stay selective in their picks,” it said.

BIMB Securities Research said on Monday that in the US solid corporate earnings, improving economic growth and employment had kept investors upbeat on equities hence the higher closing for the Dow Jones Industrial Average at 13,228 (+24 points).

Meanwhile European bourses all closed higher possible on a rebound after an eventful week, it said.

“We believe this as a lull before the storm as the situation in Spain is ripe for traders to manufacture more volatility ahead.

“To recap, the country recently was downgraded by the S&P and recently reported its unemployment rate of 24.4% for 1Q12 should become as a main target to derail sentiments, it said.

The research house said Asian markets were weaker possibly spooked by the situation in Spain amid profit taking activities.

“Locally, the FBM KLCI fell almost 12 points to 1,567 ahead of the Bersih 3.0 Rally as investors continue to pare down their holdings.

“We believe outlook for the local bourse has deteriorated for the 2Q12 unless corporate earnings for the 1Q excel. Next support is seen at 1,560,” it said.

Among the gainers on Bursa Malaysia at mid-morning, Chin Teck added 29 sen to RM9.30, Aeon Credit and Petronas Dagangan up 22 sen each to RM10.38 and RM19.28, Tasek 21 sen to RM8.76, UMW and Carlsberg 14 sen each to RM7.97 and RM11.62, Genting PLANTATION []s 13 sen to RM9.52, Toyo Ink and KLK 12 sen each to RM1.53 and RM23.82, while Petra Energy added 11 sen to RM1.27.

Utopia was the most actively traded counter with 178.28 million shares done. The stock was unchanged at 8.5 sen.

Other actives included DRB-Hicom, XDL, CSL, Berjaya Corp. Daya Materials, Metronic and Oversea.

Decliners included PacificMas, Bumi armada, Dutch Lady, IJM Plantations, Sarawak Plantations, Batu Kawan, GAB and Gadang.



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CIMB Research upgrades Genting Plantations to Neutral, raises TP to RM9.35

KUALA LUMPUR (April 16) CIMB Research has upgraded Genting PLANTATION []s Bhd from Underperform to Neutral with a revised target price of RM9.35 from RM8.53 and said the stronger growth prospects helped offset its concern over the ompany’s rich valuations.

Genting Plantations has entered into an agreement to acquire a 63.2% stake in a joint venture company for US$116 million (RM348 million), a move which will give it access to some 74,390ha of oil palm estates in Indonesia’s central Kalimantan.

“But its effective stake in the Indonesian subsidiaries parked under the JV company will only be 60%. Some 14,150ha of the landbank are planted with oil palms,” CIMB Research said in a note Monday.

The research house said Genting Plantations’ acquisition of 63.2% of a JV company with Indonesian estates is a good move as it will boost its output growth, raised its planted area by 15% and enhance FY13-14 EPS by 1-3%.

“Our SOP-based target price rises as we up the plantation P/E from 12.6x to 14x, in line with the big-cap players.

“We upgrade the stock from Underperform to Neutral as the stronger growth prospects help offset our concern over its rich valuations. We continue to prefer Sime Darby,” it said.



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Stocks to watch Eversendai, Boustead, Tenaga, Genting Plantations

KUALA LUMPUR (April 14): Malaysian shares are anticipated to rise next week and analysts expect the FBM KLCI to extend its rally higher supported by positive sentiment on good Q1 earning result, further stimulus from global central banks, easing borrowing costs in Europe and stronger than expected China’s economic recovery.

Investor jitters at the regional markets over rising tensions in the Korean Peninsula dissipated with North Korea’s botched missile launch.

However, euro zone crisis is flaring up and debt auctions by safe-haven Germany and current bad boy Spain in the coming week will provide a gauge how far investor sentiment has changed since the shock and awe of recent ECB liquidity injections has worn thin, according to Reuters.

Affin Investment Bank Bhd vice president and head of retail research Dr Nazri Khan said the impressive rebound made by China stock market (China Shanghai composite posted best-in-two-months daily performance last week) would give more upside momentum to the emerging markets including Malaysia.

“As China is the world's biggest importer of commodities, we reckon stronger Chinese stocks and weaker USA dollar will lead to more commodity buying (FTSE China climbed 4%, CRB Index up 1% and Dollar Index down 2% respectively) which in turn will benefit Malaysian stocks.

Among the stocks that could be in focus on Bursa Malysia are Eversendai Corp Bhd, BOUSTEAD HOLDINGS BHD [], TENAGA NASIONAL BHD [] and Genting PLANTATION []s Bhd.

Eversendai Corp will undertake a 193 million riyal (RM158 million) structural steel job for the railway station at King Abdul-Aziz International Airport in Saudi Arabia.

The company said last Friday that it ha been appointed as subcontractor for the project by Saudi Binladin Group Architecture & Building CONSTRUCTION [] Division.

Bosutead has roped in Luxembourg-based Ikano Holding SA as a joint venture (JV) partner to acquire prime Kuala Lumpur land where both companies intend to develop and manage a shopping centre.

Boustead last Friday said the JV would it to increase its portfolio of retail investment PROPERTIES [] and leverage on its expertise to jointly develop and manage a shopping centre in the Kuala Lumpur city centre location," Boustead said.

Ikano owns and runs IKEA retail outlets across South East Asia under a franchise agreement with IKEA System BV.

Tenaga could extend its gains on Monday on the back of its net profit rising more than four fold from a year earlier, as a RM2.02 billion fuel-cost compensation from the government and Petroliam Nasional Bhd mitigated the impact of costlier fuel to the state-owned utility's profits.

The stock rose 10 sen to close at RM6.61 last Friday.

Genting Plantations will acquire a controlling 63.2% stake in a joint venture (JV) company for US$116 million (about RM355 million), a move which will give the acquirer access to some 74,000 ha of oil palm plantation in Kalimantan, Indonesia.

In a statement to Bursa Malaysia on Friday, Genting Plantations said it would jointly own the Singapore-based JV entity Global Agripalm Investment Holdings Pte Ltd with Global Agrindo Investment Co Ltd which will hold the remaining stake. Global Agrindo is part of Indonesia-based Sin Tek Huat Group.



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Genting Plantations- Sin Tek Huat JV to cultivate oil palm in Indonesia

KUALA LUMPUR (April 13) : Genting PLANTATION []s Bhd will acquire a controlling 63.2% stake in a joint venture (JV) company for US$116 million (about RM355 million), a move which will give the acquirer access to some 74,000 ha of oil palm plantation in Kalimantan, Indonnesia.

In a statement to Bursa Malaysia on Friday, Genting Plantations said it will jointly own the Singapore-based JV entity Global Agripalm Investment Holdings Pte Ltd with Global Agrindo Investment Co Ltd which will hold the remaining stake. Global Agrindo is part of Indonesia-based Sin Tek Huat Group.

“The proposed JV is in line with Genting Plantations’ long-term strategy to increase its interest in the palm oil industry, consistent with its confidence in the continued growth prospects of the industry.

“The proposed JV represents another positive step by Genting Plantations group towards realising its vision of establishing itself as a major player in the industry,” the firm said.



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KLCI reverses earlier loss, breaches 1,600-level at mid-day break

KUALA LUMPUR (April 12): The FBM KLCI reversed its earlier losses and breached the 1,600-point level at the mid-day break on Thursday, as regional markets turned positive as well.

The FBM KLCI added 0.24% or 3.76 points to 1,600.93 at the mid-day break, lifted by gains at select blue chips.

Gainers trailed losers by 267 to 302, while 308 counters traded unchanged. Volume was 553.07 million shares valued at RM574.19 million.

Asian shares eked out small gains and the euro steadied on Thursday, reflecting investor caution over sovereign funding for troubled eurozone economies Spain and Italy, despite their declining yields that helped global equities rebound overnight, according to Reuters.

An encouraging start to the earnings season helped US stocks snap a five-day losing streak, spurring investors to scale back safe haven buying of gold and US and German government debt on Wednesday, but further selling of these perceived safe assets weakened in Asia on Thursday, its aid.

At the regional markets, the Shanghai Composite Inded added 0.40% to 2,318.16, Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index rose 0.36% to 20,212.83, Japan's Nikkei 225 gained 0.29% to 9,.485.52, Taiwan's Taiex edged up 0.04% to 7,659.70, Singapore's Straits Times Index rose 0.58% to 2,963.29 while South Korea's Kospi shed 0.90% to 1,976.83.

BIMB Securities Research in a note Thursday said that buoyed by Alcoa's better than expected earnings for the 1Q12 plus easing concerns over Europe, investors became less edgy thus the 89 points gain for the Dow Jones Industrial Average to surpass the 12,800 level.

The research house However said it still detected a hint of skepticism as Wall Street closed 40 points off its intra-day high.

As for Europe, successful sale of bonds by Germany, Italy and Spain had allayed fears of a deepening crisis, it said.

In response to indications of more bond purchases, yields for both Italy and Spain declined hence pushed European bourses all higher.

It was a rather mixed day for Asian markets as most are still coping with indications from both the US and Europe.

"Malaysia was closed for public holiday (on Wednesday) after another interesting day on Tuesday with the FBM KLCI adding almost 6 points to inch closer to 1,600 again.

"We reckon buying on the local bourse to persist supporting any weaknesses. Today, we may see the 1,600 mark to be breached again," it said.

On Bursa Malaysia, BAT was the top gainer in the morning session and rose 86 sen to RM55.56, SMPC 34 sen to RM1.48, Genting PLANTATION []s up 21 sen to RM9.73, Timwell up 14 sen to 95 sen, Tradewinds Plantations up 12 sen to RM5.83, CyberTowers up 11.5 sen to 70.5 sen, MSC up 11 sen to RM4.72, Kluang up 10 sen to RM2.90, while Tenaga and Advanced Packaging added nine sen each to RM6.46 and RM1.39 respectively.

The decliners included Dutch Lady, Manulife, GAB, Chin Teck, Toyo Ink, BLD Plantations, Top Glove, Pansonic and KLK, while the actives included Asia Bio, Tiger Synergy, Metronic, Asia Global, DGSB and Tambun.



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FBM KLCI down on global economic concerns

KUALA LUMPUR (April 12) : Malaysian shares fell on Thursday morning as trading resumed following Wednesday’s public holiday. The FBM KLCI traded lower as investors reacted to global economic concerns which had dragged Asian markets down on Wednesday.

Crucial highlights include sovereign debt woes in Europe and growth prospect in the US and China, all of which, are major importing nations. In technical terms, analysts said selling in the FBM KLCI is still prevalent as the index failed to close higher than the 1,600 level after April 4.

“This comes on the back of a “negative divergence” in the daily relative strength index (RSI) where the daily RSI reading for the April price peak is below that of early March.

“Nonetheless, the index’s upward trend in the past six months is by no means over,” OSK Research Sdn Bhd technical analyst Mohammad Ashraf Abu Bakar wrote in a note.

At 10am, the FBM KLCI fell 0.24 point to 1,596.93. Across the exchange, some 217 million shares worth RM171 million were traded, leading to 171 gainers versus 189 decliners.

Top gainers SMPC Corp Bhd rose 27 sen to RM1.41 while Genting PLANTATION []s Bhd added 13 sen to RM9.65

Decliners NESTLE (M) BHD [] fell 26 sen to RM55.70 while BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO (M) [] Bhd was down 20 sen to RM54.50.



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KLCI down in early trade, slips below 1,590-level

KUALA LUMPUR (April 10): Shares on Bursa Malaysia fell in early trade on Tuesday with most investors staying on the side-lines given the weaker regional sentiment and a holiday-shortened trading week in Malaysia.

The FBM KLCI fell 2.84 points to 1,588.44 at 9.03am, weighed by losses at select blue chips.

Losers edged gainers by 59 to 47, while 100 counters traded unchanged. Volume was 27.05 million shares valued at RM13.07 million.

Wednesday is a public holiday in Malaysia in conjunction with the installation ceremony of the Yang DiPertuan Agong.

Meanwhile, Global stocks and crude oil fell on Monday as investors reacted to the surprisingly sharp slowdown in U.S. jobs growth reported last week, which raised concerns about the strength of the world's largest economy, according to Reuters.

Stocks on Wall Street and crude oil futures prices slid about 1% on the first trading day after the U.S. Labor Department reported the March jobs data. U.S. equity markets were closed on Friday for the Good Friday holiday, it said.

Among the aly decliners on Bursa Malaysia were Genting PLANTATION []s, Petronas Gas, Lafarge Malayan Cement, HLFG, Hong Leong Bank, Astino, Petronas Dagangan, Public Bank and Parkson.



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CIMB Research has technical buy on Genting Plantation at RM9.45

KUALA LUMPUR (March 30): CIMB Equities Research has a technical buy on Genting PLANTATION [] at RM9.45 at which it is trading at a FY13 price-to-earnings of 16.3 times and price-to-book value of 2.2 times.

It said on Friday Genting Plantation is forming a triangle currently with its moving averages acting as support.

“This means that there is one more leg upwards to new highs before the rally terminates,” it said.

CIMB Research said the MACD was just flat above the zero line while its RSI is holding above the 40pts mark. Both are at neutral level but above their respective support levels.

“Aggressive traders may choose to go long here with a stop placed below RM9.25. A breakout above RM9.65 would push prices to retest the RM9.80 high and even the RM10.00 psychological level,” the research house said.



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KLCI edges up mid-day, lifted by select blue chips

KUALA LUMPUR (March 29): The FBM KLCI edged up at the mid-day break on Thursday, lifted by select blue chips including CIMB, Genting-linked counters, Petronas Chemicals and BAT.

At 12.30pm, the KLCI was up 0.41% to 1,584.16. Gainers trailed losers by 197 to 388, while 318 counters were traded unchanged. Volume was 819.28 million shares valued at RM554.24 million.

Asian shares fell for a second successive day on Thursday as concerns about growth prospects in the world's two largest economies, the United States and China, prompted investors to trim their risk exposure ahead of the end of the quarter, according to Reuters.

Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index lost 1.2% to 20,634.30, Taiwan’s Taiex fell 2.67% to 7,823.78, South Korea’s Kospi fell 1.06% to 2,010.26, Japan’s Nikkei 225 was down 0.82% to 10,099.30, the Shanghai Composite Index 0.58% to 2,271.60 and Singapore’s Straits Times Index 0.28% to 3,007.44.

Among the gainers on Bursa Malaysia, Dutch Lady was the top gainer, up RM2.62 to RM37.50.

BAT added 18 sen to RM56.52, Aeon 14 sen to RM9.35, Toyo Ink 14 sen to RM9.35, MISC 12 sen to RM5.32 and Shell 10 sen to RM10.20. Southern Acids, Kulim, Ta Ann and Crescesndo added nine sen each to RM2.39, RM4.30, RM6.18 and RM1.90 respectively.

CIMB rose seven sen to RM7.57, while Petronas Chemicals, Genting and Genting PLANTATION []s added two sen each to RM6.70, RM11.12 and RM3.89 respectively.

Naim Indah Corp was the most actively traded counter with 56.7 million shares done. The stock added half a sen to 48.5 sen.

Other actives included Ariantec, Focus, SuperComnet, Metronic, Key West and Iris Corp.

Among the decliners were Shangri-la, BLD Plantations, GAB, Sungei Bagan, RHB Capital, SMPC, PPB, SBC Corp and Kris Assets.



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KLCI pares down gains at mid-day

KUALA LUMPUR (March 27): the FBM KLCI pared down some of its gains at the mid-day break on Tuesday while key regional markets mostly rebounded on the back of the firmer overnight close at Wall Street.

Asian stocks rebounded on Tuesday and the dollar struggled after Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke said ultra-loose monetary policy was still needed to reduce unemployment even though the U.S. economy has shown signs of improvement, according to Reuters.

Wall Street stocks had risen more than 1 percent on Bernanke's comments, which supported views that easy monetary policy would remain in place for some time and fanned expectations for more asset purchases by the U.S. central bank, it said.

The FBM KLCI was up 5.20 points to 1,588.18 at the mid-day break, lifted by gains at select blue chips. The index had earlier risen to its intra-morning high of 1,591.03.

Losers edged gainers by 334 to 311, while 333 counters traded unchanged. Volume was 1.09 billion shares valued at RM726.26 million.

The ringgit strengthened 0.33% to 3.0697 versus the US dollar; crude palm oil futures for the third month delivery rose RM3 per tonne to RM3,462, crude oil fell 28 cents par e barrel to US$106.75 and gold lost US$3.15 an ounce to US$1,686.93.

At the regional markets, Japan’s Nikkei 225 rose 1.56% to 10,174.10, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index gained 1.37% to 20,951.20, the Shanghai Composite Index edged up 0.20% to 2,355.29, Taiwan’s Taiex was up 0.42% to 8,001.40, South Korea’s Kospi rose 0.60% to 2,031.27 and Singapore’s Straits Times Index added 0.85% to 2,999.72.

On Bursa Malaysia, Dutch Lady rose 60 sen to RM32, F&N was up 28 sen to RM18.54, Petronas Dagangan gained 24 sen to RM18.72, HLFG 18 sen to RM12.30, Genting PLANTATION []s 16 sen to RM9.41, MPI 15 sen to RM3.28, Petronas Gas and KLK up 14 sen each to RM16.88 and RM24, Amway 11 sen to RM9.81 and Ekovest 10 sen to RM2.70.

Metronic was the most actively traded counter with 152.12 million shares done. The stock rose 2.5 sen to 23 sen.

Other actives included Ariantec, Supercomnet, Frontken, Oversea Enterprise, Focus, TMS, Edusopec and Flonic.

Decliners this morning included Nestle, Supercomnet, SMPC, NISC, Top Glove, Favelle Favco, Allianz, AirAsia and Kossan.



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KLCI reverses gains, slips into negative territory

KUALA LUMPUR (March 26): The FBM KLCI slipped and closed in negative territory on Monday in line with most of the key regional markets that reversed their earlier gains and fell in later trade, extending losses after weak PMI reports last week stoked fears that China's economy was slowing and the euro zone is sliding into recession.

The FBM KLCI fell 2.85 points to close at 1,582.98, weighed by losses at index-linked PLANTATION [] stocks and select blue chips including Tenaga and MISC.

At the regional markets, Taiwan’s Taiex lost 1.35% to 7,967.62, South Korea’s Kospi fell 0.38% to 2,019.19, Singapore’s Straits Times Index xx, while Japan’s Nikkei 225 gained 0.07% to 10,018.24, the Shanghai Composite Index added 0.05% to 2,350.690 and Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index closed flat at 20,0668.86.

Meanwhile, European shares rose on Monday in a technical bounce, after recording their steepest weekly loss since the start of the year, as investors searched for bargains and positioned themselves for a potential strong German Ifo figure.

On Bursa Malaysia, Carlsberg was the top loser and fell 26 sen to RM10.20, Jaya Tiasa 22 seen to RM8.08, Chin teck Plantations fell 20 sen to RM9.10, Warisan down 19 sen to RM2.41, Tenaga lost 18 sen to RM6.50, JT International and Litrak lost 16 sen each to RM6.60 and RM3.94, Far East 15 sen to RM7.40 while AirAsia fell 13 sen to RM3.46.

Among plantations, Genting Plantations lost 22 sen to RM9.25, while KLK and IOI Corp fell four sen each to RM23.86 and RM5.34.

Among the gainers, Dutch Lady added 42 sen to RM31.40, SMPC up 28 sen to RM1.84, Aeon 25 sen to RM9.40, BAT 20 sen to RM54, Supercomnet added 19.5 sen to 49.5 sen, PUC and Hartalega 14 sen each to 29 sen and RM8.09, Unisem 13 sen to RM1.46, HLFG 12 sen to RM12.12 while Malayan Flour Mills was up 11 sen to RM4.44.

The actives included Focus, metronic, Supercomnet, Ariantec, Naim Indah Corp, Flonic and Karambunai.



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FBM KLCI cuts losses, in positive territory at lunch break

KUALA LUMPUR (March 21) : The FBM KLCI cut losses to leap back into positive territory towards lunch break as most Asian stock markets encountered a sell down on China economic growth concerns.

Regional sentiment was hit by updates on costlier retail energy in China and the anticipation of weaker demand in the world’s second largest economy for raw materials such as iron ore, the primary feedstock for steel manufacturing.

In Malaysia, the 30-stock FBM KLCI rose 0.68 point to 1,578.3 at 12.30pm with 1.83 billion shares worth some RM682 million traded. Across the exchange, there were 238 gainers versus 349 decliners while 330 stocks were unchanged.

The index had fallen as much as 0.3%or 4.45 points to an intraday low of 1,573.17 earlier.

Top gainer and most active stock METRONIC GLOBAL BHD [] added 18 sen to 29 sen followed by Genting PLANTATION []s Bhd which was up 11 sen to RM9.46.

Metronic said on Monday it was informed by its managing director Dr Ng Tek Che that he was approached by parties who are keen to acquire his 5.23% stake in the firm.

Decliners include ALLIANZ MALAYSIA BHD [] which lost 17 sen to RM4.70 while PPB GROUP BHD [] was down 16 sen to RM16.40.

Most Asian stockmarkets fell at midday. Japan’s Nikkei 225 declined 0.48% to 10,093.1 points, Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 was down 0.37% to 4,259, while Hong Kong’s Hang Seng lost 0.47% to 20,789.8



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FBM KLCI falls in morning trade on China growth concerns

KUALA LUMPUR (March 21) : Malaysians stocks fell on Wednesday morning in tandem with Asian markets due to China’s economic growth concerns. These include costlier retail energy prices in China and an anticipated weaker demand in the world’s second largest economy for raw materials such as iron ore, the primary feed stock for steel manufacturing.

Analysts said the Malaysian equities barometer FBM KLCI is expected to consolidate in the near term and the spotlight will now be directed at companies with smaller market capitalisation.

“Stocks should extend consolidation in the near-term, with trading activity focused on ACE market, small-caps and penny stocks while blue chips maintain their range-bound trading pattern,” TA Securities Holdings Bhd wrote in a note on Wednesday.

In Malaysia, the 30-stock FBM KLCI fell 1.6 points to 1,576.02 at 9.26am with some 273 million shares worth RM81million traded. There were 109 gainers versus 148 decliners while 178 stocks were unchanged.

Top gainers across Bursa Malaysia include Petrol One Resources Bhd which added 20 sen to RM1.08 while Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd was up eight sen to RM5.68.

Decliners include HONG LEONG FINANCIAL GROUP BHD [] which fell 12 sen to RM11.88 while Genting PLANTATION []s Bhd was down 11 sen to RM9.24.

Most active was INGENUITY SOLUTIONS BHD [] which added three sen to 14 sen with some 58 million shares done.

Asian stock benchmarks declined. Japan’s Nikkei 225 fell 0.21% to 10,120.57 points, Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 was down 0.32% to 4,261.4, while South Korea’s Kospi lost 0.42% to 2,033.5.



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KLCI up 0.6% at mid-morning

KUALA LUMPUR (March 14): The FBM KLCI rose at mid-morning on Wednesday, in line with the improved sentiment at key regional markets following the firmer overnight close at Wall Street.

At 10am, the 30-stock index was up 9.18 points to 1,573.20. Gainers led losers by 326 to 106, while 223 counters were traded unchanged. Volume was 246.15 million shares valued at RM221.51 million.

Asian shares rose on Wednesday as upbeat US economic data boosted investors' risk appetite, while reduced expectations for further monetary easing from the Federal Reserve underpinned the dollar, according to Reuters.

At the regional markets, Japan’s Nikkei 225 rose 1.92% to 10,089.60, Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index gained 0.96% to 21,544.50, the Shanghai Composite Index edged up 0.18% to 2,460.12, Taiwan’s Taiex rose 0.60% to 10,489.60, South Korea’s Kopsi rose 1.28% to 2,051.03 and Singapore’s Straits Times Index added 0.95% to 3,017.49.

BIMB Securities Research said US stocks climbed sharply overnight, pushing the major averages to multi-year highs since 2007 backed by stronger US economy; improved retail sales and recovering banking sector.

The S&P 500 rose 1.8 percent to 1,395.95 while the Dow added 217.97 points to 13,177.68. The rally picked up speed in the final hour after JPMorgan Chase boosted its dividend and announced a US$15 billion buyback, said the research house.

Over in Europe, shares climbed to their highest in more than seven months boosted by encouraging economic data from Germany and the US.

“Domestically, the FBM KLCI closed flat (on Tuesday) just below the 1,565 support level; nonetheless net foreign trading participation remains positive at RM77.7 billion," it said.

BIMB Research said the strong rally over in US and Europe might boost sentiment on the local market and it expected the KLCI might test the immediate 1,570.

On Bursa Malaysia, BAT was the top gainer, up RM1.48 to 54.28, Hwatai 19.5 sen to 74 sen, Toyo Ink 19 sen to RM1.63, Genting PLANTATION []s 17 sen to RM9.40, UMW 16 sen to RM7.27.

Shell and Tasek gained 10 sen each to RM10.10 and RM8.70, while Ta Ann and AirAsia added nine sen each to RM5.69 and RM3.63.

Sin Heng Chan, which fell earlier following a query by Bursa Malaysia Securities over its unusual market activity on Tuesday, rose 16 sen to RM1.25,

Naim Indah Corp was the most active counter with 43.99 million shares done. The stock fell three sen to 65.5 sen.

Other actives included Euro Holdings, FFHB, Sinh Heng Chan, Winsun, Silver Bird, Hwatai, YTL and CAM Resources.

Decliners included Quality Concrete, Sunchirin, MISC, LTKM, Gadang, PFCE, UPA Corp and Selangor Dredging.



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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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Regional markets in the red, KLCI dn nearly 13 pts

KUALA LUMPUR (March 7): All key regional market fell in the morning session on Wednesday, extending their losses from the previous day on renewed uncertainty over Greece's bailout and mounting worries about slowing global economies.

At 12.30pm, the FBM KLCI staged a correction, falling 12.98 points or 0.82% to 1,576.93. Turnover was 941.31 million shares valued at RM939.97 million. Losers beat gainers 515 to 158 while 262 counters were unchanged.

Japan’s Nikkei 225 lost 0.81% to 9,559.45, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index fell 0.75% to 20,649.46, Taiwan’s Taiex 0.37% to 7,908.40, South Korea’s Kospi 0.81% to 1,984.25 and Singapore’s Straits Times Index 0.58% to 2,914.97.

US light crude oil rose 43 cents to US$105.13 while crude palm oil futures fell RM9 to RM3,233 per tonne. The ringgit weakened to RM3.0288 against the US dollar.

BIMB Securities Research said it had expected the overnight fall on Wall Street to cause some negative knee-jerk reactions “but (we) see this as a very good opportunity to accumulate on weakness”.

Dealers said retail participation in the market had been low, with traders punting on lower liners and speculative counters. They added local funds were mostly the bigger players in the trading of blue chips and big cap stocks.

CIMB was the biggest drag on the KLCI. It fell 11 sen to RM7.31, pushing the index down by 1.94 points.

HLFG fell the most, down 40 sen to RM12.10, Genting PLANTATION []s 20 sen to RM9.29, MISC 20 sen to RM5.40, Genting 18 sen to RM10.74 and PPB 14 sen to RM16.72.

Dijaya fell 12 sen to RM1.55 and the warrants five sen to 58 sen in active trade, but they were off their intra-morning lows.

Naim Indah was the most active with 204.60 million shares done, up 10.5 sen to 62.5 sen, bucking the weaker market. Silver Bird added five sen to 23.5 sen.

Among the gainers were Ta Ann, up nine sen to RM5.76 and Esso seven sen to RM3.69. Advanced Packaging rose 15 sen to RM1.40 and Iretex 13 sen to RM1.10.



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