Local uncertainties keep investors at bay

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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



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KLCI closes lower, but pares down loses

KUALA LUMPUR (April 24): The FBM KLCI closed lower on Tuesday, but pared down it losses to move above the 1,580-point mark in line with the slight recovery at most key regional and European markets.

European share markets and the single currency staged modest recoveries on Tuesday, after steep losses caused by the worsening performance of the euro zone economy and a sharp rise in concern over the political will to fix its fiscal problems, according to Reuters.

The FBM KLCI fell 1.52 points to close at RM1,582.28. The index had earlier fallen to its intra-day low of 1,579.04.

Market breadth remained weak with 409 losers, 273 gainers and 348 counters trading unchanged. Volume was 1.42 billion shares valued at RM1.55 billion.

At the regional markets, Hong Kong’s hang Seng Index gained 0.26% to 20,677.16, Taiwan’s Taiex added 0.24% to 7,498.84, the Shanghai Composite Index edged up 0.01% to 2,388.83 and Singapore’s Straits Times Index

Meanwhile, South Korea’s Kospi fell 0.47% to 1,963.42 and Japan’s Nikkei 225 shed 0.78% to 9,468.04.

Among the decliners on Bursa Malaysia, Petronas dagangan fell 26 sen to RM19.28, Jaya Tiasa down 22 sen to RM9.54, Carlsberg 20 sen to RM11.30, SAM Engineering 17 sen to RM3.38, APM Automotive down 14 sen to RM4.50, Tradewinds 13 sen to RM9.52, S P Setia 11 sen to RM3.73, while Subur Tiasa and Ta Ann lost 10 sen each to RM2.85 and RM6.50.

Ariantec was the most actively trade counter with 142.38 million shares done. The stock gained one sen to 25 sen.

Other actives included Ingenuity Solutions, Metronic, Focus, CSL, Ramunia, TMS, JCY and Astral Supreme.

Gainers included Aeon Credit, Top Glove, CSL, Panasonic, MMC Corp, Three-A Resources, Quality Concrete, UMW and JCY.



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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 struggles but stays above 1,580-level

KUALA LUMPUR (APRIL 23): The FBM KLCI struggled to remain above the important 1,580-level on Monday after having succumbed more than 8 points to fall below the 1,590-level.

Asian shares trended lower as political developments in France and the Netherlands raised fears about the region's commitment to tackle its ongoing debt crisis, according to Reuters.

The FBM KLCI lost 8.05 points to close at 1,583.80, weighed by losses including at CIMB, Genting, BAT, Tenaga, Telekom and RHB Capital.

Europe's top shares opened lower on Monday on the political concerns, but attention was expected to switch to the economy, with euro zone manufacturing activity indicators due out later after data from China showed some signs of recovery in factory output but not enough to prevent the sector contracting, said Reuters.

At the regional markets, Hong Kong’s hang Seng Index lost 1.84% to 20,634.39, Singapore’s Straits Times Index lost 1.11% to 2,961.18, the Shanghai Composite Index fell 0.76% to 2,388.59, Taiwan’s Taiex was down 0.35% to 7,481.09, and Japan’s Nikkei 225 shed 0.20% to 9,542.17, whiel South Korea’s Kospi edged down 0.10% to 1,972.63.

Among the major losers on Monday, BAT fell 98 sen to RM55.540, Aeon and Jaya Tiasa fell 21 sen each to RM9.20 and RM9.76, Genting 18 sen to RM10.62, Boustead 17 sen to RM5.28, Bumi Armada and CSL 16 sen each to RM4.31 and RM1.49, Warisan and Nestle down 14 sen each to RM2.34 and RM55.84, while Subur Tiasa fell 13 sen to RM2.95.

Other decliners included CIMB and Telekom that fell five sen each to RM7.50 and RM5/37, whiel RHB Capital and Tenaga lost four sen each to RM7.39 and RM6.48.

Araiantec was the most actively traded counter with 396.6 million shares done. The stock gained two sen to 24 sen.

Other actives included Metronic, Asral Supreme, Focus, Naim Indah Corp, JCY and Jotech.

Advancing stocks included Petronas Dagangan, Aeon Credit, United PLANTATION []s, Dutch Lady, Kencana, SapuraCrest, Manulife, Litrak and BIntulu Port.



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Malaysian stocks ease on global weakness

KUALA LUMPUR (April 20) : Malaysians stocks fell on Friday morning in tandem with regional peers following a weaker overnight close across US markets. Global markets had reacted negatively to less-optimistic employment updates in the US, and rising yields for Spain government bonds.

Analysts said external factors could have the upper hand in dictating the FBM KLCI, prompting the anticipation of a further decline in the 30-stock benchmark.

“External headwinds will probably persist to push down our Malaysian bourse today,” HwangDBS Vickers Research Sdn Bhd wrote in note.

At 10am, the FBM KLCI fell 2.52 points to 1,594.1. Across the exchange, some 257 million shares worth RM148 million were traded, leading to 163 gainers versus 167 decliners.

Top gainers KUALA LUMPUR KEPONG BHD [] added 36 sen to RM24.16, while JAYA TIASA HOLDINGS BHD [] was up 32 sen to RM10.

Among decliners, GENTING BHD [] fell 12 sen to RM10.80 while HONG LEONG INDUSTRIES BHD [] was down 10 sen to RM4.12.

Most active was Ariantec Global Bhd which rose 1.5 sen to 19 sen with some 42 million shares done.

Among Asian bourses, Japan’s Nikkei 225 fell 0.44% to 9,545.96 points, South Korea’s Kospi was down 1.25% to 1,974.93, while Australia’s S&P/ ASX 200 declined 0.17% to 4,355.4.



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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 gains on European debt sale and China outlook

KUALA LUMPUR (April 13) : Malaysian shares gained on Friday morning in tandem with Asian markets following overnight gains across US equity markets.

Global markets had found support from updates that Italian government bonds had seen better than expected demand, apart from the anticipation of China’s first quarter gross domestic product numbers on Friday. Analysts said overnight gains across US stock markets is expected lend to support to Asian equities.

“Back home, the benchmark FBM KLCI will probably show an extended upward bias following a cumulative two-day gain of 10 points. The immediate resistance barrier for the bellwether is currently seen at 1,610,” HwangDBS Vickers Research Sdn Bhd wrote in a note.

At 10am, the FBM KLCI added 2.12 points to 1,603.39. Across the exchange, some 300 million shares worth RM145 million were traded, leading to 262 gainers versus 122 decliners.

Top gainers JAYA TIASA HOLDINGS BHD [] added three sen to RM9.29 while AMWAY (M) HOLDINGS BHD [] was up 24 sen to RM10.

Decliners SARAWAK OIL PALMS BHD [] fell 27 sen to RM6.61 while TRADEWINDS (M) BHD [] was down 10 sen to RM10.10

Most active was INGENUITY SOLUTIONS BHD [] which added one sen to 10 sen with some 73 million shares done.

Among Asian bourses, Japan’s Nikkei 225 rose 1.64% to 9,680.85 points while Australia’s S&P/ ASX 200 added 1.03% to 4,324.6. South Korea’s Kospi was up 1.2% to 2,010.49.



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Tenaga, blue chips lift KLCI

KUALA LUMPUR (April 12): The FBM KLCI closed higher on Thursday, lifted by gains at blue chips including Tenaga, Genting PLANTATION []s and Petronas Dagangan.

The FBM KLCI gained 4.10 points to close at 1,601.27.

Losers edged gainers by 366 to 360, while 321 counters traded unchanged. Volume was 1.11 billion shares valued at RM1.60 billion.

At the regional markets, most of the bourses reversed earlier losses as the Shanghai Composite Index rose more than 1.8%.

Meanwhile, Hong Kong shares rose on Thursday lifted by the rally in mainland markets on the back of reports of proposals to boost economic development in Shenzen as well as optimism of easier monetary policy following GDP data due later in the week, according to Reuters.

The euro neared a one-week high against the dollar and European bond markets steadied on Thursday as investors awaited an Italian debt sale that will show whether concerns over Spain are spreading to other debt-laden euro zone nations, it said.

At the regional markets, the Shanghai Composite Index rose 1.82% to 2,350.86, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index added 0.93% to 20,327.32,Japan’s Nikkei 225 gained 0.70% to 9.524.79, Taiwan’s Taiex edged up 0.08% to 7,662.92, whiel South Korea’s Kospi fell 0.39% to 1,986.63.

On Bursa Malaysia, Jaya Tiasa was the top gainer and rose 44 sen to RM8.99, SMPC up 34 sen to RM1.48, Tradewinds Plantations gained 19 sen to RM5.90, Cybertowers and Sarawak Oil Palms up 16 sen each to 75 sen and RM6.88, Genting Plantations and Brahims 15 sen each to RM9.67 and RM1.33, while Tenaga, Bat and United Plantations rose 14 sen each to RM6.51, RM54.84 and RM24.90 respectively.

Among the decliners, Warisan fell 30 sen to RM2.20, GAB down 22 sen to RM12.64, KLK 18 sen to RM24.32, BLD Plantations 16 sen to RM9.23, Panasonic, Manulife, Top Glove and LPI down 12 sen each to RM21.50, RM3.25, RM4.20 and RM13.80 respectively, RHB Capital fell 11 sen to RM7.36 and Shangri-La lost 10 sen to RM2.98.

The actives included JCY, Tiger Synergy, Asia Bio, Metronic, Ariantec and CSL.



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Stocks to Watch Jaya Tiasa, Gopeng, Xian Leng

KUALA LUMPUR (April 2): Malaysian equities could exhibit further weakness on Friday in anticipation of less trading volume during the Good Friday and Easter holiday season.

Analysts said weaker technical indicators for equities, and fresh concerns on a protracted European sovereign debt crisis could result in more volatility for the FBM KLCI ahead of Malaysia's general election.

The FBM KLCI fell 5.83 points to finish at 1,593.44 points on Thursday.

Stocks to watch on Friday include JAYA TIASA HOLDINGS BHD [], TA ANN HOLDINGS BHD [], GOPENG BHD [], FAVELLE FAVCO BHD [], and XIAN LENG HOLDINGS BHD [].

Jaya Tiasa, a PLANTATION [] and timber entity, rose as much as 2.7% or 24 sen to RM9, ahead of the ex-date for its treasury shares on Friday.

Ta Ann climbed as much 3% or 18 sen to RM6.38, after Maybank Investment Bank Bhd initiated coverage on the timber player with a buy call and fair value of RM8.

Gopeng, a builder, plans to reward shareholders with a final dividend of 9.8 sen, less 25% tax.

Crane builder Favelle Favco has secured five contracts with a combined value of about RM102.1 million.

The special audit on Xian Leng revealed financial irregularities in its fish farm development capital expenditure amounting to RM90.7 million, of which a total of RM85.7 million was disbursed under "questionable circumstances". Trading of Xian Leng shares, which has been suspended, will resume on Friday.



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Jaya Tiasa top gainer, up 2.7%

KUALA LUMPUR (April 5) : JAYA TIASA HOLDINGS BHD [] shares added as much as 2.7% to become the top gainer on Thursday noon ahead of the ex-date for its treasury shares the following day.

Jaya Tiasa plans to distribute to shareholders one treasury share for every 20 existing shares held in the timber and PLANTATION [] entity.

The stock rose 24 sen to settle at RM9 at 12.30pm with 86,500 shares done.



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KLCI retreats for second day, but pares down losses to stay above 1,590 at mid-day

KUALA LUMPUR (April 5): The FBM KLCI retreated for a second day on Thursday, in line with the weaker overnight close at most global markets as European debt woes stung risk appetite across the board.

At the mid-day break, the FBM KLCI was down 5.86 points to 1,593.41. The index had earlier slipped to its intra-morning low of 1,591.85.

Losers led gainers by 333 to 170, while 351 counters traded unchanged. Volume was 589.37 million shared valued at RM388.82 million.

The ringgit was flat at 3.0650 versus the US dolar; crude palm oil futures for the third month delivery fell RM6 per tonne to RM3,514, crude oil added 76 US cents per barrel to US102.23 while gold gained US$2.60 an ounce to US$1,623.38.

Asian shares fell on Thursday after a weak Spanish bond sale heightened concerns about funding difficulties for weaker eurozone countries, further undermining sentiment hurt by fading expectations of more stimulus from the US Federal Reserve, according to Reuters.

MSCI's broadest index of Asia Pacific shares outside Japan fell for a second straight session, easing as much as 1.3% to a four-week low, while Japan's Nikkei average fell 0.9%, also to a four-week low, after putting in its worst performance in five months a day earlier, it said.

At the regional markets, Japan’s Nikkei 225 fell 1.04% to 9,718.14, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index lost 1.09% to 20,564.30, the Shanghai Composite Index fell 1.37% to 2,293.89, Taiwan’s taiex fell 1.7% to 7,628.59, South Korea’s Kospi shed 0.21% to 2,014.44 and Singapore’s Straits Times Index shed 0.05% to 2,986.40.

On Bursa Malaysia, F&N was the top loser in the morning session and fell 26 sen to RM18.74, Sarawak OIL Palms and Genting fell 12 sen each to RM6.69 and RM12.96, Milux fell 10 sen to RM1.30, SHH, Metrod and Aeon Credit down nine sen each to 23 sen, RM1.91 and RM8.80, while Amway lost eight sen to RM9.82.

Among the gainers, Jaya Tiasa rose 24 sen to RM9, Tradewinds PLANTATION []s added eight sen to RM5.02, APB 7.5 sen to RM1, Ipmuda up seven sen to 77 sen, BHIC and Tecnic added six sen each to RM3.34 and RM3.98, while Tiong Nam Logistics and Takaful rose five sen each to RM1.03 and RM3.27.

Metronic was the most actively traded counter with 82.75 million shares done. The stock gained 1.5 sen to 16.5 sen.

Other actives included Ariantec, Naim Indah Corp, Tiger Synergy, SuperComnet, Ingenuity Solutions Focus, key West and Kurnia Asia.



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KLCI sustains momentum, closes at fresh all-time high

KUALA LUMPUR (APRIL 3): The FBM KLCI maintained its momentum and closed at a fresh all-time high above the psychologically-crucial 1,600-point level on Tuesday, in line with the generally positive sentiment at most global markets.

Asian shares on Tuesday sustained momentum from an overnight rally in global equities, with solid manufacturing data from the United States offsetting signs of mild recession in Europe, according to Reuters.

However, European shares and Brent crude oil prices dipped in early trade on Tuesday following recent sharp gains, as investors sought further signs of improvement in the global economy before chasing risky assets higher, it said.

The FBM KLCI closed 2.85 points to 1,606.63, lifted by gains at select blue chips including CIMB, Axiata, and BAT.

Gainers, however, trailed losers by 354 to 379, while 344 counters traded unchanged. Volume was 1.25 billion shares valued at RM1.36 billion.

At the regional markets, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index rose 1.31% to 20,790.98, the Shanghai Composite index added 0.47% to 2,262.79, South Korea’s Kospi gained 0.99% to 2,049.28, and Singapore’s Straits Times Index edged up 0.04% to 3,014.98 while Taiwan’s Taiex fell 1.3% to 7,760.85 and Japan’s Nikkei 225 lost 0.59% to 10,050.39.

On Bursa Malaysia, Dutch lady was the top gainer and rose 44 sen to RM35.94, Carlsberg added 34 sen to RM10.80, Jaya Tiasa 20 sen to RM8.72, HLFG 18 sen to RM12.50, BAT 16 sen to RM56.22, Sarawak PLANTATION []s 15 sen to RM3.24, MBM Resources 14 sen to RM4.77, APFT 12 sen to 79 sen, Voir 11.5 sen to 64.5 sen, Hightec 11 sen to 87 sen, Axiata nine sen to RM5.28 and CIMB two sen to RM7.81.

Metronic was the most actively traded counter with 134.23 million shares done. The stock fell 2.5 sen to 16 sen.

Other actives included Ingenuity Solutions, Ariantec, SuperComnet, Naim Indah Corp, Carotech, Utopia, Axiata and CIMB.

Meanwhile, decliners included Genting Plantations, SMPC, PPB, Warisan, Cepco, Can-One, Petronas Dagangan, Takaful and United Plantations.



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KLCI stays above 1,600-level at mid-day break

KUALA LUMPUR (April 3): The FBM KLCI stayed above the 1,600-level at the mid-day break on Tuesday, in line with the generally overall positive sentiment at key regional markets.

Asian shares rose on Tuesday on the back of strong gains in global equities overnight, after solid manufacturing data from the United States, and as leading Asian exporters offset signs of mild recession in Europe, according to Reuters.

The stronger-than-expected U.S. factory data pushed U.S. stocks to four-year highs, while European shares recorded their biggest daily gain in three weeks despite sluggish factory activity in the euro zone, it said.

The FBM KLCI rose 3.55 points to 1,607.33 at the mid-day break.

Gainers trailed losers by 323 to 294, while 319 counters trade unchanged. Volume was 591.10 million shares valued at RM55.31 million.

The ringgit strengthened 0.27% to 3,0463 versus US dollar; crude palm oil futures for the third month delivery gained RM27 per tonne to RM3,528, crude oil slipped 34 cents per barrel tp US$104.89 and godl rose US$2.15 an ounce to US$1,679.82.

At the regional markets, Hong Kong’s hamng Seng Idnex rose 0.48% to 20,621.40, the Shanghai Composite Index addd 0.47% to 2,262.79, Taiwan’s Taiex rose 1.65% to 7,733.08, South Korea’s Kosp added 0.85% to 2,046.58, whiel Japan’s Nikkei 225 fell 0.60% to 10,048.70 and Singapore’s Straits Times edged down 0.10% to 3,013.18.

Maybank Investment Bank Bhd research maintained its year-end KLCI target of 1,565 points, based on 13.3 times one-year forward earnings.

In a staretegy report released April 3, Maybank IB Research said while external conditions had improved and global financial markets continue to receive liquidity support, Malaysia was not out of the woods yet as the eurozone debt crisis had yet to fully play out, and there were still downside risks to the global economy.

“On the domestic front, an early 13th General Election (13GE), to be followed by the UMNO party elections this year-end, may lend to cautiousness in trading over the next few months,” it said.

On Bursa Malaysia, Dutch lady was the top gainer in the morning session on Tuesday and rose 52 sen top RM36.02, BAT added 42 sen to RM56.48, Carlsberg up 28 sen to RM10.74, Guan Chong 13 sen to RM2.82, United Malacca, Voir and Sarawak Planatations up 12 sen each to RM7.52, 66 sen and RM3.21 rspectively, while Jaya Tiasa and Nestle rose 11 sen each to RM8.63 and RM56.

Ingenuity Solutions was the most actively traded counter with 85.15 million shares done. The stock fell half a sen to 10 sen.

Other actives included Metronic, Naim Indah Corp, SuperComnet, Hubline, Araintec, Carotech, CIMB and Karambunai.

Decliners included Tahps, Genting PLANTATION []s, Cepco, United Plantations, SMPC, PPB, Petronas Dagangan and Can One.



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KLCI closes higher, lifted by CIMB and select blue chips

KUALA LUMPUR (March 29): The FBM KLCI closed higher on Thursday, lifted by select blue chips including CIMB, Genting, Hong Leong Bank and BAT but the broader market was cautious.

The 30-stock index added 1.69 points to 1585.44. Gainers trailed losers by 260 to 462, while 353 counters traded unchanged. Volume was 1.50 billion shares valued at RM1.39 billion.

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.

The Shanghai Composite Index fell 1.43% to 2,252.16, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index lost 1.32% to 20,609.39, Taiwan’s Taiex fell 2.06% to 7,872.66, South korea’s Kospi fell 0.85% to 2,014.41 while Singapore’s Straits Times index fell 0.28% to 3,007.44.

However, European stocks pared early losses and rose on Thursday, bouncing off a three-week low as rallying mining shares offset losses in the energy sector, where Total extended its slide, hit by worries over a gas leak in the North Sea, said Reuters.

On Bursa Malaysia, Warisan TC gained 20 sen to RM2.70, Aeon up 19 sen to RM9.40, BAT 18 sen to RM56.52, Hong Leong Bank 16 sen to RM12.38, Jaya Tiasa and Litrak added 15 sen each to RM8.38 and RM4.10. Toyo Ink rose 12 sen to RM1.58, WCT and Crescendo 11 sen each to RM2.50 and RM1.92, and Shell 10 sen to RM10.20.

Other gainers included CIMB that rose 10 sen to RM7.60, Genting four sen to RM11.14, Genting Malaysia two sen to RM3.89.

Decliners included Dutch lady, BLD PLANTATION []s, RHB Capital, GAB, Batu Kawan, SMPC, Bursa, United Plantations and Kossan.

The actives included Ariantec, Naim Indah Corp, Metronic, SuperComnet, Focus, Ingeuity Solutions, Key West and ManagePay.



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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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KLCI ends week on positive note

KUALA LUMPUR (March 23): The FBM KLCI ended the week on a positive note, lifted by gains at select blue chips including Bat, Genting and Petronas Gas, bucking the regional markets

The KLCI closed 2.59 points higher at 1,585.83 but the broader market showed some weakness as losers beat gainers 520 to 282, while 317 counters traded unchanged. Volume was 2.0 billion shares valued RM1.41 billion.

Crude palm oil futures for the third month delivery rose RM80 per tonne to RM,3,422.

Meanwhile, world stocks held steady below this week's eight-month peak on Friday while the dollar fell broadly as concerns about growth in China and the euro zone and a renewed focus on sovereign debt problems in Italy and Spain kept investors cautious, according to Reuters.

At the regional markets, the Hong Kong Hang Seng Index fell 1.11% to 20,668.80, Japan’s Nikkei 225 lost 1.14% to 10,011.47, the Shanghai Composite Index fell 1.10% to 2,349.54, while South Korea’s Kospi gained 0.04% to 2,026.83 and Taiwan’s Taiex rose 0.21% to 8,076.61.

On Bursa Malaysia, Jaya Tiasa was up 61 sen to RM8.30, BAT 50 sen to RM53.80, Dutch Lady up 38 sen to RM30.98, Genting 24 sen to RM11, Chin Teck and MAHB up 20 sen each to RM9.30 and RM5.97, Petronas Gas 18 sen to RM16.70, Lipo 16 sen to RM1.20 and Lafarge Malayan Cement 14 sen to RM7.20.

Metronic was the most actively traded counter with 181.72 million shares done. The stock fell 4.5 sen to 21 sen.

Other actives included Ingenuity Solutions, Trinity, Ariantec, SAAG, Naim Indah Corp, Flonic, Astral Supreme and JCY.

Decliners on Friday included Ta Win Holdings, WSR shares and warrants, Kulim, S P Setia, Tasek, Milux, Mercury and Deleum.



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KLCI stays in the black at mid-day break, Asian markets mostly in the red

KUALA LUMPUR (March 23): The FBM KLCI edged up 1.32 points to 1,584.56 at the mid-day break on Friday, lifted by gains including at Genting, Hong Leong Bank, KL Kepong and Petronas Gas.

Gainers trailed losers by 198 to 434, while 326 counters traded unchanged. Volume was 1.27 billion shares valued at RM614.23 million.

Asian shares fell on Friday and growth-linked currencies such as the Australian dollar were shunned after data showing shrinking factory activity in China and the euro zone heightened concerns about a slowdown in the global economy, according to Reuters.

At the regional markets, Japan’s Nikkei 225 fell 1.03% to 10,022.80, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index fell 0.96% to 20,701.50, the Shanghai Composite Index lost 0.68% to 2,359.57, Taiwan’ Taiex fell 0.15% to 8,047.84 and South Korea’s Kospi shed 0.02% to 2,025.65, while Singapore’s Straits Times Index was up 0.40% to 2,991.25.

On Bursa Malaysia, Jaya Tiasa rose 65 sen to RM8.34, BAT up 50 sen to RM53.80, Genting added 22 sen to RM10.98, Lipo rose 16 sen to RM1.20, Hong Leong Bank 12 sen to RM12.20, Dutch lady 10 sen to RM30.70, UMW and Subur Tiasa up nine sen each to RM7.22 and RM2.58, whiel KLK and Petronas Gas added eight sen each to RM23.90 and RM16.60.

Ingenuity Solutions was the most actively traded counter with 118.6 million shares done. The stock fell one sen to 12 sen.

Other actives included SAAG, Ariantec, Trinity, Metronic, Flonic, Astral Supreme, and Utopia.

Decliners in the morning session included Ta Win Holdings, QSR shares and warrants, Media Prima, Knusford, Coastal Contracts, SapuraCrest, KAf, Kein Hin and Deleum.



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Jaya Tiasa climbs on bonus issue, share placement, dividends

KUALA LUMPUR (March 23): Shares of Jaya Tiasa rallied on Friday after it announced a bonus issue, proposed share placement to raise RM299.74 million and one-for-20 share dividend.

At 10.57am, it was up 71 sen to RM8.40. There were 166,800 shares done.

The FBM KLCI rose 0.66 of a point to 1,583.90. Turnover was 1.03 billion shares valued at RM395.41 million. There were 188 gainers, 322 losers and 292 stocks unchanged.

The proposed placement will involve the issuance of up to 42.04 million new shares at RM7.13 per placement share. After adjusting for the payment of the share dividends, the proposed placement is expected to raise gross proceeds of RM299.74 million.

Its proposed bonus issue will be on the basis of two bonus shares for every one share held. Its one-for-20 share dividend will go ex on April 6.

Jaya Tiasa also reported on Thursday its net profit rose 14% to RM45.52 million in the quarter ended Jan 31, 2012 from RM39.89 million a year earlier as lower tax expenses offset lower revenue and higher operating costs.

Its revenue fell marginally to RM237.56 million from RM237.64 million a year earlier as the company registered lower prices for its logs besides oil palm fresh fruit bunch (FFB) and crude palm oil (CPO).

Cumulative nine-month net profit rose 54% to RM142.59 million from RM92.42 million a year earlier while revenue was up 20% to RM737.08 million from RM615.39 million.

RHB Research said the nine-month core net profit was below expectations. Key variances were mainly due to lower-than-expected FFB sales volume and lower average selling prices for logs in the third quarter.

“ We are positive on these corporate exercises as: 1) These will address the on-going concern of low stock trading liquidity; and 2) Fund-raising could be a prelude to potential landbank acquisition to increase the landbank of its oil palm PLANTATION [],” it said.

“ We raised our target PER for Jaya Tiasa’s plantation division to 15 times (from 13 times), in line with the recent upgrade in our target PER for the sector. We also remove the 10% discount in our SOP fair value given the proposed corporate exercises will improve the stock’s trading liquidity. Post earnings revision, fair value for Jaya Tiasa is revised to RM8.92 (from RM7.80),” it said.



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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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Stocks to watch: Ingenuity, Glomac, Jaya Tiasa, S P Setia. Malaysia AE Models, Lipo

KUALA LUMPUR (March 23) : The resilience of Malaysian stocks will be keenly watched on Friday as investors weigh the impact of weaker global macro updates against the effects of pre-election sentiment in the country.

Analysts believe April will be crucial in anticipation of announcements on potential winners of big-ticket domestic public projects ahead of Malaysia’s coming genera l election.

The anticipation could have spurred the FBM KLCI to close higher on Thursday despite a still-weak global sentiment emanating from the US, Europe and China.

The FBM KLCI which sank into the red earlier, had rebounded to close at 1,583.24, up 0.71 point on Thursday.

Stocks to watch on Friday include INGENUITY SOLUTIONS BHD [], GLOMAC BHD [], JAYA TIASA HOLDINGS BHD [], S P Setia Bhd, Malaysia AE Models Holdings Bhd (Maemode) and LIPO CORPORATION BHD [].

Bursa Malaysia has queried computer software developer Ingenuity on the unusual trading patterns of the stock on Thursday.

Glomac reported a 33% rise in net profit to RM21.89 million in the third quarter ended Jan 31, 2012 from a year earlier despite revenue falling 18% to RM145.29 million. The property developer said lower cost of sales had mitigated the impact of lower revenue and higher operating expenses during the quarter.

Jaya Tiasa said its net profit rose 14% to RM45.52 million in the quarter ended Jan 31, 2012 from a year earlier as revenue fell marginally to RM237.56 million from RM237.64 million a year earlier. Lower tax expenses had offset lower revenue and higher operating costs during the quarter, according to the timber and oil palm PLANTATION [] entity

S P Setia reported a 19% rise in net profit to RM74 million in the first quarter to Jan 31, 2012 from a year earlier as revenue fell 5% to RM491.58 million. The property developer said it had sold RM933 million worth of PROPERTIES [] during the quarter, up 27% from a year earlier.

Maemode has secured a RM61.93 million baggage handling system job at the new low cost carrier terminal. The contract was awarded by UEMC-Bina Puri J.V.

KOBAY TECHNOLOGY [] BHD [] is acquiring full control of its 53.16% subsidiary Lipo via a selective capital reduction and repayment exercise.

Kobay requested Lipo to reduce the paid-up by cancelling one share for every RM1 paid by Lipo to shareholders as capital repayment.

“All entitled shareholders will receive a cash payment amounting to RM1.25 per Lipo share pursuant to the proposed SCR,” it said.



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