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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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



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Select blue chips lift KLCI marginally higher

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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



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KLCI falls 25.72 points in April

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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



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KLCI 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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KLCI gains on US, Europe updates

KUALA LUMPUR (April 25) : Malaysians stocks rose in tandem with Asian peers following a stronger close across US markets in overnight trade. Global markets have responded positively to improving US corporate earnings and housing sector updates, apart from firm demand for European government bonds.

Analysts said investors will watch for clues of further quantitative easing (QE) by US policymakers to sustain the world’s largest economy. Signs of a further QE may spur global equities while an opposite indication could result in profit taking, they said.

“Selling pressures on Asian equities may abate today after Wall Street’s performance last night,” HwangDBS Vickers Research Sdn Bhd wrote in a note.

At 9.59am, the FBM KLCI added 1.13 points to 1,583.41. Across the exchange, some 372 million shares worth RM188 million were traded, leading to 222 gainers versus 138 decliners.

Top gainers UMW HOLDINGS BHD [] rose 18 sen to RM7.83, while Panasonic Manufacturing Malaysia Bhd was up 16 sen to RM22.30.

Among decliners, UMS HOLDINGS BHD [] fell 20 sen to RM1.60 while PPB GROUP BHD [] was down 12 sen to RM16.66.

Among actively-traded stocks, RAMUNIA HOLDINGS BHD [] added one sen to 41 sen with some 15 million shares done.

Across Asia, Japan’s Nikkei 225 rose 1% to 9,562.62 points while South Korea’s Kospi was up 0.34% to 1,970.11. The Australian exchange is closed for a public holiday.



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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 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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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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KLCI falls in tandem with regional markets

KUALA LUMPUR (April 9): A slew of negative external developments weighed down investor sentiment at the local bourse, and the FBM KLCI closed in the red on Monday.

Asian shares fell on Monday as a sharp slowdown in U.S. jobs growth raised concerns about the strength of the world's largest economy, prompting investors to curb risk exposure ahead of more U.S. data and earnings as well as figures from China this week, according to Reuters.

China stocks fell 0.9 percent on Monday, led by property firms, after data showed the inflation rate rose more than expected last month, prompting speculation that Beijing may delay further easing of monetary policy, it said.

The FBM KLCI closed 7.59 points lower at 1,591.28.

Market breadth was negative with 468 losers, 238 gainers and 322 counters trading unchanged. Volume was 1.08 billion shares valued at RM1.08 billion.

At the regional markets, Japan’s Nikkei 225 fell 1.47% to 9.546.26, the Shanghai Composite index was down 0.90% to 2,285.78, south Korea’a Kospi fell 1.57% to 1,997.08, Taiwan’s Taiex was fell 1.27% to 7,600.87 and Singapore’ Straits Times Index shed 0.87% to 2,960.10.

On Bursa Malaysia, BAT was the top loser and fell 74 sen to RM54.72, KrisAssets down 21 sen to RM6.67, BLD PLANTATION []s and Toyo Ink fell 20 sen each to RM9.20 and RM1.47, Panasonic and Petronas Dagangan down 18 sen each to RM21.70 and RM18.66, TDM and KLK lost 14 sen each to RM4.81 and RM24.50, while GAB and Petronas Gas were down 12 sen each to RM12.96 and RM16.66.

Naim Indah Corp was the most actively traded counter with 113.6 million shares done. The stock fell four sen to 53 sen.

Other actives included Metronic, DVM, EITA, Managed Pay, SuperComNet, Tiger Synergy and Focus.

Gainers included Aeon, SMPC, Milux, Kluang, Hong Leong Industries, Nationwide, Tanjung Offshore, Parkson, UMS and Nestle.



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KLCI edges lower at mid-morning as regional markets dip

KUALA LUMPUR (March 29): the FBM KLCI edged lower on Thursday in line with the weaker sentiment at key regional markets, following the sharp decline at the Shanghai Composite Index a day earlier.

Asian shares eased for a second day in a row on Thursday, as investors limited their risk exposures on concerns about growth prospects in the world's two largest economies, the United States and China, according to Reuters.

Commodity related assets were likely to be on the defensive after oil and copper fell the previous day, while a sharp decline in Chinese shares will weigh on the Australian dollar, as China is Australia's single largest export market, it said.

The FBM KLCI was down 0.29 of a point to 1,583.46 at 10am. Gainers trailed losers by 143 ti 208, while 238 counters traded unchanged. Volume was 356.91 million shares valued at RN160.94 million.

At the regional markets, Japan’s Nikkei fell 0.88% to 10,093.20, Hong Kong’Hang Seng Index lost 1.13% to 20,649.60, the Shanghai Composite Index shed 0.75% to 2,267.81, Taiwan’s taiex lost 1.83% to 7,890.95, South Korea’s Kospi fell 1.26% to 2,006.14 and Singapore’s Straits Times Index fell 0.54% to 2,999.55.

BIMB Securities Research in a note March 29 said equity markets ended lower (on March 28) amid a directionless trading day.

With no new developments, traders revisited “old” concerns of slowing global economy to justify their selling on oil and commodities related stocks, it said.

“As a consequence, the Dow Jones Industrial Average dipped almost 72 points to 13,126. Reflecting the less than optimistic sentiments, European bourses also succumbed to the selling pressure and closed yesterday’s session broadly lower,” it said.

The research house said Asian equities followed suit with only a handful managed to close on a positive territory.

Taking cue from a weaker regional performance, the FBM KLCI lost 4 points to just below the immediate 1,585 support at 1,583.75, it said.

“Meanwhile, we again saw a net foreign participation of RM132 million yesterday pushing year-to-date total to RM4.67billion.

“Although the amount is not huge, foreign funds have been trickling in continuously for the month of March with a cumulative amount of a whopping RM2.8 billion. We expect some market weakness today with the immediate support at 1,580,” it said.

On Bursa Malaysia, GAB was the top loser at mid-morning and fell 16 sen to RM13.08, BLD PLANTATION []s down 15 sen to RM9.25, RHB Capital nine sen to RM&.81, Hong Leong Bank, Panasonic and Tenaga fell eight sen each to RM12.14, RM21.92 and RM6.34 respectively, SBC Corp seven sen to 91 sen, while Nestle, KrisAssets and HLFG fell six sen each to RM55.90, RM6.94 and RM12.22 respectively.

Naim Indah Corp was the most actively traded counter wit h 47.23 million shares done. The stock rose 1.5 sen to 49.5 sen.

Other actives included SuperComnet, Ariantec, metronic, Iris Corp, Key West, Hubline warrants and Bintai.

Gainers included Dutch Lady, BAT, Toyo Ink, shell, Crescendo, MUH, Southern acids, UAC and MISC.



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KLCI stays above 1,570-level at mid-day

KUALA LUMPUR (March 14): The FBM KLCI remained in positive territory at the mid-day break on Wednesday and stayed above the 1,570 level in line with the positive sentiment at key regional markets.

Asian markets extended their gains from the morning on the back of a firmer overnight close at Wall Street and were given an added impetus after most of the largest U.S. banks passed their annual stress test, according to the Federal Reserve, in a conservative report card that underscored the recovery of the financial sector but called out a few laggards, including Citigroup.

The Fed announced the results in an earlier-than-expected release on Tuesday. JPMorgan Chase pulled the trigger on announcing its own glowing marks before the Fed's release, and helped lift the stock market, according to Reuters.

At 12.30pm, the KLCI was up 9.20 points to 1,573.22. Gainers led losers by 427 to 221, while 318 counters traded unchanged. Volume was 630.98 million shares valued at RM701.74 million.

The ringgit weakened 0.20% to 3.0044 versus the US dollar; crude palm oil futures for the third month delivery rose RM45 per tonne to RM3,337, crude oil added 32 cents per barrel to US$107.90 while gold rose US$5.18 an ounce to US$1,704.95.

At the regional markets, Japan's Nikkei 225 rose 1.74% to 10,071.70, Hong Kong’s Hong Seng Index rose 1.28% to 21,613.40, the shanghai Composite Index added 0.74% to 2,474.07, South Korea’s Kospi gained 1.34% to 2,052.22 and Singapore’s Straits Times Index was up 1.14% to 3,023.10.

At Bursa Malaysia, BAT added RM1.18 to RM53.98, Aeon 39 sen to RM9.50, GAB 20 sen to RM13.44, Toyo Ink 19 wen to RM1.63, United PLANTATION []s and Shell 18 sen each to RM25 and RM10.18, Jaya Tiasa 14 sen to RM7.60, UMW 12 sen to RM7.24, Panasonic and Johore Tin 12 sen each to RM22.20 and RM1.33.

Naim Indah Corp was the most actively traded counter with 99.9 million shares done. The stock fell 1.5 sen to 67 sen.

Other actives included astral Supreme, Euro Holdings, YTL, Sing Heng Chan, Tiger Synergy, Hwatai and Camres.

Meanwhile, decliners in the morning session included Tahps, Sunchirin, Warisan, Scientex, BOnia, MIlux, APB and Batu Kawan.



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KLCI slips into the red at closing

KUALA LUMPUR (March 13): The FBM KLCI slipped into negative territory in late trade on Tuesday, weighed by losses at select blue chips including banking stocks, MISC and Tenaga as the pullback from Monday did not seem to be over as investors turned cautious.

The FBM KLCI closed 0.73 of a point lower at 1,564.02. Losers beat gainers by 469 to 288, while 329 counters traded unchanged. Volume was 1.16 billion shares valued at RM1.47 billion.

At the regional markets, the Shanghai Composite Index fell 0.19% to 2,434.86. However, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index rose 0.97% to 21,339.70, Japan’s Nikkei 225 added 0.09% to 9,899.08, Singapore’s Straits Times Index 0.89% to 2,988.57, South Korea’s Kospi 1.13% to 2,025.04 and Taiwan’s Taiex 1.31% higher at 8,031,51.

European shares gained on Tuesday on hopes German and U.S. data will support rising hopes of an economic recovery ahead of a monetary policy statement by the Federal Reserve, according to Reuters.

Among the decliners on Bursa Malaysia, United PLANTATION []s fell 16 sen to RM24.82, MISC, Tasek, Advanced Packaging, lost 15 sen each to RM5.10, RM8.60 and RM1.30 while Tenaga was down 13 sen to RM6.32.

BLD Plantations and Panasonic lost 12 sen each to RM9.18 and RM22.08, while Padini and Oriental Holdings fell 11 sen each to RM1.45 and RM6.13.

Among banking stocks, Public Bank fell eight sen to RM13.66, BIMB down six sen to RM2.27, Hong Leong Bank four sen to RM12.10, CIMB three sen to RM7.26 and RHB Capital one sen to RM7.79.

Naim Indah Corp was the most active with 176.5 million shares done. The stock fell four sen to 78.5 sen.

Other actives included IFCA MSC, Takaso, Winsun, YTL, HWGB, Silver Bird, and XDL.

Meanwhile, gainers included BAT, Sin Heng Chan, Euro Holdings, TSH, Petronas Chemicals, Tradewinds Plantations and Manulife.



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KLCI falls in early trade, Genting weighs

KUALA LUMPUR (March 7): The FBM KLCI fell in early trade on Wednesday, weighed by losses at blue chips, in line with the overnight fall at Wall Street and European markets, as well as on weaker trade sentiment at major regional bourses.

Asian stocks retreated on concerns over Greek debt default resurfaced uncertainty on China and Europe's economic outlook weighed on global shares, according to Reuters.

The FBM KLCI fell 13.38 points to1,576.53 at 9.05am. Losers led gainers by 2558 to 35, while 122 counters traded unchanged.

At Bursa Malaysia, HLFG fell 38 sen to RM12.12, KLK down 26 sen to RM23.02, Genting 18 sen to RM10.74, Panasonic and GAB 14 sen each to RM22 and RM13.62, IJM PLANTATION []s 12 sen to RM3.21 while Hong Leong Bank and Carslberg lost 10 sen each to RM12.30 and RM10.30.



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KLCI nears all-time high, Sime, CIMB lead

KUALA LUMPUR (March 5): The KLCI got off on a firm start on Monday, with the 30-stock index nearing the all-time high of 1,594 reached in July 2011.

The advance in the KLCI was driven by heavyweights Sime Darby and CIMB, as they extended their gains from last week on buying by fund managers following more upside for both companies.

At 10.49am, the KLCI was up 8.87 points to 1,592.65. Turnover was 496.51 million shares valued at RM444.84 million. There were 363 gainers, 209 losers and 268 stocks unchanged.

Maybank Investment Bank Research said it was lifting 2012 year-end KLCI target to 1,565 on raised market earnings post 4Q11 corporate results reporting and after imputing a higher crude palm oil average selling prices expectation.

“While corporate earnings outlook seems to have stabilised and a crisis appears to have been averted in the Eurozone, rising crude oil prices is a new concern, while on the domestic front, the 13th general election will lend to cautiousness,” it said.

Aeon was the top gainer, up 38 sen to RM9.38 while Tasek added 30 sen to RM9.11 and Oriental Holdings 25 sen to RM6.47. Other gainers were Can-One, up 20 sen to RM1.99, Panasonic 16 sen to RM22.16 and GAB 14 sen to RM13.64.

Sime Darby rose 16 sen to RM10.14 and CIMB 15 sen to RM7.48.

JP Morgan Research said Sime Darby remained its top large-cap Asean PLANTATION []s pick. It said Sime's 2QFY12 core net profit of RM1.032 billion (up 18% on-year) came in 12% ahead of consensus expectations of RM922 million.

Last Thursday, CIMB had signed an MoU for the proposed acquisition of cash equities, equity capital markets and corporate finance businesses of The Royal Bank of Scotland in Asia Pacific.



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ECB boost for regional markets, KLCI eyes all-time high

KUALA LUMPUR (March 2): Key regional markets, especially China and Hong Kong rallied in the morning session on Friday while at Bursa Malaysia, the FBM KLCI cast its eyes on the all-time high of 1,594 on July 8, 2011.

The ringgit broke past the crucial 3.000 level against the US dollar to reach 2.9935 in the morning and it was at 3.0002 at midday.

At 12.30pm, the FBM KLCI was up 11.34 points or 0.72% to 1,584.79 – which was just 10 points of the all-time high of 1,594.74. Turnover was 824.36 million shares valued at RM843.70 million. Gainers beat losers 422 to 246 while 322 stocks were unchanged.

Markets rose following the inflow of cheap European Central Bank funds this week which had eased fears of a meltdown in the euro zone financial sector, overriding some weak data and concerns about surging oil prices, Reuters said.

The ECB's half a trillion euros in cheap, 3-year loans added to the banking system this week underpinned markets, driving down bond yields of highly-indebted euro zone governments, such as Italy, on Thursday.

US light crude oil fell 40 cents to US$108.44. Crude palm oil futures fell RM17 to RM3,263.

Japan’s Nikkei 225 rose 0.67% to 9,772.60, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index added 0.97% to 21,595.90, Shanghai’s Composite Index 0.93% to 2,448.66 and Singapore’s Straits Times Index 0.47% to 2,992.95.

At Bursa Malaysia, the gains on blue chips were led by CIMB, Sime Darby and Petronas Chemicals, which helped underpin the overall market sentiment and gave a boost to the smaller cap stocks and lower liners.

CIMB rose 17 sen to RM7.34, pushing the KLCI up 2.99 points to RM7.34 while Sime Darby’s gains of 17 sen to RM10.10 pushed the index up another 2.41 points. PetChem and Genting added 14 sen each to RM6.89 and RM10.60.

The top gainer was Panasonic Malaysia, up 80 sen to RM22.80. BAT added 40 sen to RM53.50 and Oriental Holdings 16 sen to RM6.35.

Perwaja-WA jumped 28 sen to 28.5 sen with 17.14 million units done.

Naim Indah Corp was the most active with 42.33 million shares done, unhinge dat 53 sen.

Silver Bird inched up one sen to 21.5 sen with 28.61 million shares transacted after the sell-down pushed the share price down by 50%.

Dutch Lady fell the most, down 50 sen to RM29.22 but with only 6,800 shares done. PPB lost 30 sen to RM16.98, Hartalega 17 sen to RM8.15 and Petronas Gas six sen to RM16.84.



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Market advances, Sime, PetChem up

KUALA LUMPUR (March 2): Blue chips chalked up gains in mid-morning trade on Friday, with fund buying of heavyweights Sime Darby and Petronas Chemicals underpinning the market sentiment.

At 11am, the FBM KLCI was up 10.63 points to 1,584.08. Turnover was 570.43 million shares valued at RM489 million. There were 351 gainers, 204 losers and 294 stocks unchanged.

Petronas Chemicals climbed 18 sen to RM6.93 and Sime Darby 15 sen to RM10.08 while Genting advanced 10 sen to RM10.56.

Panasonic Malaysia was the top gainer, adding 50 sen to RM22.50 while BAT added 38 sen to RM53.48 and DRB-Hicom 15 sen to RM2.76.

Perwaja-WA jumped 27.5 sen to 28 sen with 15.26 million units done when the warrants were listed on Friday.

Niam Indah Corp was the most active with 30.74 million shares done, slipping 0.5 sen to 52.5 sen.

Silver Bird, which saw its share price halved on Thursday after the company launched a probe into alleged irregularities, managed to gain 1.5 sen to 22 sen.

China Stationery Ltd extended its decline as investors took profit, down four sen to RM1.17.



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Sime, PetChem underpin KLCI amid weaker market

KUALA LUMPUR (March 1): Fund buying of Sime Darby and Petronas Chemicals provided the support for the FBM KLCI on Thursday amid a cautious market which has seen trading volume declining in recent weeks.

At the close, the KLCI was up 3.8 points or 0.24% to 1,573.45. Turnover was 1.62 billion shares valued at RM2.025 billion. However, declining stocks beat advancers 506 to 309 while 302 stocks were unchanged.

Among the key regional markets, South Korea’s Kospi was the top performer, up 1.33% to 2,030.25. Japan’s Nikkei 225 fell 1.27% to 9,707.37, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index lost 1.35% to 21,387.90 while Singapore’s Straits Times Index lost 0.51% to 2,978.84.

Reuters reported European shares and the euro reversed early losses on Thursday as the impact of the latest massive cash injection by the European Central Bank lifted sentiment, overwhelming fears that further U.S. monetary easing could be on hold.

Data showing new factory orders for Asia's manufacturing powerhouses perked up a bit in February, easing some concerns about the global economic slowdown, it said.

US light crude oil rose 25 cents to US$107.32 while Brent Brent crude futures prices rose 63 cents to US$123.29 a barrel.

Crude palm oil third-month futures rose RM23 to RM3,268 per tonne, spurred by positive factory data from second-largest importer China but gains were capped as export trends showed weaker demand.

At Bursa Malaysia, dealers said market sentiment was rather lacklustre with the larger funds picking up index-linked stocks while at the bottom of the spectrum, there was some unwinding of penny and lower liner stocks by traders.

Among the index-linked stocks, Sime Darby’s 24 sen gain to RM9.93 pushed the KLCI up 3.41 points while PetChem;s five sen gain to RM6.75, nudged the index up by 0.5 points,.

BAT was the top gainer, up 90 sen to RM53.10 as investors opted for dividend stocks. Panasonic Malaysia added 60 sen to RM22, Guinness Anchot 28 sen to RM13.40 and Nestle 20 sen to RM56.

Dijaya Corp jumoed 21 sen to RM1.63 while HLFG and KLK gained 14 sen each to RM12.20 and RM23.56.

Naim Indah Corp, which was in the black in the latest quarter, rose 4.5 sen to 53 sen and it was the most active with 116.22 million shares done.

There was some unwinding of positions in China Stationery, which fell 17 sen to RM1.21 with 72.72 million shares done. However, it has fared well since its listing on Feb 24 at an offer price of 95 sen.

Silver Bird lost nearly half of its value, plunging 20 sen to 20.5 sen with 26.44 million shares done. Silver Bird Group suspended its group managing director, Datuk Tan Han Kook and two other key executives effective Feb 24 as it undertakes an internal inquiry into allegations of irregularities in the company’s accounts which may amount to approximately RM111.5 million.

Dutch Lady was the top loser, down 26 sen to RM29.72 after the strong run-up. GENTING BHD []’s 14 sen decline to RM10.46, dragged the KLCI down 1.22 points.

Other losers were Fima Corp, down 15 sen to RM6.21 and RHB Cap 15 sen to RM7.80.



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High oil prices rein in equities markets

KUALA LUMPUR: High oil prices reined in the regional markets and curb investors’ appetite for equities on concerns of the adverse impact on weaker economies, particularly in Europe.

Another nagging concern was whether Germany's parliament would support the Greek bailout.

At the close, the FBM KLCI managed to eke out a 0.27of a point gain to 1,559.04. Turnover was 1.64 billion shares valued at RM1.63 billion. Losers beat gainers 327 to 455, while 341 counters traded unchanged.

Japan's Nikkei 225 fell 0.14% to 9,633.93, Singapore's Straits Index 1.05% lower at 2,946.78, South Korea's Kospi 1.42% to 1,991.16 and Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index 0.88% to 21,217.86.

However, Shanghai’s Composite Index managed to close up 0.30% to 2,447.06 and Taiwan's Taiex 0.28% to 7,959.34.

Reuters reported Brent crude slipped below US$125 on Monday, flagging after five days of gains pushed oil to 10-month highs on worries tension over Iran's disputed nuclear programme could lead to a disruption in Middle East supplies.

Brent has risen 16% this year, after a 13.3 percent gain in 2011, helping weaken recent strong correlations with stock markets.

Meanwhile, the world's 20 leading economies, the G20, piled pressure on Germany at the weekend to drop its opposition to a bigger European bailout fund, telling Europe it must put up extra money if it wanted more help from other countries.

At Bursa Malaysia, penny stocks were among the most active. Naim Indah Corp added one sen to 52.5 sen while Envair also inched up one sen to 30.5 sen.

Harvest Court rose 18 sen to RM1.23 and the warrants 15 sen to 98 sen as speculative interest return to the stock.

Consumer stocks were top gainers, with Dutch Lady up RM1.70 to RM27.5, Carlsberg 25 sen to RM9.70, Panasonic Malaysia and Guinness Anchor, both up by 20 sen to RM21.20 and RM12.94 respectively.

Among the losers were Hong Leong Industries, down 22 sen to RM3.99, Malpac fell 20 sen to RM1.50. Latexx-WA fell 14 sen to RM1.14 and Latexx 13 sen to RM1.55.

However, consumer heavyweight Nestle fell 28 sen to RM54.92,

CIMB Equities Research said earlier on Monday it was maintaining its Underperform call on Nestle at RM55.20 with a target price of RM48.30.

“While we like Nestle’s defensive earnings and huge consumer base, its 27 times FY12 P/E is pricey. We reiterate our Underperform call (DCF-based target price), with the main potential derating catalyst being volatile commodity prices,” it said.



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China Stationery in focus, KLCI closes higher

KUALA LUMPUR (Feb 24): China Stationery Ltd (CSL) was in focus on Friday when it made its debut on Bursa Malaysia on Friday, closing 15.8% higher amid some profit-taking activities in the broader market.

CSL closed up 15 sen to RM1.10 and it was the most active stock with 154 million shares traded.

The stationery manufacturer's initial public offering, priced at 95 sen per share, raised RM85.50 million from its public issue of 90 million new shares.

As for the FBM KLCI, it closed up 2.11 points or 0.14% at 1,558.77, led Axiata (up 6.0 sen to RM5.15), YTL Corp (up 7.0 sen to RM1.49) and IOI Corp (up 6.0 sen to RM5.39). Their gains pushed the index up 3.16 points.

Turnover was 1.70 billion shares valued at RM1.94 billion. Gainers led losers 425 to 373 while 343 counters traded unchanged.

Regional markets closed higher, with the Shanghai Composite Index up 1.25% to 2,439.63, Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index up 0.12% to 21,406.86, Japan's Nikkei 225 0.54% to 9,647.38, South Korea's Kospi rose 0.60% to 2,019.89, Singapore's Straits Index up 0.33% to 2,978.08 and Taiwan's Taiex, up 0.28% to 7,959.34.

Commenting on the performance of Bursa Malaysia, Dr Nazri Khan, vice president of retail research at Affin Investment Bank Research said:

"We see the last three profit taking days (Wednesday to Friday) as a healthy correction to neutralise its overbought momentum.

"We also note that the strong ringgit performance (1.1% weekly gain and 4.5% year to date gain) as positive signs of more inflow for the local equities.”

At Bursa Malaysia, top gainers included British American Tobacco up 44 sen to RM52.56, Panasonic Malaysia up 42 sen to RM21.00 and Dutch Lady up 28 sen to RM25.80.

Losers were led by PLANTATION [] stocks such as BLD Plantation down 39 sen to RM9.51 and United Plantation down 34 sen to RM23.84. Oriental Holdings fell 27 sen to RM6.07, MBM Resources also 27 sen lower at RM4.62 and Genting 26 sen to RM10.46.



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