Weaker regional sentiment weighs KLCI down

KUALA LUMPUR (May 11): The weaker investor sentiment at regional markets weighed on the FBM KLCI and led the benchmark index lower at the mid-day break on Friday.

Asian shares slid on Friday, spawning declines in other risk assets, as deepening political turmoil in the eurozone fuelled concerns about global growth and a huge loss from JPMorgan added to jittery sentiment, according to Reuters.

At the mid-day break, the FBM KLCI fell 1.14 points to 1,586.92.

Losers led gainers by 362 to 176, while 330 counters trade unchanged. Volume was 475.81 million shares valued at RM374.95 million.

The ringgit weakened 0.15% to 3.0725 versus the greenback, crude palm oil futures for the third month delivery fell RM41 per tonne to RM3,299, crude oil lost US$1.27 (RM3.90) per barrel to US$95.81 and gold fell US$9.25 an ounce to US$1,584.77.

At the regional markets, Japan's Nikkei 225 fell 0.48% to 8,966.10, Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index fell 1.18% to 19,989.50, the Shanghai Composite Index shed 0.25% to 2,404.31, Taiwan's Taiex fell 1.23% to 7,391.94, south Korea's Kospi lost 1.37% to 1,918.33 and Singapore's Straits Times Index was down 0.72% to 2,882.77.

On Bursa Malaysia, PPB was the top loser in the morning session and fell 34 sen to RM16.14, BAT lost 30 sen to RM53.70, United PLANTATION []s down 24 sen to RM26.26, GAB 22 sen to RM13.40, Southern Acids 19 sen to RM2.26, Tasek 17 sen to RM9.19, while Milux, Shell and Far East lost 10 sen each to RM1.18, RM9.90 and RM7.55 respectively.

Harvest Court was the most actively traded counter, with 37.29 million shares done. The stock fell 4.5 sen to 58 sen.

Other actives included Utopia, Focus, Ariantec, Permaju, LFE Corp, Naim Indah Corp, CSL, Winsun and Metronic.

Gainers included SAM Engineering, Aeon Credit, Aeon, Tahps, Binutulu Port, BLD Plantations, Malpac and Fiamma.



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KLCI falls as eurozone woes grip global markets

KUALA LUMPUR (May 9): The FBM KLCI fell on Wednesday as concerns over the economic and political direction of several eurozone countries kept regional and global investors on tenterhooks.

The FBM KLCI lost 5.70 points to close at 1,584.90, weighed down by losses at blue chips.

Losers outpaced gainers by 450 to 273, while 313 counters traded unchanged. Volume was 1.28 billion shares valued at RM1.42 billion.

Asian bourses were mired in the red as Greece struggled to form a government two days after an election, heightening the risk that a hard-won bailout deal could be scrapped, according to Reuters.

Meanwhile, European shares edged lower on Wednesday as a technical rebound from four-month lows was offset by falls among Spanish banks, which were dragged by fears they would be forced to raise money to cover their property assets, said Reuters.

Technical momentum was supportive after key indexes in the US and Europe closed above support levels on Tuesday, sending a bullish short-term signal despite still-depressed market sentiment as a political impasse in Greece threatened to deepen the eurozone crisis, it said.

At the regional markets, the Shanghai Composite Index lost 1.65% to 2,408.59, Japan's Nikkei 225 lost 1.49% to 9,045.06, Taiwan’s Taiex fell 0.93% to 7,475.71, South Korea’s Kospi lost 0.85% to 1,950.29, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index shed 0.75% to 20,330.64 and Singapore’s Straits Times Index fell 1.06% to 2,900.91.

On Bursa Malaysia, BAT fell 64 sen to RM55.04, Petronas Dagangan and HLFG lost 24 sen each to RM19.70 and RM11.94, MISC 13 sen to RM4.46, PPB, MMHE and Aeon 12 sen each to RM16.60, RM4.88 and RM9.75 respectively, MSM 11 sen to RM5.20, IJM Corp 10 sen to RM5.44 and BLD PLANTATION []s fell nine sen to RM8.81.

Naim Indah Corp was the most actively traded counter with 80.2 million shares done. The stock was unchanged at 49 sen.

Other actives included Ingenuity Solutions, Metronic, Permaju, Harvest Court, Focus, Ariantec, Astral Supreme and CBSA.

Gainers included Tahps, GCE, GAB, Panasonic, Nadayu, YHS, KGB, Ajinomoto, Tasek and Sunway.



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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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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 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 weighed down by European debt concerns

KUALA LUMPUR (April 19) : Malaysian stocks erased earlier gains but still traded in positive territory on Thursday morning following a weaker overnight close across US markets, and as investors anticipate more European sovereign debt updates.

Investors will continue to monitor Spain government bond sales on Thursday and US corporate earnings as they weigh the impact of pre-election sentiment in Malaysia.

At 10am, the FBM KLCI added 0.71 points to 1,599.57. Across the exchange, some 424 million shares worth RM156 million were traded, leading to 161 gainers versus 166 decliners.

Top gainers BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO (M) [] Bhd rose 26 sen to RM55.46 while PINTARAS JAYA BHD [] added 17 sen to RM2.96.

Decliners KUALA LUMPUR KEPONG BHD [] fell 16 sen to RM24.04, while PPB GROUP BHD [] was down 10 sen to RM16.54.

Most active was 1 Utopia Bhd which rose one sen to nine sen with some 72 million shares done.

Among Asian bourses, Japan’s Nikkei 225 fell 0.67% to 9,602.36 points, South Korea’s Kospi was down 0.13% to 2,001.98, while Australia’s S&P/ ASX 200 rose 0.24% to 4,359.



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KLCI snaps four-day winning streak, dips at mid-day break

KUALA LUMPUR (APRIL 4): The FBM KLCI snapped its four –day winning streak and retreated at the mid-day break on Wednesday, in line with the generally weaker sentiment at key regional markets following the overnight dip at Wall Street.

Asian shares fell on Wednesday after the minutes from the U.S. Federal Reserve's March meeting suggested the bank was less inclined to take further stimulus measures, leaving investors looking for more clues to the global growth outlook, according to Reuters

Fed policymakers remained focused on a still elevated jobless rate while noting signs of slightly stronger growth, but the minutes suggested the appetite for further quantitative easing, so-called QE3 has waned significantly in light of an improving U.S. economy, it said.

At the mid-day break, the FBM KLCI was down 5.78 points to 1,600.85, weighed by losses at select blue chips.

Market breadth turned negative with losers leading gainers by 369 to 199, while 315 counters traded unchanged. Volume was 571.84 million shares valued at RM399.87 million.

The ringgit weakend 0.45% to 3.0613 versus the US dollar; crude palm oil futures for the third month delivery rose RM31 per tonne to RM3,530, crude oil shed 32 cents per barrel to US$103.69 whiel gold fell US$1.82 an ounce to US$1,644.30.

At the regional markets, Japan's Nikkei share average abruptly broke below 10,000 to hit a four-week low on Wednesday, after stop-losses were triggered on index futures, raising concerns that Tokyo's strong equities rally so far this year was coming to a halt.

The Nikkei 225 fell 1.59% to 9,890.65, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index lost 1.31% to 20,790.90, Taiwan’s Taiex and South Korea’s Kospi fell 1.3% each respectively to 7,760.85 and 2,022.54 respectively, Singapore’s Straits Times Index shed 0.38% to 3,003.16 while the Shangai Composite Index edged up 0.47% to 2,262.79 .

BIMB Securities Research in a note Wednesday said that traders I the US resorted to profit on Tuesday taking amid signs that additional stimulus were diminishing from the Feds latest signal.

As such, the Dow Jones Industrial Average dipped 65 points to just below the 13,200 level.

We find this odd as we interpret this as positive and that the US economy is on auto pilot without the requirement of more financial steroids.

Regionally, Asian markets were slightly higher across the board except for Taiwan being hit hard from rumours that capital gains tax may be imposed on stock trades.

Meanwhile, the FBM KLCI continued with its uptrend with another record high via another 2.9 point gain to close at almost 1,607.

Nonetheless, we noticed that investors are becoming wary of the local bourse’s recent uptrend and believe a correction would emerge anytime soon.

“Foreign funds had again flowed into the market with another net positive of RM203 million yesterday.”

“Despite the foreign buying, we reckon the index may see some retracement today albeit marginally,” it said.

On Bursa Malaysia, Shell was the top loser in the morning session and fell 14 sen to RM10.14, PPB lost 12 sen to RM16.58, Litrak, Carlsberg and AFG fell 10 sen each to RM3.94, RM10.70 and RM3.86 respectively, Sop and Amway lost nine sen each to RM6.85 and RM9.80, Inno down eight sen to RM1.42, while MMHE and RHB Capital fell seven sen each to RM3.39 and RM7.70.

Among the gainers, Milux added 15 sen to RM1.40, Tradewinds and malPac up 10 sen each to RM9.64 and RM1.59, Tradewinds PLANTATION []s seven sen to RN4.92, Ewein and MBM Resources up six sen each to 84 sen and RM4.8, whiel Quality Concrete, Fiamma and NSOP added five sen each to RM1.29, RM1.15 and RM6.15 respectively.



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KLCI down 3 pts on Wed mid-morning

KUALA LUMPUR (April 4) : Malaysian stocks gave up earlier gains to slip into the red at mid-morning on Wednesday against a weaker backdrop across Asian equity indices.

This follows a weaker overnight close across US markets after policymakers indicated that they may not implement further quantitative easing to spur the world’s largest economy. Analysts said a weaker overnight close at US markets could dictate sentiment across Malaysian stocks on Wednesday.

“Still, we reckon the benchmark index (FBM KLCI) is expected to show resilience as investors may be tempted to buy on dips following the new record levels set by our local bourse this week,” HwangDBS Vickers Research Sdn Bhd wrote in a note.

At 10am, the 30-stock FBM KLCI fell 3.26 points to 1,603.37. Some 259 million shares worth RM111 million changed hands, leading to 142 gainers against 176 decliners while 256 entities were unchanged.

Top gainer BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO (M) [] Bhd rose 32 sen to RM56.54 followed by United PLANTATION []s Bhd which added 10 sen to RM25.

Decliners PPB GROUP BHD [] fell 12 sen to RM16.58 while TRIPLC BHD [] was down 7.5 sen to 43 sen.

Among actively traded stocks, Ariantec Global Bhd and METRONIC GLOBAL BHD [] were unchanged at 10.5 sen and 16 sen respectively with some 20 million shares done.

Across Asia, Japan’s Nikkei 225 fell 0.44% to10,005.8 points, Australia’s S&P / ASX 200 declined 0.43% to 4,318.6 while Taiwan’s Taiex was down 1.3% to 7,760.85

Stock markets in Hong Kong and China are closed on Wednesday. Note that markets in Europe and the US will be closed on Friday for the Easter holiday.



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FBM KLCI trades at all-time intraday high 1,599 points

KUALA LUMPUR (April 2) : The FBM KLCI traded at an all-time intraday high of 1,599.25 points in volatile trade at Monday noon as the index sank into the red before erasing losses to settle in positive territory at lunch break. Analysts said the outlook for the FBM KLCI is still deemed uncertain in April after taking into account technical and fundamental dynamics.

OSK Research Sdn Bhd said in technical terms, the index could see more upside as the gauge has been a laggard versus regional peers, apart from the fact that the FBM KLCI has breached a crucial resistance level.

“On the other hand, as news on Europe is again turning less positive, more profit taking could emerge in April,” OSK wrote in a note on Monday.

At 12.30pm, the FBM KLCI was up 1.88 points to settle lower at1,598.21. Some 735 million shares worth RM543.63 million changed hands, resulting in 263 gainers and 347 declining stocks while 238 entities were unchanged.

The equities barometer had earlier fallen as much as 6.06 points to 1,590.27 at 9.51am.

Top gainers DUTCH LADY MILK INDUSTRIES BHD [] rose 90 sen to RM35.16 followed by SMPC Corp Bhd which was up 43 sen to RM2.28.

Decliners include BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO (M) [] Bhd which fell RM1.24 to RM55.38 while PPB GROUP BHD [] was down 26 sen to RM16.64

Most active was INGENUITY SOLUTIONS BHD [] which added one sen to 11.5 sen with some 151 million shares done.

Asian markets found support from better manufacturing updates in China over the weekend. The world’s second largest economy’s purchasing managers' index, a barometer of the country’s manufacturing activity, had risen to 53.1 in March this year, the highest in about a year, according to the National Bureau of Statistics.

Across Asian indices on Monday, Japan’s Nikkei 225 rose 0.6% to 10,144.3 points, Australia’s S&P / ASX 200 climbed 0.3% to 4,348.4, although Hong Kong’s Hang Seng was down 0.4% 20,472.4.



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KLCI edges higher in early trade

KUALA LIMPUR (March 30): The FBM KLCI trended higher in early trade on Friday, lifted by select blue chips including Petronas-linked stocks and index-linked PLANTATION [] counters.

At 9.05am, The FBM KLCI was up 4.17 points to 1,589.61.

Gainers led losers by 96 to 49, while 115 counters traded unchanged. Volume was 67.54 million share valued at RM23.14 million.

Among the gainers, BAT rose 28 sen to RM56.80, SapuraCrest 11 sen to RM4.91, Tradewinds nine sen to RM9.72, IOI Corp and PPB eight sen each to RM5.35 and RM16.88, Petronas gas six sen to RM16.80, while Petronas Chemicals, MMCCOrp, Maxis and Keck Seng added five sen each to RM6.73, RM2.85, RM6.05 and RM4.10 respectively.

Decliners included Dutch Lady, Utusan Malaysia, Genting, MMHE, Ewei, AFG, Astino, petronas Dagangan and Carotech.

Carotech was the most actively traded counter with 10.43 million shares done. The stosk fell two sen to 3 sen.

Other actives included Trinity, TMS, Ariantec, IFCA MSC, Caley, Nextnation and Winsun.



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Limited gains for KLCI at mid-morning

KUALA LUMPUR (March 28): Gains were limited for the FBM KLCI at mid-morning on Wednesday in line with the tepid trade at key after US stocks retreated from near four-year peaks on Tuesday.

At 10.05am, the FBM KLCI edged up 1.32 points to 1,589. Gainers trailed losers by 169 to 213, while 223 counters traded unchanged. Volume was 386.01 million shares valued at RM126.19 million.

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

At the regional markets, Japan’s Nikkei 225 fell 0.95% to 10,158.20, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index losr 0.43% to 20,965.60, the Shanghai Composite Index was down 0.56% to 2,333.96, South Korea’s Kospi fell 0.23% to 2,035.05, singapore’s Straits Times Index lost 0.38% to 3,007.52 and Taiwan’s taiex shed 0.09% to 8,022.45.

BIMB Securities Research in a note March 28 said that after a triple digit jump on Monday, the Dow Jones Industrial Average retreated 44 points to a tad below the 13,200 support mark as traders took stock of recent developments and stay sidelined waiting for fresh catalysts.

Meanwhile, European bourses closed mostly lower reacting to the slight decline in the US consumer confidence level, it said.

The research house said that it was a good day for Asian markets as most ended up higher taking cue from the uptrend on Wall Street.

Locally, the FBM KLCI rebounded 5 points to close just below the resistance of 1,590, it said.

“We believe the benchmark index is all set to break its all time high of 1,597 soon and thereafter test the strong psychological level of 1,600.

“We strongly believe the uptrend remains intact as foreign participation again was a positive RM324 million yesterday amounting to almost RM4.5 billion year-to-date. Meanwhile, the date of GE13 is still highly speculative with the latest one touted at September,” it said.

On Bursa Malaysia, Dutch Lady rose 60 sen to RM32.60, Takaful added 11 sen to RM3.01, Petronas Gas and PPB rose eights en each to RM16.98 and RM16.48, Bintulu Port up seven sen to RM6.90, while TDM, Kulim, Sin Heng Chan and BIMB rose six sen each to RM4.83, RM4.20, RM1.06 and RM2.36 respectively.

SuperComnet was the most actively traded counter with 49 million shares done. The stock fell 12.5 sen to 23.5 sen.

Other actives included Utopia, Metronic, Silver Bird, Ariantec and Maxtral.

Decliners included United PLANTATION []s, Supercomnet, MISC, Batu Kawan, Parskson, Ivory, Hing yap, Top Glove, MSM and AIC.



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KLCI rebounds at mid-morning

KUALA LUMPUR (March 27): The FBM KLCI rebounded at mid-morning on Tuesday, in line with the overnight gains at Wall Street and improved sentiment at the key regional markets.

At 10.05am, the FBM KLCI added 6.76 points to 1,589.74, lifted by gains at select blue chips including Petronas-linked stocks and index-linked PLANTATION [] counters.

Gainers led losers by 275 to 186, while 258 counters traded unchanged. Volume was 434.91 million shares valued at RM221.33 million.

Wall Street stock rose more than 1% on Monday, as Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke's comments 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, according to Reuters.

Asian stocks rebounded on Tuesday and the dollar eased 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, it said.

At the regional markets, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index rose 1.26% to 20,929.10, the Shanghai Composite Index added 0.42% to 2,360.44, Taiwan’s Taiex gained 0.30% to 7,991.17, South Korea’s Kospi rose 0.73% to 2,034.01 and Singapore’s Straits Times Index was up 0.67% to 2,994.38.

Meanwhile, Japan’s Nikkei 225 fell 1.69% to 10,187.40.

BIMB Securities Research in a note March 27 said Ben Bernanke’s encouraging statement on the US job market acted as a confidence booster that propped the Dow Jones Industrial Average 161 points higher to convincingly breach its resistances of 13,150 and 13,200.

Over in Europe, more commitment (if required) would be available by Eurozone policy makers enhanced equities participation with almost all closed on positive territory.

The research house said that regionally, most Asian bourses ended Monday’s session on a weaker note as the developments in the west were missed.

Domestically, the FBM KLCI finally corrected with a marginal 2.9 point dip to 1,583 after fighting really hard to stay above the 1,585 level, it said.

“Nonetheless, with the positives all round overnight, we would reckon this to sway trading on a more positive note and the index should trend between the 1,585/90 range.

“We noticed foreign buying was apparent again yesterday with a net participation of RM233 million pushing total inflow of foreign monies surpassing the RM4 billion mark year-to-date,” it said.

On Bursa Malaysia, Dutch lady was the top gainer and rose 46 sen to RM31.86, Petronas Dagangan was up 22 sen to RM18.70, Petronas Gas and F&N rose 14 sen each to RM16.88 and RM18.40, Ta Ann and MPI up 11 sen each to RM6.11 and RM3.24, while Hong Leong Industries, BAT, PPB and KLK gained 10 sen each to RM4.17, RM54.10, RM16.74 and RM23.96 respectively.

Oversea Enterprise was the most actively trade counter with 25.18 million shares done. The stock rose six sen to 20.5 sen.

Other actives included Supercomnet, TMS, Eduspec, Iris Corp, Carotech and Flonic.

Meanwhile, the decliners included Supercomnet, Hartalega, MSM, CHHB, AirAsia, SMPC, PUC, Favelle Favco and Chin Well.



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KLCI marginally in the black, regional markets struggle

KUALA LUMPUR (March 26): The FBM KLCI managed to remain in positive territory at mid-day on Monday, while its regional peers struggled to sustain gains and were traded mixed.

At the mid-day break, the FBM KLCI edged up 0.91 of a point to 1,586.74. Gainers trailed losers by 210 to 425, while 299 counters were unchanged. Volume was 731.25 million shares valued at RM515.39 million.

The ringgit strengthened 0.08% to 3.0730 versus the US dollar; crude palm oil futures for the third month delivery rose RM28 per tonne to RM3,455, crude oil fell 27 cents per barrel to US$106.60 while gold shed 35 cents an ounce to US$1,661.55.

Meanwhile, Asian shares struggled on Monday, with materials and TECHNOLOGY [] stocks losing ground amid concerns about the impact on profits of a slowdown in the global economy, according to Reuters.

Commodity-linked currencies such as the Australian dollar steadied after a hammering last week on worries of easing demand for resources from China, while the euro held near a three-week high, it said.

At the regional markets, Japan’s Nikkei 225 was up 0.25% to 10,036.60, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index edged up 0.02% to 20,673.40, the Shanghai Composite Index gained 0.10% to 2,351.87 while South Korea’s Kospi fell 0.52% to 2,016.27, Singapore’s Straits Times Index shed 0.21% to 2,983.87 and Taiwan’s Taiex was down 1.34% to 7,968.33.

On Bursa Malaysia, Dutch lady was the top gainer and rose 32 sen to RM31.30.

Supercomnet, which rose 18.5 sen to 48.5 sen with 226.6 million shares done, was earlier queried by Bursa Malaysia Securities Bhd over the sharp price rise and high volume in its shares.

Other gainers included SMPC that rose 18 sen to RM1.74, HLFG up 16 sen to RM12.16, PPB 12 sen to RM16.76, BAT 10 sen to RM53.90, MajuPerak 9.5 sen to 38 sen, Unisem nine sen to RM1.42 and Nestle eight sen to RM55.98.

Decliners included Chin Teck PLANTATION []s, Far East, Carlsberg, Aeon Credit, Manulife, Tenaga, WCT and Tradewinds.

Meanwhile, the actively traded stocks included metronic, Karambunai, Focus, Ariantec, Supercomnet, Ingenuity Solutions, Trinity and DPS.



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KLCI edges higher, lifted by bank stocks

KUALA LUMPUR (March 22): The FBM KLCI closed marginally higher on Wednesday, lifted by gains at select blue chips including Maybank, Public Bank, KLK, and BAT while trading volume surged to nearly 3.6 billion shares.

The 30-stock index rose 4.91 points to close at 1,582.53. Gainers beat losers by 384 to 339, while 270 counters traded unchanged. Volume was 3.59 billion shares valued RM1.79 billion following heavy transactions in penny stocks.

However, Asian shares eased on March, as concerns about China's slowing economy dampened the optimism generated by a brightening outlook for the U.S. economy that has been pushing equity markets higher since late last year, according to Reuters.

But financial spreadbetters predicted major European markets, it said.

At the regional markets, Japan’s Nikkei 225 fell 0.55% to 10.086.49, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index shed 0.15% to 20,856.63, South Korea’s Kospi lost 0.73% to 2,027.23, while the Shanghai Composite Index gained 0.06% to 2,378.20 and Taiwan’s Taiex rose 0.12% to 7,981.94.

Meanwhile, European stock index futures signalled gains on Wednesday, with stocks set to bounce back from the previous session's pull-back as investors bet U.S. housing data will give further evidence of economic recovery, eclipsing recent worries over Chinese growth, it said.

Among the gainers on Bursa Malaysia, BAT added 78 sen to RM53.20, PPB up 22 sen to RM16.78, Lafarge Malayan Cement, Sarawak Oil Palms and JTI up 17 sen each to RM7.25, RM6.70 and RM6.86 respectively.

Far East and Cepco added 15 sen each to RM7.40 and RM1.80, Metronic 14.5 sen to 25.5 sen, Tasco 12 sen to RM2.14 while Public Bank and KLK up two sen each to RM13.64 and RM23.43, while Maybank added one sento RM8.74.

Metronic was the most actively traded counter with 845.6 million shares done.

Other actives included Ariantec, Ingenuity Solutions, Focus, Tiger Synergy, Hubline, Asia-Bio, and Naim Indah Corp.

Decliners included Hartalega, Aeon Credit, Litrak, GAB, Gamuda, Kluang, United Malacca, SPMC, Allianz and MSM.



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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 rises in morning trade

KUALA LUMPUR (March 19) : Malaysian stocks rose in morning trade on Monday in tandem with Asian markets as investors digested positive updates on the world economy.

International Monetary Fund managing director Christine Lagarde had said the world economy has stepped back from the brink of danger and signs of stabilisation are emerging from the euro zone and the US. Lagarde, however, warned that high debt levels in developed economies and rising crude oil prices are still crucial risks for the global backdrop.

In Malaysia, the FBM KLCI was up 3.5 points to 1,574.9 at 9.38am with some 434 million shares worth RM155 million traded. There were 201 gainers versus 119 decliners while 214 stocks were unchanged.

Top gainers across Bursa Malaysia include Hibiscus Petroleum Bhd which rose 20 sen to RM1.83 followed by PPB Group Bhd which was up 16 sen to RM16.66.

Decliners include EP MANUFACTURING BHD [] which fell 12 sen to RM1 while AEON CREDIT SERVICE (M) BHD [] was down 10 sen to RM8.90.

Most active was Ariantec Global Bhd which added two sen to 11.5 sen with some 72 million shares done.

In a note on Monday, TA Securities Holdings Bhd said technical trading dynamics of the FBM KLCI could see a downside bias this week until bearish momentum has been neutralised. Last Friday, the FBM KLCI fell 0.5% or 7.98 points to close at 1,571.4.

“The weak market breadth and trading momentum could persist this week, pending more local market catalysts to boost trading momentum.

“Nonetheless, the better-than-expected US economic data last week should offset concern over China's economic slowdown in the region,” TA said.

Asian stock indices rose. Japan’s Nikkei 225 climbed 0.35% to 10,165.7 points , Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 was up 0.64% to 4,303.6, while South Korea’s Kospi rose 0.71% to 2,048.79.



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KLCI erases gains at midday, China weighs

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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



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Plantations top losers midday

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

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

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

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



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KLCI closes sharply higher as regional markets end mixed

KUALA LUMPUR (March 14): the FBM KLCI rose sharply higher in late trade on Wednesday to stay firmly above the 1,570-point level, lifted by gains at select bue chips including Sime Darby, Axiata, Petronas Gas, PPB and BAT.

The 30-stock index closed 11.69 points higher at 1,575.71.

Meanwhile, Shanghai and Hong Kong shares reversed early gains to snap a four-session winning streak on Wednesday, dragged by China plays after Premier Wen Jiabao doused expectations for easing in the property sector at the close of China's annual parliamentary meeting, according to Reuters.

At the regional markets, the Shanghai Composite Index fell 2.63% to 2,391.23 and Hong kOng’s Hang Seng Index lost 0.15% to 21,307.89.

Meanwhile, Japan’s Nikkei 225 closed 1.53% higher at 10.050.52, South Korea’s Kospi added 0.99% to 2,045.08, and Taiwan’s Taiex gained 1.17% to 8,125.26 and Singapore’s Straits Times Index

CIMB Research in its Alpha Edge report on March 14 covering regional markets said last week’s resurgence of US and regional equity markets indicated that it was still not time for a major correction though markets should be close to one.

“Last night, the VIX (Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE) Volatility Index) fell to a four-year low, showing signs of complacency among investors. We remain bearish on prospects for this year,” it said.

The research house said that over the past week, the KLCI had been drifting downwards. It is now holding just above the support trendline at 1,568 points.

“A sharp breakdown of this support would convince us that the uptrend since last November has already ended.

“Until that happens, we cannot discount another short upleg towards the 1,580-1,600 levels,” it said.

On Bursa Malaysia, the top gainer was BAT that rose RM1.18 to RM53.98, Petronas Gas gained 48 sen to RM16.98, Far East up 35 sen to RM7.60, Aeon 29 een to RM9.40, PPB 28 wen to RM16.98, Aeon Credit up 25 sen to RM8.35, GAB 24 sen to RM13.48, Shell 22 sen to RM10.22 while Sarawak Oil Palm added 20 sen to RM6.23, while Axiata added six sen to RM5.12 and Sime Darby gaind two sen to RM9.71.

Naim Indah Corp was the most actively traded counter with 117.8 million shares done. The stock fell 2.5 sen to 66 sen.

Other actives included CSL, YTL, Tiger Synergy, HWGB, Euro Holdings, Axiata, Sime Darby, Astral Supreme and Silber Bird.



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KLCI closes 14pts down, Petronas-linked stocks, Sime weigh

KUALA LUMPUR (March 12): Losses at key blue chips including Petronas-linked counters, Sime Darby, banking and PLANTATION []-related stocks dragged the FBM KLCI 0.09% lower on Monday as data showed Malaysia’s industrial production index (IPI) grew at the slowest pace in six months.

The IPI increased 0.2% in January due to slower growth in the manufacturing and electricity output while the mining component contracted by a larger quantum, when compared to December 2011’s IPI on-year growth of 2.9%.

The FBM KLCI fell 14.25 points to close at 1,564.75. Losers beat gainers by 516 to 260, while 318 counters traded unchanged. Volume was 1.27 billion shares valued at RM1.72 billion.

Regional markets retreated as weak Chinese exports raised fears about global demand and offset the support provided by a better outlook for the U.S. economy and Middle East supply concerns.

Japan’s Nikkei 225 fell 0.40% to 9,889.86, the Shanghai Composite Index lost 0.19% to 2,434.86, Taiwan’s Taiex lost 1.10% to 7,927.55, south Korea’s Kospi lost 0.78% to 2,002.50 and Singapore’s Straits Times Index shed 0.11% to 2,966.45, while Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index added 0.23% to 21,134.10.

Meanwhile, European stocks fell slightly on Monday, halting a sharp three-day rally as last week's strong U.S. jobs data dampens expectation of further stimulus from the U.S. Federal Reserve, which holds its latest meeting this week, according to Reuters.

On Bursa Malaysia, decliners included Petronas Chemicals that fell 28 sen to RM6.56, Petronas Gas down 20 sen to RM16.50, Jaya Tiasa 18 sen to RM7.42.

Sime Darby, KLK and PPB fell 16 sen each to RM9.69, RM23.24 and RM16.72 respectively. APM lost 15 sen to RM4.48 and Telekom Malaysia declined 13 sen to RM5.10.

Naim Indah Corp was the most active with 229.13 million shares done. The stock rose eight sen to 72.5 sen.

Other actives included HWGB, Winsun, Sime Darby, Telekom, HLS Corp, MTronic, Iris CorpORP and Key West.

Meanwhile, gainers included Tecnic, Bonia, Ibraco, Mudajaya, PIE, MBM Resources, Dutch Lady and AEON.



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