KLCI pares down gains at mid-day as Asian equities turn negative

KUALA LUMPUR (May 10): The FBM KLCI rebounded at the mid-day break on Thursday but pared down its gains as some regional markets turned negative.

Asian shares fell on Thursday, as a weak Chinese trade data stoked fears of a growth slowdown, further undermining risk appetites already reduced by worries about the health of Spanish banks and deepening political chaos in Greece, according to Reuters.

The FBM KLCI gained 3.51 points to 1,588.41 at the mid-day break, lifted by select blue chips. It had earlier risen to its intra-morning high of 1,590.20.

Losers edged gainers by 332 to 256, while 309 counters traded unchanged. Volume was 722.32 million shares valued at RM493.12 million.

The ringgit strengthened 0.11% to 3.0681 versus the greenback; crude palm oil futures for the third month delivery rose RM25 per tonne to RM3,349, crude oil fell 37 cents per barrel tp US$96.44 while gold rose US$4.18 an ounce to US$1,593.75.

At the regional markets, Japan’s Nikkei 225 fell 0.11% to 9,035.48, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index lost 0.93% to 20,141.90, the Shanghai Composite Index shed 0.18% to 2,404.15, Taiwan’s Taiex was down 0.16% to 7,487.42, South Korea’s Kospi down 0.10% to 1,948.35 and Singapore’s Straits Times Index fell 0.20% to 2,895.11.

ON Bursa Malaysia, BAT was the top gainer in the morning session and rose 36 sen to RM54.74, Petronas Gas added 30 sen to RM17.28, United PLANTATION []s and Ajinomoto were up 24 sen each to RM26.18 and RM4.47, Petronas Dagangan 16 sen to RM19.86, KrisAssets 12 sen to RM7.12, whiel Hup Seng, RHB Capital and GAB added 10 sen each to RM2.35, RM7.43 and RM13.64.

Focus was the most actively traded counter with 103.8 million shares done. The stock rose two sen to 16.5 sen.

Other actives included Utopia, Ariantec, ManagePay, Naim indah Corp, Astral Supreme, SuperComNet and Permaju.

Decliners included Tahps, The Store, Tradewinds, Panasonic, Dutch Lady, Ekovest, Shell, PPB, KESM and Fiamma.



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KLCI reverses earlier losses at mid-day break

KUALA LUMPUR (May 3): The FBM KLCI managed to reverse some of its earlier losses at the mid-day break on Thursday and edged up, lifted by gains at select blue chips including AirAsia, BAT and RHB Capital.

The FBM KLCI added 0.41 of a point to 1,582.80 at the mid-day break.

Losers outpaced gainers by 314 to 234, while 318 counters traded unchanged. Volume was 779.26 million shares valued at RM479.15 million.

The ringgit weakened 0.14% to 3.0323 versus the greenback, crude palm oil futures for the third month delivery fell RM31 per tonne to RM3,404, crude oil shed 13 cents per barrel to US$105.09 while gold fell US$5.02 an ounce to US$1,648.48.

Meanwhile, Asian shares slipped on Thursday and the euro languished near a 2-week low after disappointing economic data from both sides of the Atlantic rekindled concerns about the strength of global growth.

Commodities and the Australian dollar - all sensitive to growth expectations - also struggled as the data put investors on the defensive and limited appetite for riskier assets.

At the regional markets, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index fell 0.5% to 21,203.40, the Shanghai Composite Index shed 0.37% to 2,429.49, Taiwan’s Taiex was down 0.23% top7,659.09, South Korea’s Kospi lost 0.33% to 1,992.46 and Singapore’s Straits Times Index edged down 0.07% to 3,004.14.

On Bursa Malaysia, AirAsia was the top gainer at mid-day and rose 21 sen to RM3.54, Country View was up 19.5 sen to 84 sen, BAT 16 sen to RM55.20, Nestle and Takaful 12 sen each to RM55.50 and RM4.29, NPC 10 sen to RM2.78, Crest Builder 9.5 sen to RM1.02 and RHB Capital nine sen to RM7.50.

Utopia was the most actively traded counter with 59.68 million shares done. The stock fell half a sen to 7.5 sen.

Other actives included Naim Indah Corp, AirAsia, Ariantec, Metronic, Compugates, Daya Materials and JCY.

Decliners in the morning session included Dutch Lady, MAHB< Genting, Carlsberg, Pasdec, Delloyd, Rexit, Shelll and Sarawak PLANTATION []s.



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KLCI up at mid-day break, moves above 1,570-level

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

The FBM KLCI was up 4.01 points to 1,571.81 at the mid-day break.

Gainers trailed losers by 229 to 285, while 299 counters traded unchanged. Volume was 398.95 million shares valued at RM422 million.

Asian shares rose 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 1.12% to 20,974.40, south Korea’s added 0.14% to 1,978.20, while Singapore’s Straits Times Index fell 0.20% to 2,975.62 and Taiwan’s Taiex shed 0.09% to 7,473.49.

MIDF Research in its weekly fund flow analysis said Malaysian stocks continued to attract foreign money last week.

It said foreign investors bought on net basis, Malaysian-listed shares amounted to RM356.1 million compared with RM408.8 million the week before. Foreign investors have now been net buyers of Malaysian stocks for 11 consecutive weeks now.

“We cross over to May this week.

“The adage “Sell in May and go away” is certainly not uncorroborated — the KLCI had recorded negative return for the month in six out of the last 10 years, averaging -3.2%. We therefore begin the month with a historical obstacle to surmount,” it said on Monday.

On Bursa Malaysia, Petronas Dagangan was the top gainer and added 24 sen to RM19.30, Aeon Credit and Nestle gained 20 sen each to RM10.26 and RM55.30, Tasek and Takaful was up 15 sen each to RM8.70 and RM4, Tradewinds PLANTATION []s up 14 sen to RM5.84, Toyo Ink and Carlsberg added 12 sen each to RM1.53 and RM11.60.

Meanwhile, RHB Capital and OSK Holdings rose on gaining the ministry of finance nod for a merger. RHB Capital rose 11 sen to RM7.36 whiel OSK was up 13 sen to RM1.69.

Ariantec was the most actively traded counter with 201.62 million shares done. The stock fell half a sen to 25 sen.

Other actives included Utopia, DRB-Hicom, CSL, Focus, Daya Materials, Bumi Armada and YTL Corp.

Decliners at mid-day included Dutch Lady, Jaya Tiasa, PacificMas, UAC, Amway, Bumi Armada and MMHE.



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RHB Capital, OSK up on getting nod for merger

KUALA LUMPUR (APRIL 30): Shares of RHB CAPITAL BHD [] and OSK HOLDINGS BHD [] advanced on Monday after they obtained the finance ministry's approval to merge RHB's banking group with OSK's investment bank, according to filings to the local bourse.

At 10.30am, RHB Capital added 12 sen to RM7.37 with 831,900 shares done while OSK gained five sen to RM1.61 with 1.11 million shares traded.

"Further details on the possible merger will be announced upon the execution of a conditional share purchase agreement between OSK and RHB," both RHB and OSK said in separate filings to Bursa Malaysis Securities Bhd last Friday.



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KLCI stays below 1,600-level at mid-day break, global woes weigh

KUALA LUMPUR (April 20); The FBM KLCI stayed in negative territory at the mid-day break on Friday in line with generally weaker performance at regional markets.

The FBM KLCI was down a marginal 1.14 points to 1,595.48 at 12.30pm, weighed by losses including at Genting and RHB Capital and CIMB.

Gainers trailed losers by 242 to 313, while 322 counters traded unchanged. Volume was 950.42 million shares valued at RM600.85 million.

The ringgit weakened 0.12% to 3.0693 versus the greenback, crude palm oil futures for the third month delivery fell RM16 per tonne to RM3,461, crude oil gaind 34 cents per barrel to US$102.61 while gold added US$1 an ounce to US$1,643.93.

Asian shares fell and commodity-linked currencies such as the Australian dollar slipped on Friday after disappointing U.S. economic data stirred doubts about the strength of the recovery, according to Reuters.

Renewed worries on the euro zone debt crisis also kept riskier assets under pressure, as a better-than-feared Spanish bond auction failed to allay concerns that Spain may follow Greece, Ireland and Portugal in needing an international bailout, it said.

At the regional markets, Japan’s Nikkei 225 fell 0.35% to 9,555.17, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index was down 0.24% to 0.24% to 20,944.10, the Shanghai Composite Index shed 0.60% to 2,392.92, Taiwan’s Taiex fell 1.12% to 7,537.58, South Korea’s Kospi lost 1.25% to 1,974.93 and Singapore’s Straits Times Index was down 0.20% to 3,002.14.

On Bursa Malaysia, Manulife was the top loser in the morning session and fell 14 sen to RM3.22, Batu Kawan and genting fell 10 sen each to RM18.80 and RM10.82, RHB Capital fell nine sen to RM7.43, Mentiga 7.5 sen to 68.5 sen, while SAM Engineering, Pintaras, S P Setia, Guan Chong and CIMB fell seven each to RM3.58, RM2.96, RM3.81, RM2.85 and RM7.56 respectively.

Ariantec was the most actively traded counter with 325.08 million shares traded. The stosk rose six sen to 23.5 sen.

Other actives included Metronic, Focus, CSL, SuperComNet, Astral Supreme, AWC and Utopia.

Gainers included BAT, Aeon Credit, KLK, Panasonic, Country View, Jaya Tiasa, Dutch Lady, Far East, Ta Ann and CBIP.



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KLCI extends loss on external woes

KUALA LUMPUR (April 5): The FBM KLCI extended its loss on Thursday, in line with the weaker overnight close at the US markets as well as lacklustre opening at regional markets.

The 30-stock index fell 3.79 points to 1,595.48 at 9am.

Losers led gainers by 57 to 23, while 86 counters traded unchanged. Volume was 13.1 million shares valued at RM4.09 million.

US stocks fell for a second day on Wednesday as investors contemplated a world without monetary stimulus and a poorly received bond auction in Spain suggested the effects of Europe's funding operations were waning, according to Reuters.

Meanwhile, Global stocks dropped more than 1 percent and gold tumbled to its lowest in nearly three months on Wednesday a day after U.S. central bank meeting minutes dented hopes for more economic stimulus and as a Spanish debt auction drew weak results, it said.

BIMB Securities Research said European stocks fell for a second day yesterday after Spain sold fewer bonds than its maximum target and the Federal Reserve damped expectations of more monetary stimulus for the US. Spain sold €2.6bn (US$3.4bn) of bonds; near the minimum target of €2.5bn; and borrowing costs rose in its first auction since the country said public debt will surge to a record this year.

US stocks ended in negative territory for a second day fueled by disappointment over the Fed's latest minutes and ongoing worries over the euro zone, the research house said in a note April 5.

The Dow and the S&P logged their biggest decline since March 6, while the Nasdaq suffered its worst day of the year. The S&P 500 lost 1 percent to 1,398.96 while DJIA slid 124.8 points to 13,074.75, it said.

“Back home, the local market has retraced as expected where the FBMKLCI fell more than 7 points to 1,599.27; dragged down by financial and PROPERTIES [] sector.

“Net foreign is still positive at RM176.7m yesterday but we reckon market sentiment to be weaker due to profit taking activities coupled with weak share performance in US and Europe. Expect immediate support to be seen at 1,595 followed by 1,590,” it said.

Among the decliners in early trade, KLK fell 22 sen to RM24.38, Genting lost 10 sen to RM10.98, Maybank don nine sen to RM8.79, RHB Capital and Malayan Flour Mills fell four sen each to RM7.70 and RM2, CIMB, MAS, Mah Sing and TDM fell two sen each to RM7.70, RM1.34, RM2.02 and RM4.68 respectively.

Gainers,meanwhile, included Tradewinds, BHIC, Parkson, SEGi, Pos Malaysia, Leader, Proton and N2N.

The actives included JCY, Carotech, Kurasia, Metronic and Winsun.



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RHB Cap top loser in late afternoon

KUALA LUMPUR (March 29): Shares of RHB CAPITAL BHD [] were the top loser in late afternoon trade on Thursday as investors booked recent profits as market sentiment was impacted by the key regional bourses.

At 3.25pm, RHB Cap was down 16 sen to RM7.74. Turnover was 705,100 shares done.

The FBM KLCI was up 0.19 of a point to 1,583.94. Turnover was 1.04 billion shares valued at RM783.45 million. Losers beat gainers 459 to 207 while 325 counters were unchanged.

European and Asian stock markets deepened this week's losses on Thursday after a bearish round of U.S. data in the previous session, with attention fixed on the most testing in a string of recent debt auctions for Italy, Reuters reported.

European shares fell 0.4 percent in early trade, adding to a roughly 1 percent fall on Wednesday and bringing losses since mid-March to more than 3 percent.

Meanwhile, OSK Research had in a recent report on the Malaysian banking sector, said it was maintaining its Neutral stance on the sector at this juncture given the moderating growth outlook for consumer loans, which contribute a hefty 55% of the overall system loans, as well as continued pressure on net interest margins.

“Our top sector picks are CIMB (BUY, FV: RM8.05), Maybank (BUY, FV: RM9.60) and RHB Capital (BUY, FV: RM9.90),” it said.



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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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CIMB Equities Research has technical sell on RHB Capital at RM7.90

KUALA LUMPUR (March 29): CIMB Equities Research has a technical sell on RHB Capital at RM7.90 at which it is trading at a FY13P/E of 8.6 times and price-to-book value of 1.5 times.

It said on Thursday the countertrend rebound is finding it difficult to breakout above its 38.2% Fibonacci Retracement level. It could possibly that the 200-day SMA is also standing in the way of the bulls.

“Prices could push a tad higher from here towards RM8.09 again or even RM8.20, the channel resistance but we do not think there is enough momentum to carry it past those resistances.

“Hence, any rallies should be viewed as a chance to sell. Confirmation would come in the form of a break below RM7.59, targeting RM7.15, the channel support and RM6.92,” CIMB Research said.



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KLCI closes higher in late push, buoyed by CIMB

KUALA LUMPUR (March 15): The FBM KLCI closed higher in late buying on Thursday, underpinned by gains in CIMB and Maybank amid volatile trading.

The KLCI rose 3.67 points or 0.2% to finish at 1,579.38. Turnover was 1.36 billion shares worth RM1.73 billion while the broader market was cautious, with 296 gainers versus 443 decliners while 367 stocks were unchanged.

Worries about the Chinese growth outlook limited gains in Asian markets. This saw the local equities paring gains during the day before recouping losses to finish higher. The KLCI reached an intraday high of 1,579.45at 9.26am before retreating to the day’s low of 1,574.59 at noon.

Among the key regional markets, Japan’s Nikkei 225 rose 0.72% to 10,123.28 and Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index added 0.21% to 21,353.53.

South Korea’s Kospi slipped 0.06% to 2,043.76, Singapore’s Straits Times Index0.02% lower at 3,025.84 and Shanghai’s Composite Index 0.73% lower at 2,373.77.

Crude palm oil third-month futures rose RM24 to RM3.402, the highest since June 2011. US light crude oil added 32 cents to US$105.75 while Brent crude rose above US$125.

At Bursa Malaysia, CIMB rose 17 sen to RM7.57, pushing up the KLCI by 2.99 points while Maybank added six sen to RM8.67, nudging the index up by 1.06 points. RHB Capital rose eight sen to RM7.90.

YTL added seven sen to RM1.80, YTL Power four sen to RM1.81, Axiata three sen to RM5.15, Telekom two sen to RM5.15 and Maxis two sen also to RM5.96.

Aeon Credit added 38 sen to close at RM8.73, YHS 14 sen to RM2.60 while Top Glove’s strong earnings saw its share price climb 12 sen to RM4.92.

Among decliners, PETRONAS GAS BHD [] lost 38 sen to RM16.60 while NESTLE (M) BHD [] fell 30 sen to RM56.

Most active was Tiger Synergy Bhd which closed flat at 15 sen with some 104 million shares done.



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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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Market Commentary

The FBM KLCI index lost 15.08 points or 0.95% on Wednesday. The Finance Index fell 0.82% to 14089.39 points, the Properties Index dropped 0.69% to 1050.54 points and the Plantation Index down 0.52% to 8600.14 points. The market traded within a range of 12.87 points between an intra-day high of 1585.30 and a low of 1572.43 during the session.

Actively traded stocks include NICORP, HWGB, SILVER, HWGB-WB, CSL, AMEDIA, ENVAIR, KEYWEST, GOCEAN and TECFAST. Trading volume increased to 1742.64 mil shares worth RM2030.26 mil as compared to Tuesday’s 1288.12 mil shares worth RM1792.17 mil.

Leading Movers were ARMADA (+3 sen to RM4.23), UMW (+3 sen to RM7.19), RHBCAP (+4 sen to RM7.76), PETDAG (+4 sen to RM18.50) and MMHE (+2 sen to RM5.32). Lagging Movers were SIME (-19 sen to RM9.80), CIMB (-11 sen to RM7.31), GENTING (-18 sen to RM10.74), MAYBANK (-8 sen to RM8.71) and YTL (-6 sen to RM1.69). Market breadth was negative with 283 gainers as compared to 476 losers. -- JF Apex Securities Bhd



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CIMB Research has technical sell on RHB Capital at RM7.72

KUALA LUMPUR (March 7): CIMB Equities Research has a technical sell on RHB Capital at RM7.72 at which it is trading at a FY13 price-to-earnings of 5.6 times and price-to-book value of 1.3 times.

It said on Wednesday the countertrend rebound reached the 38.2% Fibonacci Retracement level, suggesting that the uptrend from its October 2011 low may have exhausted. Coincidently, the 38.2% FR level is also close to the 200-day SMA.

“Unless the candles push above the 200-day SMA (now at RM8.04), we anticipate selling pressure to pick up in days to come. The next downleg will drag prices towards RM7.35 and RM6.92.

“MACD signal line is poised for a negative crossover while RSI has also hooked downward. This shows that buying momentum is waning,” it said.



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Market Commentary

The FBM KLCI index gained 3.80 points or 0.24% on Thursday. The Finance Index increased 0.07% to 14026.81 points, the Properties Index up 0.36% to 1056.46 points and the Plantation Index rose 0.00% to 8652.12 points. The market traded within a range of 7.40 points between an intra-day high of 1576.23 and a low of 1568.83 during the session.

Actively traded stocks include NICORP, CSL, IFCAMSC, YTL, SIME, TIMECOM, SILVER, RA, DRBHCOM and WINSUN. Trading volume decreased to 1617.80 mil shares worth RM2024.63 mil as compared to Wednesday’s 1942.34 mil shares worth RM2693.55 mil.

Leading Movers were SIME (+24 sen to RM9.93), PETCHEM (+5 sen to RM6.75), BAT (+90 sen to RM53.10), DIGI (+2 sen to RM4.04) and AMMB (+4 sen to RM6.17). Lagging Movers were GENTING (-14 sen to RM10.46), YTL (-5 sen to RM1.70), TENAGA (-3 sen to RM6.25), YTLPOWR (-3 sen to RM1.83) and RHBCAP (-15 sen to RM7.80). Market breadth was negative with 309 gainers as compared to 506 losers. -- JF Apex Securities Bhd



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RHB Group provides RM1.38bn loan for RM6b Tg Bin power plant

KUALA LUMPUR (March 1): RHB Bank and RHB Investment Bank are providing RM1.38 billion to partly finance the CONSTRUCTION [] of the RM6 billion coal-fired power plant in Tanjung Bin, Johor.

The financing of the 1,000 MW plant is managed by Malakoff Corporation Bhd’s unit Tanjung Bin Energy Issuer Bhd

RHB Investment Bank is the mandated lead arranger whilst RHB Bank is the lender in the syndicated facilities. RHB Investment Bank is also a joint lead manager in the Sukuk programme.

According to a statement issued by RHB Group, Malaysia's energy demand is projected to grow at 3.4% annually, which is double the 2010 level with the rollout of the large scale infrastructure and construction projects under the 10th Malaysia Plan.



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CIMB Research maintains Neutral on RHB Capital, TP RM7.50

KUALA LUMPUR (Feb 29): CIMB Equities Research said RHB CAPITAL BHD []’s FY11 net profit met its expectations as it accounted for 97% of its forecast and consensus.

It said on Wednesday that however, net profit growth at only 5.7% was slow, impacted by a margin squeeze that offset the positive effects of swift loan growth.

“We continue to peg the stock to our DDM value. Despite the undemanding valuation, we continue to rate RHB Capital a Neutral on concerns over slowing loan growth and suppressed net interest margins,” it said.

CIMB Research had a target price of RM7.50 for the stock.



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Stocks to watch: IPPs, Mah Sing, Genting, UEM Land

KUALA LUMPUR (Feb 29): With the current corporate results drawing to an end on Wednesday, investors’ focus would be on the companies with the stronger set of financial results and their prospects for the year ahead as the external and domestic economies slow down.

The important decision would be to pick companies which would be able to ride through slower growth, especially PLANTATION []s and banks with overseas operations.

Among the stocks to watch on Wednesday after independent power producers (IPPs), MAH SING GROUP BHD [], GENTING BHD [] and UEM Land Bhd.

The Energy Commission has invited the first generation of independent power producers to submit their plans to extend the power purchase agreements (PPAs).

These IPPs, whose PPAs were scheduled to end in three to four years, were invited to extend the agreements on condition they would reduce the capacity payments.

Mah Sing Group Bhd posted net profit of RM41.03 million in the fourth quarter ended Dec 31, 2011, up 30.8% from RM31.35 million a year ago, boosted by the property segment.

Its revenue increased by 41% to RM422.12 million from RM299.28 million. Earnings per share were 4.93 sen compared with 3.77 sen. It announced dividend of 11 sen a share.

For FY11, its earnings rose 42.7% to RM168.55 million from RM118.07 million in FY10.

Genting Bhd reported net profit of RM772.91 million in the fourth quarter ended Dec 31, 2011, up 66% from RM465.43 million a year ago.

Its revenue increased by 23.9% to RM5.06 billion from RM4.08 billion. Its earnings per share were 20.94 sen compared with 12.57 sen while it proposed a dividend of 4.5 sen a share.

Group profit before tax was RM1.802 billion, compared with RM1.182 billion a year ago as it included a reversal of RM308.6 million in respect of previously recognised impairment loss relating to the UK casino licenses and a net fair value gain of RM64.4 million on derivative financial instruments.

UEM LAND HOLDINGS BHD [] posted a 3.84% increase in earnings to RM140.56 million for the fourth quarter ended Dec 31, 2011, from RM135.36 million, due to improved performance from the group's various development activities.

It said the board was confident of the group’s prospects in the coming financial year as the on-going projects had unbilled sales of RM1.85 billion as at Dec 31, 2011.

Shareholders of TSM GLOBAL BHD [], who own 28.07% of the paid-up share shares, have offered to acquire all the business, including assets and liabilities, for RM159.24 million or RM1.25 per share.

Property developer, Dijaya Corp Bhd's earnings rose 12.8% to RM39.02 million for the fourth quarter ended Dec 31, 2011, from RM34.59 million a year ago, due to better sales performance and recognition of progress billings from its project launches in 2011.

Revenue was up 53.2% to RM156.19 million from RM101.91 million. Earnings per share were 8.53 sen compared to 7.60 sen a year ago.

KFC Holdings Bhd (KFCH) saw its fourth quarter earnings decline 21.9% to RM38 million from RM48.67 million a year ago.

It said KFC India and KFCH International College continued to incur high initial start-up costs in the current quarter during the gestation period.

QSR BRANDS BHD [] reported net profit of RM38.69 million in the fourth quarter ended Dec 31, 2011, up 9.7% from the RM35.25 million a year ago due to better profits from Pizza Hut Malaysia.

Cafe chain operator Oldtown Bhd recorded RM11.66 million in profits for the fourth quarter ended Dec 31, 2011 as it benefited from an increase in exports of its beverage products and higher selling prices.

Steel contractor Eversendai Corporation Bhd recorded profits of RM36.42 million for the fourth quarter ended Dec 31, 2011, due to higher revenue from current on-going projects. Its revenue was RM313.29 million while earnings per share were 5.41 sen.

For the financial year ended Dec 31, 2011, revenue was RM1.03 billion, while profits were RM119.45 million.

Benalec Holdings Bhd, posted a 52.51% increase in earnings to RM28.84 million for the second quarter ended Dec 31, 2011, from RM18.91 million due to net gain on sale of land in the current quarter.

Its revenue was 40.54% lower to RM26.89 million from RM45.22 million mainly due to certain projects located in Melaka had already reached the completion stage.

RHB CAPITAL BHD [] posted an 8.09% fall in profits to RM348.39 million for the fourth quarter ended Dec 31, 2011, from RM380.15 million due to increased competition among banks.



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RHB Cap 4Q earnings dip to RM348m on stiffer competition

KUALA LUMPUR (Feb 28): RHB CAPITAL BHD [] posted an 8.09% fall in profits to RM348.39 million for the fourth quarter ended Dec 31, 2011, from RM380.15 million due to increased competition among banks.

It said on Tuesday its revenue increased 10.5% to RM1.89 billion to RM1.71 billion. Earnings per share were 15.80 sen compared with 17.70 sen a year ago.

The lower margins were attributed to stiffer competition in both loans and deposits, as well as a relatively lower yielding credit risk-free public sector loans and financing on book.

RHB Cap said the increase in the overnight policy rate (OPR) in May 2011, coupled with several increases in the statutory reserve requirement (SRR) contributed to the lower net interest income.

For the financial year ended Dec 31, 2011, revenue was up 15.12% to RM7.08 billion from RM6.15 billion. Meanwhile, profit rose 5.63% to RM1.50 billion from RM1.42 billion.

“In line with our commitment to consistently provide value to our shareholders, a final dividend of 11.82% less 25% tax and single tier dividend of 5.59% totaling RM318.7 million has been proposed.

"Together with the interim dividend of 8.00% less tax, the total gross dividend for 2011 would amount to 25.41% per share. This is in line with the group’s stated dividend policy of 30% payout ratio”, said RHB Capital chairman Datuk Mohamed Khadar Merican.

The improvement in performance was attributable to higher net interest income, other operating income, income from its Islamic banking arm as well as lower loan loss provisions and impairment losses on other assets. However, this was partly offset by other operating expenses.



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Market Commentary

The FBM KLCI index gained 0.27 points or 0.02% on Monday. The Finance Index increased 0.37% to 13913.15 points, the Properties Index dropped 0.18% to 1038.48 points and the Plantation Index down 0.22% to 8612.06 points. The market traded within a range of 7.58 points between an intra-day high of 1565.87 and a low of 1558.29 during the session.

Actively traded stocks include NICORP, CSL, FOCUS-WB, HARVEST-WA, ENVAIR, ASIAEP, IFCAMSC, HARVEST, PDZ and GOCEAN. Trading volume decreased to 1642.24 mil shares worth RM1633.98 mil as compared to Friday’s 1695.08 mil shares worth RM1941.07 mil.

Leading Movers were CIMB (+8 sen to RM7.14), YTL (+4 sen to RM1.54), TM (+7 sen to RM5.15), AMMB (+8 sen to RM6.11) and RHBCAP (+20 sen to RM7.86). Lagging Movers were GENM (-6 sen to RM3.81), IOICORP (-3 sen to RM5.40), PBBANK (-4 sen to RM13.62), SIME (-3 sen to RM9.57) and MAYBANK (-2 sen to RM8.75). Market breadth was negative with 327 gainers as compared to 455 losers. -- JF Apex Securities Bhd



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Market mixed midday, concerns over high oil price

KUALA LUMPUR (Feb 27): Blue chips were higher at midday on Monday, buoyed by CIMB and Telekom but the broader market was mixed as investors’ sentiment was cautious about the impact of higher oil prices on the global economy.

The FBM KLCI rose 2.66 points to 1,561.43. Turnover was 851.34 million shares valued at RM730.13 million. There were 340 gainers, 330 losers and 310 stocks unchanged.

Brent crude eased slightly but stayed around 10-month highs above US$125 per barrel amid escalating tension over Iran's disputed nuclear programme, according to Reuters. Investors concerns were whether it could break through US$130.

US light crude oil fell 40 cents to US$109.37. Crude palm oil prices for third-month delivery rose RM20 to RM3,296 per tonne. The ringgit weakened against the US dollar to 3.0162.

Key regional markets which fell included Japan’s Nikkei 225, South Korea’s Kospi and Singapore’s Straits Times – three countries which are heavily dependent on imported crude oil.

At Bursa Malaysia, Dutch Lady rose RM1.70 to RM27.50 and Carlsberg 35 sen to RM9.80 while Guinness Anchor added 16 sen to RM9.10. Among PLANTATION []s, Batu Kawan added 24 sen to RM18.80 and Chin Tek 15 sen to RM9.10.

CIMB added eight sen to RM7.14, pushing up the KLCI by 1.41 points, Telekom added seven sen to RM5.15, nudging the KLCI up 0.59 of a point while AMMB’s six sen gain to RM6.09 pushed the index up by 0.42 of a point. RHB Capital rose 22 sen to RM7.88.

Naim Indah Corp was the most active with 99.48 million shares done, It added 3.5 sen to 55 sen. China Stationery rose 10 sen to RM1.20.

MBM Resources was the top loser, down 20 sen to RM4.42 on profit taking and also concerns about earnings per share dilution from its proposed rights issue.

BAT, SOP and MAHB lost 10 sen each to RM52.46, RM6.15 and RM5.70 respectively. Latexx fell 12 sen to RM1.56 and the warrants 10 sen to RM1.18.



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