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 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 rises at mid-day break, but struggles to breach 1,580-level

KUALA LUMPUR (May 2): the FBM KLCI rose at the mid-day break on Wednesday in line with the gains at its regional peers, but struggled to cross the crucial 1,580-point mark.

The 30-stock index rose 7.79 points to 1,578.40 at the mid-day break.

Gainers led losers by 315 to 243, while 290 counters traded unchanged. Volume was 680.87 million shares valued at RM542.98 million.

The ringgit strengthened 0.23% to 3.0219 versus the US dollar; crude palm oil futures for the third month delivery rose RM1 per tonne to RM3,445, crude oil fell 22 cents per barrel to US$105.94 and gold lost US$3.25 an ounce to US$1,659.18.

Asian shares edged higher and the dollar recovered against the yen on Wednesday after strong U.S. factory activity data raised hopes that the world's biggest economy remained on a recovery track, according to Reuters.

Factory order data released on Wednesday by Asia's key exporters Taiwan and South Korea showed manufacturing activity grew but at a slower pace, while China's HSBC final PMI reading for April came in slightly above last week's flash PMI, it said.

At the regional markets, Japan’s Nikkei 225 rose 0.38% to 9,386.28, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index was gained 1.14% 21,335.60, the Shanghai Composite Index was up 1.58% to 2,434.09, Taiwan’s Taiex jumped 2.11% to 7,660.13, South Korea’s Kospi gained 0.77% to 1,997.32 and Singapore’s Straits Times Index edged up 0.50% to 2,993.60.

On Bursa Malaysia, Aeon Credit was the top gainer at the mid-dat break and rose 32 sen to RM11.02, Takaful up 29 sen to RM4.25, Orient 25 sen to RM6.67, Aeon 19 sen to RM9.70, Genting 18 sen to RM10.52, Tasek 16 sen to RM8.83, Harrisons 15 sen to RM3.23, Cyber Towers 13.5 sen to RM1.10 and BIMB 12 sen to RM2.66.

Utopia was the most actively traded counter with 59.62 million shares done. The stock was unchanged at 8.5 sen.

Other actives included Hubline, BIMB, Naim Indah Corp, Astral Supreme, AWC, Focus and Ariantec.

Decliners included BAT, Dutch Lady, Y&G, Country View, Cepco, PPB, Top Glove, Milux, Shell and UMS.



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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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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 dips to below 1,580-level, blue chips drag

KUALA LUMPUR (April 25): The FBM KLCI closed below the 1,580-point level on Wednesday, reversing its gains earlier in the morning session, weighed by losses including Genting, Tenaga, CIMB, KLK and Petronas Dagangan.

The index fell 2.93 points to 1,579.35.

Market breadth was weak with 405 losers, 315 gainers and 346 counters trading unchanged. Volume was 1.47 billion shares valued at RM1.53 billion.

Meanwhile, global shares rose on Wednesday ahead of the U.S. Federal Reserve's policy meeting, due mainly to signs of good demand for euro zone sovereign debt before a German bond sale, and some strong corporate earnings, according to Reuters.

Markets could take their cues from several planned public speeches by European Central Bank officials, which will be scrutinised for any signs it would consider more liquidity operations if the euro zone's problems worsened, it said.

At the regional markets, Japan’s Nikkei 225 rose 0.98% to 9,561.01, Taiwan’s Taiex added 0.86% to 7,563.18, and the Shanghai Composite Index gained 0.75% to 2,406.81 and Singapore’s Straits Times Index added 0.20% to 2,980.19.

Meanwhile, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index lost 0.15 % to 20,646.29 and South Korea’s Kospi shed 0.07% to 1,961.98.

Among the decliners on Bursa Malaysia, BAT fell 28 sen to RM55.12, KLK and TH PLANTATION []s lost 16 sen each to RM23.82 and RM2.65, CSL down 15 sen to RM1.48, UMS 14 sen to RM1.66, Yeo Hiap Seng 13 sen to RM2.88, Toyo Ink, Tanjung Offshore and MMC Corp down 12 sen each to RM1.36, 78 sen and RM2.62 respectively, while Quality Concrete lost 11 sen to RM1.24.

Utopia was the most actively traded counter with 186.1 million shares done. The stock added one sen to 9.5 sen.

Other actives included Ariantec, Ramunia, CSL, Metronic, Astral Supreme, HWGB and JCY.

Meanwhile, the gainers included Panasonic, UMWE, The Store, NSOP, SPB, Batu Kawan, Cepco, TDM and Scientex.



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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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FBM KLCI erases losses, in positive territory at midday

KUALA LUMPUR (March 22) : The FBM KLCI erased earlier losses to settle in positive territory at midday as Asian stock markets fell on weaker economic sentiments in China.

This follows updates that the HSBC flash PMI, a gauge for China's industrial activity, declined to 48.1 in March from 49.6 in February .

In Malaysia, the 30-stock FBM KLCI rose 3.05 points to 1,585.58 at 12.30pm with 1.75 billion shares worth RM665.79 million traded. There were 312 gainers versus 334 decliners while 326 stocks were unchanged.

Among Asian indices, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng fell 0.02% to 20,851.9 points, South Korea’s Kospi lost 0.26% to 2,021.94 while the Shanghai Composite was down 0.42% to 2,368.19

Ar Bursa Malaysia, the top gainer KUALA LUMPUR KEPONG BHD [] added 48 sen to RM23.90 while BAT was up 38 sen to RM53.58.

Decliners include Far East which fell 13 sen to RM7.27 while Nestle was down 12 sen to RM55.88.

Most active was 1Utopia which added 2.5 sen to 10 sen with some 242 million shares done.



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KLCI reverses earlier losses at mid-morning

KUALA LUMPUR (March 22): The FBM KLCI reversed its early losses and moved into positive territory at mid-morning on Thursday, lifted by gains in Petronas-linked counters and select blue chips including Genting.

At 10.21am, the KLCI was up 2.84 points to 1,585.37. Gainers led losers by 251 to 188, while 287 counters were traded unchanged. Volume was 1.04 billion shares valued at RM280.35 million.

Maybank IB Research said the KLCI’s resistance areas of 1,577 and 1,594 would cap market gains, whilst the weaker support areas are at 1,562 and 1,575.

“Due to the US markets’ weaker tone last night, we could be in for a range-bound day,” it said, adding that any low-volume and price rebound on Thursday could be a great selling opportunity.

Among the gainers, BAT rose 40 sen to RM53.60, Petronas Gas up 20 sen to RM16.78, Jaya Tiasa 15 sen to RM7.65, KLK 14 sen to RM23.56 and MHC 11 sen to RM1.71.

Hong Leong Bank rose 10 sen to RM12.22 while Uzma, Petronas Dagangan, KESM and Genting advanced eight sen each to RM2.08, RM18.50, RM2.11 an RM10.78 respectively.

Utopia was the most active with 204.91 million shares done. The stock added 2.5 sen to 10 sen.

Other actives included Mtronic, Ingenuity Solutions, Ariantec, DBE Gurney, Key West and Palette.

Decliners included Sarawak Oil Palms, SMPC, Aeon Credit, KrisAsssets, Auto Ventures, Bernas, IOI Corp and BHIC.



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Stocks to watch: DiGi, Oldtown, DBE Gurney, 1 Utopia, HWGB

KUALA LUMPUR (Jan 20): Trading on Bursa Malaysia is expected to taper off in a more cautious mood on Friday, ahead of the four-day trading break due to the weekend and two days for the Chinese New Year holidays.

Reuters reported European stocks rose on Thursday in brisk volume, as strong demand and falling yields at Spanish and French debt sales soothed worries over the euro zone debt crisis and triggered sector rotation out of defensives and into banks.

The euro zone banking index, which plummeted 38% last year, was up nearly 5% on Thursday, with Societe Generale ahead 8% and UniCredit 10.5% better. European banks are major holders of euro zone sovereign debt.

At Bursa Malaysia, among the stocks which could see trading interest included DIGI.COM BHD [], Oldtown Bhd, DBE Gurney Resources Bhd, 1 Utopia Bhd (formerly TEJARI TECHNOLOGIES BHD []) and HO WAH GENTING BHD [] [] (HWGB).

DiGi.com earnings rose 18.7% to RM394.22 million in the fourth quarter ended Dec 31, 2011 compared with RM332.02 million a year ago, boosted by tax incentives.

Its net profit rose 34.9% to RM394 million mainly due to tax incentives related to mobile broadband network facilities. Its revenue increased 8.1% to RM1.545 billion from RM1.429 billion, with mobile data revenue exceeding 30% of the group revenue.

For the financial year ended Dec 31, 2011, its earnings rose 6.5% to RM1.254 billion from RM1.178 billion.

Oldtown’s unit White Cafe Sdn Bhd is investing RM36.65 million in a new factory in Tasek Industrial Estate, Perak to expand its beverage manufacturing operations. The expansion would enable it to increase the capacity by 500%.

DBE Gurney confirmed that it is in talks with a shareholder of CI Holding Bhd which includes a private placement exercise. The poultry-based company said it had plans for a private placement to raise funds for its working capital requirement.

1 Utopia posted net losses of RM412,000 in the fourth quarter ended Nov 30, 2011 (4Q11) from a net profit of RM218,000 a year ago due to higher taxation.

It paid RM942,000 in taxes in 4Q11 compared with only RM103,000 a year ago. ts revenue increased by 33.6% at RM129.26 million from RM85.83 million.

HWGB proposed a private placement of up to 48.72 million new shares, or 10% of its paid-up, to raise up to RM17.54 million.

Based on an indicative issue price of 36 sen per placement share, the company is expected to raise up to RM17.54 million.

GEFUNG HOLDINGS BHD []’s issuance of 109.09 million rights shares with 21.82 million warrants was undersubscribed by 43.62%.

At the close of acceptance and payment for the rights shares at 15 sen each with warrants on Jan 12, the total acceptances and excess applications received was about 56.38% of the rights shares with warrants.



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1 Utopia posts losses in 4Q on higher taxes, cost of sales

KUALA LUMPUR (Jan 19): 1 Utopia Bhd, formerly TEJARI TECHNOLOGIES BHD [], posted net losses of RM412,000 in the fourth quarter ended Nov 30, 2011 (4Q11) from a net profit of RM218,000 a year ago due to higher taxation.

It said on Thursday it paid taxed amounting to RM942,000 in 4Q11 compared with only RM103,000 a year ago.

As for revenue, it increased by 33.6% to RM129.26 million from RM85.83 million. The increase was mainly due to the consolidation of revenue of its new subsidiary, PDA Expert Mobility Sdn Bhd and increased contribution from the two subsidiaries, PC3 TECHNOLOGY [] Sdn Bhd and Essential Action Sdn Bhd.

However, the higher revenue was offset also by the higher cost of sales at RM123.84 million in 4Q11 compared with RM79.73 million in 4Q10.

“The group generated a profit before taxation (PBT) of RM1.1 million for 4Q11 as compared to profit before taxation of RM700,00 in 4Q10. The profit was mainly due to the contribution from PDA Expert Mobility,” it said.

It recorded loss per share of 0.06 sen compared with earnings per share of 0.11 sen.

For the financial year ended Nov 30, 2011, its earnings plunged to RM45,000 compared with RM497,000 a year ago.

Its full year revenue, however, increased by 228% to RM456.13 million from RM138.93 million.



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1 Utopia tops volume list

KUALA LUMPUR: ICT product retailer 1 Utopia Bhd, which saw a jump in trading interest after a research house said in mid-December that it should be worth more, was the most active counter yesterday even as its share price fell.

Some 197.4 million shares or 29% of 1 Utopia’s share base changed hands at between six sen and eight sen apiece yesterday before the stock closed at 6.5 sen, down one sen or 13.3% for a year-to-date decline of 52.5%. The counter had been on a downward trend since hitting a recent high of 12 sen on Dec 12.

Its substantial shareholder and executive director Ooi Chai Huat yesterday ceased to be a substantial shareholder after KOM2 Holdings Sdn Bhd sold 72.48 million shares or a 10.8% block on the open market. Those shares were held by JF Apex Nominees (Tempatan) Sdn Bhd and SJ Sec Nominees (Tempatan) Sdn Bhd, being pledged securities account for KOM2, filings showed.

Another substantial shareholder, Goh Boon Leong, sold 18.6 million shares on the open market, paring holdings to 35.6 million shares or 5.31%.

At press time, there was no change in the holdings of its managing director Chin Boon Long, who owns 12.85% of the company.

On Dec 16, SJ Securities initiated coverage on 1 Utopia with an “overweight” recommendation and a 16 sen fair value.


“Our fair value is based on a forward price-earnings ratio (PER) of 7.5 times and 2012 forecast earnings per share (EPS) of 2.11 sen,” it said in the note. “The group plans to move to the Main Board of Bursa Malaysia.”

Formerly known as Tejari Technologies Bhd, the ACE Market-listed company took its present name to reflect its venture into the information, communication and technology (ICT) industry. From providing hydraulic parts and components, the company now runs ICT retail businesses and organises ICT-related events.

1 Utopia owns 60% of the shops in Low Yat Plaza, a place consumers gravitate to for ICT gadgets in Kuala Lumpur’s Bukit Bintang area. The company also owns several outlets in Digital Mall, Petaling Jaya; as well as retail outlets in malls like Sunway Pyramid, Mid Valley Megamall and Berjaya Times Square.

Its recent acquisitions include PDA Expert Mobility Sdn Bhd, an authorised provider of DiGi services and an authorised reseller of branded notebooks with 26 shops nationwide.

Already, the new businesses have helped 1 Utopia book a RM940,000 profit in FY10 ended Nov 30, a sharp reversal from a RM4.47 million loss in FY09. “We expect income to grow moving forward with business expansion and acquisitions,” said SJ Securities, forecasting net profit to reach RM10.32 million for FY11 and RM14.14 million for FY12.

On Nov 24, 1 Utopia paid RM1.03 million for 100% of Urusrasa Sdn Bhd, a car jockey service operator for Low Yat Plaza, Federal Hotel and Capitol Hotel, a deal expected to rake in some RM1.5 million revenue a year (RM5,000 a day). “We see the car jockey business as a very good buy. It was bought cheaply,” SJ Securities said.

The research house also pointed out that 1 Utopia’s business could see another boost if authorities approve its i-milik programme that can track stolen devices and gadgets.

Notably, last Tuesday 1 Utopia said Bursa Securities approved the listing of up to 98.54 million placement shares (10% of share base) to be issued.



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KL shares higher at midday

Bursa Malaysia ended the morning session on a positive note today in line with the improved sentiment on the regional markets, dealers said.

At 12.30pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI gained 7.32 points, or 0.49 per cent, to 1,514.01 after opening 2.29 points higher at 1,508.98.

A dealer said late window-dressing in selected heavyweights was likely to ensure the benchmark index ended the year above 1,500.

Market breadth was positive with gainers leading losers by 337 to 254 while turnover amounted to 572.05 million shares worth RM483.97 million.

The Finance Index increased 26.21 points to 13,449.97, Plantation Index advanced 73.24 points to 8,161.56 and the Industrial Index gained 8.83 points to 2,729.90.

The FTSE Bursa Malaysia Emas Index jumped 49.06 points to 10,397.01 and the FTSE Bursa Malaysia Mid 70 Index expanded 59.72 points to 11,546.49.

FTSE Bursa Malaysia Ace Index, however, slipped 0.96 point to 4,067.30.

Of the volume leaders, Mulpha rose one sen to 39.5 sen, Wijaya-Warrants was half sen higher at 42 sen while 1 Utopia was unchanged at 6.5 sen.

Among heavyweights, Maybank up one sen to RM8.33, Sime Darby gained five sen to RM9.05 and CIMB added three sen to RM7.19. -- Bernama



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KL shares continue uptrend at midafternoon

Shares on Bursa Malaysia extended their gains at mid-afternoon today on bargain-hunting ahead of year-end, dealers said.

At 3pm, the underlying FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) rose 3.49 points, or 0.23 per cent, to 1,507.60 after opening 4.06 points lower at 1,500.05.

A dealer said interest was confined to the plantation and banking counters with investors confident that these segments would perform well next year.

KL Kepong advanced 32 sen to RM22.90, Sime Darby gained five sen to RM9.04, RHB Capital jumped 14 sen to RM7.27 and CIMB rose four sen to RM7.14.

Trading was positive with gainers outpacing losers by 414 to 229 while 296 counters were unchanged. Volume stood at 1.06 billion worth RM627.35 million.

The Finance Index rose by 50.84 points to 13,425.06, Plantation Index increased 18.42 points to 8,087.28 and the Industrial Index gained 22.98 points to 2,731.00.

The FTSE Bursa Malaysia Emas Index added 33.43 points to 10,352.12, FTSE Bursa Malaysia Mid 70 Index advanced 49.97 points to 11,486.27 and the FTSE Bursa Malaysia Ace Index was 20.44 points higher at 4,075.24.

Of the volume leaders, Sanichi Technology rose 2.5 sen to 17.5 sen and Wijaya-Warrants was up 4.5 sen to 43.5 sen. 1 Utopia, however, lost half sen to seven sen,

Among heavyweights, Maybank declined one sen to RM8.33, Petronas Chemicals rose one sen to RM6.16 and Axiata was two sen higher at RM5.01. -- BERNAMA



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KL shares mixed amid cautious sentiment

Shares on Bursa Malaysia were mixed mid-morning as investors were reluctant to take risk ahead of the year-end, dealers said.

At 10.50am, the underlying FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) stood at 1,504.08, down by a mere 0.03 point, after opening 4.06 points lower at 1,500.05.

Volume stood at 467.99 million worth RM240.12 million, with gainers outpacing losers 218 to 200.

A dealer said the key index held steady at its crucial 1,500 mark supported by fund buying in selected heavyweights and also interest in financial counters.

CIMB rose four sen to RM7.14, RHB Capital advanced eight sen to RM7.21 and Hong Leong Bank gained six sen to RM10.90.

The Finance Index jumped 31.62 points to 13,405.84, the Industrial Index added 9.34 points to 2,717.36 while the Plantation Index slipped 17.34 points to 8,051.52.

The FTSE Bursa Malaysia Emas Index gained 1.35 points to 10,320.04, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia Ace Index rose 6.28 points to 4,061.08 while the FTSE Bursa Malaysia Mid 70 Index declined 7.36 points to 11,428.94.

Among the active counters, 1 Utopia was unchanged at 7.5 sen, Wijaya-Warrants rose 3.5 sen to 42.5 sen and JCY-Call Warrant perked one sen to 45 sen.

Among heavyweights, Maybank was flat at RM8.34, Sime Darby gained three sen to RM9.02 while Petronas Chemicals shed one sen to RM6.14. -- Bernama



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KL shares up on late fund buying

Shares on Bursa Malaysia closed higher today on late fund buying activities, dealers said.

The underlying FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI ended at 1,504.11, up 3.20 points or 0.21 per cent, supported by gains in selected heavyweights.

Hong Leong Investment Bank, in a research note, said the key index was likely to end the year above the 1,500 points level driven by a bullish breakout and positive technical readings coupled with rotational window dressing activities.

The Finance Index increased 24.46 points to 13,374.22, the Plantation Index gained 27.15 points to 8,068.86 and the Industrial Index added 22.37 points to 2,708.02. The FTSE Bursa Malaysia Emas climbed 27.92 points to 10,318.69, the FTSE
Bursa Malaysia Mid 70 Index advanced 68.14 points to 11,436.30 and the FTSE Bursa Malaysia Ace Index was 39.24 points higher at 4,054.80.

Volume increased to 1.27 billion shares, worth RM904.21 million, from 993.75 million shares, valued at RM743.83 million, registered on Tuesday.

Market breadth was positive with gainers leading losers 385 to 314.

A dealer said although the local bourse was up in late trading, sentiment remained bearish in line with Asian markets which traded lower as many market players were away for the year-end holidays.

"The market will continue with its rangebound trading this week as the year comes to a close," the dealer said, adding that any gains could be due to fund managers' buying to adjust their portfolios.

Among active counters, 1 Utopia slipped half-a-sen to 7.5 sen, Proton-Call Warrant declined two sen to 47.5 sen while JCY-Call Warrant gained seven sen to 44 sen.

For heavyweights, Maybank was unchanged at RM8.34, Sime Darby shed one sen to RM8.99 while CIMB increased five sen to RM7.10.

Volume on the Main Market rose to 614.35 million shares, valued at RM771.79 million, from 540.14 million shares, valued at RM647.33 million, recorded on Tuesday.

Turnover on the Ace Market jumped to 362.93 million units, worth RM37.42 million, from yesterday's 179.61 million units, worth RM22.94 million.

Warrants increased to 292.32 million shares, valued at RM92.51 million, from 272.79 million units valued, at RM72.9 million, transacted previously.

Consumer products accounted for 84.68 million shares traded on the Main Market, industrial products 123.1 million, construction 24.92 million, trade and services 193.1 million, technology 44.33 million, infrastructure 8.93 million, finance 51.6 million, hotels 384,800 million, properties 42.95 million, plantations 20.1 million, mining nil, REITs 1.9 million and closed/fund 16,900. -- BERNAMA





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KL shares end firmer, buoyed by Wall St

Share prices on Bursa Malaysia ended on a firm note today, in line with the stronger close on Wall Street and European markets overnight, dealers said.

On Wall Street, the key US equity indices rose between 2.9 per cent and 3.2 per cent at the close, buoyed by better-than-expected housing starts report.

At 5pm, the benchmark FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) rose 19.81 points to 1,484.98.

The dealers said the gain was bolstered by upbeat economic data from US and Europe, adding that the positive external vibes had also spilled over to Asian bourses today.

Gainers led losers by 405 to 307 while 336 counters were unchanged and 433 others untraded. Turnover rose to 1.655 billion shares worth RM1.321 billion from 1.642 billion shares worth RM738.23 million yesterday.

The Finance Index rose 187.03 points to 13,267.64, Plantation Index added 58.76 points to 7,907.88 and the Industrial Index increased 12.45 points to 2,662.82. The FBM Emas Index gained 119.94 points to 10,170.46, FBM Mid 70 Index firmed 87.03 points to 11,164.47 and the FBM Ace Index soften 13.19 points to 4,066.39.

Among active counters, The Media Shoppe-Ord Rights was unchanged at half sen, 1 Utopia Bhd declined one sen to 8.5 sen and Hibiscus Petroleum-Warr 11/14 inched up 6.5 sen to 52 sen.

In heavyweights, Maybank rose 13 sen to RM8.37, Sime Darby added one sen to RM9 and CIMB Group appreciated five sen to RM6.95.

Volume on the main market rose to 944.79 million shares valued at RM679.44 million from 810.38 million shares valued at RM886.46 million yesterday.

Turnover on the ACE market appreciated to 551.18 million units worth RM482.041 million from 358.76 million units worth RM27.98 million previously.

Warrants fell to 213.914 million shares valued at RM31.818 million from 335.96 million shares valued at RM30.32 million Tuesday. Consumer products accounted for 109.028 million shares traded on the main market, industrial products 158.702 million, construction 51.324 million, trade and services 210.688 million, technology 65.5 million, infrastructure 16.211 million, finance 57.15 million, hotels 1.025, properties 61.340 million, plantation 18.507 million, mining 15,000, REITs 6.593 million and closed/fund 104,200. -- Bernama



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FBM KLCI up 13 points at mid-afternoon

Share prices on Bursa Malaysia were firmer at mid-afternoon today amid a cautious trading, dealers said.

They said the market tracked the stronger performance on Wall Street overnight. At 3.15pm, the FBM KLCI inched up 12.93 points to 1,478.1.

The Finance Index rose 117.899 points to 13,181.51, Plantation Index increased 31.980 points to 7,886.10 and the Industrial Index gained 6.86 points to 2,657.23.

The FBM Emas Index was up 74.74 points to 10,125.26, FBM Mid 70 Index added 37.170 points to 10,125.26 and the FBM ACE Index shed 16.25 points to 4,063.33.

Gainers led losers by 348 to 299 while 315 counters were unchanged. Turnover stood at 1.072 billion shares worth RM720.813 million.

Of the active counters, The Media Shoppe-Ord Rights, 1 Utopia Bhd and The Media Shoppe were all unchanged at half sen, 9.5 sen and eight sen respectively.

In heavyweights, Maybank rose 11 sen to RM8.35, Sime Darby and CIMB were both unchanged at RM8 and RM6.90, respectively. -- Bernama



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KL shares remain firmer at midday

Share prices on Bursa Malaysia ended the morning session firmer today, in line with the stronger performance on Wall Street and European markets overnight, dealers said.

On Wall Street overnight, key US equity indices rose between 2.9 per cent and 3.2 per cent at the closing bell buoyed by better-than-expected housing starts report.

Dealers said the near term outlook, however, remained cautious and volatile as the key index, FBM KLCI, was expected to move within the band range of 1,450 to 1,500 points.

At 12.30pm, the FBM KLCI inched up 15.96 points to 1,481.13.

The Finance Index rose 138.409 points to 13,219.02, Plantation Index increased 37.300 points to 7,886.42 and the Industrial Index gained 10.250 points to 2,660.62. The FBM Emas Index was up 93.931 points to 10,144.45, FBM Mid 70 Index added 51.850 points to 11,129.29 and the FBM ACE Index shed 9.15 points to 4,070.23.

Gainers led losers by 361 to 226 while 308 counters were unchanged. Turnover stood at 824.311 million shares worth RM535.749 million.

Of the active counters, The Media Shoppe-Ord Rights and 1 Utopia Bhd rose half sen each to one sen and 10 sen respectively. The Media Shoppe, however, was unchanged at eight sen.

In heavyweights, Maybank rose 12 sen to RM8.360, Sime Darby inched up one sen to RM9.00 and CIMB firmed two sen to RM6.92. -- Bernama



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KL shares lower at mid-afternoon

KUALA LUMPUR: Share prices on Bursa Malaysia were lower at midafternoon today, tracking losses in plantation and finance stocks, dealers said.

At 2.45pm, the FBM KLCI lost 8.25 points or 0.558 per cent to 1,469.53.

The Finance Index fell 50.43 points to 13,128.57, the Plantation Index dropped 32.85 points to 7,855.22 and the Industrial Index eased 16.53 to 2,648.81.

The FBM Emas Index decreased 38.90 points to 10,078.01 but the FBM Mid 70 Index added 11.0 points to 11,091.55 while the FBM ACE Index declined 25.30 points to 4,075.47.

Losers led gainers by 381 to 286 while 273 counters were unchanged.

Turnover stood at 957.56 million shares worth RM107.308 million.
Astral Supreme lost half a sen to 21.5 sen, Utopia was unchanged at 10.5 sen and JCY gained 5.5 sen to 93.5 sen.

Among heavyweights, Maybank added two sen to RM8.24, CIMB fell nine sen to RM6.96, Sime Darby shed two sen to RM8.99 and Axiata was down two sen at RM4.98. -- BERNAMA



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