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.



Get your T+10 interest FREE margin trading account NOW. Attractive brokerage for online trading. Contact Mr Ho at +603-5192 0808 or hoxian@sjsec.com.my for more details.

KLCI struggles but stays above 1,580-level

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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



Get your T+10 interest FREE margin trading account NOW. Attractive brokerage for online trading. Contact Mr Ho at +603-5192 0808 or hoxian@sjsec.com.my for more details.

KLCI succumbs to global economic woes

KUALA LUMPUR (APRIL 17): The FBM KLCI succumbed to the mounting concerns over the euro zone sovereign debt crisis that kept most regional markets in negative territory on Tuesday.

The FBM KLCI closed 1.32 points lower at 1,596.19.

Gainers edged losers by 355 to 341, while 351 counters traded unchanged. Volume was 2.08 billion shares valued at RM1.63 billion.

Hong Kong shares fell on Tuesday, dragged lower by large-cap bank and materials shares as nervous investors awaited a bond auction which could see a further jump in Spain's borrowing costs, threatening a new crisis in the euro zone, according to Reuters.

On the mainland, the Shanghai Composite fell 0.94% to 2,334.98, while the CSI300 index was off 1.3 percent, it said.

Elsewhere, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index fell 0.23% tyo 20,562.31, Japan’s Nikkei 225 shed 0.06% to 9,464.71, Taiwan’s taiex lost 1.86% to 7,585.87, South Korea’s Kospi down 0.37% to 1,985.30 and Singapore’s Straits Times Index shed 0.18% to 2,986.59.

Among the decliners on Bursa Malaysia, Dutch Lady fell 56 sen to RM34.60, Warisan down 30 sen to RM2.33, Tahps fell 27 sen to RM4.53, BAT lost 22 sen to RM54.46, SMPC 21 sen to RM1.12, MISC 13 sen to RM5.17, while KLuang and Ta Ann fell 12 sen each to RM2.68 and RM6.57.

Ariantec Global was the most actively traded counter with 515.66 million shares done. The stock jumped 8.5 sen to 20 sen. It had earlier been issued an unusual market activity (UMA) query by Bursa Malaysia Securities Bhd to Ariantec Global Bhd over the sharp rise in the price and high volume in the company’s shares recently.

Other actives included Metronic, Focus, Astral Supreme, Ingenuity Solutions, SuperComNet, CSL, Naim Indah Corp and Winsun.

Meanwhile, the gainers on Tuesday included SAM Engineering, Carlsberg, CSL, Subur Tiasa, Y&G, Golsta, Southern Acids, Rapid, Manulife and The Store.



Get your T+10 interest FREE margin trading account NOW. Attractive brokerage for online trading. Contact Mr Ho at +603-5192 0808 or hoxian@sjsec.com.my for more details.

Tenaga, blue chips lift KLCI

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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



Get your T+10 interest FREE margin trading account NOW. Attractive brokerage for online trading. Contact Mr Ho at +603-5192 0808 or hoxian@sjsec.com.my for more details.

KLCI closes higher, lifted by CIMB and select blue chips

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

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

Asian shares fell for a second successive day on Thursday as concerns about growth prospects in the world's two largest economies, the United States and China, prompted investors to trim their risk exposure ahead of the end of the quarter, according to Reuters.

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

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

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

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

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

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



Get your T+10 interest FREE margin trading account NOW. Attractive brokerage for online trading. Contact Mr Ho at +603-5192 0808 or hoxian@sjsec.com.my for more details.

KLCI reverses gains, slips into negative territory

KUALA LUMPUR (March 26): The FBM KLCI slipped and closed in negative territory on Monday in line with most of the key regional markets that reversed their earlier gains and fell in later trade, extending losses after weak PMI reports last week stoked fears that China's economy was slowing and the euro zone is sliding into recession.

The FBM KLCI fell 2.85 points to close at 1,582.98, weighed by losses at index-linked PLANTATION [] stocks and select blue chips including Tenaga and MISC.

At the regional markets, Taiwan’s Taiex lost 1.35% to 7,967.62, South Korea’s Kospi fell 0.38% to 2,019.19, Singapore’s Straits Times Index xx, while Japan’s Nikkei 225 gained 0.07% to 10,018.24, the Shanghai Composite Index added 0.05% to 2,350.690 and Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index closed flat at 20,0668.86.

Meanwhile, European shares rose on Monday in a technical bounce, after recording their steepest weekly loss since the start of the year, as investors searched for bargains and positioned themselves for a potential strong German Ifo figure.

On Bursa Malaysia, Carlsberg was the top loser and fell 26 sen to RM10.20, Jaya Tiasa 22 seen to RM8.08, Chin teck Plantations fell 20 sen to RM9.10, Warisan down 19 sen to RM2.41, Tenaga lost 18 sen to RM6.50, JT International and Litrak lost 16 sen each to RM6.60 and RM3.94, Far East 15 sen to RM7.40 while AirAsia fell 13 sen to RM3.46.

Among plantations, Genting Plantations lost 22 sen to RM9.25, while KLK and IOI Corp fell four sen each to RM23.86 and RM5.34.

Among the gainers, Dutch Lady added 42 sen to RM31.40, SMPC up 28 sen to RM1.84, Aeon 25 sen to RM9.40, BAT 20 sen to RM54, Supercomnet added 19.5 sen to 49.5 sen, PUC and Hartalega 14 sen each to 29 sen and RM8.09, Unisem 13 sen to RM1.46, HLFG 12 sen to RM12.12 while Malayan Flour Mills was up 11 sen to RM4.44.

The actives included Focus, metronic, Supercomnet, Ariantec, Naim Indah Corp, Flonic and Karambunai.



Get your T+10 interest FREE margin trading account NOW. Attractive brokerage for online trading. Contact Mr Ho at +603-5192 0808 or hoxian@sjsec.com.my for more details.

Warisan TC Hldgs posts higher profit of RM22.6m

Warisan TC Holdings Bhd has reported a higher profit before tax of RM22.638 million for the year ended Dec 31, 2011 from RM20.039 million previously.

Revenue for the period concerned was higher at RM470.423 million from RM363.816 million previously, it said in its filing to Bursa today.

Higher profitability was contributed mainly by machinery, travel and car rental as well as automotive divisions.

As for the quarter ended Dec 31, 2011, profit before tax increased to RM5.605 million from RM4.568 million previously. -- Bernama



Get your T+10 interest FREE margin trading account NOW. Attractive brokerage for online trading. Contact Mr Ho at +603-5192 0808 or hoxian@sjsec.com.my for more details.

Banks, plantations drag KLCI at mid-day break

KUALA LUMPUR (Feb 15): The FBM KLCI remained in negative territory at the mid-day break on Wednesday, lagging key regional markets, weighed by losses at index-linked banking and PLANTATION [] counters.

The index fell 6.59 points to 1,559.46 at 12.30pm. Volume was 1.07 billion shares valued at RM826.89 million.

The ringgit strengthened 0.29% to 3.0368 versus the US dollar; crude palm oil futures for the third month delivery fell RM8 per tonne to RM3,198, crude oil gained 76 cents per barrel to US$101.50 while gold gained US$4.77 an ounce to US$1,724.95.

At the regional markets, Japan's Nikkei share average rallied more than 2% and the broader Topix rose above the 800 mark for the first time in six months on Wednesday after the Bank of Japan stepped up its asset buying programme the previous day, according to Reuters.

The Nikkei 225 rose 2.5% to 9,277.97, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index added 1.97% to 21,330.60, the Shanghai Composite Index gained 0.86% to 2,364.92, Taiwan’s Taiex rose 1.18% to 7,976.83, South Korea’s Kospi was up 0.97% to 2,022.07 and Singapore’s Straits Times Index added 0.71% to 3,008.63.

On Bursa Malaysia, Hartalega fell 32 sen to RM7.94, BAT down 28 sen to RM51.59, Petronas Dagangan lost 18 sen to RM18.60, Petronas Gas 12 sen to RM16.62, Warisan 10 sen to RM2.60 and Carlsberg nine sen to RM9.47.

Among banking stocks, Hong Leong Bank fell 10 sen to RM11.60, CIMB down three sen to RM7.28, HLFG two sen to RM11.64 while AMMB and Affin shed one sen each to RM6.11 and RM3.14.

Among the plantation counters, BLD Plantations lost 22 sen to RM10.02, United Plantations and KLK down eight sen each to RM22.30 and RM25.38, IOI Corp seven sen to RM5.42, PPB four sen to RM17.66 while Sime Darby shed three sen to RM9.61.

Naim Indah Corp was the most actively traded counter with 126.1 million shares done. The stock rose 2.5 sen to 50.5 sen.

Other actives included TMS, Dataprep, Perisai, Hibiscus, SAAG, Compugates and DBE Gurney.

Meanwhile, gainers included TSM, Hap Seng Plantations, Asdion, Shell, KYM, Inno, Jaya Tiasa, Apollo and Maybulk.



Get your T+10 interest FREE margin trading account NOW. Attractive brokerage for online trading. Contact Mr Ho at +603-5192 0808 or hoxian@sjsec.com.my for more details.

KL shares lower at mid-afternoon

Share prices on Bursa Malaysia continued to remain subdued during mid-afternoon trading today, although the benchmark index remained in positive territory, lifted by finance-related stocks, dealers said.

At 3.42pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia Kuala Lumpur (FBM KLCI) was 2.41 points firmer at 1,565.23.

The Finance Index rose 57.689 points to 13,885.26, the Industrial Index added 2.67 points to 2,909.47 and the Plantation Index shed 45.391 points to 8,879.85.

The FBM Emas Index eased 1.08 points to 10,877.45 and the FBM 70 Index was 46.399 points lower at 12,378.49 while the FBM Ace declined 58.57 points to 4,687.3.

Decliners led advancers 585 to 268 while 287 counters were unchanged with turnover at 1.84 billion shares worth RM1.441 billion.

Among volume leaders, Aeon Credit added 26 sen to RM7.60, British American Tobacco gained 18 sen to RM51.68 and Warisan TC Holdings improved 15 sen to RM2.70.

Among heavyweights, Maybank went up one sen to RM8.51, Sime Darby gained three sen to RM9.64, Petronas Chemicals perked two sen to RM6.97 and CIMB rose 13 sen to RM7.29. -- Bernama



Get your T+10 interest FREE margin trading account NOW. Attractive brokerage for online trading. Contact Mr Ho at +603-5192 0808 or hoxian@sjsec.com.my for more details.

KLCI dips on mild profit taking, lags regional markets

KUALA LUMPUR (Jan 27): The FBM KLCI fell on Friday, and lagged key regional markets as mild profit taking chipped off some of the previous day’s gains.

The FBM KLCI closed 2.96 points lower at 1,520.90, weighed by losses at select blue chips.

Gainers led losers by 459 to 370, while 292 counters traded unchanged. Volume was 2.28 billion shares valued at RM1.85 billion.

At the regional markets, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index rose 0.31% to 20,501.67, South Korea’s Kospi gained 0.39% to 1,964.83 and Singapore’s Straits Times Index rose 0.75% to 2,916.26, while Japan’s Nikkei 225 fell 0.09% to 8,841.22.

The China and Taiwan stock markets are closed for the Chinese New Year holidays.

Meanwhile, European shares retreated from a six-month high on Friday, in a mild technical pullback after the previous session's strong rally and with Greek debt talks still firmly in focus, although equities still remain on course for their sixth week of gains, according to Reuters.

On Bursa Malaysia, HLFG lost 36 sen to RM11.90, Genting PLANTATION []s down 15 sen to RM9.50, Warisan, MPI and CIMB fell 11 sen each to RM2.55, RM3.58 and RM6.86 respectively, while Sunchirin, NCB, Metrod and Yinson lost 10 sen each to RM1.65, RM3.90, RM1.95 and RM1.98 respectively.

Among the gainers, Bintulu Port added 32 sen to RM7, Boxpak up 28 sen to RM2.64, IJM Corp 25 sen to RM5.70, Lysaght 23 sen to RM1.90, Eng Kah 22 sen to RM3.50, Hartalega, DRB-Hicom and Maybulk gained 21 sen each to RM6.90, RM2.71 and RM2.65, while Southern Acids added 19 sen to RM2.40.

The actives included TMS, Compugates, DRB-Hicom, Karyon, DBE Gurney and Maybulk.



Get your T+10 interest FREE margin trading account NOW. Attractive brokerage for online trading. Contact Mr Ho at +603-5192 0808 or hoxian@sjsec.com.my for more details.

KLCI remains in the red at mid-day as Asian markets pause

KUALA LUMPUR (Jan 27): The FBM KLCI remained in the red at the mid-day break on Friday, as regional markets paused after the recent rally in line with the mixed overnight trade at the US markets.

The FBM KLCI fell 2.12 points to 1,521.74 at the mid-day break, weighed by select blue chips.

Gainers edged losers by 357 to 345, while 297 counters traded unchanged. Volume was 1.21 billion shares valued at RM893.67 million.

The ringgit weakened 0.01% to 3.0408 versus the US dollar; crude palm oil futures for the third month delivery rose RM2 per tonne to RM3,133, crude oil added 14 cents per barrel to US$99.84 while gold fell 33 cents an ounce to US$1,720.32.

At the regional markets, Japan’s Nikkei 225 fell 0.24% to 8,828.48, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index down 0.04% to 20,431.90 and South Korea’s Kospi shed 0.02% to 1,956.75, while Singapore’s Straits Times Index edged up 0.04% to 2,895.55.

On Bursa Malaysia, HLFG fell 26 sen to RM12, Tahps lost 25 sen to RM4.25, Genting PLANTATION []s down 20 sen to RM9.45, Hong Leong Industries down 18 sen to RM4.21, Triplc 15 sen to 39 sen, Fima Corp 12 sen to RM6.14, Warisan and MPI lost 11 sen each to RM2.55 and RM3.58, while Sunchirin lost 10 sen to RM1.65.

Gainers this morning included Bintulu Port, IJM Corp, Hartalega, Southern Acids, Puncak Niaga, Batu Kawan, Hong Leong Bank, Esso, AZRB and DRB-Hicom.

The actives included TMS, Karyon, DRB-Hicom and Palette.



Get your T+10 interest FREE margin trading account NOW. Attractive brokerage for online trading. Contact Mr Ho at +603-5192 0808 or hoxian@sjsec.com.my for more details.

KLCI stays in the red at mid-day, struggles to breach 1,500-level

KUALA LUMPUR (Dec 28): Asian stocks retreated on Wednesday as investor sentiment remained weighed by the looming euro zone debt crisis, while a survey showed that confidence among South Korea's largest companies fell to its lowest in four months in January.

The FBM KLCI was down 2.32 points to 1,498.59 at the mid-day break, weighed by select blue chips.

Gainers trailed losers by 227 to 316, while 278 counters traded unchanged. Volume was 558.51 million shares valued at RM332.21 million.

The ringgit weakened 0.14% to 3.1720 versus the US dollar; crude palm oil futures for the third month delivery rose RM32 per tonne to RM3,191, crude oil gained two cents per barrel to US$101.36 while gold fell US$6.22 an ounce to US$1,587.00.

Asian shares eased on Wednesday in low volume with many market players away for year-end holidays, while oil kept gains from the previous day on concerns about possible supply disruptions after Iran threatened to stop the flow of oil from the Gulf, according to Reuters.

At the regional markets, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index fell 0.67% to 18,503.67, South Korea’s Kospi lost 1.13% to 1,821.14, the Shanghai Composite Index fell 0.66% to 2,151.97, Singapore’s Straits Times Index lost 0.30% to 2,665.58, Taiwan’s Taiex shed 0.11% to 7,077.15 while Japan’s Nikkei 225 was flat at 8,440.65.

On Bursa Malaysia, losers included Warisan that fell 38 sen to RM2.41, Batu Kawan down 18 sen to RM17.32, Top Glove and Guan Chong lost 11 sen each to RM4.38 and RM1.98, Nestle, Kluang and HLFG fell 10 sen each to RM56.70, RM2.60 and RM11.70 respectively, while Lafarge Malayan Cement, Harvest Court and UMW fell nine sen each to RM6.81, RM1.01 and RM6.89 respectively.

Among the gainers, Petronas Gas added 40 sen to RM14.80, BAT 30 sen to RM49.30, United PLANTATION []s 20 sen to RM18.80, DKSH 16 sen to RM1.54, KrisAssets up 13 sen to RM6.05, Hup Seng and GAB up 10 sen each to RM1.80 and RM13.30, Tan Chong gained eight sen to RM4.12 and Kwantas was up six sen to RM2.04.

The actives included Utopia, Proton, JCY, MBF Holdings warrants and Vastalux.



Get your T+10 interest FREE margin trading account NOW. Attractive brokerage for online trading. Contact Mr Ho at +603-5192 0808 or hoxian@sjsec.com.my for more details.

KLCI stays in the red at mid-day, struggles to breach 1,500-level

KUALA LUMPUR (Dec 28): Asian stocks retreated on Wednesday as investor sentiment remained weighed by the looming euro zone debt crisis, while a survey showed that confidence among South Korea's largest companies fell to its lowest in four months in January.

The FBM KLCI was down 2.32 points to 1,498.59 at the mid-day break, weighed by select blue chips.

Gainers trailed losers by 227 to 316, while 278 counters traded unchanged. Volume was 558.51 million shares valued at RM332.21 million.

The ringgit weakened 0.14% to 3.1720 versus the US dollar; crude palm oil futures for the third month delivery rose RM32 per tonne to RM3,191, crude oil gained two cents per barrel to US$101.36 while gold fell US$6.22 an ounce to US$1,587.00.

Asian shares eased on Wednesday in low volume with many market players away for year-end holidays, while oil kept gains from the previous day on concerns about possible supply disruptions after Iran threatened to stop the flow of oil from the Gulf, according to Reuters.

At the regional markets, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index fell 0.67% to 18,503.67, South Korea’s Kospi lost 1.13% to 1,821.14, the Shanghai Composite Index fell 0.66% to 2,151.97, Singapore’s Straits Times Index lost 0.30% to 2,665.58, Taiwan’s Taiex shed 0.11% to 7,077.15 while Japan’s Nikkei 225 was flat at 8,440.65.

On Bursa Malaysia, losers included Warisan that fell 38 sen to RM2.41, Batu Kawan down 18 sen to RM17.32, Top Glove and Guan Chong lost 11 sen each to RM4.38 and RM1.98, Nestle, Kluang and HLFG fell 10 sen each to RM56.70, RM2.60 and RM11.70 respectively, while Lafarge Malayan Cement, Harvest Court and UMW fell nine sen each to RM6.81, RM1.01 and RM6.89 respectively.

Among the gainers, Petronas Gas added 40 sen to RM14.80, BAT 30 sen to RM49.30, United PLANTATION []s 20 sen to RM18.80, DKSH 16 sen to RM1.54, KrisAssets up 13 sen to RM6.05, Hup Seng and GAB up 10 sen each to RM1.80 and RM13.30, Tan Chong gained eight sen to RM4.12 and Kwantas was up six sen to RM2.04.

The actives included Utopia, Proton, JCY, MBF Holdings warrants and Vastalux.



Get your T+10 interest FREE margin trading account NOW. Attractive brokerage for online trading. Contact Mr Ho at +603-5192 0808 or hoxian@sjsec.com.my for more details.

KLCI closes higher but struggles to breach 1,470-level

KUALA LUMPUR (Dec 16): The FBM KLCI could not sustain much of its gains on Friday and struggled to breach the 1,470-point level on some mild profit taking ahead of the weekend.

The FBM KLCI edged up 2.11 points to close at 1,466.22. The index had earlier risen to its intra-day high of

Gainers led losers by 426 to 345, while 313 counters traded unchanged. Volume was 1.79 billion shares valued at RM1.33 billion.

World stocks rose on Friday after upbeat U.S. data and corporate results, while concerns over the European banking sector and nervousness about potential ratings downgrades in European sovereign debt underpinned German government bonds, according to Reuters.

Surprising resilience in the U.S. economy and corporate sector are underpinning investor appetite for risky assets into the year end, although trading is thinning out ahead of a holiday season, it said.

At the regional markets, the Shanghai Composite Index rose 2.02% to 2,224.84, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index added 1.43% to 18,285.39, South Korea’s Kospi up 1.15% to 1,839.96, Taiwan’s Taiex gained 0.30% to 6,785.09, Japan’s Nikkei 225 edged up 0.29% to 8,401.72 and Singapore’s Straits Times Index gained 0.91% to 2,659.22.

On Bursa Malaysia, PPB added 36 sen to RM16.76, KrisAssets was up 26 sen to RM5.88, Public Bank 22 sen to RM13.02, LPI Capital 20 sen to RM13.40, Warisan 19 sen to RM2.79, Orient and BHIC 17 sen each to RM5.31 and RM3.15, Tasek 16 sen to RM7.86 and Bintulu Port up 15 sen to RM6.85.

Among the losers, UMW fell 34 sen to RM6.50, Carlsberg down 33 sen to RM8.66, Southern Acids and Malayan Flour Mills lost 17 sen each to RM2.15 and RM7.50, while GAB, IOI Corp, Tan Chong and Panasonic lost 10 sen each to RM13.40, RM5.05, RM4.04 and RM19.94 respectively.

Meanwhile, the actives included Wijaya, Kurnia Asia, Proton, JCY, Envair, Astral Supreme, Dialog and Sanichi.



Get your T+10 interest FREE margin trading account NOW. Attractive brokerage for online trading. Contact Mr Ho at +603-5192 0808 or hoxian@sjsec.com.my for more details.

KLCI closes marginally lower

KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 16): The FBM KLCI closed marginally lower on Wednesday, Nov 16 as most key regional markets fell in line with the steep drop at the Shanghai and Hong Kong markets.

Hong Kong shares slumped on Wednesday, dragged down by weakness in Chinese insurers and property developers, with turnover low as investors became more averse to riskier assets on fears of contagion from Europe's festering debt crisis, according to Reuters.

The FBM KLCI shed 0.38 of a point to close at 1,476.84.

Losers led gainers by 462 to 322, while 286 counters traded unchanged. Volume was 2.03 billion shares valued at RM1.47 billion.

At the regional markets, the Shanghai Composite Index fell 2.48% to 2,466.96, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index lost 2% to 18,960.90, South Korea’s Kospi was down 1.59% to 1,856.07, Taiwan’s Taiex lost 1.38% to 7,387.52, Japan’s Nikkei 225 fell 0.92% to 8,463.16 and Singapore’s Straits Times Index shed 0.15% to 2,807.44.

On Bursa Malaysia, Harvest Court securities were the top losers on resuming trade after Bursa Malaysia Securities Bhd had on Monday declared the securities counter as a designated counter.

Harvest fell 64 sen to RM1.49 while its warrants lost 54 sen to RM1.27.

Among the other losers, Malayan Flour Mills lost 24 sen to RM7.54, Petronas Chemicals down 19 sen to RM6.21, Chin Teck PLANTATION []s and Nestle lost 18 sen each to RM8.25 and RM49.22, Genting Plantations and SYF Resources fell 15 sen each to RM7.97 and 60 sen, while Manulife was down 14 sen to RM2.81.

Compugates was the most actively traded counter with 79.9 million shares done. The stock added half a sen to 8 sen.

Other acties included DPS Resources, Tiger, Tricubes, Asia EP, TMC Life, SYF Resources and Ingenuity Solutions.

Among the gainers, Dutch Lady added 70 sen to RM22.50, Proton 32 sen to RM3.53, TDM and BAT 30 sen each to RM3.28 and RM47, Warisan 28 sen to RM2.55, Carlsberg 21 sen to RM7.26, Bumi Armada 16 sen to RM3.99, while LPI Capital, Panasonic and Parkson added 14 sen each to RM13.02, RM19.50 and RM5.79 respectively.



Get your T+10 interest FREE margin trading account NOW. Attractive brokerage for online trading. Contact Mr Ho at +603-5192 0808 or hoxian@sjsec.com.my for more details.

Mid-day markets continue upward trend

KUALA LUMPUR: Markets continued its uptrend at mid-day, with all regional bourses trading in the positive.

On the global scene, markets held their breaths as the world waits at the edge of its seat for the apex of the European Union (EU) two-leg summit this Wednesday.

Key indices in the United States climbed between 1.5% and 2.3% on Friday, rallying in expectations of a comprehensive plan to counter the EU sovereign debt crisis.

In its market preview for today, HwangDBS Vickers Research said that “we reckon that the benchmark FBM KLCI will probably trade sideways with a slight positive bias. However, we think the benchmark index is unlikely to break through the immediate resistance level of 1,445”.

It added that counters Damansara Realty Bhd and Dayang Enterprise Holdings Bhd may expect movements today following reports that Johor Corp is looking to inject some of its property assets into its subsidiary Damansara Realty while Murphy Sarawak has awarded Dayang a contract extension estimated at RM50mil to RM100mil.

The FBM KLCI at mid-day trade was at 1459.61 points, up 1.44% with 754.23mil shares traded valued at RM648.31mil. 508 counters gained and 143 lost while 226 remained unchanged.

Top gainers were British American Tobacco (M) which gained 42 sen to RM44.86; Hong Leong Financial Group Bhd, which rose 32 sen to RM11.60 and MISC Bhd which climbed 31 sen to RM6.95.

Top losing counters were Stone Master Corporation Bhd which slid 19.5 sen to RM0.30; Warisan TC Holdings Bhd which shed 10 sen to RM2.21 and UMW Holdings Bhd which dipped 10 sen to RM6.70.

On the regional level, Singapore's Straits Times Index was up 1.98% at 2765.99; Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index rose 3.92% to 18731.74; Seoul's Kospi Index gained 2.81% to 1890.04; Shanghai's A share index dipped 0.35% to 2325.30 and Tokyo's Nikkei 225 was 1.83% better at 8837.51.

Nymex crude oil was quoted at USD88.17 per barrel. Spot gold was USD1644.90 per ounce while silver was USD31.49 per ounce.

The ringgit was quoted at 3.1366 to the USD and 4.3486 to the euro.