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Showing posts from July, 2010

KLCI back on a high, what now?

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J.P.Morgan Malaysia Strategy Back on a high, what now? Malaysia appears to be a safe refuge for foreign investors for now given its strong domestic economy outlook ( 7.7% 2010E GDP growth JPM forecast) and relatively defensive characteristics, i.e., low volatility and weak correlation with major indices, during this bout of increased volatility in regional markets. In our view, short term uncertainties surrounding the US bank bill, Chinese growth, EU bank stress tests, and European sovereign funding have caused the KLCI to get squeezed upwards alongside other ASEAN markets, with the index now standing above 1350 (which is a 2010 as well as a 29-month high). We see evidence of foreign monies trickling in based on foreign incremental buying and ownership levels. Looking for the positives. We recap the Malaysia-specific positive drivers we see over the coming months:- 2Q10 reported results which are likely to remain relatively robust (current earnings growth of 23% in 2010 and 16% for 2

New Fund: AmCommodities Equity Fund

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AmMutual sees potential investing in one of the hottest asset classes nowadays - Commodities. Fundamental characteristic investing in commodity: Commodities outperformed other asset class Low correlation with traditional asset class Commodities are usually used as an inflation hedge Evergreen theme = Increasing Demand vs Diminishing Supply Category          : Feeder Fund (Global equity) Offering period : 19 July - 8 August 2010 Min investment : Rm1,000 Min top-up       : Rm 500 Sales charge     : 5%

New Fund: OSK-UOB Asian Advantage Bond Fund

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Given the improving corporate credit outlook, OSK believe that investment in corporate debts will offer more attractive yield pick up over government debts. Potential yields compression, lower supply of corporate bonds and ample liquidity in banking system will provide strong support to the bond market. Summary: Aims to provide potential returns above FD rates (target 5%-5.2% p.a gross return) Aims to provide annual income distribution Aims to preserve capital at maturity (3 years) Fund Strategy: The fund is to invest into Asian bonds that are able to offer attractive yield and/or capital appreciation. The manager will adopt a buy-and-hold strategy on the portfolio to lock-in the yield, but has the flexibility to actively manage the investments if required. Fund features: Offering period  : 19 July - 31 July 2010 Min Investment  : Rm 1,000 Fund Type         : Bond (close-ended) Entry Charge     : 2% Exit Charge       : 1% (if less than 3 years), Nill (if held until maturity) * This is

What to do when Government cutting subsidies?

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What is your first reaction if you were told that prices of petrol, diesel, liquefied petroleum gas, and sugar is going to increase tomorrow? As usual, many people rushed to nearby petrol stations and grocery store to up their stocks. Meanwhile, business owners is calculating whether they had to increase their prices and in what quantum. Situation which is familiar for you?    Instead, as an investor, I’m calculating how much to invest in those counters which I can benefit from these cost-saving measures by government. And, below is the list which in my opinion can help me to counter the painful experience of higher expenses going forward. Negative : Toll-operators, food and beverages, consumer sector, auto industry, steel sector Positive : IPPs, TNB, and MMC (sugar distributor) In fact, this is the beginning only and electricity tariff hike is next, and GST will be introduced later in 2012. Let’s get prepare mentally and financially, friend.

World Cup: 7 investment tips

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This is the Malaysia version of “Six Investment Tips Away From World Cup: Matthew Lynn”. South Africa : Turning impossible to possible   Being the first in Africa to host the world’s most watched event, it seems impossible for this nation which lacks financial strength and developments. Thanks to Nelson Mandela, South Africa successfully hosted.   Tips: Genting shown us the impossible of turning a highlands to world’s acclaimed highest theme park dubbed “City of Entertainment” thanks to Lim Goh Tong.   Italy : History counts for nothing The 2006 champion is the last to fly back in style; however, they are the first this time. A boring team with good track record, Italy was terrible and they deserve the first plane.   Tips: Sell Proton . Started off as the nation’s first car maker, Proton’s glorious days are over. Shrinking market share, stripped off the pole position and failed to transform makes it harder and harder to survive now.   France : Ego will get you nowhere Actually, the Fr

2010 half-time review

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US (Over-cooling) Companies were holding more cash and other liquid assets, signaling they are still hesitant to spend the cash on hiring or expansion amid doubts about the Europe ’s debt crisis. Thus, share buybacks is popular in US listed companies now. Analysts’ were continued surprised by the better than expected earnings posted by US S&P 500 companies. However, they view this is unsustainable for the long-run, judging on postpones of companies expansion plans for future growth. Consequently, continue high unemployment rates in US, and weak domestic consumption in the near term. China (Over-heating) Due to overheating concern, China had taken some measures to counter it until Yuan flexibility pledge to bring down import prices, as to inflation rate. Fundamental growth story was still intact, coupled with massive internal savings and foreign reserves. China ’s cooling measures will stir up volatility in the near term, but it is a positive move to lowering the risk of overhe

Genting Malaysia: Related Party Transaction

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Yesterday, Genting Malayisa (GENM) has proposed to acquire sister company Genting Singapore ’s (GENS) UK casino operations. The entire stake would take RM 1.67 bn out of GENM RM5.7bn cash pile. Investors and analysts view this development negatively given the high acquisition cost which is not compensated by meaningful earnings accretion. The proposal being a related party transaction (RPT), this would require minority shareholder approval at an EGM.   This is NOT the first time… In November 2008, GENM announced RM 248 m RPT on the acquisition of Walker Digital Gaming. Hence, the counter lost close to RM 2.0 bn in market capitalization in just 3 days. RM248m         RPT = RM2.0bn loss RM1.67bn       RPT = ??? Genting UK Despite long established operating track record, it is facing many problems such as: weak and volatile earnings performance hike in gaming duties lately ban on smoking in UK casinos lack of scale to buffer “luck factor” in its VIP market UK ’s weak eco