The Edge Markets April 15, 2015 11:28:26 pm

The Edge Markets April April 15, 2015 11:28:26 pm

Penang Sky Cab being proposed for mainland and island
April 15, 2015 11:28:26 pm
KUALA LUMPUR (April 15): Penang government is in the final stage of exploration with Penang Sentral Sdn Bhd (PSSB) to build a 3.66 km cable car transportation service linking the mainland and island in the next three years. Chief Minister L... ...

Asiana pilots ordered more training after second crash-landing
April 15, 2015 11:22:50 pm
SINGAPORE/TOKYO (April 15): Asiana Airlines Inc. was ordered to give pilots more training after its second accident in two years raised concerns about the carrier’s safety standards. South Korea’s government told the nation’s second-largest... ...

European stocks rally as ECB says committed to full QE plan
April 15, 2015 11:14:35 pm
PARIS (April 15): European stocks rallied on Wednesday, with one regional benchmark hitting a level not seen since late 2000, after the European Central Bank said it remained committed to its full asset-buying programme to revive the euro zone eco......

Oil supply buffer could halve as OPEC output rises
April 15, 2015 11:14:07 pm
LONDON (April 15): An oil supply shortage may be the last thing on investors' minds right now, but the ability of OPEC producers to cope with an unexpected surge in demand is diminishing fast, analysts and forecasters say. For years, the Or... ...

MBSB sets 5-year time frame for conversion to Islamic bank
April 15, 2015 11:10:39 pm
KUALA LUMPUR (April 15): Malaysia Building Society Bhd (MBSB) said on Wednesday, it wanted to complete its conversion to a bank that only does Islamic financing in five years. MBSB, currently a non-bank lender, said in February it would con... ...

MAS is the 16th most reliable airline in the world, says travel website
April 15, 2015 11:02:17 pm
(April 15): Malaysia Airlines (MAS) is the 16th most reliable airline in the world, according to a travel website, Wanderbet. This ranking was achieved "despite the recent tragic disappearance of a Malaysia Airlines plane." says Wand... ...

PKR questions proposed sale of ‘lucrative’ state-owned Sacofa to Taib family-linked CMS
April 15, 2015 11:00:48 pm
(April 15): Sarawak PKR today questioned the proposed sale of a 50% stake of state-owned Sacofa Sdn Bhd to Yang DiPertua Negeri Tun Abdul Taib Mahmud's family-linked Cahaya Mata Sarawak Berhad (CMS), saying it went against Chief Minister Tan Sri A......

Khairy failed to look after interests of youths, says #KitaLawan
April 15, 2015 10:58:04 pm
(April 15): The #KitaLawan movement today accused youth and sports minister Khairy Jamaluddin of failing to champion the people’s rights and concerns at the expense of his political career. "He should fight for young people's issues, when y... ...

Gold steadies as dollar's recovery wanes, strong shares weigh
April 15, 2015 10:51:54 pm
LONDON/SINGAPORE (April 15): Gold turned higher on Wednesday as the dollar pared gains after weaker than expected U.S. economic data, although stronger European shares limited the upside. Spot gold, lower initially, rose 0.2 percent to $1,1... ...

Ernst & Young nears $10 mln settlement with N.Y. over Lehman accounting - sources
April 15, 2015 10:45:58 pm
NEW YORK (April 15): Ernst & Young LLP is near settling a high-profile lawsuit filed by New York state that accused the accounting firm of helping Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc deceive investors in the years leading up to its 2008 collapse, peo... ...

IKEA to invest up to 3 bln euros in new shopping centres
April 15, 2015 10:44:39 pm
COPENHAGEN (April 15): IKEA, the world's biggest furniture retailer, plans to spend up to 3 billion euros ($3.2 billion) on new shopping centres over the next 5-7 years, aiming to cash in on the popularity of its stores by collecting rent from ret......

Oil rises on Middle East, U.S. output, but IEA report caps gains
April 15, 2015 10:42:32 pm
LONDON/SINGAPORE (April 15): Brent oil rose to $59 a barrel on Wednesday amid Middle East tension and signs of a dip in U.S. production, but gains were capped after the International Energy Agency (IEA) said supplies might take longer to ti... ...

THHE, Pesona Metro, Mitrajaya, Zhulian, Tropicana, Bintai Kinden, CapitaMalls, Matrix Concepts and AmFIRST REIT
April 15, 2015 10:35:40 pm
KUALA LUMPUR (April 15): Based on corporate announcements and news flow today, companies that may be in focus tomorrow (Thursday, April 16) could include: TH Heavy Engineering (THHE), Pesona Metro, Mitrajaya, Zhulian, Tropicana, Bintai Kind... ...

ECB committed to full QE programme, sees stronger recovery
April 15, 2015 10:13:30 pm
FRANKFURT/ATHENS (April 15): The European Central Bank has no plans to curb or curtail its money-printing programme although it expects euro zone economic recovery to broaden and strengthen. Last month the ECB embarked on an asset-buying pr... (funct...

Financial shocks may grow as liquidity shrinks, IMF warns
April 15, 2015 10:08:30 pm
WASHINGTON (April 15): Rising U.S. interest rates will expose gaps in liquidity that could make markets prone to deeper and wider shocks, the International Monetary Fund said in a report on Wednesday. The IMF's twice-yearly Global Finan... ...

Billionaire Quek no longer a substantial shareholder in THHE
April 15, 2015 10:04:46 pm
KUALA LUMPUR (April 15): Banking tycoon Tan Sri Quek Leng Chan has ceased to be a substantial shareholder in mid-cap fabricator TH Heavy Engineering Bhd (TTHE), effective yesterday (April 14). In a filing to Bursa today, TTHE (fundam... ...

MH17 team gain access to new debris field, hope to find last two victims
April 15, 2015 09:57:48 pm
THE HAGUE (April 15): Nine months after Malaysian Airlines MH17 crashed in eastern Ukraine, investigators have gained access to the area where the last unexamined wreckage lies and hope to recover remains of the last two victims. Hea... ...

Singapore Exchange says not setting up a stock link to China
April 15, 2015 09:48:40 pm
SINGAPORE (April 15): Singapore Exchange (SGX) is not in the process of establishing a stock trading link with the Chinese stock market, the bourse operator said on Wednesday. There has been speculation that Singapore's stock market could b... ...

Euro zone downbeat on chances of Greek deal next week
April 15, 2015 09:44:59 pm
BERLIN/ATHENS/BRATISLAVA (April 15): The euro zone is doubtful that a deal will be struck with Greece next week on economic reforms for bailout funds, potentially leaving the country perilously short of money. Both the Greek government and ... ...

German air controllers urge remote control of planes after crash
April 15, 2015 09:44:17 pm
FRANKFURT (April 15): In response to the Germanwings crash last month, the German air traffic control authority has called on the aviation industry to consider technology that would allow people on the ground to take remote command of a passenger ......

EU charges Google in Internet search anti-trust case
April 15, 2015 09:33:54 pm
BRUSSELS/BERLIN/FRANKFURT (April 15): The European Union accused Google Inc on Wednesday of cheating competitors by distorting Internet search results to favour its shopping service, and launched another antitrust investigation into its Android mo......

Wall St set to rise as earnings beat low expectations
April 15, 2015 09:24:56 pm
(April 15): U.S. stocks were set to advance at the open on Wednesday, as profits beat lowered Wall Street expectations and as investors brace for the impact of a strong dollar on results. Bank of America's, shares were down 0.5 percent at $... ...

China's slowing growth not good for anybody, U.S. says
April 15, 2015 09:23:13 pm
SHANGHAI (April 15): China's slowing growth is not good for anybody but it will not affect U.S. efforts to build business ties, U.S. Commerce Secretary Penny Pritzker said on Wednesday after Beijing announced its weakest quarter of growth in six y......

Emerging stocks’ longest rally since 2005 masks currency malaise
April 15, 2015 08:53:33 pm
NEW YORK/LONDON/SINGAPORE (April 15): The animal spirits fueling the longest stock rally in emerging markets in a decade are hard to find in their currencies. While the benchmark index for developing-nation equities just completed 11 straig... ...

Central banks help European shares to a 14-year high
April 15, 2015 08:48:52 pm
LONDON (April 15): European shares hit a 14-year high and the euro fell on Wednesday, after the European Central Bank affirmed its loose policy stance and as weak data from China raised prospects of monetary easing there too. A German aucti... ...

Mostly up; Philippines underperforms after rally
April 15, 2015 08:41:11 pm
(April 15): Most Southeast Asian stock markets edged up on Wednesday but Philippine shares closed at their lowest level in over two weeks on foreign selling, as investors offloaded some risky assets after growth in China slowed to a six-year low i......

Euro on the ropes as ECB set to stick to QE despite recent pickup
April 15, 2015 08:29:11 pm
LONDON (April 15): The euro fell broadly on Wednesday, after the European Central Bank kept borrowing rates unchanged, as expected, and is likely to reiterate a dovish policy bias despite a recent pick-up in economic activity. At Wednesday'... ...

AmFIRST REIT's Penang Mydin store buy to increase DPU by 0.34 sen per year
April 15, 2015 08:24:00 pm
KUALA LUMPUR (April 15): AmFIRST Real Estate Investment Trust (AmFIRST REIT) said the acquisition of Mydin Hypermall in Bukit Mertajam, Penang is expected to help lift the distribution per unit (DPU) by 0.34 sen per unit per year. Am ARA RE... ...

Oil rises on Middle East, U.S. output, but IEA report caps gains
April 15, 2015 08:14:58 pm
LONDON/SINGAPORE (April 15): Brent crude oil prices rose on Wednesday amid tension in the Middle East and signs of a dip in U.S. production, but gains were capped by a report from the International Energy Agency (IEA) indicating that suppli... ...

Futures edge higher with earnings beating lowered expectations
April 15, 2015 08:11:36 pm
(April 15): U.S. stock index futures were up slightly on Wednesday following strong earnings results from large-cap banks and other companies who managed to beat lowered expectations. Bank of America's, shares were up 0.9 percent at $15.62 ... ...

Local broadband package fees to drop by as much as 57%
April 15, 2015 08:06:51 pm
KUALA LUMPUR (April 15): Fees for mobile Internet broadband packages will drop an average 14%, while basic fixed packages will be lowered by as much as 57%, said the Ministry of Communications and Multimedia Malaysia today. Minister Datuk S... ...

Anwarrudin is Perisai Petroleum's chairman
April 15, 2015 07:48:05 pm
KUALA LUMPUR (Apr 15): Perisai Petroleum Teknologi Bhd non-executive director (ED) Datuk Anwarrudin Ahamad Osman, 72, has been redesignated as chairman of the company, replacing Datuk Dr Mohamed Ariffin Aton. Ariffin, 69, will remain as a n... ...

Pesona Metro bags RM266.75m job to build offices, SoHo in Cyberjaya
April 15, 2015 07:34:41 pm
KUALA LUMPUR (April 15): Pesona Metro Holdings Bhd has bagged a RM266.75 million contract from PBT Engineering Sdn Bhd to build a 17-storey office block and two SoHo buildings in Cyberjaya, Selangor. In a filing with Bursa Malaysia, ... ...

Mitrajaya to sell 51% stake in Optimax, raising RM5.1m
April 15, 2015 07:22:35 pm
KUALA LUMPUR (April 15): Mitrajaya Holdings Bhd has agreed to dispose its entire 51% stake in Optimax Eye Specialist Centre Sdn Bhd, raising about RM5.1 million. In a filing to Bursa Malaysia today, Mitrajaya (fundamental: 1.7; valuation: 1... ...

Banking billionaire Tan Sri Quek Leng Chan ceases to be substantial shareholder in THHE
April 15, 2015 07:19:46 pm
Flash: Banking billionaire Tan Sri Quek Leng Chan ceases to be substantial shareholder in TH Heavy Engineering Bhd ...

Beijing boasts economic predictive power, markets more sceptical
April 15, 2015 07:14:48 pm
SYDNEY (Apr 15): Beijing's success in predicting the pulse of the world's second largest economy was on full view on Wednesday as growth handily matched its stated target, even if, for some analysts, the numbers don't always appear to add up. ... ...

Five things everyone will be talking about today
April 15, 2015 07:10:12 pm
(Apr 15): The EU takes on Google, ECB decision day and disappointing data from China. Here are some of the things that people will be talking about today.China stumbles The world's second largest economy expanded at the slowest pace since 2... ...

Europe shares at 14-year high on generous central banks
April 15, 2015 07:02:28 pm
LONDON (Apr 15): European shares hit a 14-year high on Wednesday before a meeting at which the European Central Bank is expected to affirm its loose policy stance, as weak data from China raised prospects of monetary easing there too. Firme... ...

CapitaMalls 1QFY15 distributable income fell 2.86%, DPU at 2.25 sen
April 15, 2015 06:53:50 pm
KUALA LUMPUR (Apr 15): CapitaMalls Malaysia Trust (CMMT) first financial quarter ended Mar 31, 2015 (1QFY15) recorded a distributable income of RM40.03 million, down 2.86% on-year from RM41.21 million a year ago. Distribution per unit (DPU)... ...

Malaysia sets final guidance on 10 and 30-year sukuk
April 15, 2015 06:53:29 pm
LONDON (Apr 15): The Government of Malaysia has set final price guidance on its dual-tranche 10 and 30-year US dollar-denominated benchmark-sized sukuk, according to a lead. The 10-year tranche now has price guidance of 115bp-120bp over Tre... ...

Malaysia Building to become Islamic bank after merger failure
April 15, 2015 06:42:36 pm
(Apr 15): Malaysia Building Society Bhd. plans to turn itself into an Islamic bank, following a failed merger plan that would have created the country’s biggest financial group. The company is studying options for the plan, which may happen... ...

Palm up for 4th day to 1-wk high as Indonesian levy draws close
April 15, 2015 06:42:06 pm
KUALA LUMPUR (Apr 15): Malaysian palm oil futures rose to a one-week high on Wednesday, stretching gains into a fourth day as top grower Indonesia moved closer to laying on levies which may make its palm more expensive for importers. The So... ...

Tropicana Corp sells stake in Tenaga Kimia for RM194.7m
April 15, 2015 06:34:26 pm
KUALA LUMPUR (Apr 15): Tropicana Corp Bhd is disposing of its entire 73% stake in Tenaga Kimia Sdn Bhd to Austin Powder Asia Pacific for RM194.7 million cash, which will be used to repay debt and for working capital. The property developer ... ...

Reopen Altantuya case, Dr M’s questions need answers, says former IGP
April 15, 2015 06:26:17 pm
(April 15): Tan Sri Musa Hassan, who was the inspector-general of police (IGP)  at the height of the Altantuya Shaariibuu murder investigation, today said police must answer the questions asked by former prime minister, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad on ......

Zhulian's 1Q net profit falls 27% to RM12.55m, declares 1.5 sen dividend
April 15, 2015 06:26:02 pm
KUALA LUMPUR (April 15): Zhulian Corp Bhd posted a 27% fall in its net profit to RM12.55 million for its first quarter ended Feb 28, 2015 (1QFY15), from RM17.18 million in the previous year, which brought its earnings per share to 2.73 sen, from 3......

Matrix Concepts proposes bonus issue with warrants
April 15, 2015 06:17:13 pm
KUALA LUMPUR (Apr 15): Matrix Concepts Holdings Bhd has proposed a bonus issue together with free new warrants, on the basis of one bonus share and one free warrant for every six Matrix Concepts shares held on an entitlement date to be determined ......

Tropicana Corp sells entire stake in Tenaga Kimia to repay debt, working capital
April 15, 2015 06:15:36 pm
Flash: Tropicana Corp sells entire stake in Tenaga Kimia to repay debt, working capital ...

Push to repeal Sedition Act continues, says Suhakam
April 15, 2015 06:13:55 pm
(April 15): The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) today said it will continue to work towards pushing Putrajaya to repeal the colonial-era Sedition Act 1948. Suhakam deputy chair Dr Khaw Lake Tee said given that the act had just... ...

EU accuses Google of antitrust violations; starts Android probe
April 15, 2015 06:09:25 pm
(Apr 15): The European Union escalated its four-year- old probe into Google Inc., accusing the Internet giant of abusing its dominance of the search-engine market and starting a new investigation into its Android mobile-phone software. The ... ...

Dr M has support of silent majority, says ex-Umno veep
April 15, 2015 06:08:45 pm
(April 15): Tan Sri Muhammad Muhd Taib has assured Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad that he is not alone in the quest for answers over various issues he had raised with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, adding that the former prime minister can always......

AmFIRST REIT's Mydin store buy to contribute DPU of 0.34 sen per year
April 15, 2015 06:04:57 pm
Flash: AmFIRST REIT's Mydin store buy to contribute DPU of 0.34 sen per year ...

Gold down on rebounding dollar, stronger equities
April 15, 2015 06:00:58 pm
LONDON (Apr 15): Gold edged lower on Wednesday as European shares advanced and the dollar recouped losses made after weaker than expected U.S. economic data. Spot gold was down 0.3 percent at $1,189.51 an ounce by 0944 GMT, not far off a tw... ...

TOCOM rebounds following higher Shanghai in light trade
April 15, 2015 05:57:17 pm
TOKYO (Apr 15): Benchmark Tokyo rubber futures rebounded on Wednesday, tracking higher Shanghai futures and on short-covering after China GDP came in line with expectations, but trade was light as physical traders in Thailand were away due to holi......

PKR supports service charge despite GST as it benefits workers
April 15, 2015 05:54:09 pm
(April 15): PKR supports the service charge imposed on customers and will not call for its removal as its goes towards workers' incomes, says party vice-president Chua Tian Chang. He said consumers should not confuse the service charge as b... ...

Pesona Metro bags RM266.75m job to build SoHo, office building in Cyberjaya
April 15, 2015 05:51:53 pm
Flash: Pesona Metro bags RM266.75m job to build SoHo, office building in Cyberjaya   ...

Nokia, miners help European shares reach new 14-year high
April 15, 2015 05:42:45 pm
LONDON (Apr 15): European shares touched a new 14-year high on Wednesday, with Nokia gaining after agreeing to buy rival telecom equipment maker Alcatel-Lucent , and firmer oil and metals prices boosting energy and mining stocks. The STOXX ... ...

Fitters Diversified's shares, warrants cross off market
April 15, 2015 05:42:04 pm
KUALA LUMPUR (April 15): Ten million Fitters Diversified Bhd shares crossed hands in off market trades today at 68 sen apiece, for a total of RM6.8 million. This represents 2.08% of the fire safety materials and systems manufacturer’s issue... ...

Mah Sing bags Frost & Sullivan Building Construction Industry award
April 15, 2015 05:40:50 pm
KUALA LUMPUR (Apr 15): Property developer Mah Sing Group Bhd was honoured with the 2015 Frost & Sullivan Excellence in Growth Building Construction Industry Award at the 2015 Malaysia Excellence Awards banquet held at Mandarin Oriental yesterd... ...

KLCI flat as oil gains offset weaker China growth impact
April 15, 2015 05:38:18 pm
KUALA LUMPUR (Apr 15): The FBM KLCI settled flat as oil and gas (O&G) share gains supported the index amid less-optimistic China economic data. At 5pm, the KLCI gained 0.52 point or 0.03% to close at 1,840.13 as stocks like Sapur... ...

MARC affirms ratings, stable outlook on Sime Darby’s RM4.5 bil ICP/IMTN programme
April 15, 2015 05:34:41 pm
KUALA LUMPUR (April 15): Malaysian Rating Corp Bhd (MARC) affirmed today its ratings on Sime Darby Bhd’s RM4.5 billion Islamic Medium-Term Notes Programme (IMTN Programme) and RM500 million Islamic Commerical Papers (ICP), with a combined limit of......

Suhakam pushes for human rights debate in Dewan Rakyat
April 15, 2015 05:29:22 pm
(April 15): Despite submitting its annual report to the Dewan Rakyat for the last 13 years, Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) chairman Tan Sri Hasmy Agam says none of the reports have been debated in the august house. He said th... ...

Oil above $59 on Middle East, U.S. output, but IEA report caps gains
April 15, 2015 05:28:11 pm
LONDON (Apr 15): Brent crude oil prices rose above $59 a barrel on Wednesday amid tension in the Middle East and signs of a dip in U.S. production, but gains were capped by a report from the International Energy Agency (IEA) indicating that suppli......

Niche Capital sees 5.19% cross off-market
April 15, 2015 05:38:18 pm
KUALA LUMPUR (Apr 15): Niche Capital Emas Holdings Bhd saw 12.1 million shares cross in off market trades this afternoon, representing a 5.19% stake...

Europe shares at 14-year high on central bank largesse
April 15, 2015 05:38:18 pm
LONDON (Apr 15): European shares hit a 14-year high on Wednesday before a meeting at which the European Central Bank is expected to affirm its loose...

Mostly edge up; Manila underperforms amid China growth woes
April 15, 2015 05:34:41 pm
(Apr 15): Most Southeast Asian stock markets edged up on Wednesday, but Philippine shares underperformed the region falling to a near three-week low...

RAM maintains Sunway’s A2 rating following acquisition of hardware companies
April 15, 2015 05:29:22 pm
KUALA LUMPUR (Apr 15): Sunway Bhd’s rating remains unchanged even after factoring in the acquisition of two hardware companies, RAM Rating Services...

Singapore private home sales up for first time since July 2014
April 15, 2015 05:28:11 pm
SINGAPORE (Apr 15): New projects by developers drove up Singapore private homes sales by 28 percent in March, the first year-on-year increase since...

Dian Siswarini is new president director of XL Axiata
April 15, 2015 04:18:57 pm
KUALA LUMPUR (Apr 13): Axiata Group Bhd has promoted PT XL Axiata Tbk deputy chief exective officer Dian Siswarini to president director, replacing Hasnul Suhaimi who is retiring. "With close to 20 years of experience in the telecommunicati... ...

Malaysian sovereign draws US$6.5bn book for sukuk
April 15, 2015 04:14:05 pm
SINGAPORE (Apr 15): The Government of Malaysia has drawn orders of US$6.5bn for its offering of 144A/Reg S sukuks, and the book is growing as European markets open for business. Price guidance on the dual-tranche offering of 10- and 30-year... ...

Euro drops as ECB set to stick to QE despite recent pickup
April 15, 2015 04:12:02 pm
LONDON (Apr 15): The euro fell against the dollar on Wednesday before a policy meeting at which the European Central Bank is likely to reiterate its dovish policy bias despite a recent pick-up in economic activity. Bets against the euro are... ...

Palm up for 4th day to 1-week high as Indonesian levy draws close
April 15, 2015 04:10:47 pm
KUALA LUMPUR (Apr 15): Malaysian palm oil futures rose to a one-week high on Wednesday,  stretching gains into a fourth day as top grower Indonesia moved closer to laying on levies which may make its palm more expensive for importers. The S... ...

SapuraKencana, Perisai jump 7% each on higher crude oil prices
April 15, 2015 03:33:45 pm
KUALA LUMPUR (April 15): SapuraKencana Petroleum Bhd and Perisai Petroleum Teknologi Bhd jumped as much as 7% each on news that crude oil prices rose on signs of a dip in US production. SapuraKencana (fundamental: 1.3; valuation: 1.4... ...

Petronas in cost-optimisation with service providers, denies rumour on pay cut & retrechment
April 15, 2015 03:22:23 pm
KUALA LUMPUR (April 15): Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas) president and CEO Datuk Wan Zulkiflee Wan Ariffin said Malaysia's national oil company was undertaking a cost-optimisation exercise with its service providers. Petronas' cost... ...

Foreign ownership of government securities up 4.1% m-o-m in March
April 15, 2015 03:06:36 pm
KUALA LUMPUR (April 15): Foreign ownership of government securities registered an increase in value by 4.1% month-on-month in March, said RAM Ratings. In a press release today, RAM said the rebound has been observed since last Decemb... ...

Perodua Myvi named Value-for-Money Car of the Year
April 15, 2015 02:56:01 pm
KUALA LUMPUR (April 15): The Perodua Myvi has won the best Value-for-Money Car of the Year award for the 1.3L and above category at the annual Frost & Sullivan Malaysia Excellence Awards last night.   In a statement today, Perusa... ...

Greece casts shadow as ECB money printing buoys euro zone
April 15, 2015 02:48:29 pm
FRANKFURT (Apr 15): European Central Bank policymakers may sanction possible further emergency funding for Greece's banks on Wednesday amid the first clear signs that the wider euro zone economy is picking up. With an ECB survey showing ban... ...

MBSB hopes to see 8% loan growth
April 15, 2015 02:41:40 pm
KUALA LUMPUR (Apr 15): Malaysia Building Society Bhd (MBSB) is hoping to see a loan growth of up to 8% this year from 3% last year. "We are hoping for a 7% to 8% loan growth this year despite foreseeing a challenging environment," MBSB pres... ...

Axiata Group appoints new chief executive for Indonesian telco arm
April 15, 2015 02:34:47 pm
KUALA LUMPUR (Apr 15): Malaysia's Axiata Group has appointed a new chief executive for its Indonesian telecommunications firm, PT XL Axiata Tbk, the company said in a statement on Wednesday. Dian Siswarini, XL Axiata's deputy chief executiv... ...

Stocks With Momentum: Lien Hoe
April 15, 2015 02:32:48 pm
Lien Hoe Corporation Bhd (+ve) Lien Hoe (Fundamental: 0.55/3, Valuation: 0.9/3) is principally involved in the construction, hotel and leisure, as well as property investment business. The two hotels under its stable are Hot... ...

Malaysia cocoa grinding falls 28 pct in Q1, grinders wait for better margins
April 15, 2015 02:29:56 pm
KUALA LUMPUR (Apr 15): Cocoa processing in Malaysia continued to slump in the first quarter of this year, the Malaysian Cocoa Board said on Wednesday, as grinders slowed output in hopes that prices would improve. Cocoa grinding, which refle... ...

Asia stocks falter as China loses its mojo
April 15, 2015 02:23:52 pm
SYDNEY (Apr 15): Asian markets stumbled on Wednesday as relief China had matched its own growth target was soured by poor readings on consumer demand and industrial activity, underlining the need for more policy action by Beijing. European ... ...

Petronas CEO denies reports of staff pay cuts
April 15, 2015 02:23:40 pm
KUALA LUMPUR (Apr 15): Malaysian state oil firm Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas) on Wednesday denied a media report that said staff at one of its units were asked to take a pay cut due to the plunge in global oil prices. "It is misr... ...

Ringgit leads Asia FX losses on slower China growth
April 15, 2015 02:20:15 pm
SINGAPORE (Apr 15): Malaysia's ringgit led losses among emerging Asian currencies on Wednesday amid sustained concerns over a slowing Chinese economy with growth in the world's second-largest economy at a six-year low. The ringgit fe... ...

Samsung said to create Apple team in display unit to boost ties
April 15, 2015 02:00:45 pm
(Apr 15): Samsung Electronics Co. created a standalone team of about 200 employees working exclusively on screens for Apple Inc. products as the world’s biggest technology companies strengthen business ties, people with direct knowledge of the mat......

Bintai Kinden bags Singapore land-transport contract
April 15, 2015 01:56:46 pm
KUALA LUMPUR (Apr 15): Bintai Kinden Corp Bhd has bagged a S$17.7 million (RM48.1 million) contract, which involves the maintenance  of land-transport premises in Singapore. Bintai Kinden (fundamental: 0.35; valuation: 1.2) announced to Bur... ...

Why attack Jho Low when Najib already cleared him, asks PKR lawmaker
April 15, 2015 01:49:38 pm
(Apr 15): PKR vice-president Tian Chua today urged Umno Youth to stop attacking Low Taek Jho, saying Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak had already denied the businessman's involvement in debt-ridden 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB). ... ...

Singapore's Temasek says CEO's 3-month leave not linked to retirement
April 15, 2015 01:43:04 pm
SINGAPORE (Apr 15): Singapore state investor Temasek Holdings said Chief Executive Ho Ching is taking a three-month sabbatical but the move is not linked to any plans to retire from the post that she has held since 2004. Temasek did ... ...

Denko, IFCA MSC, Visdynamics, Careplus, APFT, Globaltec, OWG, Pasdec, Komarkcorp, Ken Holdings
April 15, 2015 01:40:31 pm
KUALA LUMPUR (April 15): theedgemarkets.com has highlighted 10 stocks with momentum at afternoon market close today. Only one of the stock show positive momentum while nine show negative mome... ...

Nokia to buy Alcatel-Lucent in all-share deal
April 15, 2015 01:38:03 pm
PARIS (Apr 15): Finnish network equipment maker Nokia said on Wednesday it has agreed to buy Alcatel-Lucent in an all-share transaction that values the smaller French rival at 15.6 billion euros ($16.58 billion). Nokia will give Alcatel-Luc... ...

Malaysia Q1 cocoa grinding drops 27.5 pct on year
April 15, 2015 01:20:40 pm
KUALA LUMPUR (Apr 15): Cocoa processing in Malaysia fell 27.5 percent in the first quarter of 2015 to 45,208 tonnes, from 62,359 tonnes in the corresponding period a year ago, the Malaysian Cocoa Board (MCB) said in a statement on Wednesday. ...

Najib squeezed more than ever over 1MDB, Jho Low and Altantuya, says ex-minister
April 15, 2015 01:16:36 pm
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak is finding himself in a tight situation now that businessman Low Taek Jho has accused Umno of having "spin masters" over the debt-ridden state-owned investment fund, 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB), fo... ...

KLCI sees limited gains in line with mixed regional markets
April 15, 2015 01:10:01 pm
KUALA LUMPUR (Apr 15): The FBM KLCI rose at the midday break today but gains were limited as sentiment remained lacklustre after the International Monetary Fund said Malaysia’s growth is expected to slow markedly to 4.8% this year from 6% i... (funct...

Stop publication of Jho Low interview, says Kedah Umno Youth
April 15, 2015 01:09:03 pm
KUALA LUMPUR (Apr 15): Kedah Umno Youth has urged Putrajaya to stop a local business daily from publishing the full interview controversial dealmaker...

China shares fall after GDP data, Hong Kong market steady
April 15, 2015 01:08:40 pm
SHANGHAI (Apr 15): Chinese stocks retreated by midday on Wednesday led by a correction in expensive small-cap stocks, after China reported economic...

Singapore March private home sales up 28 pct from year ago
April 15, 2015 01:07:36 pm
SINGAPORE (Apr 15): Sales of private homes by developers in Singapore rose 28 percent in March compared to a year earlier, government data showed on...

Box-Pak sees revenue growth moderating
April 15, 2015 01:05:01 pm
KUALA LUMPUR (Apr 15): Box-Pak (M) Bhd expects current year revenue growth to moderate as the paper-based packaging products manufacturer contends...

SEMI: Demand for transistors on IC set to grow exponentially
April 15, 2015 12:45:53 pm
KUALA LUMPUR (Apr 15): The demand for transistors on integrated circuits is set to grow exponentially going foward, according to the US-based Semiconductor and Materials International (SEMI). In a statement on its website yesterday in conju... ...

Insider Asia’s Stock Of The Day: Thong Guan
April 15, 2015 12:37:55 pm
Thong Guan Industries Bhd Thong Guan (Fundamental: 1.8/3, Valuation: 2.0/3) saw its share price rise as high as RM2.41 from RM2.07 when we first recommended the stock, in November 2014. However, prices fell to... ...

Stocks With Momentum: Willowglen
April 15, 2015 12:34:36 pm
Willowglen MSC Bhd (-ve) Willowglen (Fundamental: 3/3, Valuation: 0.9/3) surged to a high of 97 sen, before closing up 5.1% to 93.5 sen yesterday, after it secured two contracts totalling RM9.0 million from Singapore’s Publi... ...

Dollar takes back some ground lost on U.S. retail sales miss
April 15, 2015 12:32:42 pm
TOKYO/SYDNEY (Apr 15): The dollar took back some ground lost after a surprisingly weak U.S. retail sales report, while the Australian dollar edged lower on Wednesday after downbeat Chinese economic data. China's annual economic growth slowe... ...

Stocks With Momentum: Federal Furniture
April 15, 2015 12:30:48 pm
Federal Furniture Holdings (M) Bhd (+ve) Shares for Federal Furniture (FFHB) (Fundamental: 1/3, Valuation: 1.1/3) have been rising steadily this year, likely due to positive sentiment for the furniture industry as a whole....

Customs calls for halt of handwritten receipts after September 30
April 15, 2015 12:11:56 pm
(Apr 15): Traders and small businesses will not be able to issue handwritten receipts or invoices after September 30, the Customs Department said, in compliance with the goods and services tax (GST) standard, The Star reported today. These ... ...

Warehousing to be Tasco’s key top-line driver
April 15, 2015 12:05:52 pm
Tasco Bhd (April 14, RM3.90) Maintain buy, with a revised target price (TP) of RM4.76, from RM3.43 previously. Tasco is likely to participate in more regional logistics contracts, which should propel its earnings grow... ...

Asia stocks falter as China loses its mojo
April 15, 2015 12:03:23 pm
SYDNEY (Apr 15): Asian markets stumbled on Wednesday as relief China had matched its own growth target was soured by poor readings on consumer demand and industrial activity, underlining the need for more policy action by Beijing. Growth in... ...

Property deals in Johor plummet in 4Q14
April 15, 2015 12:02:04 pm
Property sector Maintain neutral. Property transactions in Johor have plummeted 33% quarter-on-quarter (q-o-q) in the fourth quarter of 2014 (4Q14), underperforming the country (-7%) and other major cities/states such as Ku... ...

BAT embroiled in price wars
April 15, 2015 11:59:22 am
British American Tobacco (Malaysia) Bhd (April 14, RM68.80) Maintain hold with lowered target price (TP) of RM70.10. We reiterate our hold recommendation on British American Tobacco (Malaysia) (BAT) with a slightly low... ...

Penang Umno dares Jho Low to return, explain 1MDB link
April 15, 2015 11:55:29 am
KUALA LUMPUR (Apr 15): Kepala Batas MP Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican has issued a challenge to tycoon Low Taek Jho to return to Malaysia and come clean on his relationship with debt-ridden 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB). ... ...

No surplus cash distribution by RHBCap to shareholders
April 15, 2015 11:45:02 am
RHB Capital Bhd (April 14, RM7.96) Maintain hold with a target price (TP) of RM8.30. As expected, RHB Capital Bhd (RHBCap) announced its widely-anticipated internal reorganisation and rights issue to raise up to RM2.5 ... ...

CEO of Singapore state investor Temasek to take 3-mnth leave
April 15, 2015 11:44:48 am
SINGAPORE (Apr 15): Singapore state investor Temasek Holdings said its Chief Executive Ho Ching will take three-month sabbatical, without giving any reason for the leave. Lee Theng Kiat, president of Temasek, will cover Ho's duties, the com... ...

Market may rebound this week
April 15, 2015 11:39:27 am
GLOBAL markets, especially in this region, were in a buying frenzy and indices climbed to multi-year highs. However, the local market did not share the same sentiment as it was weighed down by a weak ringgit. Last week, I mentioned that the FBMKLC......

Maybank launches new apps to strengthen digital banking presence
April 15, 2015 11:37:59 am
KUALA LUMPUR (Apr 15): Malayan Banking Bhd (Maybank) has launched two new mobile applications (apps) — Maybank Treats and Maybank Property Finder — today which aims to strengthen the group's digital presence as well as enhance convenience f... ...

China Q1 property investment growth weakens to near 6-yr low, sales drop narrows
April 15, 2015 11:29:33 am
HONG KONG (Apr 15): Growth in China's real estate investment in the first quarter slowed to the lowest rate since 2009 as developers prioritised clearing inventory amid a housing glut, while the rate of fall in property sales narrowed. Prop... ...

Benalec gains 1.85% for progress in oil storage hub project
April 15, 2015 11:18:16 am
KUALA LUMPUR (Apr 15): Benalec Holdings Bhd rose as much as 1.5 sen or 1.85% to 82.5 sen after the company had engaged with Pestech International to build power supply infrastructure for its Tanjung Piai Integrated Petroleum and Maritime Industria......

Oil prices rise after signs of U.S. production dip
April 15, 2015 11:18:11 am
SINGAPORE (Apr 15): Oil prices rose on Wednesday after signs of a dip in U.S. production, but gains were capped by Chinese quarterly growth slowing to a six-year low. Front-month Brent crude futures were trading up 47 cents at $58.90 a barr... ...

Malaysia's April 1-15 palm oil exports down 2.9 pct m/m - ITS
April 15, 2015 11:15:05 am
KUALA LUMPUR (Apr 15): Exports of Malaysian palm oil products for April 1-15 fell 2.9 percent to 477,295 tonnes, from 491,727 tonnes shipped during March 1-15, cargo surveyor Intertek Testing Services said on Wednesday. ...

Gamuda Walk officially opens its doors
April 15, 2015 11:09:50 am
SHAH ALAM: Gamuda Land Sdn Bhd, the property development division of Gamuda Bhd, aims for a tenancy of up to 90% by June — six months after the soft launch of Gamuda Walk, its community lifestyle retail centre in Kota Kemuning. At a media e... ...

IFCA extends gain on plans to launch new cloud-based solutions
April 15, 2015 11:09:35 am
KUALA LUMPUR (Apr 15): IFCA MSC Bhd extended its gains today on plans to launch new cloud-based solutions for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and high growth from the China market. As at 10.45am, the stock was traded at RM1.46, rose 6 ... ...

Bumi Armada gains 6% on RM1.1b Malta contracts
April 15, 2015 11:05:15 am
KUALA LUMPUR (Apr 15): Bumi Armada Bhd gained as much as six sen or 6% to RM1.12 after the oil and gas support services firm secured a US$300 million (RM1.1 billion) floating storage unit (FSU) contract in Malta. At 10.05am, Bumi Arm... ...

Bioalpha to spend RM3m to beef up its R&D
April 15, 2015 11:04:22 am
KUALA LUMPUR: Integrated health supplement manufacturer and distributor, Bioalpha Holdings Bhd, which debuted on Bursa Malaysia’s ACE Market yesterday, is setting aside RM3 million from the proceeds of its initial public offering (IPO) to enhance ......

CMSB rises 4 sen as it bags RM308m construction contract
April 15, 2015 11:00:46 am
KUALA LUMPUR (Apr 15): Cahya Mata Sarawak Bhd (CMSB) share price rose as much as 4 sen or 0.83% to RM 4.85 this morning on news that it has bagged a RM308 million contract from the Sarawak government to build a world-class museum and heritage trai......

EPS dilution weighs on RHBCap shares
April 15, 2015 10:59:34 am
KUALA LUMPUR: While analysts were mostly positive about RHB Capital Bhd’s (RHBCap) proposed internal restructuring and rights issue, the dilutive effect on earnings per share (EPS) — expected to range between 10% and 30% — weighed on its share pri......

Boustead buys Irat stake at a higher price of RM199m
April 15, 2015 10:48:13 am
KUALA LUMPUR: Boustead Holdings Bhd has acquired a 50% stake in Irat Properties Sdn Bhd for RM199 million cash, which will see the conglomerate...

Nikkei flat in choppy trade; investors pause after recent rally
April 15, 2015 10:47:38 am
TOKYO (Apr 15): Japan's Nikkei share average was flat on Wednesday as investors took profits on recent gainers such as drugmakers, but expectations...

Sedition Act amendments restrict freedom of expression, says US
April 15, 2015 10:48:13 am
(Apr 15): The United States today reiterated its concerns over Putrajaya's restrictions on freedom of expression in Malaysia, six days after the Dewan Rakyat passed amendments to the Sedition Act, which critics said would make the law more draconi......

As Najib shores up leadership, tiny Gedong may play a big role
April 15, 2015 10:47:38 am
(Apr 15): The oil palm-growing district of Gedong in the eastern Malaysian state of Sarawak is too tiny to get its own zip code. Even so, its 6,712 voters will soon have their own government representative. Electoral officials are ad... ...

Cahya Mata bags RM308m museum, heritage trail job
April 15, 2015 10:43:25 am
KUALA LUMPUR: Cahya Mata Sarawak Bhd (CMSB) has bagged a RM308 million contract from the Sarawak government to build a world-class museum and a heritage trail in Kuching. In a filing with Bursa Malaysia, CMSB (fundamental: 3; valuation: 1.1... ...

Asia tentative as mixed China data stoke uncertainty
April 15, 2015 10:37:49 am
SYDNEY (Apr 15): Asian markets were lost for direction on Wednesday after a reading on Chinese growth held up better than many had feared, only for data on retail sales and industrial output to disappoint. The mixed bag was mirrored in the ... ...

Hang Seng exuberance, muted local bourse
April 15, 2015 10:33:05 am
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian stocks are unlikely to see any spillover effect from the exuberance seen in the Hong Kong market where the Hang Seng Index broke through the psychological 28,000 mark for the first time in more than seven years on Monday....

AmFIRST to firm up Mydin store buy today
April 15, 2015 10:30:30 am
KUALA LUMPUR: AmFIRST Real Estate Investment Trust (AmFIRST REIT) has confirmed that it is acquiring a Mydin store in Bukit Mertajam, Penang — its first investment in the north — confirming a report in The Edge Financial Daily published yesterday.......

China says its economic growth is 'reasonable'
April 15, 2015 10:30:28 am
BEIJING (Apr 15): China's economy faces downward pressure but growth is within a reasonable range, the spokesman of the statistics bureau said on Wednesday after data showed economic expansion slid to a six-year low between January and March. ... ...

KLCI reverses losses but sentiment remains lacklustre
April 15, 2015 10:25:17 am
KUALA LUMPUR (April 15): The FBM KLCI reversed its losses at mid-morning but gains were limited as sentiment remained lacklustre after the International Monetary Fund said Malaysia’s growth is expected to slow markedly to 4.8% this year from 6% in......

Asian stocks drop with Aussie as data shows weaker China growth
April 15, 2015 10:19:59 am
WELLINGTON/HONG KONG (Apr 15): Asian stocks fell from an almost seven-year high and the Australian dollar slid against most peers as data showed China’s economy slowed to the weakest pace of expansion since 2009 last quarter. Crude oil rose... ...

China's economic growth slows to 7 pct in Q1, six-year low
April 15, 2015 10:13:53 am
BEIJING (Apr 15): China's economy grew 7.0 percent in the first quarter, as expected but still its slowest rate in six years, reinforcing bets that policymakers will take more steps to bolster growth. Economists polled by Reuters had... ...

IFCA to sustain growth momentum
April 15, 2015 10:13:25 am
KUALA LUMPUR: IFCA MSC Bhd, whose share price has gained 1,310.53% in the past year as one of the major beneficiaries of the goods and services tax (GST), expects to sustain its strong growth momentum in 2015, driven by the launch of new cl... ...

Century Bond jumps 6.5% on positive report by PublicInvest Research
April 15, 2015 10:11:15 am
KUALA LUMPUR (April 15): Shares of Century Bhd Bhd jumped this morning after PublicInvest Research said the company’s shares were worth at least RM2.19. At 9.53am, Century Bond rose 6.52% or nine sen to RM1.47 with 688,400 shares done. ... ...

Affordable housing to be hot in 2015
April 15, 2015 10:08:26 am
KUALA LUMPUR: Residential properties priced between RM200,000 and RM500,000 will drive demand for housing this year, said Deputy Finance Minister Datuk Chua Tee Yong. “In 2013, there were 74,153 transactions for residential pr... ...

Malaysia 10yr, 30yr sukuk indicated at 135bp, 185bp over treasuries
April 15, 2015 10:03:47 am
SINGAPORE (Apr 15): The Government of Malaysia kicked off bookbuilding on its much-anticipated sukuk this morning, showing tenors of 10 and 30 years at guidance of around 135bp and 185bp over US Treasuries, respectively. The 144A/Reg... ...

Eco World jumps 3.41% after Kenanga IB starts coverage
April 15, 2015 10:03:41 am
KUALA LUMPUR (April 15): Shares of Eco World Development Group Bhd rose at mid-morning today after Kenanga IB Research initiated coverage on the stock at RM1.77 with an “Outperform” rating and target price of RM2.05. At 9.45am. Eco World ro... ...

EPF sells London property to British Land for RM1.14b
April 15, 2015 10:00:45 am
KUALA LUMPUR: The Employees Provident Fund (EPF) is disposing of its One Sheldon Square at Paddington Central in London’s West End — its first property disposal in the United Kingdom — to London-listed British Land Co plc for £210 million (RM1.14 ......

Hunza: Loke Realty’s suit has no major impact on operations, finance
April 15, 2015 09:58:43 am
KUALA LUMPUR: Penang property developer Hunza Properties Bhd announced that a suit brought against it by Loke Wan Yat Realty Sdn Bhd (Loke Realty) would not have any material operational, financial and losses impact on its operations. In a ... ...

Kenanga IB Research starts coverage on Eco World, target RM2.05
April 15, 2015 09:56:41 am
KUALA LUMPUR (April 15): Kenanga IB Research has initiated coverage on Eco World Development Group Bhd at RM1.77 with an “Outperform” rating and target price of RM2.05. In a note today, the research house said its targ price only offered a ... ...

Benalec engages Pestech
April 15, 2015 09:51:05 am
KUALA LUMPUR: Benalec Holdings Bhd will engage Pestech International Bhd to establish the power supply infrastructure for Benalec’s Tanjung Piai Integrated Petroleum and Maritime Industrial Park (Tanjung Piai Industrial Park) in Pontian, Johor....

Cahya Mata shares up on RM308m Sarawak museum construction project
April 15, 2015 09:50:25 am
Cahya Mata shares up on RM308m Sarawak museum construction project   ...

Jho Low still responsible for 1MDB mess, says DAP
April 15, 2015 09:43:38 am
KUALA LUMPUR (Apr 15): Businessman Low Taek Jho, or Jho Low, cannot wash his hands of the controversies surrounding the debt-ridden 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB), the DAP said today, especially since his ties to the state investment v... ...

U.S. crude rises towards $54 on stocks data, weaker dollar
April 15, 2015 09:31:41 am
SINGAPORE (Apr 15): U.S. crude futures climbed towards $54 a barrel in early Asian trade on Wednesday, buoyed by a smaller than expected build in U.S. crude inventories, Middle East tensions and a weaker dollar. FUNDAMENTALS *... ...

KLCI extends loss for sixth day
April 15, 2015 09:17:00 am
KUALA LUMPUR (April 15): The FBM KLCI extended its loss in early trade today for the sixth consecutive day on lacklustre sentiment after the International Monetary Fund said Malaysia’s growth is expected to slow markedly to 4.8% this year f... ...

Investigate Jho Low over 1MDB, says Umno Youth
April 15, 2015 09:00:46 am
KUALA LUMPUR: Businessman Low Taek Jho (Jho Low) should be investigated and action taken against him if there is proof that he was involved in the misappropriation of 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) funds, Umno Youth said yesterday.... ...

AffinHwang Capital remains cautious on Media Prima
April 15, 2015 08:40:10 am
KUALA LUMPUR (April 15): AffinHwang Capital Research has maintained its “Sell” rating on Media Prima Bhd (MPR) with an unchanged target price of RM1.50 and said it was still cautious on MPR given the weakness in its main segments (TV and print) as......

MIDF Research maintains Neutral on Bumi Armada, target RM1.12
April 15, 2015 08:36:00 am
KUALA LUMPUR (April 15): MIDF Research has maintained its “Neutral” rating on Bumi Armada Bhd with an unchanged target price of RM1.12 after Bumi Armada’s (BAB) units entered into agreements with ElectroGas Malta Limited In a note today, th... ...

ViTrox to close 1H15 with RM100m sales, says HLIB Research
April 15, 2015 08:32:30 am
KUALA LUMPUR (April 15): Hong Leong IB Research has maintained its “Buy” rating on ViTrox Corporation Bhd at RM3.56 with an unchanged target price of RM3.80 and said ViTrox’s 1Q15 sales could potentially grow 49% year-on-year (y-o-y) to RM34 milli......

Asia braced for China data after US disappoints
April 15, 2015 08:23:57 am
SYDNEY (April 15): Asian share markets took a cautious stance on Wednesday ahead of an anxiously-awaited reading on China's growth pulse, while the dollar nursed losses after a disappointing reading on consumer spending nudged bond yields lower....

Malaysia economic growth to slow to 4.8% this year, says IMF report
April 15, 2015 08:03:24 am
KUALA LUMPUR (April 15): Malaysia’s growth is expected to slow markedly to 4.8% this year from 6% in 2014 (a downward revision of 0.4 percentage point) on weaker terms of trade, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The... ...

KLCI set to continue cautious stance
April 15, 2015 07:19:22 am
KUALA LUMPUR (April 15): The FBM KLCI is set to continue on its cautious trend today in the absence of fresh domestic catalysts as well as ahead of crucial economic data from China. The U.S. dollar fell sharply on Tuesday, weighed by... ...

Wall Street ends higher after bounce in oil prices
April 15, 2015 07:05:20 am
NEW YORK (April 15): The Dow and S&P 500 ended higher on Tuesday, helped by energy stocks and quarterly earnings reports that topped modest expectations following worries about a strong dollar. Shares of Exxon Mobil, Chevron and other e... ...

Dollar slides on data, U.S. growth forecast; oil up
April 15, 2015 07:03:20 am
NEW YORK (April 15): The U.S. dollar fell sharply on Tuesday, weighed by mixed retail sales data and economic growth predictions, while crude rose after a surprise drop in forecasts for U.S. shale oil production. Energy shares buoyed stocks... ...

U.S. retail sales rebound, post largest gain in a year
April 14, 2015 11:03:03 pm
WASHINGTON (April 14): U.S. retail sales rose in March for the first time since November as consumers stepped up purchases of automobiles and other goods, suggesting a sharp slowdown in economic growth in the first quarter was temporary. Th... ...

Wells Fargo profit falls as employee costs rise
April 14, 2015 10:54:41 pm
(April 14): Wells Fargo & Co, the largest U.S. mortgage lender, reported a drop in quarterly profit for the first time in five years as employee costs rose at a time margins are under pressure from low interest rates. Banks are struggli... ...

Euro zone banks see loan demand rising sharply after ECB boost
April 14, 2015 10:54:38 pm
FRANKFURT (April 14): Euro zone banks expect the strongest demand for loans in more than a decade in coming months as the European Central Bank's bond-buying programme improves funding conditions, an ECB survey showed on Tuesday. The ECB's ... ...

U.S. business inventories rise; sales flat
April 14, 2015 10:49:07 pm
WASHINGTON (April 14): U.S. business inventories rose slightly more than expected in February as sales remained weak, a trend that could leave businesses with little appetite to accumulate more stock. The Commerce Department said on Tuesday... ...

European shares fall as worries over Greece offset M&A fever
April 14, 2015 10:43:43 pm
PARIS (April 14): European stocks fell on Tuesday as renewed worries over Greece offset any positive impact from news of a tie-up between Nokia and Alcatel-Lucent . Shares in the French telecom gear maker surged 15.4 percent after the two f... ...

Cahya Mata Sarawak, Bumi Armada, Hunza Properties, BCorp, TNB, Boustead Holdings, Coastal Contracts, Benalec and Pestech
April 14, 2015 10:23:37 pm
KUALA LUMPUR (April 14): Based on corporate announcements and news flow today, companies that may be in focus tomorrow (Wednesday, April 15) could include: Cahya Mata Sarawak, Bumi Armada, Hunza Properties, Berjaya Corp (BCorp), TNB, Bouste... ...

Oil above $58 on U.S. shale report, Mideast tension
April 14, 2015 10:01:48 pm
LONDON/SINGAPORE (April 14): Crude oil rose on Tuesday after a forecast that U.S. shale oil output would record its first monthly decline in more than four years and on tensions in Yemen, where top oil exporter Saudi Arabia is embroiled in ... ...

Iran nuclear talks to resume on April 21, Zarif says
April 14, 2015 09:52:13 pm
MADRID/BERLIN (April 14): Nuclear talks between Iran and world powers will resume on April 21 at the deputy level, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said on Tuesday, in what will be the first meeting since a major breakthrough two week......

China lag unsettles copper industry as Goldman sees rout
April 14, 2015 09:46:54 pm
SANTIAGO/RIO DE JANEIRO (April 14): Mining executives talking up copper’s long- term prospects at this week’s industry gathering in Chile are unsettled by the level of Chinese buying in recent weeks. Traditionally, purchases accelerate afte... ...

Global investors stick to stocks for now but bubble fear mounts
April 14, 2015 09:33:35 pm
LONDON (April 14): International investors are getting increasingly anxious that stock markets may be due a downward lurch with more of them rating equities as "overvalued" than at any time since 2000, a global survey said on Tuesday. A qua... ...

IMF sees solid global economic outlook even as growth diverges
April 14, 2015 09:32:57 pm
WASHINGTON (April 14): The International Monetary Fund highlighted an increasing divergence in the growth paths of the world's major economies this year, as a pick-up in the euro zone and India is expected to be offset by diminished prospects in o......

U.S. retail sales rebound, post largest gain in a year
April 14, 2015 09:32:05 pm
WASHINGTON (April 14): U.S. retail sales rose in March for the first time since late last year as consumers stepped up purchases of automobiles and other goods, suggesting a sharp slowdown in economic growth in the first quarter was temporary.... ...

Futures point to flat open after JPMorgan, J&J results
April 14, 2015 09:29:07 pm
NEW YORK (April 14): U.S. stock index futures pointed to a flat open on Tuesday as investors digested the first major earnings of the first-quarter reporting season, which showed some weakness despite companies topping lowered expectations. ...

Pestech to build power supply infra for Benalec's Tanjung Piai industrial park
April 14, 2015 09:16:47 pm
KUALA LUMPUR (April 14): Benalec Holdings Bhd will engage Pestech International Bhd (Pestech) to establish the power supply infrastructure for Benalec’s Tanjung Piai Integrated Petroleum and Maritime Industrial Park (Tanjung Piai industrial park) ......

Hunza: Loke Realty's legal suit has no impact on operations and finance
April 14, 2015 09:12:47 pm
KUALA LUMPUR (April 14): Penang property developer Hunza Properties Bhd announced a suit brought against it by Loke Wan Yat Realty Sdn Bhd (Loke Realty) would not have any material operational, financial or loss impact on the former. ...

Lay Hong obtains Bursa’s conditional approval for 15% private placement
April 14, 2015 08:59:11 pm
KUALA LUMPUR (April 14): Poultry producer Lay Hong Bhd has obtained conditional approval from the Bursa Securities to carry out its private placement of up to 15% of its issued and paid up capital.     In a filing to the exchange, Lay Hong ... ...

Bank of China mulls providing credit line to MDEX
April 14, 2015 08:45:57 pm
PUTRAJAYA (April 14): Bank of China (Malaysia) Bhd (BOC) is mulling the setting up of a credit line to Malaysia Derivatives Exchange (MDEX) to promote bilateral currency trading between Malaysia and China. “This will be the first case in As... ...

Stocks fall on worries over dollar strength, Greece
April 14, 2015 08:37:11 pm
LONDON/SYDNEY (April 14): Global stock markets edged down on Tuesday as investors worried about the impact of a strong dollar on U.S. company earnings and unease over Greece's debt crisis overshadowed news of a possible merger between two big Euro......

Futures flat; JPMorgan, J&J report results
April 14, 2015 08:29:52 pm
NEW YORK (April 14): U.S. stock index futures were flat on Tuesday as a pair of Dow components ticked higher after reporting results, though investors continued to look for confirmation that companies would be able to top lowered expectations this......

BP seeks LNG buyers to finance $12 bln Tangguh Train 3 project in Indonesia
April 14, 2015 08:18:34 pm
JAKARTA (April 14): BP said it would be tough to proceed with financing for a planned third LNG train at its Tangguh project in West Papua, Indonesia, without buyers for the remaining 1.3 million tonnes of annual output from the production plant....

HSBC starts search for new non-executives -source
April 14, 2015 08:15:03 pm
LONDON (April 14): HSBC has appointed headhunters to find new non-executive directors in an effort to freshen up its board, a person familiar with the matter said on Tuesday. Europe's biggest bank has previously said its next chairman will ... ...

Bumi Armada bags RM1.1b Malta FSU job
April 14, 2015 08:14:42 pm
KUALA LUMPUR (Apr 14): Offshore oilfield services provider Bumi Armada Bhd has secured a US$300 million (RM1.1 billion) contract from ElectroGas Malta Ltd to supply a liquefied natural gas (LNG) floating storage unit (FSU) for a project relating t......

Gold down 1 pct on firm shares, dollar as U.S. rate hike bets intact
April 14, 2015 08:13:18 pm
LONDON/SINGAPORE (April 14): Gold dropped 1 percent on Tuesday, heading for for a fifth session of losses in six as a firmer dollar and stronger European shares dragged prices back below $1,200 an ounce. Spot gold was down 0.9 percent at $1... ...

Pestech to build power supply infrastructure for Benalec's Tanjung Piai industrial park
April 14, 2015 08:00:27 pm
Flash: Pestech to build power supply infrastructure for Benalec's Tanjung Piai industrial park ...

AmFIRST to firm up Mydin store acquisition tomorrow, confirms The Edge FD's report
April 14, 2015 07:59:02 pm
KUALA LUMPUR (April 14): AmFIRST Real Estate Investment Trust (AmFIRST REIT) has confirmed that it is acquiring a Mydin store in Bukit Mertajam, Penang, confirming a report in The Edge Financial Daily published today. The tr... ...

Cahya Mata bags RM308m Sarawak museum, heritage trail job
April 14, 2015 07:49:27 pm
KUALA LUMPUR (Apr 14): Cahya Mata Sarawak Bhd (CMSB) has bagged a RM308 million contract from the Sarawak state government to build a world class museum and a heritage trail in Kuching. In a filing with Bursa Malaysia, CMSB (fundamen... (function(i,s...