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The FBM KLCI fell by 4.78 points or 0.3% as Budget day 2017 draws closer and speculators are looking at a possible early election in the country as well. The KLCI closed at 1,664.72 points as at closing. FBM KLCI fell by 4.78 pts as Budget day 2017 draws closer The market has been heading south throughout the day in general with the benchmark falling to as low as 1,661.58 before recovering towards the closing. There have been speculation that the upcoming budget 2017 in the country will be an election budget, creating anxieties and uncertainties on the initiatives that the government could implement. Analysts and fund managers are expecting the market to be fluctuating in the short and mid-term according to the report by theedgemarkets.com. Unlike Malaysia, Asian shares have shown slight recovery. Bursa Malaysia saw a rather low volume today with 1.49 billion shares traded, worth about RM1.85 billion. British American Tobacco (M) Bhd lead the gainers today while U...

The FBM KLCI gained 8.62 points or 0.5%, tracking Asian shares' rise as the ringgit strengthened with crude oil. At the 5pm closing bell, the KLCI settled at 1,654.84 points while the ringgit strengthened to 3.9967 against the US dollar. The KLCI and ringgit gained as Asian shares recovered from the immediate impact of the UK's European Union exit (Brexit) decision. In China, the Shanghai Composite rose 1.91%, while Hong Kong's Hang Seng gained 1.27% and Japan's Nikkei 225 climbed 0.6%. Reuters reported that Hong Kong stocks climbed on Monday for a third straight session of gains, as higher commodity prices and hopes of more stimulus measures from Beijing boosted resources shares, and investors built up positions amid ample liquidity in the market. Oil prices rose on Monday following comments from the Saudi energy minister that the market was heading towards balance, although signs of slowing demand in Asia weighed. Brent crude futures were trading at ...

The Malaysian Insider (TMI) went offline The Malaysian Insider It's not like that we didn't see it coming. But one of the most popular independent news portal, The Malaysian Insider (TMI) went offline on March 15 despite its popularity but let's face it. Without the commercial support, it's impossible to see how TMI can go on its operation, especially when the Malaysian Communication and Multimedia Commission block its website.  The Edge Media Group (TEMG) issued a statement, saying that TMI has run up to RM10 million of losses in the 20 months (since June 2014).  A deal could not be reached with three external suitors, "all of whom have existing media businesses", as well as on an offer for a management buyout. This was made tougher after the MCMC's block order on TMI, although talks had started earlier.  The closure of TMI saw 59 staff members, including its editor Jahabar Sadiq let go.  In a statement, TEMG publisher and CEO Ho Ka...

Maintain Hold with unchanged target price (TP) of RM55 Strategic decision The cessation of BAT’s domestic manufacturing activity is a strategic decision to achieve a more sustainable business model. We estimate that the disposal of its factory land and M&E could fetch about MYR1.45/shr, partially offsetting one-off staff costs, which raises the prospect of a special dividend. Retain HOLD for now with an unchanged MYR55 DCF-TP. To cease manufacturing activity BAT has announced that it will cease its factory operations in Malaysia in stages and that the wind down will be completed by 2H17. Management cites higher production costs on lower legal volumes due to the high excise environment and rise in illicits. What is also the case, in our view, is that it is probably cheaper now, under AFTA, to source from other ASEAN countries, which is why BAT plans to source its tobacco products from other BAT factories regionally. Disposal of manufacturing facility The factory l...