Review & Outlook

Bursa Malaysia shares ended mixed on Tuesday, as profit-taking in core plantation blue chips were offset by bargain hunting interest in technology and banking heavyweights. The FBM KLCI rose 3.4 points to close at 1,614.42, after being stuck in a narrow range bordering 1,618.02 and 1,613.15, but losers beat gainers 666 to 529 on total turnover of 4.65bn shares worth RM3.84bn.

Hopes that the US Fed chief will be more willing to reduce interest rates given recent softening inflation data should lift market sentiment, with bargain hunting likely rotating towards oil & gas related stocks. Immediate index resistance remains at the early June high of 1,622, with the May high of 1,632 and 1,640 as tougher upside hurdles, while immediate supports are at 1,601, 1,594 and 1,570, the respective 30-day, 50-day and 100-day moving average levels.

DNEX will be attractive to bargain on weakness for rebound upside towards the upper Bollinger band (50sen), with a confirmed breakout to aim for the 38.2%FR (55sen) and 50%FR (62sen) ahead, while the 200- day ma (40sen) limits downside risk. Wasco needs convincing breakout above its upper Bollinger band (RM1.49) to enhance upside potential towards the 31/5/24 peak (RM1.60) and RM1.70 going forward, while the 200-day ma (RM1.19) cushions downside.

News Bites

• The collective shareholding of YTL Power International Bhd and its 70%-owned unit SIPP Power Sdn Bhd in Ranhill Utilities Bhd remained unchanged at 53.2% or 689.4mn shares after the close of their mandatory general offer.

• Singapore-headquartered private equity firm Q Investment Partners has formed a £100.0mn UK student housing joint venture with Gamuda Bhd to develop a new 299-bed purpose-built student accommodation in Woolwich, London.

• IJM Land Bhd, the property arm of construction giant IJM Corporation Bhd had signed a pact with Progressture Power Sdn Bhd to jointly explore deployment of up to 40megawatt in its future developments.

• The Court of Appeal overturned a High Court decision that required CTOS Data Systems Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of CTOS Digital Bhd, to pay RM200k damages to a businesswoman earlier this year.

• NTT DATA Japan Corp, which now owns 97.5% of the shares in GHL Systems Bhd, will compulsorily acquire the rest of the shares it does not own, paving the way for GHL to be delisted from Bursa Malaysia.

• Ann Joo Resources Bhd has proposed to undertake a rights issue to entitled shareholders to raise up to RM105.0mn under the minimum scenario and up to RM165.6mn under the maximum scenario.

• Tex Cycle Technology (M) Bhd agreed to collaborate with Econas Resource to Energy Sdn Bhd to grow its scheduled waste management business.

• Vestland Bhd has received a letter of award from Euro Saga Sdn Bhd worth RM195.4mn to undertake the site clearance and demolition works, earthworks, drainage, pavement and road furniture works for the Kota Bharu - Kuala Krai Expressway in Kelantan.

• Maxim Global Bhd is acquiring 5.8 acres of freehold land in Subang Jaya for RM95.0mn or RM375.3/sf.

• Theta Edge Bhd has secured a 20-year RM673.8mn contract for developing, providing and maintaining Internet of Things technology for smart business initiatives in Ampang Jaya.

• The High Court on 9 Jul 2024 has allowed an application by law firm Messrs Krish Maniam & Co to place Sarawak Cable Bhd under an interim judicial manager.

• Eduspec Holdings Bhd plans to diversify its business to include the provision of testing services for electrical and electronic components.

• MClean Technologies Bhd announced a board restructuring, which saw the appointment of a new chairman, directors and chief executive officer, following its 28.5% stake sale to Singapore-listed Accrelist Ltd.

• Enterprise information technology solutions provider Vetece Holdings Bhd has inked an underwriting agreement with Kenanga Investment Bank Bhd for its IPO on the ACE Market of Bursa Malaysia Securities Bhd.

• RichTech Digital Bhd, which distributes electronic reloads and provides bill payment services, filed for an initial public offering on ACE Market to raise funds for marketing activities and acquire a new office.

• Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell said officials are increasingly wary of potential risks to the labour market from high borrowing costs as they seek more evidence inflation is slowing down.

Source: TA Research - 10 Jul 2024