Review & Outlook

The FBM KLCI is expected to continue trading with a downward bias due to the combination of bearish technical momentum, weak economic data from China and cautious sentiment surrounding the inflationary impact of Donald Trump's future trade policies in the lead-up to his inauguration as U.S. President. However, the proposed infrastructure projects in Sarawak, Penang and Johor could provide some lift to overall local sentiment, specifically construction related stocks, and cushion downside.

Immediate index support remains at 1,600, with better retracement supports at 1,588, which is the 38.2%FR level, and 1,565, the 23.6%FR level, followed by the key 1,550 chart support. Immediate resistance is downgraded to 1,630, then 1,648, followed next by last September peak of 1,675, with tougher resistance seen at the 1,684 high (29 Aug).

On stock picks for this week, selective banking, oil & gas, rubber glove, and semiconductor or technology related lower liners should attract bargain hunters looking for cheaper entry levels for recovery upside ahead.

News Bites

• Malaysia's industrial production index climbed 3.6% YoY in November 2024, faster than the 2% growth registered in the previous month, driven by higher manufacturing and electricity output.

• Tenaga Nasional Bhd's indirect subsidiary has received a RM291.6mn tax assessment for the year of assessment 2018 and it has obtained an interim stay on all further proceedings, pending the outcome of the judicial review application.

• Sime Darby Property Bhd has acquired two modern double-storey logistics warehouses in Bandar Bukit Raja, Selangor, for RM232mn.

• Metronic Global Bhd's subsidiary, MAT JV Sdn Bhd, has been awarded a RM31mn contract by Gamuda M&E Sdn Bhd to supply instrumentation systems for the Sungai Rasau Water Supply Scheme project.

• Uzma Bhd's subsidiary, Setegap Ventures Petroleum Sdn Bhd, has received a RM100mil contract extension from PETRONAS Carigali Sdn Bhd.

• OSK Property Holdings Bhd, the property arm of OSK Holdings Bhd, is expanding its land bank with the acquisition of four parcels of freehold land measuring 26.3 hectares in Sungai Petani, Kedah, for RM14.2mn.

• AME Real Estate Investment Trust, through its special purpose vehicle, Ame REIT Sukuk Sdn Bhd, has announced the proposed establishment of an Islamic Medium Term Notes (Sukuk Wakalah) Programme of RM1.0bn in nominal value.

• Ho Hup Construction Company Bhd, which has just resolved a windingup petition in November filed by a diesel fuel supplier, has been served with yet another winding-up petition from a cement supplier due to an alleged unpaid sum of RM2.5mn.

• Kumpulan Perangsang Selangor Bhd said its subsidiary's appeal to the Inland Revenue Board against the RM7.9mn capital gains tax and penalty that was imposed on the company in November last year was accepted.

• Berjaya Group is seeking a new partner as it bids for a proposed multibillion dollar high-speed rail line between Kuala Lumpur and Singapore, after Malaysian Resources Corp. withdrew from the consortium, Berjaya's founder Tan Sri Vincent Tan said.

• Key Alliance Group Bhd has proposed to consolidate its shares on a 30- to-one basis to improve its capital structure and aims to reduce the volatility of the trading price for its shares.

• AmanahRaya Real Estate Investment Trust on Thursday announced the resignation of Tunku Rozita Tunku Abdul Malek as its executive director and the managing director of its manager AmanahRaya-Kenedix REIT Manager Sdn Bhd, due to personal reasons.

• Tex Cycle Technology (M) Bhd has appointed Ho Wai Mun as chief operating officer and Lee Junyan as chief technical officer.

• Sapura Resources Bhd announced several boardroom changes via bourse filings on Friday, including the appointment of Reza Abdul Rahim as its new chief executive officer, with immediate effect.

• China said it has sufficient fiscal firepower to respond to external challenges, vowing to better execute pro-growth measures ahead of Donald Trump's return to the White House later this month.

• US nonfarm payroll unexpectedly accelerated to 256,000 in December while the unemployment rate fell to 4.1%.

Source: TA Research - 13 Jan 2025