Was hoping it would go to the lower 2.50's to buy. Okay, anything below 2.60 and I'm in again. This is one of the most undervalued counters in the world.

"competition is good for consumers! capitalism at work!" -- Fully agree with this. Bring it on! To be fair, the government had better do something about MAS very soon and be firm about it. Then, with the local car industry. Let these be like the telecommunications industry. Remember the bad old days when it was so costly to make an outstation call? Or the various charges in owing a handphone? But thanks to competition, we have all benefited. Nowadays, even primary schoolchildren can own and maintain a handphone!

It's at 1.01, which is okay considering how much the general market has come down. One of my previous comments had compared it with AirAsia, of which most people had reasonably favoured over MAS. But as we can see, that's the nature of the market - had one bought AA then, he would be staring at a significant loss. Not to say it's a Buy (there are better counters to put one's money) but with MAS, it is so down and out that the downside risk appears to be a lot less.

kcfan, however, that doesn't mean it will go up tomorrow:-) But then again, all else being equal, FGV's performance in the afternoon *is* quite encouraging. The fear factor - some people had sold because of this; fearing that the price would slide further. Of course it did!...when they gave to the Buyers' price. But if they have more confidence and assurance, they would hold on and wait. That's why we should always also consider the psychology of it all and not just TA and fundamentals.

Tomorrow will be interesting - if it manages to defend today's close, then the slide could be over. For institutions and long-term investors, there is an attraction to FGV. Its dividends especially where it will distribute at least 50% of its profits. At current price, the yield is maybe at 3.5-4% - nothing to shout about but for some people, that's acceptable enough. Don't also forget the political angle. BN or whatever government - only political idiots would ignore the settlers' wellbeing. For us, why not we also try to `tumpang' by tagging along this politically significant group?:-)

That's what I was thinking too. It went to 4.57 earlier today and my thoughts were "Wonder what will happen if it goes below the IPO? Wouldn't Najib be embarrassed!". I'm pretty sure this would be news worldwide, especially since some people were gloating and laughing about Facebook. The US media would definitely love to serve a come-uppance to us, although FGV would still have some way to go (2.28) before it is at half the current FB equivalent.

Then it went up a bit...then a bit more. I was thinking that if some institution - EPF or whatever - is being pleaded upon or even arm-twisted, rather than complain about it, why not I `tumpang sekaki' and make a few ringgit?:-)

I was looking at FGV's technical charts just now, trying to making something out of these. Previously I had no interest in it. Only became interested after its sharp fall and seeming rebound after lunch today. Anyway reading charts is a bit difficult because I'm still an amateur when it comes to TA. But one thing that I've observed is that the sharp drop from Aug 5 onwards - the daily volumes weren't heavy. Just `normal' for a counter of this size.

One thing encouraging about today is that (1) the volume is higher than the past week (2) it recovered from the day's low to finish very near its highest daily point. Anyone with even minimal knowledge of TA will take notice of this.

One of the reasons for its sharp fall could be due to some foreign investors selling due to news that Standard & Poor *might* downgrade Malaysia. Note that it is a notice or warning but should in no way be taken as "imminent". So, what can we as TRADERS make of all this? I mention traders because there are politicians here who seem to be more concerned about what they perceive as `Umno' or whatever than in making profits! Well, go ahead dudes - with me, my SOLE objective with BSKL is to make money:-)

1) If investors are convinced that FGV's immediate support of 4.62 is strong and that there will be a technical rebound after the sharp fall, guess what they will do in the coming days?

2) If Ben Bernanke announces QE3 - which appears to be very likely due to the dismal numbers in the US - financial institutions there will be flush with cash. These are people with a worldview and will be looking to put it in places that they feel are "safe enough" plus with the potential to bring about dividends and capital appreciation. Malaysia will be one of these places. And the counters they will put money in will be the big caps. Regardless of the current CPO price, FGV will be among the attractions.

3) Since someone mentioned FGV is "an Umno counter" (which isn't correct at all), I'll just go along his line of thinking - wouldn't that mean the government will do its very best to ensure the price is propped up?... that it won't go below its IPO? If that's the case, does it not make sense for TRADERS (maybe not "politicians") to buy at near or a bit above this price in the hope that they will benefit from a rebound?

Perwaja is rumoured to have gotten an iron mining concession in Terengganu. What about Hiaptek? If I'm not mistaken the state government is likely to give this to Hiaptek also. If there's news of this, there will be an upswing to the price,as experienced by Perwaja.

KC Loh, I'd rather have a leader with an iron hand (but with a good heart) than too much talk and `democracy' which bogs down the making of decisions and the implementation of plans.

That's why I'd much prefer China's government than India despite the latter being praised for its democracy and judicial system. Notice how paralysed the latter's government can become? Politicians have approved various subsidies over the decades, which the present and future Indian government will not be able to abolish. This is at the expense of longer-term development. How to build roads and improve the power system when a good part of income is used for subsidies?!

In my opinion, it's much better to uplift the population's financial wellbeing first. As for democracy, free speech and whatever other niceties, this will follow later on when things are better. China might not be where it is now had it been as democratic and soft as India.

It has been rather quiet for the past few months or so. But Benalec has potential. Market sentiments aren't good right now so it too is affected. But once the weak holders leave, it will form a base. I'm going to jump in when that happens.

Affin's head of research says BSKL will likely stage a rebound this week, from Wednesday. He may be wrong but I do respect him for sticking his neck out and not taking taking the safe route as with some analysts. With them, you don't know what they really think, with `analyses' that don't clearly indicate whether it's up or down.

"Bursa to stabilise next week"
http://www.mysinchew.com/node/77396

Buy or not buy something based on political sentiments...? That will deprive you of profits. With the stockmarket, one has to be unemotional and objective. Even if the fundamentals say otherwise, it's the momentum that counts, as we have seen numerous times. We musn't have any attachment or otherwise of any counter - for me, if there's the *potential* to profit from something, then I'm in. As long as it's business is not obviously against religious tenets, like Guinness, Magnum etc.

@chongkonghui, SHHH! You are going to discourage KWSP and others who are jumping in to buy!;-) Steady, EPF, steady...buy, buy!

pirate99 - Only from since an hour or so ago. As usual, I bought the poor man's version - the CN warrants at 0.025:-)

kl foong - This is one thing that I'm not happy with. Most people think along the lines of "BN or PR" and will support or go against something based on political leanings and prejudices. Right now both are engaging in ideas that will weaken Malaysia in the longer term... all for the sake of remaining in power. Or getting power. Keep doing this and we will go down the EU's southern countries' way.

At the moment we are mainly living off oil revenue which has helped a lot with the country's budget. But there will come a time when this drys out and where will we be? Our resources must be better utilised to secure our future.

All my ideas are unpopular - besides the removal of fuel subsidy, I will also trim down the civil service plus control the ministries' budget and expenditure (by the way, two of my daughters are/will be government school teachers. and I was one too earlier in my working days). The focus must be on the SMI's for these are the companies that will provide employment and prosperity for Malaysia. All regulations, including at the local councils' level, must be with the SMIs in mind.

One more very unpopular idea - implement the GST or VAT or whatever it is called as soon as possible. It's something like what we pay at Pizza Hut, KFC etc. Extend this to places like hypermarkets and supermarkets (but spare the smaller retailers like mom-and-pop sundery shops, the mini Mydin, 99 SpeedMart etc.) However, the income from this must go to a special fund (like the previous RON95 fuel subsidy) where its use is properly scrutinised. Don't want it to be a source for the donkeys in power - whoever they are - to be extravagant.

Subsidies and handouts tend to be (very) short-term help. Especially the BR1M. Governments should create opportunities, which include being SMI-friendly. This is a lot more sustainable.

Chong, does that mean I can count on your vote?:-) We should start a movement (cannot be an ordinary political party because Malaysians are too obsessed with just BN or PR) similar to the Tea Party in the US - the 'Teh Tarik Party' to take into consideration Malaysia's context. Fiscal prudence and discipline while not ignoring those in need - this is what we should strive for. We have to check these politicians from driving the country to the ground with their policies and suggestions will endangers Malaysia's financial wellbeing.

Come on! One more sen and it rebounds back to yesterday's price:-)

WA: Strike price at 0.40. Not impossible. But time is running a bit short - 14/12/12. At 0.025 might be worth a shot although I'm not taking it (had already bought FGV-CN just now at 0.025 so tak berani nak add warrants at the moment).

Exercise price 6.00. So high! But at 0.025 and with its expiry in July 2013, I think it's worth the risk. However, will have to pick up for, with current gloomy sentiments, FGV might not rebound just yet during the contra period.

Even if it were to go down, no one can say you had bought at a sucker's price. With SKPetro, it doesn't take much for it to go over 3.40 again.

Political parties are playing the populist card, promising and giving too many goodies for the sake of votes. Najib will likely give another BR1M, among other things as preparation for the next GE. Meanwhile, Pakatan goes one-up with promises to abolish PTPTN loans, vehicle excise duties etc. All of these sound good but will create financial problems for Malaysia over the longer term. After all someone has to pay eventually and it will be at the expense of the country's treasury and added debts.

This will be unpopular but for the sake of the country's future I hope the government will exercise greater financial prudence. If it were me in charge (one can fantasize, can't he?), I'm going to do away with the RON95 fuel subsidy. After all, if one wants to use his vehicle, it is *he* who should be paying the full costs. Would it burden the poor? Percentage-wise, yes. But I believe the subsidy is benefiting more of those who can afford to pay in full - you and I here including. However, the money saved from not subsidising fuel anymore MUST be allocated to a special fund that will be used to benefit those in need. Like for the betterment of public transportation etc.

I hope the government will call for the GE soon and get this over with. And after that, take the tough and unpopular (but necessary) steps to ensure that Malaysia remains steady in these uncertain times.

srewinL, that looks to be a prudent move. Going to wait and see first on the trend and direction - not clear indication of whether it is going up or down. This matter about Germany's constitutional court tomorrow doesn't help sentiments either. But there might be opportunities with other selected second and third liners.

Since you mentioned it about Affin, this is one of the counters that I like. Don't know what the short-term price range will be but I think it will do well for the investor over the longer run. I feel it is undervalued as compared to the other banking stocks.

Passerby, ever since you and alntm taught me about structured warrants, most of my trades are now of these. If the IBs are rigging it to their benefit, then speculators will be perennial suckers. That means I'm playing with fire here. Unfortunately, it's now very hard for me to leave warrants after being amazed by their returns. Yeah, I've been fortunate so far. Also, can't figure out a better bang-for-the-buck speculating... except for leveraged trading in futures markets. But will be cautious though in not putting up capital that I can't afford to lose.

surewinL, with a volatile counter like JCY, I don't really have a TP. It's the sentiment and momentum, which could be gauged in a simple manner by the tradings done and the volume, and the charts' readings. Then it's the "feel" - hope I can recognise it when it comes. Yeah, this is unscientific but then there's no foolproof way.

If it goes down some more, that would give the chance to come in again. But only when it is going up. As usual, it will be "the poor man's shares" - warrants. JCY and warrants in general are dangerous. But if you are a trader, you need volatility... and the crucial need to come in at the right time (price doesn't really matter). Have to take risks. This is something one can't avoid so it then boils down to managing these risks. Like not over-extending oneself (e.g. too much on contra). Even buying physical gold doesn't mean one's capital is totally protected.

By the way, the general decline in many counters seem to confirm that BSKL is in a correction mode. Doesn't really matter what the developments in Europe or the US are. Some counters look attractive but might be even cheaper if we wait.

Just came back just now from a Raya function at a sister-in-law's house. Discovered that a relative is into gold trading through a Panama-registered company based in Dubai - Virgin Gold or something like that. Been involved since August last year. Although he had lost some money earlier on after gold went down after its peak in September, this relative not only recovered it back after that but also doubled his capital in 4 months. Now that got me VERY interested:-) Will be meeting with him again soon on this. We'll see how it goes.

By the way, an interesting article related to the topic here:
"What Can Gold Do For You?"
http://bit.ly/SvgY8z

Eden ni par 1.00, Net Tangible Asset 0.85. Tapi harga 0.295 saja. Business agak ok; ada power-generating di Kelantan dan Sabah. Apasal slow sangat management ni? Agaknya sudah puas hati anak-beranak dapat gaji director berjuta. Fikir lah juga ke shareholders. Business ada potensi tapi kena lah aktif supaya orang ada interest tentang share company.

If one is okay with `cikai brand' coins and wafers, companies like Alliance and Public Gold (I don't think are connected to Alliance Bank and Public Bank) have these. With Alliance, there's no premium - very simple and uncomplicated selling and buying prices. Gold is gold, true, but... they are not KijangMas or Maple Leaf and therefore don't have the same aura. This explains why people are willing to pay the premium. But at least buyers have the choice - if they just want plain vanilla coins or wafers, these will do just fine.
http://www.alliancegold.com.my/page/default.aspx

There are a few companies selling (and buying) the Kijang Mas and I've seen a few of their websites. But I can't remember what their names are. Have to be careful though about banking in money. Must ensure they are legitimate. But I'm sure the genuine ones have offices.

Then there's the question of price for there's a certain premium to pay when it comes to coins. Then again, there are also premiums when it comes to bars and also jewellery. As middlemen, their selling rates might be higher than the banks. But for all you know a few might actually be able to offer less since they want to compete.

By the way, it's interesting that Maybank has asked you to wait. This means people who had bought them seem to be holding very tightly to the Kijang Mas. It might be way easier to buy other coins like the Maple Leaf. Jeez, just talking about the coins here is making me keener about getting them!

Kong, that means you *do* have gold. That's a good thing. By the way, if I have the money, I'd buy those gold coins - Kijang Mas, Canadian Maple, Kruggerand and whatever else. There's an aura and a certain power to just hold and look at them. Unfortunately, since capital is limited, and at current sky-high prices, I can't afford this luxurious object of beauty. Hopefully one day I'll make enough from the poor man's alternatives of warrants and penny stocks and be able to buy a collection of gold coins. Maybe I can start with silver coins which are a lot cheaper.

Not that exact phrase but a few which in essence carry the same meaning. One is "Niat dengan Cara, kedua-dua mesti betul" in that it's still not acceptable if only your niat is good but not the manner in its implementation.

I actually admire Buffett not for his investing success but more so for the distribution of his wealth for charity. I had reviewed a book for The Star a few years ago where he and Bill Gates especially are undertaking this project towards the betterment of others through the Gates foundation, among others. But most of the wealth will only be distributed after their death although no one would actually question that. This says a lot about them and their exemplary conduct which is quite unlike most other super-rich (or even just plain rich) people.

Anyway, since Passerby started this post, I've gotten even more interested in gold and silver. Maybe it's time to go beyond having physical gold and diversify into also trading them. Physical gold is for confidence and security but it will have to be through trading to make the real money.

It's a good thing actually when there are those who believe gold is in a bubble and will crash. Because that will check it from going up too high. Even if they are right and gold does crash, this is something which we can profit from... if we short it at the right time. I'm a trader, first and foremost, and that means not having emotional attachment to anything - not gold, not shares, not property, not currencies nor commodities. If "Sell" is likely to be beneficial *for me* (selfish as it sounds), that's what I'll do. And vice-versa with Buy.

But I'm a total newbie when it comes to futures trading. Have never done this, including with indexes. I think it's about time to diversify. One thing about BSKL shares is that we can't short sell, and that's an advantage trading-wise. No, -HA warrants don't quite cut it as pure short selling. That means we can only profit when things move up. But why not also profit when they go down??

Not to bash Warren Buffett (despite the title below) for I know many idolise him - a person seen as *the* role model for investors (and antagonising them agaisnt me in the process). Never mind if there are other great and possibly greater investors who aren't too familiar to the general public because of their smaller portfolios. While acknowledging his accomplishments, I feel Buffett has been put on a too-high a pedestal. Many are afraid to say anything negative against him for fear of attacks that can turn personal and are irrelevant. Like "So, where's YOUR billions of dollars??" etc.

So, even at the risk of antagonising Buffett's legions of fans, alternative opinions and critics of him and Berkshire must be heard and their arguments considered so that we will have a more balanced view. After all, this (investing) involves *our* money so it is wise to have a broader and deeper view of things and various workings of the giants involved.

"Bashing Buffett…Once Again With Feeling"
http://dailyreckoning.com/bashing-buffett-once-again-with-feeling/

Perhaps. But don't forget it was his close ties with top US government decision-makers that had helped save and then made profits for his Berkshire Hathaway portfolio during the financial crisis. Especially in sweetheart deals to save the likes of Goldman Sachs and other seeming blue chips where Buffett got prices to his advantage (and at the medium and long-term expense of the common US citizen). The joys and pleasures of cronyism! The Americans take it to whole new level and scale.

But that's his record in the past, as pointed out in the articles. Times and situations have changed and are much more volatile now than when Buffett had started. Shares have their merits and strengths, and I'm into them too. Not to mention `stupid' call and put warrants (anything that has the potential to make and protect capital, I'm in).

But ignore gold and precious metals at one's peril or potential failure to benefit; as Buffett famously did over the past decade or so. These are assets that have survived and prospered over CENTURIES and will be around much, much longer than Buffett and Berkshire Hathaway. Unless if nanotechnology advances to a level where it can create base metals by adding, subtracting and moving around atoms and protons (not totally impossible).

Until such a time, and in view of the interesting times that we now live in and the proven facts and figures of its performance, a prudent investor should allocate part of his capital towards it. And with countries like China and India having a lot of their reserves in gold... well, I know who I'm going to side with.

The US and EU - great and progressive that they are now, I believe the big wheel is moving against them, no thanks to their discarding the gold standard, overly printing money and massive debts especially. They will get crushed by the wheel of their own making and taking many of their great companies out too. I think there will come the time when the world will say "Enough!" and no longer accept the dollar, euro etc... and governments will have to peg it somewhat to gold again. And where will Buffett and Berkshire be with their mega-tons of shares? But don't worry just yet for this is in the future. That means there is still some life left in the stockmarkets and shares as we now know it.

Nothing personal against Buffett or his followers and fans: but one thing I'm very confident of is that Buffett will survive and probably prosper but, percentage-wise, gold will beat him and Berskshire.

kong73, these are a couple of articles that offer an alternative view to Buffett's opinion about gold. Note how, a great investor that he may be, Buffett's portfolio was/is beaten by gold:

"Warren Buffett Scorns Gold. Bad Move!"
http://dailyreckoning.com/warren-buffett-scorns-gold-bad-move/

"On Jelly Donuts and Gold"
http://dailyreckoning.com/on-jelly-donuts-and-gold/

Looks like Ben Bernanke's hand is being forced to unleash Quantitative Easing 3 (QE3) by the latest report of a very disappointing jobs situation in the US http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/09/07/us-markets-global-idUSBRE86F00620120907

This, plus the ECB's intention to purchase those bonds will mean more money-printing. Gold is the immediate beneficiary and the market is pricing in the anticipated flow of more paper money into the financial system. I think the stockmarket, including ours, will also benefit because the money from the US and Europe will have to go somewhere. Might be wise to buy some quality stocks on weakness. If you have gold, hold on tightly and not sell yet despite the temptation.

I just hope our government and Bank Negara are prepared to deal with this new round of money flowing in to minimise the negative consequences of inflation and the increase in price of essential goods. What would happen when Brent crude oil goes above US$130, which is very likely when the dollar loses value? How much can our government continue to subsidise RON95 without hurting the budget?

Buying and hoarding gold as mentioned by Buffett won't help industries and the general economy, true. But there's also the need to protect one's self and also to try and benefit from a financial system flush with new money. Having a certain percentage in gold is one way - it will always be very valuable and easily convertible (and to the holder's advantage). Currencies are a different matter. We must watch these events closely because there will be various opportunities. Having dry gunpowder in hand in the form of cash or physical gold is always an advantage.

I forgot to add these: Another trade that I did for the benefit of another person...a sister-in-law. Bought Scomi Group for her at 0.225. One trade for *me* (to repair the car's anti-roll bar and power-steering unit) - IHH-CM at 0.075. Have to pick up Sigh!

jacklintan, I didn't get profits that are really big and fat - just "okay". Didn't buy that many lots because, like everyone, I was afraid. I'm also the type who is even more cautious than the average trader...timid even. But with JCY's sudden and sharp fall, I felt I *had* to take up a position so I went for lots which I know I can pick up should I be wrong.

Another aspect that I know exists, in addition to fundamental and technical analyses, is what we commonly call the "luck" factor. As we all know, the counter (whatever counter) is actually secondary. It doesn't really matter if the company makes huge profits or actually losing money. The most critical factor is TIMING. Get in at the right time with a "loss-making, useless, hopeless" counter and we'll make profits nonetheless! That dead duck E&O warrant of 0.05 that went to 0.13 or so last month is a prime example (0.01 is already almost 100% profit after costs!). Conversely, `royalty-class' counters like Nestle, KLK, Maxis etc. will result in a loss should we come in at the wrong time.

Yes, we must do research and keep on learning including at forums like this to significantly increase our chance of making profits. Then we must continue to improve our selves (different from "ourselves) - the "who and what we are", which is ever continuing and will end only when we die. I believe the existence of a Supreme Power - if He helps us, then we will be unbeatable. I don't expect Him to send an angel to tell us exactly what to buy and when - heck, I might get a heart attack should something strange suddenly appear:-) But if only He would give that intuition or show signs... "How and what kind, and how do we know it's really from Him and not our imagination?" I really don't know. All I know and am convinced of is that, if He helps, then EVERYTHING is well.

Maybe our `niat' (intentions) would help increase this probability? That's my hypothesis. I've experienced this a number of times - when I want to make money FOR SOMEONE ELSE, I tend to be successful! If it's for ME, like to buy this or that... less so. The latest is this JCY-CF trade: I wanted to help pay my wife's office rental. It's not that much for this is at Subang 2, which isn't anywhere near Solaris or Hartamas rates. All this while before we were married (both of us had previous marriages) she have been able to pay this by herself. But I wanted to so that she could just concentrate on her work and not be bothered with things like this.

Earlier, had wanted to buy it at 0.07. Almost did but I somehow couldn't click on the "Buy" button. I only bought when it went down sharply, which was `lucky'. Late Thursday afternoon, had wanted to take a quick profit at 0.055. But the trading screen froze! This had happened quite often when I was using Google Chrome. But NEVER with Firefox, until that event. So I had to restart the browser, log in again etc. By that time, I didn't feel like selling anymore.

Maybe these are just a coincidence. But maybe not. Because early last month, I had also made immediate profits with SKPetro-CA when my `niat' was to help pay the office rent! Made more than than but I've begun to wonder whether this is how I should approach trading(?) Maybe if we have sincere intentions to use the profits (or a lot of it) for others' benefit - family members, relatives, those in need, worth cause etc. - and not solely for "me/my/mine/I", we will be more successful?

Gold now at US$ 1,727 per ounce!

rain, I'd say most if not all people do. It's whether one learns and applies from the expensive education later on that is more important. Just don't repeat those things that get you into trouble (like simply jumping in just because there's a lot of action in a counter, and often after it has already gone up). This will go a long way in turning things around in the future.

I'm really indebted to a few people at this forum who have educated me on the pros and cons of warrants, and in understanding their calculations and the workings. Passerby, alantm, CP Teh, richman etc.

Just a couple of months ago, I had totally ignored warrants, the main reasons being their having expiry dates plus in not getting dividends. But now they have opened up a whole new dimension in trading. Due to their leveraged nature, the profit (and loss) are significantly bigger than ordinary shares. Works faster too.

I still put in most of the capital in ordinary shares but it appears that it is warrants that have been contributing more profits! However, I won't change the ratio though - have to be prudent for one can hurt himself badly when the warrants trade goes the other way.

Going to use the weekend to study the various warrants so that I'll be prepared should `interesting things' happen to these counters. It appears that the premiums aren't too important, nor the mother's fundamental - it is volume and momentum. Plus one's decisiveness in getting in and out.

Storage is a consideration for physical gold (and silver). That's why we're looking to rent a safe deposit box...when we have a bit more:-) We are also considering to take a loan, using it as collateral to be used as further capital to invest in the various markets. But we simply won't sell because I feel having a certain percentage in precious metal that we have immediate access to is A MUST. In times of trouble, including financial crisis and shortage of essential items, precious metals are much more useful and powerful than paper money. Remember the Jews in Nazi-occupied territories during WWII? And various such events in history? Many survived because they had precious metals.

But, as a trader, I'm also interested in ETF and am looking to be more involved. Was considering it last March when we had some capital - was very interested in silver which was at US$32 then. But we decided on BSKL since capital was limited. Turned out to be a good decision because silver went down after that to $27 or so. Would only be breaking even had we gone in then.

By the way, this Malaysis-centric site is quite informative when it comes to silver (and gold): http://investsilvermalaysia.com/

I've been interested in gold and silver since a few years ago after I stumbled on this site: http://DailyReckoning.com Although it is a US-centric site, I like their writings and thought-provoking articles. I would always find the time and never fail to read their newsletters. But I couldn't be involved with precious metals, stockmarkets, futures markets and the likes at that time since one needs capital. And I was in poverty then. Seriously.

But through the Grace of God, I'm now in a better situation and being able to be involved in investing and speculating albeit with just a small capital at the moment. The physical gold - this belongs to my wife actually in the form of jewellery and wafers. She already had them before we were married (both of us had previous marriages) in 2011 - bought when gold was from RM40-60/gram. She had actually forgotten about their existence and was in a trusted relative's safekeeping, would you believe it! I had wanted to have some physical gold but was hindered by the high cost now which I feel should be better utilised towards investing in other form. The stockmarket, for instance. So I was extremely happy and relieved that we actually already have this.

The main reason is this (I'm influenced by the DailyReckoning's "Trust no government" trait): if it is just certificates, the possibility remains of a desperate government `confiscating' it during financial crisis. They won't just seize it just like that, of course. What they will do is to forcibly exchange it with a currency of their choosing (US dollar, ringgit or whatever) and at their conversion rate.

It had happened before including in the so-called "Centre of freedom and democracy" USA during President Franklin Roosevelt's time, if I'm not mistaken. What's to stop them from twisting the hands of the banks' or institutions that hold the gold into complying? It doesn't matter if the gold is stored in another country like Singapore etc. for Uncle Sam does have the bullying power. Extreme, yes. Impossible, no. If it or other governments are desperate enough, they will. They can't do that with physical gold in your own safe-keeping (I'll continue in another comment - gotten too long).

azta12, concerning BSKL and the index, I wouldn't say Malaysia is a follower. It's not a leader either. As Yus had said, since some a couple or so months, Malaysia has gone its own way, good or bad. The "bad" is like today - it barely moved despite the significantly strong showing elsewhere. I'd say it's likely more of a mild rebound after the falls over the past two trading days than the European bond matter.

But the "good" thing is that, some weeks ago when most of the other markets were going down, BSKL was okay. Never mind if the rise only involved the blue chips and index-linked counters mostly although some counters did make significant gains. But those counters cannot go up and up forever - the correction was/is only natural.

Despite the general rise today, it was rather muted. This talk of the general elections is also suppressing sentiments too. We will have to be selective...maybe it's not a good time to buy those index-linked counters just yet. But there will always be opportunities with selected speculative counters like JCY and penny stocks. We should help alert everyone here when something seems to be brewing.

There is still a long way to go before things start moving for SB and its share price. This is just the announcing of the plan - it will have to go through the court and also getting shareholders' approval at an EGM. And then there's the various process. Patience, and a lot of it, is needed. With me, I'll wait until the very end; not out of any sense of loyalty but because that's how it goes with a company in this kind of situation. I think there is light at the end of the tunnel but it's very very dim. At least I now know that things are starting to move.

This should be a lesson. When there's panic, and you're convinced the fall isn't due to fundamental reasons but just sentiments, we MUST be brave and buy. Easy to say but you will know that feeling, of the heart thumping and the throat going dry when you click on "Buy". If we are extremely afraid, buy less than what we normally do. Whatever, we must have a position. To be more assured of profits, make sure we can pick up should these counters not go our way within the contra period. Based on experience, sooner or later, they will go back up somewhat.

Those warrants like CI etc. - at 0.02/03, a one sen increase will be BIG in percentage terms. Heck, even 0.005 is good enough. These opportunities will come again and again in the future. Just make sure we have dry gunpowder plus take care not to jump in too early... because the slide might continue. So how will we know when to come in exactly? We don't - but participating in a forum like this will help a lot.

upupjcy - Wah, since you are going to give away money, send these tyres to me, please: Continental ContiMaxContact MC5 235/45ZR17 http://bit.ly/NPFSy1let *Only* RM500 each la. Can or not?

azta12 - Not just grinning but laughing. I only have `the poor man's shares' (call warrants) -CF. Percentage-wise, it is quite satisfying. Waiting to exit but trying to extract a bit more juice from this. I'm keeping in mind what @passerby had taught me about momentum and quitting while one is ahead. But not yet though. By the way, those who had short through the -HA and trying to spread fear here - you can start sweating now Heheh!

Hey, I'm one!:-) I have part of my capital in physical gold. This is an insurance to protect against the very real possibility of central banks printing ever more money.

Oh, I was right about the 10 sen par after all - after the capital reduction from 50 sen to 1 sen, the shares will be consolidated on the basis of one new 0.10 share for 10. That means is one now has 100,000 units, it will become 10,000. This is followed with a 22-for-1 rights issue at 0.10 plus, as sweetener, 1 warrant for every right subscribed.

If successful, SB will be recapitalised and able to have a new lease of life. People will argue about its chance for success and especially about its price. Will be interesting to see how things will turn out for SB from now onwards. But whatever, at least the uncertainty is lifted for there *is* a plan. I have faith in the new management.