Review & Outlook

The local blue-chip benchmark climbed to re-test the May high on Monday, with construction and property stocks leading gains, prior to profit-taking which forced it to close off highs. The FBM KLCI rose 10.76 points to close at 1,629.82, off an opening low of 1,619.19 and high of 1,632.69, as gainers led losers 738 to 491 on total turnover of 5.36bn shares worth RM3.95bn.

Local market sentiment should stay buoyant, with gains focused on the construction, property and utility sectors amid optimism over data centre and infrastructure deals, and positive expectations for more US interest rate cuts as inflation eases. Immediate index resistance remains at the May high of 1,632, with 1,640 and 1,660 as tougher upside hurdles, while immediate supports are at 1,606, 1,598 and 1,574, the respective steadily rising 30-day, 50-day and 100-day moving average levels.

Genting Berhad will need sustained strength above the 76.4%FR (RM4.83) for upward extension to challenge the 11/3/24 high (RM5.10), with a confirmed breakout to aim for the 123.6%FP (RM5.38) ahead, while the 200-day ma (RM4.54) and 50%FR (RM4.52) cushions downside. GENM needs decisive breakout above the 61.8%FR (RM2.64) to boost upside momentum towards the 76.4%FR (RM2.72) and re-test the 27/2/4 high (RM2.84), while key retracement support from the 23.6%FR (RM2.44) limits downside risk.

News Bites

• Bank Islam Malaysia Bhd has issued RM1.0bn in senior sukuk murabahah under its RM10.0bn sukuk murabahah programme.

• PMB Technology Bhd is disposing of a piece of leasehold land measuring 113,312 sq metres in Klang, Selangor to Knauf Sdn Bhd for RM79.3mn.

• Ekovest Bhd clarified it had officially concluded its contractual role as the project delivery partner for the River of Life project in January 2015 and was authorised by the government solely to tender for/ participate in beautification works under the project.

• WCT Holdings Bhd has won a RM214.0mn construction contract from Kwasa Land Sdn Bhd.

• M&A Value Partners Asset Management Malaysia Sdn Bhd, the firm owned by M&A Equity Holdings Bhd and Value Partners Group Ltd, has launched the M&A Value Partners IPO Equity Fund.

• PTT Synergy Group Bhd has proposed a 1-for-1 bonus issue, involving the issuance of up to 216.1mn new bonus shares.

• UUE Holdings Bhd has bagged 2 contracts worth RM26.9mn for the installation, testing and commissioning of 11 kilovolt underground cables and accessories.

• Citaglobal Bhd has entered into a joint development framework agreement with Shanghai SUS Environment Co Ltd to develop wasteto-energy projects in Pahang.

• Econframe Bhd is not proceeding with its plan to acquire a 70.0% stake in ETA World Sdn Bhd, a company involved in industrial property development and construction activities.

• Advancecon Holdings Bhd is working with the Perak government for the development, construction, operation, management and maintenance of centralised labour quarters in the state.

• Mah Sau Cheong, a substantial shareholder of South Malaysia Industries Bhd (SMI) is suing 2 companies, Techbase Industries Bhd and YB Ventures Bhd, over alleged share manipulation at SMI.

• Malaysian Genomics Resource Centre Bhd has signed agreements with Kumpulan Perubatan Penawar Sdn Bhd and Hospital Penawar Sdn Bhd to explore offering genetic screening services.

• BTM Resources Bhd's chief financial officer, Ooi Gin Hui, has resigned from the board with immediate effect, citing uncertainty in the business direction and orientation of the Terengganu-based wood processing firm.

• Elridge Energy Holdings Bhd, which manufactures biomass fuel products has signed an underwriting agreement with KAF Investment Bank for its initial public offering on the ACE Market of Bursa Malaysia.

• Automotive manufacturer parts supplier KHPT Holdings Bhd has received approval from Bursa Malaysia for its initial public offering on the ACE Market.

• TMK Chemical Bhd, a chemical management and storage company, has filed for an initial public offering on the Main Market to raise funds for expansion of one of its plants and the construction of a new facility in Singapore.

• China's GDP expanded by 4.7% YoY in the 2Q24, undershooting economists' median forecast of 5.1% and 5.3% in 1Q24.

• Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell said 2Q24 economic data has provided policymakers greater confidence that inflation is heading down to the central bank's 2% goal, possibly paving the way for near-term interest-rate cuts.

Source: TA Research - 16 Jul 2024