Review & Outlook

The local market staged cautious rebound on Tuesday, as mild bargain hunting interest lifted stocks in the healthcare, technology and property sectors. The FBM KLCI rose 7.48 points to settle at 1,656.39, off an early low of 1,643.11 and high of 1,657.32, as gainers led losers 672 to 379 on reduced total volume of 2.55bn share worth RM2.41bn.

Domestic rotational plays on selective sectors should highlight mild bargain hunting interest in the near-term, with the firm ringgit trend and potential for further interest rate cuts by key global economies to underpin sentiment. Immediate resistance remains the recent high of 1,675, with next high of 1,684, then 1,695, the Dec 2020 high, as tougher resistance levels. Immediate support is set at the recent correction low of 1,633, with 1,620 and then 1,600 acting as stronger supports.

Hartalega will need convincing strength above the 100-day ma (RM3.06) to fuel further upside towards RM3.30, the 123.6%FP (RM3.43) and 138.2%FP (RM3.68) ahead, while downside risk is capped by the 76.4%FR (RM2.66). Kossan need a confirmed breakout above the 200-day ma (RM2.06) to enhance upside momentum towards the 100-day ma (RM2.19), RM2.33 and 123.6%FP (RM2.42) going forward, while the 61.8%FR (RM1.79) and lower Bollinger band (RM1.71) cushions downside.

News Bites

• Malaysia's seasonally-adjusted Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index dipped to 49.5 in September from 49.7 in August, according S&P Global that compiles the gauge.

• MISC Bhd has signed a shipbuilding contract with Samsung Heavy Industries Co Ltd for the construction of two new LNG carriers, scheduled for delivery in 2027.

• CIMB Bank Bhd is on track to surpass its RM50bn commitment to the SME sector in 2024, reaffirming its long-standing support since 2019.

• Malaysia Marine and Heavy Engineering Holdings Bhd has secured a RM43mn subcontract from a subsidiary of Uzma Bhd for the conversion of a mobile offshore drilling unit into a mobile water injection facility.

• PA Resources Bhd said its wholly owned subsidiary, PA Extrusion (M) Sdn Bhd, has secured a 0% dumping rate for its aluminium extrusion exports to the US.

• Tanco Holdings Bhd's 79%-owned subsidiary, Midports Holdings Sdn Bhd, had received the nod from the Malaysian Marine Department to develop a container port in Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan.

• Ho Hup Construction Company Bhd's 52%-owned unit, Golden Wave Sdn Bhd, has obtained an interim restraining order from the High Court in Kota Kinabalu, shielding it from legal actions by its creditors.

• Central Global Bhd is acquiring a four-storey office and showroom space, measuring approximately 48,690 sq ft, in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, for RM19.5mn.

• Sunzen Biotech Bhd is venturing into the ophthalmic industry through the acquisition of a 70% stake in Eye Nation Medical Sdn Bhd for RM6.4mn.

• Aemulus Holdings Bhd is taking full control of its loss-making Chinese associate company Tangming Shengshi Technology (Jiashan) Co Ltd by acquiring the remaining 60% stake in TMSS for RMB25.0mn (RM15.1mn) cash.

• Pharmaniaga Bhd has appointed Datuk Seri Abdul Razak Jaafar as its independent and non-executive chairman, effective immediately.

• Plenitude Bhd has appointed chief financial officer Ang Kooi Yong as its new chief executive officer, effective immediately.

• Pasdec Holdings Bhd has redesigned its non-executive director Johari Shukri Jamil as its group managing director, effective immediately.

• Beverage manufacturer Life Water Bhd has signed an underwriting agreement with MIDF Amanah Investment Bank Bhd in conjunction with its initial public offering on the Main Market of Bursa Malaysia.

• Sabah-based major road infrastructure construction company Azam Jaya Bhd has signed an underwriting agreement with Inter-Pacific Securities Sdn Bhd in conjunction with its upcoming initial public offering on the Main Market of Bursa Malaysia.

• The Institute for Supply Management's factory gauge held at 47.2, extending a period of persistent softness in the US manufacturing activity.

• US job openings rose in August to a three-month high 8.04mn, a development at odds with other data indicating slowing demand for workers.

Source: TA Research - 2 Oct 2024