Unexpectedly, robust buying momentum in new private homes continued into February despite the fifth round of cooling measures implemented in December 2011 by the Singapore government. Property developers continued to see strong primary home sales in February, posting a whopping 51 percent month-on-month increase to a record of 3,138 units.

The STI spent most of the day doing what it does best, trading sideways for most of the session before an end-of-day slide into the red.
After looking like it might start eating into the losses it suffered earlier this week, instead it dipped 0.3% to end the day at 2822.6.

Hong Leong Bank, Malaysia’s fourth largest banking group, reported a 60.5 percent surge in profit to RM465.1 million for the third quarter ended 31 March 2012.

Banyan Tree Holdings has posted a 19 percent jump in first quarter earnings to $12 million, driven mainly by contribution from Banyan Tree Seychelles, as well as lower income tax and minority interests.

Revenue growth was broad based with profit weaker than expected in ComforDelGro’s (CDG) Singapore rail and bus businesses. Operating margins for its domestic rail operations fell to 10.4 percent from 21.5 percent in 1Q11.

Temasek Raises US$2.48 Billion Via BOC, CCB Share Sales; Stays Bullish On China Banks

Singapore: Are We Becoming Too Expensive To Live In?

 Lagarde Urges Gradual Deficit Cut As Voters Reject Austerity

 Political Uncertainties Drag Stock Markets Lower: What Else To Look Forward To?

CWT broke above its short term down trendline (Black line) after reporting a net profit of $26.4 million for January-March, up from $8.4 million a year ago, largely driven by its new commodities trading business. This is the type of stock to watch this quarter as strong fundamental earnings will drive the stock price.

 Technical Outlook (CapitaRChina, Sarin, Biosensors)

Technical Outlook (Noble Grp, ChinaMinzhong, SMRT)

Technical Outlook (DBS, Genting SP, SIA Engrg)

Technical Outlook (STI, Osim, Wilmar)

Options, as a trading instrument has been far overplayed in the marketplace. It has earned its branding as a highly speculative investment vehicle. But people have simply failed to realize its innate beauty that it was created to do. If applied and used correctly, options are actually the most flexible investment product ever created by the markets.

In testament of its resolve to succeed in the steel industry, Oriental Group, had on 27 April 2012, signed a joint venture agreement with Anhui Zhetai Stainless Steel Group to set up a new company in Singapore.

Difficulties in gauging the outcome if Greece rejects the bailout is creating a major overkill, as a rejection would immediately bankrupt Greece, leading them to default immediately, spilling more blood on the already stained Eurozone.

Gone were the days when people shun ‘budget’ hotels due to the association of being simply ‘cheap’. Tagged the low frills hotels nowadays, what these facilities offer in terms of comfort, service and accessibility more than caters to travelers’ basic needs.

Ezion Holdings, a provider of multi-purpose self-propelled jack-up rigs, service rigs and offshore logistics support services reported a 20th consecutive quarter of growth.

 Investors’ Corner (Cosco, FJ Benjamin, OSIM, Viz Branz, Keppel Corp, Sembcorp Marine, XinRen Aluminium, CapitaMall Trust)

 Prof Chan Yan Chong

 Editorial Desk

Headliners (Fragrance Group, CNMC Goldmine Hldgs, Sembcorp Industries)

THE STOCK PRICE of timber processor, Samko has tripled to more than 20 cents since the tsunami and earthquake hit Japan in March

Not many noticed it. Sometime early this year, DBS Group Holdings quietly exited its Malaysian venture with Hwang-DBS Investment Management by selling its 30 percent stake to Nikko Asset Management Asia.