TM Proposed Demerger Plan

While details are sketchy, it is learnt that all the overseas cellular operations, including Malaysia’s Celcom (M) Bhd, would be parked under the cellular operations in a new company to be set up. All the broadband to TM Net and TM streamyx, the wholesale and its fixed-line businesses would come under another company. Both the entities would be listed on Bursa Malaysia, one offering exposure to cellular operations and the other, fixed-line/broadband/wholesale business. (Source: The Star)

ZenTrader's Note: My take is that the Proposed DeMerger is to help MOF/Khazanah to finish the unfinished work on Time's TimeCom as well as Mimos's Jaring. Which unit to buy into? To me I think the Mobile Unit is saturated and the fastest growing sector should be the one getting the Broadband/Jaring or the Fixed-line Unit as my own take is that both TimeCom and Jaring will be grouped under the Non-Mobile Unit. Happy reading.

Composite Index

Technical Note: It is important that KLCI to hold firmly above 1319.14 level today (Fri) trading.

Golden Plus

September 22 2007: Golden Plus shares hit one-year high
The battle comes at a time when its China assets, nurtured and developed by Teh since the 1990s, is expected to start contributing substantial cashflow to GPlus. About a month ago, two blocks of GPlus high-end condominium in Shanghai, known as the Royal Garden, were sold out in a single day for RM160 million in revenue. "There are eight more blocks to be built in the area, which is located in the middle ring of Shanghai, China's leading industrial and commercial city. "It's been hard work all these while, now it's payback time," a relative of Teh, told Business Times. (Source: BT)

September 26 2007: REPLY TO BURSA MALAYSIA SECURITIES BERHAD'S QUERY
a) There will be changes in the substantial shareholdings in Golden Plus Holdings Berhad ("GPLUS") pursuant to a corporate exercise involving 3 listed companies, namely Idaman Unggul Berhad ("Idaman"), Land & General Bhd ("L&G") and GPLUS, which may see Teh Soon Seng, Datuk Ishak Ismail and Tan Sri Dato' Tan Teong Hean emerged as the new controlling shareholders in GPLUS.

b) GPLUS is expected to acquire Tahan Insurance from Idaman for RM200 million and the disposal of its businesses in China to L&G for RM1 billion. (Source: Bursa Malaysia)

ZenTrader's Note: I think the whole movie is near its end as Mr. Teh maybe fighting a losing battle to vote against Tan Sri Tan's plan to dispose GPLUS's property business to L&G and buy into Idaman's Insurance Business. The powerful buying by Mr. Teh is too late & too expensive. A very well planned & well timed move by CMY. This is tomorrow news & I don't know by tomorrow the news will become a FACT or FANTASY. So please consult your Licensed Investment Adviser before you buy or sale any share in stock market. Happy reading.

Composite Index

Technical Note: It is important that KLCI to hold firmly above 1319.14 level today (Thur) and tomorrow (Fri) trading.

Trading Review - Tebrau

On 28 August 2007, ZenTrader posted a Bearish Comment on Tebrau and the price was down 20% since the posting. Do you think you're reading tomorrow news today or yesterday news tomorrow? You tell me but please consult your Licensed Investment Adviser (such as AFG's Investment Analyst who today said Landmarks shares could be worth RM3.60) before you BUY or SELL any share in stock market! Happy reading.

Composite Index

(16) All warfare is based on deception. (17) Hence, when able to attack, we must seem unable; when using our forces, we must seem inactive; when we are near, we must make the enemy believe we are far away; when far away, we must make him believe we are near. ( SUN TZU ON THE ART OF WAR)

Technical Note: KLCI to monitor 1319.14 for direction.

China stocks break through 5,500 mark

Monday's overall advance was capped by liquidity concerns brought about by recent and upcoming IPOs by a series of major companies in the mainland bourses. In September and early October, the listing of Bank of Beijing, China Construction Bank, China Oilfield Services Ltd, China Shenhua Energy Co, and Petrochina is estimated to raise more than 200 billion yuan. Furthermore, regulators are also pumping liquidity out of the market. The central bank ordered the commercial banks to set aside more money as reserves earlier this month. The Ministry of Finance has announced plans to issue 200 billion yuan of special treasury bonds, the second batch of a planned 1.55 trillion yuan sale to finance the forex investment company. The market faces increasing pressure for a major correction, as the valuation is very high, analysts said. More than 84 percent of fund managers believe the market is overvalued, China Securities Journal cited a survey as saying on Monday, with more than 29 percent of those polled saying the current price level is 30 percent more than the actual value. (Source: China Daily)

Astro Is Ready To Roll Across Asia

After all, why should a monopoly satellite-TV company serving only Malaysia call its offices the "All Asia Broadcast Center"? Astro does have advantages over even a deep-pocketed rival such as News Corp. First, there's language: Indonesians and Malaysians mainly speak Bahasa, which should help Astro develop new shows more cheaply. Astro has programming tie-ups with Indian studios, which make shows for both Indian TV and Astro's Malaysian channels.

Content suppliers such as Walt Disney Co., Home Box Office (TWX ), and others that have worked with Astro in Malaysia are ready to follow the company into Indonesia and elsewhere in the region. And Astro has a joint venture with Hong Kong's Yes TV to operate two 24-hour soccer channels with rights to games from top European clubs.

"Astro is the most successful Asian pay-TV operator outside Japan and Korea," says Vivek Couto of Media Partners Asia, a Hong Kong consultancy. After Indonesia, Astro wants to go deeper into the region. Although he won't say what countries might be next, Butorac expects non-Malaysian pay-TV operations to account for 40% of revenues within five years. "Our strategy is to be a regional cross-media player," he says. (Source: BusinessWeek)

Composite

Technical Note: KLCI to monitor 1319.14 for direction.

Composite Index

Technical Note: KLCI to monitor 1319.14 for direction.

Composite Index

Technical Note: It is important that KLCI to hold firmly above the water level of 1285.84 today (Fri) trading.

Golden Plus eyes insurance companies

A source said Golden Plus had also put in a bid to acquire the 74.25% stake in Oriental Capital Assurance that Maika Holdings Bhd owned. It is understood that Golden Plus has applied to Bank Negara Malaysia for permission to buy these insurance companies. “That application is pending,” said a source. The recent buying interest has led to a new substantial shareholder emerging in the form of BHLB Trustee Bhd with a 6.6% stake or 9.7 million shares. BHLB is acting as a bare trustee but has not disclosed who the ultimate shareholder of this block is. It is understood that Golden Plus hopes to fund the planned acquisitions of the insurance businesses through internally generated funds. As at June 30, 2007, Golden Plus has about RM65.2 million in cash and bank balances but it had RM216 million in borrowings. (Source: Theedgedaily)

ZenTrader's Note: If BNM can give GPLUS green light to talk to Oriental Capital Assurance, I think the man behind BHLB should have extensive experience in banking & I don't think Mr. Teh Soon Seng has any banking experience before. My take is that BHLB Trustee is holding the shares for someone linked to the old boy of Southern Bank who was forced out by CIMB but nowadays holding a lot of free cash. Either it is Tan Sri Tan Teong Hean or the Royal Family. If it is Tan Sri Tan who is the son in law of Uncle Lim most likely his main target is more than Pan Global Insurance Bhd as he was planning to takeover a Singapore based Insurance Co using Southern Bank's cash pile. I think if it is Uncle Lim's family member most likely CMY is also invited by Uncle Lim to do the M&A jobs for them as well. Happy reading.

Composite Index

Technical Note: It is important that KLCI to hold firmly above the water level of 1285.84 today (Thur) and tomorrow (Fri) trading.

Philippines, Korea worry Fitch but Indonesia improving

The credit rating agency was also critical of Malaysia's budget, but said the outlook was improving for Indonesia. McCormack said Indonesian government finances had improved and that a Fitch team would visit the country early next year to see if an upgrade was warranted. Fitch was less complimentary about Malaysia. "The budget leans on fuel revenues through petroleum royalties, petroleum income taxes and dividends from Petronas," said Fitch's director of sovereign ratings, Ai Ling Ngiam, during her presentation to clients. "When we strip that out and we look at non-oil revenues, these have actually deteriorated." Malaysia's reliance on fiscal pump-priming had led to a rise in debt levels above 40 percent of gross domestic product, which was higher than the median of 31 percent for similarly rated countries. Fitch rates Malaysia at A-minus with a stable outlook. (read more...)

Tebrau & Landmark

Statistically speaking their correlation is changing from positive to negative. In simple man language they now react to same news with different direction and the negative correlation is very unlikely a random movement. They used to talk in trading floor that CMY was heavily involved in Tebrau and was also strongly backed by super syndicate from the Island City. Possibly now CMY is invited by Uncle Lim to Madagascar Party in the Bintan Treasure Island? Also Landmark has made it clear that they will be a strong JV partner in the Bintan Project. Who is this partner? If CMY is involved, most likely Macao Gang will be in the table. The acquisition of Star Cruise by CMY is it part of the Bintan Plan? I don't know. But look like Uncle Lim is planning for a very big move from here. But please consult your Licensed Investment Adviser when Buying or Selling a share in stock market. Happy reading.

Composite Index

Sun Tzu said: Whoever is first in the field and awaits the coming of the enemy, will be fresh for the fight; whoever is second in the field and has to hasten to battle will arrive exhausted.

Technical Note: KLCI to monitor 1252.54 & 1285.84 for direction.

Dubai real estate needs a soft landing in the global credit crunch

The 512m high Burj Dubai has now topped the 508m Taipei 101 as the world's tallest tower

Some would say the writing was on the wall for the slowdown, if not demise, of the Dubai property boom when the new law on mandatory escrow accounts for developers was decreed in July. Given the double whammy of tough new accounting rules and tighter credit for developers, it seems inevitable that the flow of new construction projects will finally slowdown in Dubai. Many observers see it as a chance to reassess projects and a rationalisation and consolidation of schemes. For the need is to ensure that the Dubai property boom has a soft landing and not a crash. High oil prices and massive liquidity in the UAE ought to ensure that Dubai real estate can be gently guided back to earth, although the odd tremor is only to be expected after such a vital period of expansion. (read more...)

Composite Index

Technical Note: KLCI to monitor 1252.54 & 1285.84 for direction.

Trading Review

For those who are new to this ZenTrader Blog, you are invited to read the posting dated July 24, 2007 Air Turbulence when CI hit the highest high level of 1392 level. Hopefully it will give you one more good reason to read this blog from time to time. But please consult your Licensed Investment Adviser before you BUY or SELL any share in stock market as this is only amateur trader blog. Happy reading.

Composite Index

28. When some are seen advancing and some retreating, it is a lure. (Sun Tzu)

Technical Note: It is important that KLCI to hold firmly above the water level of 1285.84 today (Mon) and tomorrow (Tues) trading.

Mathematical Giants

Math
The most significant numeral invented by the Arabs was zero which according to Carra De Vaux "was used by the Arabs at least 250 years before it became known in the west". Before the introduction of the zero it was necessary to arrange all figures in columns to differentiate between tens, hundreds, thousands, etc. The earliest use of the zero is given as 873 A. D.

Algebra
Algebra is a word derived from the Arabic source AlJabar and is the product of Arabic genius. Al-Khwarizmi the celebrated mathematician is also the author of Hisab Al-Jabr Wal Muqabla, an outstanding work on algebra which contains analytical solutions of linear and quadratic equations. Writing in The Legacy of Islam Carra De Vaux says, "In the 18th century Leonardo Fibonacci of Pisa, an algebraist of considerable importance says he owed a great deal to the Arabs." (read more...)

ZenTrader's Note: The most significant numeral invented by the Arabs was ZERO and the one who made the most money out of this ZERO is Bill Gates. According to my own research, some scholar believed that Poker originates from the Persian game called As Nas. This is a 5-player Persian game, which requires a special deck of 25 cards with 5 suits. But the one who made the most money out of this Persian Game is in Las Vegas and according to mathematical calculation, this Casino King is in the process of taking over Bill Gates as the world's most richest man due to his super booming VIP Room in Macao. The Analytical Solutions of Linear Equation used by stock traders worldwide also invented by Arab but somehow American Hedge Fund used it to creat the most advanced finacial instrument in the world and it is now melting in front of our eyes. Happy reading.

Composite Index

Sun Tzu said: The good fighters of old first put themselves beyond the possibility of defeat, and then waited for an opportunity of defeating the enemy.

Technical Note: KLCI to monitor 1285.84 for direction.

Tourism industry can earn more than S$100m from F1

Dennis Foo, CEO, The St James, said: "I believe F1 is going to bring a lot of people here, the right people, the right tourists...the world's paparazzi will be here, it will put us on the world map alongside major sporting venues. It will not just make Singapore a destination for nightlife, it will propel Singapore to be a world-class lifestyle destination." Hotel owners are also set to benefit, as room rates are known to double or triple during such an event due to an influx of tourists and spectators. And that means more jobs will be created to welcome the influx of at least 100,000 tourists, who are expected to visit Singapore during race season. (read more...)

Composite Index

Yesterday (Wed) CI closed at 1285.94 and very early morning I said the water level is 1285.84. Out of six digits only missed by one. Is this Fact or Fantasy? Is it random pick or something is out there just that we all don't know it is there? Happy reading.

Mirror, mirror, on the wall, Who in this land is fairest of all?

Now the queen was the most beautiful woman in all the land, and very proud of her beauty. She had a mirror, which she stood in front of every morning, and asked: Mirror, mirror, on the wall, Who in this land is fairest of all? And the mirror always said: You, my queen, are fairest of all. And then she knew for certain that no one in the world was more beautiful than she. Now Snow-White grew up, and when she was seven years old, she was so beautiful, that she surpassed even the queen herself. Now when the queen asked her mirror: Mirror, mirror, on the wall, Who in this land is fairest of all? The mirror said: You, my queen, are fair; it is true. But Little Snow-White is still A thousand times fairer than you. (read more...)



ZenTrader's Note: Hope you enjoy this bedtime story and also using naked eyes I see that Landmark and Gallant are moving quite close to each other. Happy reading.

OPEC Agrees to Boost Crude Oil Output

The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries said the higher output would begin Nov. 1. It pledged to "vigilantly monitor" the other factors buffeting crude markets, including worries that supplies might not keep pace with higher demand later this year as it becomes winter in the Northern Hemisphere. Significantly -- and surprisingly -- the 12-nation cartel said the increase would be based on current production, meaning it will add real oil to the market. (Source: AP)

13-08-2007: Macquarie has ‘outperform’ on Tenaga
KUALA LUMPUR: Macquarie Research is maintaining its “outperform” recommendation on Tenaga Nasional Bhd as it views the current fears over future gas price increases crimping profits as overdone. "At 12 times FY08E price-to-earnings ratio (PER), Tenaga trades at a discount to the Malaysian market while offering a rising dividend yield trend," (read more...)

ZenTrader's Note: Tenaga (5347) is trading at RM9.85 now. Technically it has formed a Double Bottom Formation.

Composite Index

24. Humble words and increased preparations are signs that the enemy is about to advance. (Sun Tzu)

Technical Note: KLCI to monitor 1285.84 & 1319.14 for direction.

Crude Oil

October NYMEX crude oil futures rallied above $77 last week, but by week’s end, the tide had turned, despite a very bullish inventory report. On Thursday, September 6, the Energy Information Administration reported stockpiles dropped 3.97 million barrels, the eighth decline in nine weeks and almost twice as much as analysts had forecast. If the market can’t hold onto gains in the face of wildly bullish news, be warned—bearish news could really create a meltdown. Prices should retreat as hurricane season winds down, and if the economy stalls, so will demand. So unless we get a big storm or a terrorist threat, I see a near-term top possible.

While OPEC doesn’t yield the power it used to, market participants still react when OPEC talks. There is no increase in production quotas expected out of Tuesday’s meeting, as the extent the subprime credit crunch will weigh on global growth is still playing out. According to a Bloomberg survey taken last week, 23 traders and analysts expect OPEC to leave its target unchanged. (read more...)

ZenTrader's Note: If Crude Oil top out, which sector will benefit the most? BTW, we will see not one but few BUBBLES collapsing at the same time and the financial impact will be as powerful as this: "The worst tornado outbreak in U.S. history took place thirty years ago today. In less than 24 hours, 148 tornadoes touched down in thirteen midwestern and southern states, 330 lives were lost, and over 5000 people were injured."

A Demon of Our Own Design

As I explain in A Demon of Our Own Design, today's financial markets are so complex and the speed of transactions so fast that apparently isolated actions and even minor events can cascade to have unexpected and even catastrophic consequences. These innovations are making our investments more risky by making the market more complex. And when more regulation is poured on top of these increasingly intricate markets, it may do little more than compound the risk. And there is a troublesome fact about our modern market crises: They keep getting worse.

Two of the great market bubbles of the past century occurred in the last two decades. First, the Japanese stock market bubble, in which the Nikkei Index tripled in value over a three-year period and then halved in less than a year. The second, our own Internet bubble that witnessed the Nasdaq rise fourfold in just over a year and then decline by a similar amount over the course of the following year.

Why are markets actually becoming more crisis-prone? It would seem there is a demon unleashed, haunting the market and casting our efforts awry -- a demon of our own design. (read more...)

Act Two of the Credit Crisis is Coming
The selling isn't over yet. Financial crises come in two waves. The first wave is when people realize there is a problem in the financial system and the second wave is when people find out how bad it is. The market will know this as it receives quarterly reports from hedge funds over the next month. In the first few weeks of October, investors will receive quarterly reports from hedge funds for the July-September quarter, in which subprime securities collapsed. It is then that the markets will discover what the true size of the subprime crisis is and investors will hit those funds showing the biggest losses with redemption calls.

When I deal with charts and scenarios of what the stock market may do I deal in probabilities. I have no way to know with certainty if the market is going to hold its August lows. If it doesn't, I don't know at what level it will stop dropping. Or, if in fact it doesn't retest and just builds a base instead of dropping back down. But what I do know is that we just went through the first half of a financial crisis in July and August. We are in a prelude to the second and final act, which will likely begin after the Fed lowers rates on September 18th and end once the depth of hedge fund losses becomes revealed by mid-October. (read more...)

Dow is poised to do a "Test of the Low"

Mr. Alex Lu said : "After last Friday sharp fall of 250 points, Dow appears poised to do a "Test of the Low". I think a revisit of the August low just below 12500 is possible but fairly slim." (read more...)

ZenTrader's Note: My own view is that June-July 2006 was a Double Bottom Bullish Formation but the Market Momentum this time is very different. Please check out the Chart & the MACD Formation I think is a Super Bearish Chart Formation. Based on chart I think we have not seen the best part of the movie yet. Happy reading.

Composite Index

If birds gather on any spot, it is unoccupied. [A useful fact to bear in mind when, for instance, as Ch`en Hao says, the enemy has secretly abandoned his camp.] Clamor by night betokens nervousness. (Source: Sun Tzu)

Technical Note: KLCI to monitor 1285.84 & 1319.14 for direction.

High School Musical 2

High School Musical 2 is the sequel to the Disney Channel Original Movie, High School Musical. It debuted on iO's and Verizon FiOS's Disney on Demand on August 10, 2007 and Disney Channel and Family Channel on August 17. A total of 17.2 million viewers - almost 10 million more than saw the debut of High School Musical - tuned in to the August 17 broadcasts, making it the highest rated basic cable broadcast of all time. (Source: Wikipedia)

ZenTrader's Note: I think very nice Chart formation & good movie content for Astro (5076) now trading at RM3.52! Happy reading.

Composite Index

When an invading force crosses a river in its onward march, do not advance to meet it in mid-stream. It will be best to let half the army get across, and then deliver your attack. ( SUN TZU ON THE ART OF WAR)

Technical Note: KLCI to monitor 1285.84 & 1319.14 for direction.

The Beng Seng, Bernie Show

Yet, just days earlier, the fate of Mr Ong's second attempt – he tried but failed to bring F1 to Singapore in 1991 – seemed to be in the balance. So, what was the deal breaker in the end? According to Mr Ong, it was Mr Ecclestone's visit to the city two months ago, his first in the past "10 or 20 years". Mr Ong said: "After looking at our city, both Mr and Mrs Ecclestone were actually very impressed. And I think this swung the deal for Singapore." Mr Ong replied: "It's a difficult question to answer. Some personal interests – I like sports. The second thing is I really believe it's good for Singapore. And I think it's also really good for Formula 1 to be in Singapore." And now that his dream has come true? "Of course, we feel good. Second time around, you know. I'm quite elated at the prospect and I hope I can do a good job of it," came his understated reply. (read more...)

ZenTrader's Note: According to TheEdgeDaily, Singapore property tycoon Ong Beng Seng, a business associate of Syed Yusof, is also said to have acquired some Landmarks shares via nominee Como Holdings Inc. According to Landmarks' latest annual report, Como held 4.4% in Landmarks as at April 16. "It's all about asset appreciation. The price of land on Sentosa is S$1,200 psf while Landmarks is buying land on Bintan for S$7 psf. Appreciation will come with the development of the resorts there," says an observer.

I Like To Move It, Move It - Madagascar

Madagascar Soundtrack

OH I GOT IT, I GOT IT I GOT A NEW ONE I GOT A NEW ONE.. THEM?
NO NOT THEM.. DID I SAY THEM OR NOT?

THEM LIKE TO MOVE IT MOV... I'M GONNA SAY THEM

THEM LIKE TO MOVE IT MOVE IT
WE LIKE TO MOVE IT MOVE IT
UMM WAIT THERES GOTTA BE ANOTHER ONE WE... WE... NOPE.. OH US!
CAN WE DO US LIKE TO?

YOU REALLY THINK THIS IS NEVER GONNA END COZ IT IS 3,2,1

NOT BAD EH? I LIKE IT (Source: lyricsmania.com)

Brokers' Take Gallant Venture Jan 3 close: $1.18
This development is proof of substantial progress being made in Gallant Venture's efforts to develop its Bintan Resorts land into a vibrant and attractive tourist destination. We remain fully confident of the long-term growth potential of Gallant, based on the ongoing developments such as Bintan Treasure Bay, Lagoi Bay and subsequent land parcels, as well as cashflows from industrial parks, resort operations and utilities. We are reviewing our target price as we get further clarification from the management. However, we still conservatively calculate the potential value of its total landbank and cashflows to be worth $1.80 per share (in present value) when fully developed. We - KIM ENG RESEARCH - maintain our 'buy' recommendation on Gallant Venture. BUY (read more...)

ZenTrader's Note: Please consult your Licensed Investment Advisor before you BUY or SALE any share in stock market. I love this movie and I love the funky soundtrack. Happy reading.

Composite Index

Technical Note: It is important that KLCI to hold firmly above 1285.84 level today (Fri) trading. Please dont' forget to consult your Licensed Investment Adviser before you BUY or SALE any share in stock market. Happy reading.

Madagascar Party in Bintan Island?

There is also talk that Wee may rope in Gallant Venture Ltd, a Singapore-listed group that holds the rights to develop vast tracts in Batam and Bintan. Gallant Venture has a market value of S$1.27 billion and is largely held by Indonesian tycoon Liem Sioe Liong and SembCorp Industries Ltd of Singapore. Singapore property tycoon Ong Beng Seng, a business associate of Syed Yusof, is also said to have acquired some Landmarks shares via nominee Como Holdings Inc. According to Landmarks' latest annual report, Como held 4.4% in Landmarks as at April 16. (read more...)

ZenTrader's Note: Remember the Madagascar Soundtrack? I think something like I Like To Move It Move It Ya Like To (MOVE IT!) ... Happy reading.

Kencana Poker Part 2

ZenTrader Note: Y. Bhg Tan Sri A. Razak bin Ramli, the newly appointed Chairman for Transmile Group Bhd also sit on the Board of Hong Leong Islamic Bank. My view is that we have watched this movie before The Kencana Poker Game and this time I think close to 95% possibility that we are watching the same story again. Happy reading.

Composite Index

Technical Note: It is important that KLCI to hold firmly above 1285.84 level today (Thur) and tomorrow (Fri) trading. Please take note Don't try the above picture at home as it was taken by Professional Storm Chaser. Happy reading.

Super Mega Cycle in Bintan Island

8 Jan 2007: Corporate: Landmarks' Bintan plan becomes clear
Clearly, once Singapore's IRs — one of which is owned by the Genting group — open their doors in 2010, Landmarks is hoping to benefit from the spillover effect. This plan will have synergistic benefits for Genting, which has a 25.07% stake in Landmarks. "It's all about asset appreciation. The price of land on Sentosa is S$1,200 psf while Landmarks is buying land on Bintan for S$7 psf. Appreciation will come with the development of the resorts there," says an observer. Thus, apart from its interest in Landmarks, property developers do not discount the possibility of Genting participating in the development of some of the projects either through joint venture with Landmarks or on its own by acquiring some parcels of the Bintan land from the latter. Speculation was rife then that Genting's entry into Landmarks had everything to do with the Bintan resort project. But the company denied it. However, the situation has changed over the months, with Landmarks now poised to ride on the Singapore IR project — Genting's biggest job for the next three years. Given the Bintan resort project, it only makes sense for Genting to further raise its shareholding in Landmarks. But at this stage, it can only buy slowly on the market and that too if it wants to. (read more...)

ZenTrader's Note: I think it is a wakeup call for all of us. Why Landmarks cashed out from Sungei Wang Plaza in Kuala Lumpur which was considered to be as good as Golden Egg Property & invest all the cash in a small virgin island called Bintan Island? See the big picture? BTW, this Landmarks also linked to Sugar King via Shangri-LA Hotels (M) Bhd. WHAT is Peter Lim's secret to successful investing? Prospect, he replied. Happy reading.

Composite Index

Worst Tornado Outbreak Ever, Wednesday April 3, 1974
In less than 24 hours, 148 tornadoes touched down in thirteen midwestern and southern states, 330 lives were lost, and over 5000 people were injured. (read more...)

Technical Note: KLCI to monitor 1285.84 for direction.

RATATOUILLE

"Ratatouille" is about a lovable rat - Remy - who constantly risks his life in an expensive French restaurant because of his love for good food, as well as a burning desire to become a gourmet chef. Obviously, this is rather far-fetched for a rat but opportunity knocks when a young boy, who desperately needs to keep his job at the restaurant despite not being able to cook to save his life, makes Remy a partner. The two of them learn to avoid the insane head chef, bring the rest of Remy's family up to his culinary standards, win the boy a girlfriend, and of course, produce the finest ratatouille in all of France! (Source: GSC Online)

I Could Be Your Hero, Baby

Bryan Singer flies high with Superman Returns. Absence makes the heart grow fonder: Lois Lane (Kate Bosworth) and Superman (Brandon Routh) share a quiet moment. Courtesy Warner Bros. Pictures. (read more...)

The Urge to Merge (Link...) and also A Man and His Empire (Link...)

ZenTrader's Note: I said Superman has a son who can play piano. Who is he? I think is Sugar King's Son in Law, Tan Sri Abdul Rashid Hussain who is the King of M&A and also the most famous boy in town in playing corporate magic by turning small company into high flying corporate giant. We may or may not see the Superman's son actually playing the piano in front of us but the newly appointed Transmile Group Bhd's CEO Mr. Wong Yoke Ming who was from RHB Group before maybe enough a hot X'Mas box office movie already. Just to remind you all that Christmas's time is very important for this little dragonfly. This is only amateur trader site so PLEASE consult your Licensed Investment Adviser before you buy or sell any share in stock market. Happy reading.

Composite Index

Rebecca Waddington, a meteorologist with the center warned that both hurricane Felix and tropical storm Henriette could shift course. "Even if the forecast is perfect, that's only forecasting where the center of the storm is going to go," she said. "So everyone in the area needs to be aware of it, because the storms are quite large." (read more...)

Technical Note: It is important that KLCI to hold firmly above the water level of 1265.27 today (Tues) and today is an important GANN Date. Please take note Don't try the above picture at home as it was taken by Professional Storm Chaser. Happy reading.

Indonesia, Singapore make progress on FTZs

Indonesia and Singapore have made significant progress in the development of the Batam, Bintan and Karimun free trade zones (FTZs), the Jakarta Post reported. Three regulations were rolled out last week, which formally established Batam, Bintan and Karimun islands in the Riau islands province as FTZs for 70 years. (read more...)

22 firms sign deals to invest more than US$1.8b in Batam, Bintan and Karimun
Investors say they see a good potential for growth in areas like the oil and gas sector. "There's a lot of investment that might come in for oil and gas, especially if one day the huge Natuna project becomes feasible. Now, the oil price is edging towards 80 dollars. If it goes higher, then the Natuna project will be feasible," said Kris Wiluan, president director of PT Citra Tubindo. (read more...)

The Singapore-Riau Advantage
The Riau Islands of Bintan and Batam are just a stone's throw from Singapore. Located to the south of the city-state, Bintan is 45 km or an hour away by ferry, while Batam is 20 km or a 45-minute ferry ride. Together, these two islands offer abundant labour and facilities. (read more...)

Landmarks plans RM4.07b devt in Riau Archipelago
Genting Bhd's associate Landmarks Bhd is planning a RM4.07-billion mixed development project on Bintan Island - the largest island in the Riau Archipelago in Indonesia - which will be partly financed by the disposal of Sungei Wang Plaza Sdn Bhd. The company said it was contemplating a lifestyle hotel and resort, residential and commercial development project on the sites with “preliminary estimated gross development value of approximately S$1.77 billion (RM4.07 billion)”. (read more...)

ZenTrader's Note: Why Uncle Lim bets his multi-billion chip in Bintan Island instead of IDR? See the big picture? Happy reading.

Dispelling the 'Bin Laden' Options Trades

The blogosphere and options trading desks have been rife with speculation about these trades, which are unusually large bets that the market will make a huge move in the next month. Some entity, or entities, has taken a large position on extremely deep in the money S&P 500 options, both puts and calls, that won't pay off unless the market undergoes an extremely large price move between now and the options' expiration on Sept. 21.

Those concerned about the worst-case scenario recalled that large put contracts were placed on airline stocks, notably American, a unit of AMR and United Airlines, in the weeks leading up to the Sept. 11, 2001 terror attacks.

The trades were noted in various online forums, where the worst case scenario is often the first conclusion: "Only an act of terrorism akin to 9-11 -- within the next four weeks -- could make these options valuable," writes one poster in the TickerForum chat room.

Others, such as the "Just Wondrin What Happened" blog, speculated that "China, reeling over losing $10 billion in bad loans to the sub-prime mortgage collapse presently taking place, is going to dump U.S. currency and tank all of Capitalism with a Communist financial revolution." (read more...)

Manhattan Move Faces a Time and Credit Squeeze

Harry Macklowe, the New York developer, was flying high in February when he decided to buy a portfolio of prime Midtown Manhattan office towers for nearly $7 billion, using only $50 million of his own money.

But as the crisis over subprime residential mortgages spills over into other real estate sectors, causing a severe tightening of credit, there is widespread talk in the industry that Mr. Macklowe is in deep trouble — so much so that he could lose control not only of the newly acquired portfolio but also of the G.M. Building and other properties that were used as collateral for short-term debt that must be repaid six months from now. (Source: NY Times)

ZenTrader's Note: I think Countrywide CEO was right to say that he has watched the same movie before and the ending was always the same. I think the biggest Credit Bubble in human history is melting in front of our eyes. But keep in mind this is only amateur trader blog so PLEASE consult a license investment adviser before you invest your hard earned money in stock market.

Composite Index

“Malaysia today is a prosperous nation, and a beacon of hope,” Bush said.In Washington, Bush described Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi’s leadership as a very constructive force for South-East Asia. (read more...)

Technical Note: It is important that KLCI to hold firmly above the water level of 1265.27 today (Mon) and tomorrow (Tues, also an important GANN Date). Happy reading.