News Bits | 19 March 2013

IDEAS OF THE DAY

l  Results Notes: BJTOTO

l  Quick Bites: WCT

l  On Our Radar: BONIA

l  On Our Technical Watch: WILLOW, XINQUAN

 

NEWS HIGHLIGHTS

l  RM3.0b Petronas job awards soon

l  Hap Seng Consolidated sells 51.0% stake in Vietnam unit for RM153.0m

l  Felda Global Ventures to expand sugar refining output

l  Public Bank aims to keep dividend payout for FY2013

l  AirAsia X set for June listing, says Tony Fernandes

l  Metronic Global appoints investigator to probe loss

 

FOREIGN NEWS HIGHLIGHTS

l  Airbus sells 234 planes to Lion Air in USD24.0b deal

l  Cynosure agrees to buy Palomar in USD294.0m laser deal

 

ECONOMIC NEWS HIGHLIGHTS (MACRO BITS)

Malaysia

l  M’sia-India Trade Hits New High Despite Slowdown In India’s Economic Growth

Asia

l  China New Home Prices Rise In February

l  Singapore February Exports Fall Sharply On Rigs, Pharmaceuticals

l  Philippines Boosts Domestic Debt As It Shuns Global Bonds

USA

l  Homebuilder Confidence In U.S. Unexpectedly Fell In March

Europe

l  Eurozone Ministers Urge Cyprus To Shield Small Savers

Currencies

l  Euro Slumps On Cyprus Plan To Tax Bank Deposits

Commodities

l  Brent Crude Oil Down On Cyprus Fears, Bounces Off 3-Month Low

l  Gold Hits 2-1/2 Wk High As Cyprus Spurs Safe Haven Buying