New Bits | 31 October 2013

IDEAS OF THE DAY (SEE SEPARATE REPORTS FOR DETAILS)

l  IPO Note: BAUTO

l  Results Note: REDTONE

l  On Our Radar: EKOVEST

l  On Our Technical Watch: SCABLE, TSH

 

NEWS HIGHLIGHTS

l  Alam Maritim extends contract with Perdana Petroleum (Comment included in Kenanga Today)

l  Focal Aims parent saw property rush in past 30 days

l  Sime Darby divest RM3.2b assets over eight years

l  Axiata announces new key management post

l  Three consortia prequalified for North Malay Basin

l  BTM proposes par value reduction, rights issue

FOREIGN NEWS HIGHLIGHTS       

l  Nintendo posts loss as forecast counts on holiday sales surge

l  Facebook smashes analyst targets but executive comments spook Street

 

ECONOMIC NEWS HIGHLIGHTS (MACRO BITS)

Asia

l  Thai H2 GDP To Grow 3.3%: Finance Ministry

l  Japan Factory Output Rises On Stronger Demand At Home

USA

l  Fed Keeps $85 Billion QE Pace Looking For Stronger Growth

l  Companies In U.S. Added Fewer Workers Than Forecast

l  Consumer Prices In U.S. Rise As Forecast On Gain In Fuel

l  Budget Deficit In U.S. Narrows To 5-Year Low On Record Revenue

Europe

l  Spain Ends Two-Year Recession With 0.1% Growth

l  ECB Says Banks Set To Ease Loan Standards This Quarter

Currencies

l  Dollar Swings Higher After Fed Statement

Commodities

l  U.S. Oil Slides For 2nd Straight Day; Spread Widens

l  Gold Drops As Fed Statement Offers Few Surprises