News Bits | 6 December 2013

IDEAS OF THE DAY (SEE SEPARATE REPORTS FOR DETAILS)

l  Results Note: ASTRO

l  Company Update: MAXIS

l  Quick Bites: HELP, IJMLAND

l  On Our Technical Watch:  PRLEXUS, YOCB

 

 NEWS HIGHLIGHTS

l  Selangor water saga continues on 'low' offer

l  Gamuda maintains RM10.7b offer to take over water concession firms in Selangor

l  Boustead gets shareholders' nod for REIT privatisation

l  Kelington bags RM148m contract to provide ultra high purity mechanical system

l  Eurocopter eyes 50% sales from O&G sector

 

FOREIGN NEWS HIGHLIGHTS           

l  Carlsberg buys controlling stake in China's Chongqing Brewery

l  Nine Entertainment IPO taps into Australia's passion for cricket

l  Nestle to sell Givaudan stake worth USD1.27b

 

ECONOMIC NEWS HIGHLIGHTS (MACRO BITS) 

Asia Pacific

l  Japan Cabinet Approves $182 Billion Stimulus Package

l  Australia And South Korea Agree Trade Deal

USA

l  Economy In U.S. Grows At 3.6% Rate On Bigger Inventories

l  Jobless Claims In U.S. Unexpectedly Drop To Two-Month Low

l  Consumer Confidence In U.S. Rises To Highest Level In Two Months

l  US Factory Orders Fall On Weak Aircraft Demand

Europe

l  European Central Bank Keeps Rates At Record 0.25% Low

l  Bank Of England Holds UK Interest Rates At Record Low

l  Spain's Economic Outlook Improving, Says Moody's Ratings Agency

Currencies

l  Japan, Se Asia In Currency Swap Talks

l  Euro Advances As Draghi Appears Less Dovish

Commodities

l  Brent Falls, U.S. Crude Gains As Spread Trade Unwinds

l  Gold Drops 1 Pct On Uncertainty Over Fed Tapering