Maybank IB Views

Malaysia: MIER Quarterly Indices
"Circumspect" is the word...

MIER releases 2Q2011 Consumer Sentiment Index (CSI) and Business Conditions Index (BCI). CSI recorded another quarter of decline (-0.3pt QoQ to 107.9), BCI posted another quarter of rise (+0.7pt QoQ to 114.0) as inflation dampen consumers amid external risks and domestic opportunities facing businesses. In addition, the expectations sub-index for both CSI and BCI were down 0.5pt and 16.1pts respectively. Overall, the indices point to further moderation in 2Q 2011 real GDP growth, with continued caution ahead.

SECTOR UPDATE
Oil & Gas: Overweight
Tide is turning

Domestic OSV market entering calmer waters. We upgrade the Offshore Service Vessels (OSV) segment to Neutral following a 8-37% correction in share price YTD. Operationally, we opine the worst is over for the sector and prospects are set to improve, albeit at a gradual pace over the next 24 months. Stocks wise, we have upgraded Alam, TOFF and Perdana Petroleum to a Hold (from Sell previously).

Technicals
The FBM KLCI inched lower by 0.83 points to close at 1,579.84 yesterday. Its resistance areas of 1,579 and 1,597 will cap market gains, whilst the weaker support areas are located at 1,560 and 1,574.

Trading Idea is a Take Profit call on Muhibah

Other Local News
Dialog: Buys 51% stake in Indian Company. Dialog Group’s unit is paying RM7.88m for a 51% stake in India-based outsourcing company Anewa Engineering Pte Ltd to further boost its engineering capabilities and talent pool. The investment provides access to new customers, including those in the Middle East and India. (Source: The Edge Financial Daily)

AirAsia: Tie-up with ANA likely. AirAsia is likely to have a joint venture with Japan's largest carrier - All Nippon Airways (ANA) - to set up a low cost airline likely to be called AirAsia Japan. The LCC will serve the domestic market and eventually regional markets. (Source: The Star)

DiGi: Set to seal two MVNO deals. DiGi.Com Bhd is expected to announce two mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) deals in the second half of the year. (Source: Business Times)

Tradewinds Plantation: Gets nod to buy Mardec for RM140m. Tradewinds Plantation Bhd has received the green light from its shareholders to acquire rubber processor Mardec Bhd for RM140m cash. The acquisition was part of Tradewinds Plantations' strategy to expand its rubber business into downstream activities, complementing its existing rubber plantation operations. (Source: The Star)

Oriental Pearl Harbour: Close to RM4.5b UAE port deal. Oriental Pearl Harbour Sdn Bhd (OPH), which is bidding for the privatisation of the Penang Port, is on the verge of concluding a contract to manage and operate a port in the Middle East in a deal estimated to be worth more than USD1.5b (about RM4.5b). (Source: The Malaysian Reserve)