Maybank IB Views

ECONOMICS
US FOMC Preview
Expecting something...

The latest round FOMC meeting was originally scheduled for a day (20 Sep) but was extended to two days (20-21 Sep) to allow a fuller discussion on the economic development and outlook, as well as the Fed's policy responses. No QE3 is expected amid the lack of consensus at Fed on such policy. Instead, we are looking at the formal announcement of the "Operation Twist" where Fed will lengthen the average maturity of its securities holdings to extend the commitment to very low interest rate on the short end of the interest rate spectrum to the long end. Recall that Fed pledged to keep the fed fund rate at 0%-0.25% until at least mid-2013 at the previous FOMC meeting (9 Aug).

SECTOR UPDATE
Power: Neutral
Projek Lekas, what it means to us

Get ready for higher tariff. This report aims to quantify the impact of importing liquefied natural gas (LNG) when PETRONAS' re-gasification plant (LEKAS) is ready (expected July 2012). The imported LNG will be costlier than Tenaga's current gas supply - which is subsidized - hence, power tariff must rise to reflect this. On the flip side, Tenaga will have greater certainty of supply and avoid further incidence of having to burn costly oil and distillates, like the episode experienced in 3QFY11.

Technicals
The FBM KLCI tumbled 17.81-points to close at 1,413.12 yesterday. Its resistance areas of 1,413 and 1,440 will cap market gains, whilst the weaker support areas are located at 1,382 and 1,400. Due to the US markets’ weaker tone last night; we may see a volatile tone for the index today. Some persistent foreign liquidation activities may depress the markets’ today.

Trading Idea is a Take Profit call for SIME, PCHEM and IJM.

Other Local News
Sime Darby: In talks to buy Bucyrus’ distribution assets. Sime Darby Industrial Sdn Bhd (SDI) is in talks to buy the distribution assets of Bucyrus International Inc. Sime Darby might announce the deal by end of the year, adding that the acquisition would enable Sime to extend the range of its products to cover both surface and underground mining equipment. SDI expects to remain busy for the next three years with an order book of RM3b. (Source: The Edge Financial Daily)

AirAsia: Thai AirAsia puts off IPO to 1Q11. The Thai unit of Malaysia's AirAsia Bhd has delayed the initial public offering (IPO) of its shares to the 1Q12 from 4Q11. The delay is because it needs more time to restructure its organisation and conduct due diligence. (Source: Business Times)

Hartalega: MD to buy Budi Tenggara. Hartalega Holdings Bhd’s MD Kuan Kam Hon plans to buy 100% of Budi Tenggara Sdn Bhd, which has a direct 4.99% stake in Hartalega and a 13.9% stake in Hartalega Industries Sdn Bhd, which in turn has a 50.6% in Hartalega. If the deal goes through, Kuan will control 51.5% of Hartalega and Securities Commission has granted a waiver from making a mandatory general offer. (Source: Business Times)

BRDB: To sell four assets for RM914m. Bandar Raya Development Bhd (BRDB) has decided to part with four investment properties including Bangsar Shopping Centre , Menara BRDB, CapSquare Retail Centre and Permas Jusco Mall for a cash consideration of RM430m with net liabilities of RM484m to be assumed by the buyer, valuing the entire transaction at RM914m. Following the disposal, BRDB will distribute part of the proceeds to its shareholders via a net cash dividend of 80 sen per share. (Source: Bursa Malaysia)

Plantation: Another vote against Aussie palm oil Bill. The Food Standards Amendment (Truth in Labelling - Palm Oil) Bill 2010 was rejected by Australia's House of Representatives Economics Committee in Canberra yesterday, the second committee to do so since it was tabled in Parliament. Malaysia is awaiting the final vote from the Parliament. (Source: Business Times)