Market trades cautiously before ending 2011. We expect volume to pick up after New Year. For conservative investors, we advise to stand on the sideline for now as market has no direction. What we are sure is that 2,700 is a strong resistance.

Sentiment --> Netrual

US market rally after a solid report on November housing starts. Asia market join in, with strength for exporters and resource firms, as renewed optimism about the health of the global economy boosts risk appetite.

However, Bank of Japan says economic recovery 'paused' and keeps policy rate unchanged. We suggest investors to stay sideline for the moment as market tends to be very choppy. With great uncertainty lying ahead before 2011 ends, we believed that market is consolidating. On the long term chart, market is pointing on the downside with resistance at 2700. A break down of 2600 will mean more downside for the market to challenge 2500.

Sentiment --> Bearish

Asian shares slides, with exporters and technology firms putting in a weak performance. Stocks in the US market decline after Moody's Investors Service said it would review the ratings of euro area countries.

Asian shares rise, with optimism returning ahead of this week's crucial European meetings after a report that a second rescue fund may be available. Market tends to be choppy. Light volume is expected during last month of the year as most fund managers are off the desk.

Asian market join in a global rally as the central banks of the US, euro region, Canada, the UK, Japan and Switzerland agreed to cut the cost of providing dollar funding via swap arrangements, the Federal Reserve said, and agreed to make other currencies available as needed.

Market gapped down, with energy and banking stocks notable decliners, as ongoing concerns over Europe's debt crisis kept investor sidelined. As we are getting closer to year end, do expect that market volumes will be lower. However, with Euro crisis in the focus, we do expect market to be on the downside. Any long positions shall be traded with extra care.

Asia shares lose ground on concern over Europe's debt troubles and lack of a US deficit deal. We did mention that a break through of 2750 will represent that market will head down even lower, testing 2700 support. From what we observe, market tested 2700 but bounced back. We expect market to be on the downside. Therefore, a break through of 2700 will be inevitable.

Asia markets sink, as rising Italian borrowing costs wash fresh waves of anxiety about the euro-zone debt crisis over the region. Italy on the brink as bond yield tops 7%, a day after Silvio Berlusconi is effectively forced to commit to stepping down.

Despite sell down on yesterday US market on Greece crisis, Singapore market managed to eek off gains. On short term basis, we expect market to be on the upside. However, do take note that long term basis, the market is still down but is under going a transition period of turning bullish, in other words, uncertainty still persist in the market. Expect wild swing on the up and downside.

Market finished positive yesterday with heavy volume of 2.3244 bln traded, up 77.63 points. Market successfully broke through resistance of 2800, marching towards 2900. We do expect a brief pause before market break through 2900 again. New support at 2800 is formed. We mentioned before that market will be bullish if it manges to break through 2800. Therefore, our current sentiment is bullish.

Market gapped up to open high after strong finish last Friday on US markets. Investors cheered after European leaders said they are making good progress on a rescue plan and should be finalized at Wednesday EU summit.

Market continues its rally, with exporters and technology firms posting notable gains. US market jumps as France and Germany pledge to do everything necessary to support Europe's banks. Market is showing signs of recovering as 2600 is seen as a good support level.

Market continued its rally after US market finished off well. We believe that 2600 shall be the support for now and will expect market to go sideways from here. Sentiment shall be shifted from bearish to neutral. Please stay sideline for now.

Market trimmed losses for the day to close at 2698.80, down 21.73 with a high volume of 1.6383 bln. 2700 might be the new resistance for now. Lookout for next few trading sessions for more evidences whether market have more downsides. We can expect a throwback for the next few days before a resume of a downward market.

Market trades in the negative territory as investors are waiting for steps from the Fed to juice the economy. We advised to stay sideline to observe for more signs of market direction. Meanwhile, no investment for now. We are more inclined to shorting.

Morning Highlights

Our Current Market Sentiment is neutral but biased towards the downside. Support is seen at 2700 with resistance at 2800, with a decrease in volume traded. This could signify that the selling pressure is less intense than in August, but we do expect market to trade sideways for now.

We remain on the sidelines…

Macro Announcements:

• Wed 14/09/11: US PPI (Aug), US Retail Sales (Aug)
• Thu 15/09/11: SG Retail Sales (July), US CPI (Aug), US Industrial Production (Aug), US Initial Jobless Claims
• Fri 16/09/11: SG Non-oil Domestic Exports (Aug), US U. of Michigan Confidence (Sep)

Corporate Announcements:

1. Keppel Corp has secured a contract worth S$143 million to build a heavy lift sheerleg crane vessel for Asian Lift Pte Ltd.

Market closed lower, off 31.80 points with a volume of 1.3374 bln traded. We believe that market is now directionless and consolidating. Low of 2680.83 now serves as a support as well as 2735.87 which is the 2nd support level. We believe that market shall retest 2680.83 again. 2 cases of scenario :

Singapore market retreats further amid worries over global economy. US investors face Tuesday with a hangover from jobs data and Europe's woes, to weigh new reports on services sector and unemployment. We advise to stand sideline for the time being to observe on the market situation now. Currently, market is choppy and do expect big swings on the up and downside. Therefore, our stand now is currently neutral for now till.

Local market finished up 93.37 points yesterday with heavy volume. This may mark a good start that the selling could have subsided. Market is now at resistance 2910. We expect a pullback around this point. Once it's done, market can rally upwards further. We believe sentiment is currently neutral with slightly bullish.

US market closed high amid relief that a regional business gauge wasn't as bad as a similar indicator last week. However, local market does not seem to be enjoying the good finishing. Market is currently down 3 points. Weakness still exist in market and sentiment has yet changed. We are still bearish on market.

Singapore market opened positive on good finishing from overnight Dow. Do expect market to consolidation at this point. Our view for now is bearish. Therefore, we are looking out for to short potential weak stocks. Banks, property and aviation sector are currently the weak.

Obama and Republicans seal deal to avert national default, raise federal debt limit, cut spending. For more information, visit http://sg.finance.yahoo.com/news/Obama-Congress-reach-a-debt-apf-4225932286.html?x=0 or www.marketwatch.com

Asia market opened lower as no deal have been made regarding US debt ceiling. Boehner's plan to cut deficit and lift debt limit said to be gaining ground. HSBC may cut 10,000 jobs as part of a cost-saving efforts.

Singapore market post small losses. Inflation data send Aussie dollar to post-float record. As the debt-limit stalemate and potential default concerns linger, several companies are looking to go public before Aug 2 deadline in US.

Asia market edged higher with investors remaining on edge after US President Barack Obama and House Speaker John Boehner give speeches showing little progress on a debt deal.

Investors sell down shares after failure to get a US debt deal over the weekend, though the drops aren't extreme, as analysts say a US ratings downgrade is a greater concern.

Singapore market moves higher, approaching 3200 points, all thanks to strong performance from overnight Dow. Details on aid package for Greece and positive earnings, particularly Morgan Stanley, lift stocks. Asian shares join in a global rally triggered by news of a new aid package for Greece and plans to prevent sovereign-debt contagion spreading.

Market retreat as US market slipped on debt fears. Major indexes end slightly lower a day after the Dow industrials post their best performance since December, with investor uncertain as the debt-ceiling issue remains unresolved.

Asia markets up after good finish from yesterday overnight Dow. US market was up 202 points, good earnings from company as well as signs of US debt progress. President Obama says a new plan in Congress could pave the way for bipartisan agreement. Stocks trading in Asia rise sharply, with technology stocks advancing after some strong US earnings. We can expect Singapore market to trade above 3100 in coming days. We reiterate that market shall stay positive.

Shares lose ground across Asia, with banks declining in Tokyo and Hong Kong. Singapore market is more resilient compared to other markets as index sheded small losses. Markets tend to be choppy, 3000 support is very critical.

Asian market holds on to small gains after US market finished in green on last friday. Deputy Prime Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam had warned Singapore that they should prepare themselves for the impact of a sluggish global economy in the coming months. Market has no direction still so no short term trading to avoid whip-saw.

Market resumes its choppy trades after small loss from overnight market. We have been stressing a lot that market will remain choppy for this few trading period since investors are jittery about debt problems at the Euro zone, so avoid trading swing trades. Nevertheless, we spotted a few strong shares that are worth investing for mid term.

Though US market finished off with gains yesterday, early gains are more or less erased, to finish off up 45 points only. Asian markets are choppy for now. Local market is trading below 3100. However, good support is seen at 3000 level. We are expecting IPO listing tomorrow at 9am.

China's gross domestic product expands at a faster-than-expected rate of 9.5% in the April-June quarter from the year-ago period. US market tank after Ireland downgrade to junk. Market will be choppy from here. Avoid trading or switch to mid to long term investing.

Japanese shares open higher, as a weaken yen lifts exporter shares and current-account data come in stronger than expected. Asian shares rises as well. US stocks advanced as data show the jobs picture may be brighter than thought. A reading on consumer inflation due out at the end of the month may be a key factor in setting the direction of the Australian stock market through the rest of the year. Resources from www.marketwatch.com

Market experience pullback after 4 up days. Nomura on Tuesday cuts its view of the European telecom sector to bearish from neutral. Australia's central bank leaves its key interest rate on hold, as it downgrades its 2011 growth outlook. China's banking system will require an eventual bailout by the central government, according to some analysts. More info, visit www.marketwatch.com

Market continues its run to the 4th day, thanks to strong closing on Friday US market. US market will be closed for tonight. US manufacturing payrolls may begin showing steady increases as Japanese supply chains recover from March 11 earthquake. Asian stocks advance, boosted by a strong performance for Japan car makers and banks. Hong Kong stocks rise, with exporters gaining. However, Australia retail sales unexpectedly drop in May.

Asian markets advance further, thanks to good reports from overnight US markets. However, some Asia stocks weaken after China data after an official measure of mainland Chinese manufacturing activity came in below expectation.

Shares in Asia open higher on Greek austerity passage of austerity measures, but some indexes pull back in later morning trade. Singapore market is riding higher, breaking resistance at 3100. We view it as positive development that the index shall recover from its slump since June.

Asian shares extend their advance as investors gain confidence that Greece will avoid a default. We believe that market will be choppy from here on. Strong support at 3000. 3100 turns resistant for now. Therefore, we can expect market trading in range from 3000-3100.

Asia stocks slide further after steep loss from overnight US markets. Investors are worried over Greek debt as well as US economy. Investors react to fresh developments on Greece's sovereign-debt crisis and some disappointing data on the US economy. We reiterate that the market will remain choppy for now. 3100 support has been broken, the next important support is at 3000.

Singapore market is on downward pressure after US market finished in red. We will expect choppy market ahead but good support at 3100. Recovery "uneven" quoted by Ben Bernanke, stating from the point of view of the unemployed and the economy is going "frustratingly slow".

Japan stocks lead Asia up after two straight sessions of losses amid signs that industrial production may improve. Hong Kong shares extend gains, spurred by gains in financial, power utility and resource stocks. US market was closed yesterday. Our market is on the positive side.

Japanese shares retreat as a stronger yen works to depress profit for exporters while Hong Kong, Seoul and Sydney manage to eke out gains. Our market is holding on gains close to 1% for the moment. One of the biggest winner is UOB which gains 30c, last done at 19.56. US markets shake off losses with the help from the technology, offsetting the disappointing reports on jobless claims and economic growth.

Market is expected to be choppy for this few sessions. Despite recent volatility in oil price, some analysts remain bullish on crude. If they're correct, this will help some but not all Asian energy shares. US markets ended lower overnight on rising fears about the euro zone's debt problem, but local real estate stocks may get support from a takeover offer for Allgreen.

Property firm Allgreen may be in focus after Brookvale, a firm linked to Malaysian tycoon Robert Kuok, offered to take over the company private in a transaction that values the property firm at S$2.54 billion ($2.1 billion). Brookvale will pay S$1.60 per Allgreen share or 39 percent more than Allgreen's last traded price of $1.15 on Friday.

No short term trading

Mid term trading

Straits Asia enter 2.95 SL 2.43

Morning Highlights

Singapore shares edged up after releasing of GDP data and overnight gains on Wall Street.

• Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong yesterday announced sweeping changes to his Cabinet line-up, bringing in new chiefs for 11 of the 14 ministries and promising all ministers a 'free hand' to reshape policies.

Watch Out For Today’s News:

1. Singapore GDP (1Q) : Singapore revised up its 2011 forecast range for GDP growth to 5% - 7% from the previous forecast of 4% - 6%, citing modest recovery in developed economies and healthy Asian growth. It said expansion in manufacturing and the financial services sector will underpin Singapore's economic growth, while downside risks include a tight labor market, as well as European sovereign debt concerns, a prolonged slowdown in industrial activities in Japan and rising oil prices.
2. U.S. Initial Jobless Claims, April Existing Home Sales and the April Leading Indicators

News Updates:

1. Hong Kong shares gained 0.25% in early trade on Thursday, with the Hang Seng Index climbing 56.46 points to 23,067.60. Cnooc Ltd. led a rally in commodity producers on Nymex oil futures' return above the $100-a-barrel level, with Chinese property and financial stocks also aided by a weakened U.S. dollar and overnight gains
2. Japan's GDP contracted by 0.9% during the January-March quarter, marking a 3.7% year-on-year drop, the government reported Thursday. The Japanese economy shrinks by more than expected and returns to recession with a second consecutive quarter of contraction.

Quick Picks: Here is a quick pick screen that we have designed to pick out potential stocks, both Bullish and Bearish. These are measured with emphasis on larger changes in price and volume.

Our Mid Terms Holdings : Bullish Stocks (Singapore)

Stock Prices last updated at 11:11 (Singapore Time)

Tokyo stocks advance, led by banks and oil shares. Hong Kong shares edge up, led by energy. Our market follows suit, edging up a bit. Despite weak performance from the US markets, we still manage to stay on the positive side. Straits asia up 0.15 for now.

Morning Highlights

Singapore market dropped slightly with STI down 7.21 points to open at 3,167.97, after heavy selling overnight on Wall Street. Australia’s share and currency markets fall after the release of weaker jobs data raises doubts about the ongoing strength of the economy.

• Singapore fund industry assets grew 13% to S$1.4t in 2010

Corporate Announcements:

1. Noble Group announced a first quarter net profit of US$203 million, a 76.5% increase from Q1 2010.
2. SingTel announced a fourth quarter (2010) net profit of $991.7 million, down 2.3% from a year earlier. The company announced a final dividend of 9 cents and special dividend of 10 cents.
3. Yanlord announced a first quarter net profit of RMB 422.6 million yuan, a 312% increase from the previous year.

News Updates:

1. Japan may cut fiscal 2011/12 tax revenue estimate
2. Tokyo stocks slipped on Thursday, led by declines in energy and other commodity shares after sharp overnight falls in commodities prices, but rebounding prices of silver and oil in early Asia trade and a strong performance by bellwether Toyota Motor Corp limited the losses.
3. Australian employment unexpectedly fell in April while the jobless rate held steady at 4.9%, pushing back the chances of a rate hike by the Reserve Bank of Australia and sending the local dollar sharply lower.

Quick Picks: Here is a quick pick screen that we have designed to pick out potential stocks, both Bullish and Bearish. These are measured with emphasis on larger changes in price and volume.

Bullish Stocks (Singapore)

Our Mid Terms Holdings : Bullish Stocks (Singapore)

Stock Prices last updated at 10:30 (Singapore Time)

Morning Highlights

Singapore market climbs slightly in early trading, with STI up 11.71 points to open at 3167.97. Wall Street shares gained overnight amid dealmaking in the technology sector.

Economic News Release For Thursday 12th May:

1. Manufacturing Data of the U.K. and Eurozone
2. Bank of England Inflation Report
3. Australia Employment Data
4. U.S. April Retail Sales and PPI Data
5. The Monetary Policy Meetings of Bank Indonesia

Economic News Release For Friday 13th May:

1. U.S. CPI Data
2. The Monetary Policy Meetings of Bank of Korea 

Corporate Announcements:

1. IndoFood's 90% owned Indonesian subsidiary PT Salim Ivomas Pratama will be launching an IPO in the second quarter.

News Updates:

1. China's headline consumer price inflation slowed to 5.3% in the year to April from 5.4% in March, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) said on Wednesday.
2. China on Tuesday pledged easier access for US companies to key sectors of its economy by removing barriers to its huge market in government contracts and offering a foothold to US mutual funds.

Quick Picks: Here is a quick pick screen that we have designed to pick out potential stocks, both Bullish and Bearish. These are measured with emphasis on larger changes in price and volume.

Bullish Stocks (Singapore)

Our Mid Terms Holdings : Bullish Stocks (Singapore)

Stock Prices last updated at 11:26 (Singapore Time)

Morning Highlights

Singapore market starts off positive, holding onto positive side. China's April trade surplus leaps to $11.4 billion. Australian budget expected to be austere.

We expect consolidation to kicks in…

Corporate Announcements:

1. IndoFood requested for a trading halt in an after market announcement yesterday.
2. Wilmar and New Britain Palm Oil Ltd, one of the largest fully integrated industrial producers of sustainable palm oil have agreed to set up an integrated supply chain and joint marketing arrangement for supplying Continental Europe with fully traceable and segregated sustainable palm oil.
3. Olam will invest between A$50-55 million and A$55 million to set up an almond-processing facility in Victoria, Australia to handle up to 40,000 metric tons of almond kernels.
4. China Minzhong announced a 3Q11 net profit of RMB261.1 million, up 92.9% year-on-year (yoy).
5. SembCorp Marine announced a 1Q11 net profit of $150.6 million, a 1.2% yoy increase.

Quick Picks: Here is a quick pick screen that we have designed to pick out potential stocks, both Bullish and Bearish. These are measured with emphasis on larger changes in price and volume.

Bullish Stocks (Singapore)

Our Mid Terms Holdings : Bullish Stocks (Singapore)

Stock Prices last updated at 13:50 (Singapore Time)

In Summary

Market edged higher, with STI up 19.32 points to close at 3156.26.

News Updates:

1. U.S. software group Microsoft Corp. is in talks about buying Internet phone firm Skype Technologies SA in a deal that could be valued at around $8.5 billion, according to published reports.
2. UE posts $29.9 million Q1 net profit
3. Toyota Motor Corp's output will likely return to normal two or three months earlier than expected as the supply of parts is stabilising.

Market rallies right on the opening and stays strong. Singapore shares climbed more than 1% Monday after the weekend elections returned the ruling People's Action Party to power with an overwhelming majority. Hong Kong shares edged up with energy stocks leading gains in most sector after strong US jobs data spurred a rebound on Wall Street Friday. Oil futures recover some lost ground, but analysts say prices could drop as low as $90 a barrel.

Market has been experiencing steep pullback after the decline of oil price. This has impacted on oil&gas stock significantly. We are definitely out of KepCorp and SembCorp for now. Hong Kong falls further on commodity and fear of more tightening policy by Beijing.

Market continues advancing after strong finishing in the US markets. Japanese shares shrug off downnbeat data to rise, with some exporters benefitting from a weaker yen. Hong Kong and mainland Chinese shares joined a broad regional advance. US Federal Reserves keep US rates on hold and it won't start a third round of large asset purchases.

Market experienced shallow pullback for the time being. There are some stocks going ex-date today, namely SembCorp and KepCorp.

Do note that the price depreciation of KepCorp is due to bonus issue. Bonus issue is deemed as a positive sign on the company and is seen as an alternative way of giving dividends.

According to 1:10 bonus issue on KepCorp, the share price should be trading around 11.74. The calculation will be 1/11 * 12.92 (which is the last done price yesterday). Bonus issue is shares given by the company FREE since company is not trying to raise money. If you buy 1 lot of Kepcorp at 12.56, you should be paying $12,560.

With the bonus issue, your holdings increased to 1100 with additional 100 shares given to you. So your per share price is at 11.42 (using $12,560 / 1100 shares).

At the same time, KepCorp is giving away dividend at $0.26.

For all this to materialize, you have to be sure that you are still having the shares on or after ex-date. You can choose to sell on or after ex-date since that will not affect your status of receiving the dividends and the bonus shares. However, you will not be entitled to the bonus issue and dividend if you purchase shares on and after ex-date.

Same goes to Sembcorp which is giving out $0.17.

Rally continues but be cautious as we will expect a pullback soon... So hang in there~

This week is a short trading week since tomorrow is a public holiday for us. Happy Good Friday To Everyone!!

US market finished strong yesterday as boosted by strong earnings from the technology sector and a bigger-than-expected rise in existing-home sales. For more information, please visit www.marketwatch.com

Currently we are on the lookout for STRAITS ASIA.

We do expect market to pullback briefly before resuming its upward momentum. Do note that high oil prices are boosting the OIL & GAS stocks, namely Keppel Corp and Sembcorp Marine. 

Watch Out For Economic News Release Today:

• U.S. Leading indicators (MAR)
• U.S. Initial Jobless Claims

Corporate Announcements:

• Keppel Corp announced a first quarter net profit of $346 million, a 7.8% YoY increase.
• UOB’s Sydney branch plans to sell A$350 million 3-year unsecured bonds due May 2014 announced a first quarter net profit of $41.4 million, a 269% YoY increase.
• CapitaLand sold its entire 40% stake its TCC Capital Land Ltd to its joint venture partner TCC Land Co. for US$78.2 million.

Quick Picks: Here is a quick pick screen that we have designed to pick out potential stocks, both Bullish and Bearish. These are measured with emphasis on larger changes in price and volume. <The Quick Picks referred herein contain overnight positions from Yesterday>

Bullish Stocks (Singapore)

Our Mid Terms Holdings : Bullish Stocks (Singapore)

Stock Prices last updated at 17:05(Singapore Time)

In Summary

Market finished higher, with STI up 28.93 points to close at 3194.73.

Market on upbeat but still we can expect sideway movements for the time being.

Strong market indeed... But anything goes up must come down. If you miss the uptrend for now, please wait for a pullback.

Market likely to take a breather before running further. Below are some picks selected for short term trading.

"Taking a rest is to recharge oneself in order to move further". Probably that explains how the bulls have been performing as far. Market has been up for 5 consecutive days including today, thanks to good reports from the US side. Strong performance from HK also spur more money pouring into the market!

Market resumes its orginal uptrend after March selldown despite uncertainty in Japan crisis. We believe Japan crisis will not derail the overall economy. We can expect market to finish high by the end of 2011.

We Have Closed All Mid-Term Positions…

STI opened flat at 3023.09. Market is directionless at the moment, and we advise to stay on the sideline. 

Watch Out For Economic News Release Today:

• U.S. Durable Goods Order (Feb)
• U.S. Initial Jobless Claims (Mar 19)

Quick Picks: Here is a quick pick screen that we have designed to pick out potential stocks, both Bullish and Bearish. These are measured with emphasis on larger changes in price and volume. <The Quick Picks referred herein contain overnight positions from Yesterday>

Bearish Stocks (Singapore)

Our Mid Terms Holdings : Bullish Stocks (Singapore)

Stock Prices last updated at 15:35(Singapore Time)

Afternoon Highlights

Index rose higher but session remains seesaw…

• Long Term Chart – turning
• Short Term Chart – show recovery from last week selldown, but volume traded is very light, hence, this might be just a throwback

News Updates:

• Moody’s Investor Service said that expansion plans of S-Reits into China poses a number of business risks, particularly because of legal and regulatory environment.