KL shares close flat (27.03.2009)

MALAYSIA'S benchmark Kuala Lumpur Composite Index fell 0.04, or less than 0.1 per cent, to 885.43.

The index gained 3.3 per cent this week, the largest increase since Nov. 7.

Almost two stocks dropped for each that rose on the 100- member gauge.

In the market, 455 million shares changed hands, higher than the three-month daily average of 403 million shares. March index futures slid 0.1 per cent to 886.00

The benchmark stock measure has risen 1 per cent this year, set for its first gain in five quarters.

Kuala Lumpur Kepong Bhd led gains among Malaysian plantation companies after palm oil futures rose 2.1 per cent so far this week, its fifth weekly gain, set to cap the longest winning streak since November 9, 2007.

Kuala Lumpur Kepong climbed 0.9 per cent to RM10.80, the highest level since February 16.

Sime Darby Bhd gained 1.7 per cent to RM5.90.

Apollo Food Holdings Bhd fell 0.4 per cent to RM2.30, the lowest level in a week.

The maker of snacks, cakes and confectionery said profit fell 30 per cent in the fiscal third quarter ended January 31 to RM3.8 million from a year earlier.

Sales slid to RM36 million from RM48.1 million, the company said in a statement.

Kinsteel Bhd, a Malaysian steelmaker, dropped 3.7 per cent to 39.5 sen, the steepest decline since March 2.

It’s the sixth-worst performer on the benchmark Composite Index.
RHB Research Institute Sdn Bhd said first-half earnings will remain weak amid “volatile” steel prices.

Rival Ann Joo Resources Bhd lost 1.8 per cent to RM1.09.

Trans-Asia Shipping Corp surged 23 per cent to 69.5 sen, the steepest gain since it went public in December 2007.

Nippon Yusen K K, Japan’s largest shipping line, bought more shares in Trans-Asia Shipping, doubling its stake in the Malaysian logistics company to 61 per cent from 28 per cent.

The Japanese company acquired 33.6 million shares from Trans-Asia Chairman Asmat Kamaludin, the Malaysian company said in a statement yesterday, without disclosing the price. - Bloomberg



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