Market Watch

Replete with risk events including central bank meetings (BoE, BoJ, Fed), Italy's referendum, as well as the US Presidential Election, Joe Quinlan helps us break down each event and what to expect this month.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The crucial vote on Reach Energy's Qualifying Asset purchase will be taken at their EGM this week. What are the chances of success?  We speak with Ir. Shahul Hamid Ismail, CEO of Reach Energy to find out, and whether this O&G SPAC can successfully graduate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The US presidential elections are expected to weigh down on the market especially after the FBI promised to investigate Hillary Clinton. The widely expected interest rate hike in December will also likely roil emerging markets. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Whilst Budget 2017 was lauded for its progressive measures in terms of providing low-cost housing, many also felt it was a let-down, especially listed property developers who were looking for more stimulus to prop up the market. Negative surprises include an increase in stamp duties from 3% to 4%, as well as the absence of any easing in lending policies for home buyers.  See omnystudio.com/li...

Mikio Kumada, Global Strategist at LGT Capital Partners describes the troubles Samsung is facing and how they can win back investor and customer confidence in their products. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Among the highlights of Budget 2017, was the announcement of higher broadband speeds at lower prices. Whilst beneficial to consumers, this may strain Telekom in terms of higher capex and lead to increased gearing levels. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Confidence and jobs data were down but inflation is up and the Australian dollar has been fairly firm. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

FGV says they plan to abandon their purchase of Eagle High Plantations, while KLK is going ahead with their acquisition for M.P. Evans through a hostile takeover. Listen to Chris Eng of Etiqa Insurance & Takaful explain this and more in this interview. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Managers in New York, says 3Q corporate earnings have mostly beat expectations, though they come as a result of financial engineering, and less via fundamentals. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cheryl Pola offers her view of the market impact of Budget 2017. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Joe Quinlan, Chief Market Strategist at US Trust-BoA Private Wealth Management in New York, discusses the US Q3 reporting season thus far, S&P 500 earnings forecasts, the surge in merger announcements and oil production cuts. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lim Chee Sing, Group Chief Economist, RHB Group, discusses his views on  Budget 2017 particularly in the context of reducing the fiscal deficit and the government' income and expenses. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Loan growth is still lagging despite the recent OPR cut by Bank Negara - it grew marginally 0.3% MoM and is expected to remain muted. Competition for deposits will be less intense this year, since the introduction of the Liquidity Coverage Ratio (LCR) last year with most banks already in compliance. Budget 2017 is expected to remain as 'people-friendly' as possible which could lead to increased co...

Tim Mulholland, President of TJM Limited in Chicago, discusses the American Presidential debates, corporate earnings thus far, oil at 15-mth highs and Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte's announcing his "separation" from the US. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

VS Industry Bhd (VSI) net profit decreased 11.2% YoY to RM118m in FY16, despite increased revenue of 12.3% YoY. UOB Kay Hian attributes this largely due to margin erosion and forex impact from the strengthening of the Ringgit in that period. Better earnings contribution is expected from its 20% stake in NEP Holdings known for its water filtration business, adding a new revenue stream of approx RM1...

Ben Le Brun, market analyst, optionsXpress, Sydney, discusses China's economy expanding at 6.7% in Q3, Saudi Arabia's mammoth 17.5 billion bond sale and US corporate earnings.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There would be a smooth transition in the Thai monarchy but investors are likely to be cautious about its market direction. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

George Kent Bhd 2Q'17 net profit increased 37% q-o-q to RM20.5 million. Better earnings are expected through contributions from its JV with China Communications Construction Company Ltd (CCCC) for MRT2 works. Adrian's other top pick is Sunway Construction & Kimlun  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Joe Quinlan, Chief Market Strategist, US Trust-BoA Private Wealth Management, New York, stays optimistic. He thinks the market has priced in a Clinton victory, is on a healthy growth clip, will likely report single-digit revenue growth espeically in tech and financials, and not headed for a recession at all, as suggested in news reports.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Federal Reserve Chairwoman Janet Yellen suggested The Fed could overshoot its 2% inflation target and also that there could be benefits to running the economy with a tight labor market. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bright spots are emerging in Singapore's high-end residential segment as volumes increase 30% q-o-q reaching a 3-year high. Prices have also declined 18% on average from a peak in 2011. Indonesia's tax amnesty programme was also an unlikely factor that also drove up sales, with more wealthy Indonesians taking up property as opposed to divesting them.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy i...

The Fed's September minutes are being perused and Japan continues to signal more stimulus but Mikio Kumada thinks now is not the time to go overboard with tightening. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

SGX-listed land transport company, ComfortDelGro is expecting flat to slower earnings growth for its taxi operations, as it squares-off against Uber & Grab who are gaining market share. An exodus of drivers switching from traditional taxis to ride-hailing is unlikely in Singapore, as pay-packages are still more attractive for full-time taxi drivers.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privac...

Lee Tien Xiang, Senior Research Analyst at Fundsupermart Malaysia, talks Thailand, and how its ailing King would harm sentiments in the share market. He adds that valuations remain pricey, but growth is intact.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Moody's Investors Service says bond issuance levels will match or even exceed historical levels in 2016. Listen to Sergei Strigo, Head of EM Debt & Currency at Amundi as he talks about key emerging markets' debt and currency status, including Brazil, Russia, Malaysia, Indonesia, and more.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.