Latest news with #Yee
The Star
14 hours ago
- Business
- The Star
Rakuten Trade lowers FBM KLCI 2025 target to 1,630 amid earnings downgrade
Bursa Malaysia building in Bukit Kewangan, KL on October 29.—AZMAN GHANI/The Star KUALA LUMPUR: Rakuten Trade Sdn Bhd has revised its year-end target for the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) to 1,630 from its earlier projection of 1,730, in line with the recent downgrades in corporate earnings, said its head of research Kenny Yee Shen Pin. He noted that foreign investors have yet to return to Malaysian equities, despite attractive valuations across Southeast Asian markets, further weighing on the overall market sentiment. "In view of the short-term stance among foreign funds, coupled with recent earnings downgrades, we have lowered our 2025 target for the FBM KLCI to the 1,630 level, based on a 16.0 times price-to-earnings ratio (PER) for the calendar year 2025 ' he said during a webinar today. He noted that at present, the FBM KLCI is trading at a PER of between 12 and 13 times, which remains below both its historical average and valuations of regional peers. He described foreign fund flows as "disappointing' after recording net outflows of RM4 billion in 2024, with the situation deteriorating further this year with net foreign outflows reaching RM11.2 billion so far. "This level (of foreign outflows) is quite perplexing, especially since Malaysia is quite steady both fundamentally and politically, yet we are seeing a diminishing foreign interest in the local market,' he said. He added that non-US-based funds are expected to gradually reduce their exposure to the US markets and shift their focus back to Asia, which could support a rebound in foreign fund inflows in the near term. Notwithstanding the massive foreign outflows, Yee highlighted that foreign shareholding in the local bourse surprising remains decent at 19.44 per cent as of June 2025. "We can only deduce that long-term foreign investors may be returning, while the majority of those who exited were short-term participants. For now, the Hong Kong market will still be their primary destination,' he said. Meanwhile, Yee projected that the US dollar will continue to weaken against the basket of major currencies, with the ringgit likely to strengthen to the 4.10-4.20 range by year-end, supported by the US recessionary concerns that could trigger interest rate cuts. "As many of you know, the US Dollar Index (DXY) has already dropped by 10 per cent year-to-date against major currencies. Hence, moving forward, many expect the dollar index to continue to weaken further --along the way, we may see the ringgit performing better against the US dollar,' he added. On domestic policy, Yee proposed that the government take a measured approach to the rationalisation of RON95 fuel subsidies, especially in light of ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. "We may see only a partial rationalisation of RON95, depending on how high or how much crude oil prices go,' he suggested. As of this morning, the ringgit traded higher at 4.2490/2700 against the US dollar, while the FBM KLCI climbed 0.22 per cent to 1,504.79 at lunch break. - Bernama
The Sun
15 hours ago
- Business
- The Sun
Rakuten lowers FBM KLCI target to 1,630 amid earnings cut
KUALA LUMPUR: Rakuten Trade Sdn Bhd has revised its year-end target for the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) to 1,630 from its earlier projection of 1,730, in line with the recent downgrades in corporate earnings, said its head of research Kenny Yee Shen Pin. He noted that foreign investors have yet to return to Malaysian equities, despite attractive valuations across Southeast Asian markets, further weighing on the overall market sentiment. 'In view of the short-term stance among foreign funds, coupled with recent earnings downgrades, we have lowered our 2025 target for the FBM KLCI to the 1,630 level, based on a 16.0 times price-to-earnings ratio (PER) for the calendar year 2025 ' he said during a webinar today. He noted that at present, the FBM KLCI is trading at a PER of between 12 and 13 times, which remains below both its historical average and valuations of regional peers. He described foreign fund flows as 'disappointing' after recording net outflows of RM4 billion in 2024, with the situation deteriorating further this year with net foreign outflows reaching RM11.2 billion so far. 'This level (of foreign outflows) is quite perplexing, especially since Malaysia is quite steady both fundamentally and politically, yet we are seeing a diminishing foreign interest in the local market,' he said. He added that non-US-based funds are expected to gradually reduce their exposure to the US markets and shift their focus back to Asia, which could support a rebound in foreign fund inflows in the near term. Notwithstanding the massive foreign outflows, Yee highlighted that foreign shareholding in the local bourse surprising remains decent at 19.44 per cent as of June 2025. 'We can only deduce that long-term foreign investors may be returning, while the majority of those who exited were short-term participants. For now, the Hong Kong market will still be their primary destination,' he said. Meanwhile, Yee projected that the US dollar will continue to weaken against the basket of major currencies, with the ringgit likely to strengthen to the 4.10-4.20 range by year-end, supported by the US recessionary concerns that could trigger interest rate cuts. 'As many of you know, the US Dollar Index (DXY) has already dropped by 10 per cent year-to-date against major currencies. Hence, moving forward, many expect the dollar index to continue to weaken further --along the way, we may see the ringgit performing better against the US dollar,' he added. On domestic policy, Yee proposed that the government take a measured approach to the rationalisation of RON95 fuel subsidies, especially in light of ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. 'We may see only a partial rationalisation of RON95, depending on how high or how much crude oil prices go,' he suggested. As of this morning, the ringgit traded higher at 4.2490/2700 against the US dollar, while the FBM KLCI climbed 0.22 per cent to 1,504.79 at lunch break.
The Sun
15 hours ago
- Business
- The Sun
Rakuten Trade lowers FBM KLCI 2025 target to 1,630 amid earnings downgrade
KUALA LUMPUR: Rakuten Trade Sdn Bhd has revised its year-end target for the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) to 1,630 from its earlier projection of 1,730, in line with the recent downgrades in corporate earnings, said its head of research Kenny Yee Shen Pin. He noted that foreign investors have yet to return to Malaysian equities, despite attractive valuations across Southeast Asian markets, further weighing on the overall market sentiment. 'In view of the short-term stance among foreign funds, coupled with recent earnings downgrades, we have lowered our 2025 target for the FBM KLCI to the 1,630 level, based on a 16.0 times price-to-earnings ratio (PER) for the calendar year 2025 ' he said during a webinar today. He noted that at present, the FBM KLCI is trading at a PER of between 12 and 13 times, which remains below both its historical average and valuations of regional peers. He described foreign fund flows as 'disappointing' after recording net outflows of RM4 billion in 2024, with the situation deteriorating further this year with net foreign outflows reaching RM11.2 billion so far. 'This level (of foreign outflows) is quite perplexing, especially since Malaysia is quite steady both fundamentally and politically, yet we are seeing a diminishing foreign interest in the local market,' he said. He added that non-US-based funds are expected to gradually reduce their exposure to the US markets and shift their focus back to Asia, which could support a rebound in foreign fund inflows in the near term. Notwithstanding the massive foreign outflows, Yee highlighted that foreign shareholding in the local bourse surprising remains decent at 19.44 per cent as of June 2025. 'We can only deduce that long-term foreign investors may be returning, while the majority of those who exited were short-term participants. For now, the Hong Kong market will still be their primary destination,' he said. Meanwhile, Yee projected that the US dollar will continue to weaken against the basket of major currencies, with the ringgit likely to strengthen to the 4.10-4.20 range by year-end, supported by the US recessionary concerns that could trigger interest rate cuts. 'As many of you know, the US Dollar Index (DXY) has already dropped by 10 per cent year-to-date against major currencies. Hence, moving forward, many expect the dollar index to continue to weaken further --along the way, we may see the ringgit performing better against the US dollar,' he added. On domestic policy, Yee proposed that the government take a measured approach to the rationalisation of RON95 fuel subsidies, especially in light of ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. 'We may see only a partial rationalisation of RON95, depending on how high or how much crude oil prices go,' he suggested. As of this morning, the ringgit traded higher at 4.2490/2700 against the US dollar, while the FBM KLCI climbed 0.22 per cent to 1,504.79 at lunch break.
New Straits Times
18 hours ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Rakuten cuts FBM KLCI year-end target to 1,630 on weaker earnings outlook
KUALA LUMPUR: Rakuten Trade Sdn Bhd has cut its year-end target for the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) index to 1,630, down from its earlier forecast of 1,730, citing slower-than-expected corporate earnings growth. Research head Kenny Yee Shen Pin said the revised projection is based on a price-to-earnings ratio of 16 times, and reflects a more cautious outlook amid persistent operating cost pressures, weak global sentiment, and a lack of domestic catalysts. Although the current market valuation remains reasonable, Yee said it is not strong enough to attract investor interest amid prolonged uncertainty. "The revision was made based on the current assessment of the performance of listed companies, which are facing operating cost pressures, weak global market sentiment, and the absence of new domestic growth catalysts. "At present, the local market is in a sideways phase. There are no clear new catalysts. Investors also view our market as rather 'boring'," he said during Rakuten Trade's third-quarter market outlook media briefing today. Yee also noted that the FBM KLCI is back to the 1,005 level, which is widely regarded as a psychological support point. "If the index dips below that threshold of 1,480 or 1,470, I think that would be a screaming buy for the local market," he said, suggesting that any significant pullback could present strong buying opportunities for investors. Meanwhile, Rakuten Trade equity research vice president Thong Pak Leng highlighted the potential rationalisation of RON95 fuel subsidies as another headwind that could weigh on sentiment. "But judging from what's happening in the Middle East, the government might not proceed too aggressively. Perhaps we will see a partial rationalisation of RON95. It really depends on how high crude oil prices climb. "In the current state, there's no fresh catalyst pushing up the market. While valuations are reasonable, everything feels quite dull. That is why we are also seeing a lack of participation from retail investors," Thong said. On the ringgit, Yee said Rakuten Trade believes the local currency is currently undergoing some recalibration and is expected to trend between 4.10 and 4.20 against the US dollar by the end of the year. "I think maybe the ringgit will strengthen against the dollar as well. As you all know, the Dollar Index has already deteriorated by 10 per cent year-to-date against major currencies. "So moving forward, many expect the dollar index to continue to weaken further. Along the way, we may see the ringgit perform better against the dollar," he added.
AsiaOne
2 days ago
- Health
- AsiaOne
'It's a basic service': Hundreds sign petition urging F&B outlets to provide free water
More than 900 people have signed a petition calling on the Government to require food and beverage outlets to provide free tap water to diners. They want restaurants already imposing a 10 per cent service charge to offer what they consider a "basic necessity" at no extra cost. The petition on which started in May 24, comes despite earlier concerns from the Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment (MSE) about water wastage and the additional costs such a move could impose on businesses. Petition creator Yee Yucai, a consultant at Singapore General Hospital's Internal Medicine department, told AsiaOne on Thursday (June 19) he observed how food and beverage outlets seem to be "encouraging" diners to buy drinks to "boost profit margins" - even though the Government has been urging Singaporeans to cut down on sugar in their diets. Dr Yee said: "The last straw that broke the camel's back for me was when I recently brought my family to an expensive buffet, about $60 per person. "And they had the audacity not to serve water and instead requiring us to pay an extra $5 for free-flow beverages. I thought it was going too far." According to the 2022 National Nutrition Survey, Singapore adults consume an average of 56g of sugar daily, with over half came from sweetened beverages. F&B outlets incur costs in providing table water The suggestion of water being made for free at eateries have been brought up in Parliament on both sides of the political aisle. In 2021, Member of Parliament Christopher de Souza made the case since Singapore's tap water is safe to drink. He questioned then "whether table water can be mandatorily made free-of-charge at F&B establishments". And during MSE's Budget debate in March, Workers' Party MP Gerald Giam urged the ministry to work with eateries, coffee shops and shopping malls to provide free or low-cost drinking water as a best practice. But Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Grace Fu argued there is no basis to mandate that F&B establishments serve tap water free-of-charge under the Environmental Public Health Act. "While Singapore's water is safe to drink straight from the tap, it is not free as food and beverage (F&B) establishments have to pay for the water," she said. "They also incur cost in providing table water such as cost of washing the glasses and containers and in serving the water." Additional costs to eateries 'very minimal': Dr Yee On this, Dr Yee said that he was not aware that the free water suggestion had been raised in Parliament as early as 2021. "I was a bit disappointed to find that it was sort of dismissed," said the 39-year-old. Dr Yee understands the concerns raised by the ministry and businesses, but added that the additional costs are "very minimal". He referred to the cost of portable water for non-domestic use in Singapore, which according to the Public Utilities Board, is at $3.24 per cubic metre. "If each customer drinks two cups at about 400 ml of tap water, the cost comes up to just 0.13 cents per person," he said. "This is negligible when compared to water used for cooking, washing, and other operational needs. "I feel something like this [eateries providing free water] is considered a necessity, a basic service." [[nid:650609]] chingshijie@
