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Given the persistent headwinds from the external sector and general election overhang on the home front, we are of  the view that the market will likely be stuck in a range-bound trading pattern in the 4Q. Consequently, we believe  investors would still need to accumulate fundamentally-robust stocks on weakness in order to outperform the  market, while staying defensive on the core holdings will provide greater stability to the portfolio performance. In  addition, as the search for yield will likely remain a key driver for both retail and institutional investors in the 4Q, high  divided-yielding stocks will also continue to outperform the market, in our view. A list of our top picks is reflected in t able below, which includes “buy on weakness” tactical stocks. Which Sector to look at? Sector-wise, our key overweights are telecommunications and banking , although we also have an overweight stance on the consumer, utilities, gaming and rubber gloves unde...

As we head into 2012, a lot of uncertainty remains. On the external front, the euro-debt crisis remains unresolved despite five major attempts to stabilise it. Meanwhile, the economic conditions in the Eurozone are deteriorating rapidly with major indicators pointing to the region entering a recession. A deeper-than-expected recession in the Eurozone would leave few countries unscathed. In particular, the US economy, which is still in low gear, will likely be severely impacted, while China may also be in for a more severe downturn as effects of potential policy easing will take time to filter down to the real economy. Slower Eonomic Growth Envisaged For 2012? The Malaysian economy will not be spared and will likely experience slowing export growth, though this will be cushioned by resilient domestic demand given the progress in the implementation of the Economic Transformation Programme. We expect the country’s economic growth to slow do...

Public Bank is launching a new fund, PB Growth Sequel Fund (PBGSQF) on 15  November 2011. PBGSQF is an equity fund that invests in a diversified portfolio of  primarily Malaysian equities to achieve capital growth over the medium- to long-term  period. PBGSQF is managed by Public Bank’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Public  Mutual. Fund Specific Benefits PBGSQF provides investors the opportunity to participate in the medium- to long term growth potential of the equity market through investments in a diversified  portfolio of  index-linked companies, blue chip stocks and companies with healthy  growth prospects that are listed on Bursa Securities. PBGSQF will invest in companies with reasonable earnings growth prospect over the  medium- to long-term to maximize the growth potential of the fund. Some of the  sectors that the fund would focus on include financial, communications, industrial and  consumer sectors. What is the Asset Allo...

Looking good on the long-term growth potential Asia Pacific region, Public Bank is launching its equity fund, the PB Asia Pacific Enterprises Fund on March 8. Managed by Public Mutual, the fund will focus on companies with market capitalization of US$ 1 billion and above in domestic and Asia Pacific, through a diversified portfolio of companies. By investing in mid-to-large corporations , investors would be better positioned to benefit from the resilient activities in the Asia Pacific region. These type of companies tend to perform better given their leading positions in their respective industries and established market shares, especially during challenging market conditions just as now. What did Public Mutual's CEO said? "After a strong rebound in 2009, global and regional equity markets continued their uptrend in 2010 amidst improving economic activities. Despite the recent spike in oil prices, regional equity markets are expected to remain underpinned by reasonable valuat...

Wall Street Journal (WSJ) recently announced the result of Asia 200 survey, which ranked the top 10 companies of selected countries according to financial reputation, corporate reputation, quality, vision, and innovation. Want to know the winners of Malaysia? Wall Street Journal: "For the second year in a row, Public Bank Bhd ranked 1st overall among Malaysian companies. The bank's profit rose 20% to RM 2.2 billion on a 12% rise in revenue during the first nine months of the year. Customer deposits grew at an annualized rate of 12.2%. Public Bank, Malaysia's 3rd largest lender by assets behind Malayan Banking Bhd (Maybank) and CIMB Group Holdings Bhd (CIMB), also ramped up its Tier 1 capital ratio while touting a dramatically lower impaired-loans ratio at 1.2%, versus 3.4% for the industry overall." Source: Wall Street Journal Meanwhile, CIMB Group this year makes a new showing on the Asia 200 list, with a #7 spot. The group helm under Dato' Sri Nazir Razak,...