Asian markets rally, FBM KLCI down

All key Asian markets registered gains at the midday break on July except for Malaysia's FBM KLCI where the 30-stock index fell nearly three points, dragged down by Tenaga, BCHB, Sime Darby and Maybank.

At 12.30pm, the FBM KLCI fell 2.92 points to 1,152.96. Turnover was 479.32 million shares worth RM508.8 million. There were 335 gainers, 228 losers and 189 stocks unchanged.
Japan's Nikkei 225 rose 1.64% to 10,107.55, Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index 1.3% to 20,246.22, Shanghai's Composite Index 1.16% to 3,411.61 and Singapore's Straits Times Index 1.73% to 2,577.28.

Light crude oil rose 52 cents to US$68.57 but crude palm oil futures for third-month delivery fell RM23 to RM2,099.

Tenaga, BCHB, Sime Darby and Maybank fell 10 sen each to RM8.05, RM10.10, RM7.85 and RM6.40 respectively.SHH was the top loser, down 18 sen to 22 sen with 2,200 shares done. IJM shed 15 sen to RM6.15, MAS and Ann Joo eight sen each to RM3.10 and RM2.32.

However, among the top 10 most active counters, Austral Supreme was the only decliner, down two sen to 27.5 sen.
KNM was the most active with 31.1 million shares done, adding 1.5 sen to 88.5 sen.

MPHB managed to eke out more gains, rising four sen to RM1.72 as investors were upbeat about its subsidiary Magnum Corporation's plans new 4 digit game incorporating a jackpot element. The plan had received approval from the relevant authorities and was expected to be launched in late 2009.
PPB was the most active counter, rising 40 sen to RM14, the highest in recent years. MPI added 30 sen to RM5.95 and glove maker Hartalega 22 sen to RM4.72. Genting added 15 sen to RM6.50 and Tanjong 10 sen to RM14.40.