Hartalega Holdings Bhd – 26th Jan 21

The unabated Covid-19 spread in the country which may lead to further pressure on the economy, coupled with the concerns over the revised nation’s growth projection by World Bank have sent the FBM KLCI lower. Following a heavy selldown, we might anticipate bargain hunting activities to emerge on the local bourse. On a side note, the government has approved the licence and incentives for Risen Energy Co Ltd to manufacture solar cells and solar modules in Malaysia amounting to RM42.2bn, which would make Malaysia an integrated production hub for solar products.

The FBM KLCI failed to extend its gains amid pervasive negative sentiment and weak buying interest, bucking the regional uptrend. With the World Bank cutting Malaysia’s 2021 GDP growth projection amid slower-than-expected economic recovery, the sideways trade is likely to persist without a fresh catalyst under the current economic and public health crisis. Investors may also look at the US’s 1Q21 GDP growth rate, while Bank of England’s interest rate decision, which will be releasing tonight. Commodities wise, the oil price has risen above the USD 75 per barrel level.