• The FBM KLCI eased in line with regional markets to close at 1,460.1 points to register a loss of 1.9% for the week.
• Regional markets were broadly lower as investors awaited the outcome of the latest European Union summit held on Friday to address the debt crisis.
• Looking ahead, market sentiment may continue to be volatile in the near term amid the ongoing European debt crisis. 

• Led by higher global markets, the local market rebounded to a 14-week high of 1,502.5 points on Thursday before closing at 1,489.0 points to register a weekly gain of 4.0%.
• Regional markets registered strong gains of between 4% and 10% after six major central banks jointly agreed to provide liquidity to global financial markets.
• Looking ahead, market sentiment is expected to remain volatile in the near term as investors remain focused on developments underlying the Eurozones sovereign debt issue.

• The FBM KLCI retreated in tandem with regional equity markets to close at 1,468.8 points to register a loss of 0.6% for the week.
• Regional markets retreated on renewed concerns over the European sovereign debt crisis. The Hong Kong and South Korean markets fell by 3.6% and 3.4% respectively over the week.
• Looking ahead, market sentiment may continue to be volatile in the near term amid the ongoing European debt crisis. 

• After easing to the weeks intraday low of 1,452.6 points on Thursday in line with weaker offshore markets, the FBM KLCI rebounded on Friday to close at 1,477.5 points and register a slight loss of 0.3% for the week.
• Regional markets closed on a mixed note on fears that a potential referendum by the Greek people on the EUs bail-out plan could cause renewed uncertainties for the Eurozone.
• Looking ahead, the performance of the local and regional markets will depend on developments pertaining to the sovereign debt issues in the U.S. and European markets.

• Led by the rebound in global markets, the FBM KLCI touched a nine-week intraday high of 1,488.2 points on Friday before closing at 1,481.8 points, up 3% for the week.
• Regional markets rebounded sharply after European leaders reached a deal to contain the Eurozone debt crisis. The Hang Seng China Enterprises Index led the region with a weekly gain of 15.2% while the Hong Kong market rose by 11.1% over the same period.
• Looking ahead, market sentiment may continue to be volatile in the near term despite the recent run-up on optimism over the Eurozone’s latest financial rescue plan.

Anak syarikat milik penuh Public Bank, Public Mutual mengumumkan pengagihan untuk lapan daripada dana-dananya. Pengagihan kasar yang diumumkan untuk dana-dana berikut adalah bagi tahun kewangan berakhir pada 31 Oktober 2011:

Anak syarikat milik penuh Public Bank, Public Mutual telah melancarkan sebuah dana Islam baru, Public Dana Ittikal Sequel (PITSEQ) pada 11 Oktober 2011. PITSEQ merupakan sebuah dana ekuiti Islam yang bermatlamat untuk mencapai pertumbuhan modal dalam jangka masa sederhana hingga panjang.

Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif Public Mutual Yeoh Kim Hong berkata, “Ekonomi Malaysia dijangka menunjukkan pertumbuhan berdaya tahan sebanyak 4.8% dan 5.3% dalam tahun 2011 dan 2012 masing-masing, disokong oleh perbelanjaan pengguna yang kukuh serta pertumbuhan dalam sektor perkhidmatan. PITSEQ memberi anda peluang untuk mengambil bahagian dalam potensi pertumbuhan pasaran ekuiti melalui pelaburan ekuiti patuh Syariah dalam portfolio pelbagai syarikat berkaitan indeks, saham mewah dan syarikat yang mempunyai prospek pertumbuhan dan disenaraikan di Bursa Sekuriti.”

Beliau bertambah, “PITSEQ dilengkapi dengan perlindungan takaful percuma bagi Perlindungan Hayat Kumpulan dengan Hilang Upaya Sepenuhnya dan Kekal di samping Kemalangan Diri Kumpulan bagi pemegang unit yang berumur di antara 18 hingga 59 tahun dengan minimum NAB (nilai aset bersih) sebanyak RM5,000 pada bila-bila masa. Tertakluk kepada syarat dan peraturan.”

We wish to inform that Public Ittikal Fund (P ITTIKAL) will be re-opened for EPF investments with effect from 20 October 2011. P ITTIKAL will however remain closed for cash sales.

Investors who wish to make cash investments may consider investing in our new fund, Public Ittikal Sequel Fund (PITSEQ) which was launched on 11 October 2011. PITSEQ has similar features to P ITTIKAL and aims to achieve capital growth over the medium to long term period by investing in a portfolio of Shariah-compliant equities and sukuk. PITSEQ comes with free Takaful coverage on Group Term Life with Total and Permanent Disability plus Group Personal Accident, subject to terms and conditions.

The FBM KLCI eased to a two-week intraday low of 1,543.5 points on Tuesday amidst declines in offshore markets. However, buying support of selected blue chips helped the FBM KLCI to close at 1,563.43 points and register a gain of 0.5% for the week.

Average daily trading volume was sustained at 0.8bil over the week while daily turnover in value terms increased to RM1.6bil from RM1.4bil in the preceding week.

Regional markets closed on a weaker note on concerns that Greece may default on its sovereign debt, which could lead to an increase in volatility of global financial markets. The Hong Kong market registered a weekly loss of 3.2% to close at a 9-month low of 21,695 points.

On Wall Street, shares prices closed on a firmer note as investor sentiment was supported by the better-than-expected housing starts in May. The Dow inched up 0.4% to close at 12,004 points while the broader-based S&P 500 Index closed almost unchanged at 1,271.5 points. However, the Nasdaq was down 1.0% to 2,616 points on losses in selected tech stocks over the same period.

Sekadar berkongsi (sila klik): ASB/ASN Haram.

• Weaker offshore markets caused the FBM KLCI to trade on a lacklustre note and close at 1,556.2 points for a loss of 0.2% for the week.
• Regional markets sustained losses on continued concerns over a slowdown in global economic growth, Greece’s debt problems and China’s monetary tightening policies.
• Looking ahead, the local market is anticipated to move in tandem with overseas markets as investors continue to monitor the outlook for global economic activities.

We wish to inform that Public Ittikal Fund (PITTIKAL) will be closed for sales (including switching sales) from 16 June 2011 (Thursday) onwards or as soon as it reaches 3.35 billion units in size, whichever comes earlier.

Anak syarikat milik penuh Public Bank, Public Mutual akan melancarkan satu dana baru, Public Dana Singapore Equity (PSGEF) pada 7 Jun 2011. Dana ini bermatlamat untuk mencapai pertumbuhan modal dalam jangka sederhana hingga panjang dengan melabur dalam sebuah portfolio pelbagai ekuiti Singapura.

Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif Public Mutual Ms. Yeoh Kim Hong berkata, “Bagi tempoh sepuluh tahun yang lepas dari 2001-2010, Singapura merupakan salah sebuah ekonomi yang bertumbuh paling cepat di rantau Asia Tenggara dengan kadar pertumbuhan purata Keluaran Dalam Negara Kasar (KDNK) benar sebanyak 5.7% setahun berbanding dengan pertumbuhan purata KDNK negara-negara ASEAN iaitu sebanyak 4.7% setahun bagi tempoh yang sama.” Disebabkan oleh infrastrukturnya yang berkelas antarabangsa dan suasana perniagaan yang sesuai, Singapura merupakan penerima terbesar bagi pelaburan terus daripada negara-negara asing di Asia Tenggara, dengan jumlah sebanyak AS$16.3 billion pada tahun 2009 atau 41%3 daripada jumlah pelaburan terus daripada negara-negara asing di Asia Tenggara.

Beliau bertambah bahawa sebagai sebuah pusat kewangan antarabangsa yang menyediakan rangkaian perkhidmatan kewangan yang meluas, Singapura mempunyai salah sebuah pasaran yang mempunyai modal terdalam dan tercair di Asia. Menurut Lembaga Kewangan Singapura (Februari 2011), pasaran ekuiti Singapura merupakan lokasi tersenarai yang paling dipilih bagi hampir 800 syarikat global.

Anak syarikat milik penuh Public Bank, Public Mutual, mengumumkan pengagihan untuk sepuluh dana berjumlah lebih RM573 juta. Pengagihan kasar yang diumumkan untuk dana-dana berikut adalah bagi tahun kewangan berakhir pada 31 Mei 2011:

1. Public Dana Ittikal (PITTIKAL) : 8.00 sen seunit
2. Public Dana Islamic Equity (PIEF): 2.00 sen seunit
3. Public Dana Islamic Select Treasures (PISTF): 1.50 sen seunit
4. Public Dana Far-East Select: 1.75 sen seunit
5. Public Dana Regional Sector: 1.75 sen seunit
6. Public Dana Global Select: 0.75 sen seunit
7. Public Dana Dividend Select: 3.00 sen seunit
8. PB Dana ASEAN Dividend: 1.50 sen seunit
9. Public Dana Balanced: 7.00 sen seunit
10. Public Dana Select Bond: 4.50 sen seunit

Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif Public Mutual Yeoh Kim Hong berkata dana-dana ini telah mencapai prestasi yang baik bagi tempoh berakhir 13 Mei 2011.

Public Dana Ittikal dan Public Dana Islamic Equity telah menghasilkan pulangan satu tahun sebanyak 20.01 peratus dan 15.47 peratus masing-masing bagi tempoh berakhir 13 Mei 2011, berdasarkan Jadual Dana The Edge-Lipper yang bertarikh 23 Mei 2011. Public Dana Ittikal yang dilancarkan pada tahun 1997, merupakan sebuah dana yang banyak memenangi anugerah, iaitu sebanyak 22 anugerah dana dalam kategorinya termasuk Anugerah Dana Malaysia The Edge-Lipper dan Anugerah Dana Islam Failaka. Sebuah lagi dana yang patuh Syariah iaitu Public Dana Islamic Select Treasures yang dilancarkan pada 2008, telah menghasilkan pulangan satu tahun sebanyak 21.86 peratus bagi tempoh yang sama.

The FBM KLCI rose to a 5-week intraday high of 1,545.2 points on Friday before closing at 1,540.7 points to register a gain of 1.7% for the week.

Most regional markets were well supported on news of better than expected 1Q2011 economic activities in Germany and France.

Looking ahead, the local market is anticipated to move in tandem with overseas markets as investors continue to monitor the outlook for global economic activities.

Led by selected index stocks, the FBM KLCI moved higher over the week and touched a 2-week intraday high of 1,540.6 points on Friday. Profit-taking subsequently caused the index to close at 1,535.0 points and register a gain of 0.8% for the week.

Average daily trading volume decreased to 1.0 bil from 1.2 bil units in the preceding week while daily turnover in value terms fell to RM1.3 bil from RM1.5 bil over the same period.

On Wall Street, shares prices were higher due to stronger-than-expected corporate earnings for 1Q2011. Following the weaker-than-expected 1Q2011 GDP data for the U.S. and the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) statement on 28th April, investors expect U.S. monetary policy to remain easy for an extended period. The Dow gained by 2.4% to close at 12,811 points for the week. The broader-based S&P 500 Index rose by 2.0% to 1,364 points while the Nasdaq was higher by 1.9% to 2,874 points over the same period.

In the U.S., economic activities weakened with GDP growth moderating to 2.3% in 1Q2011 on a year-on-year basis from 2.8% in 4Q2010 due to weaker investment and government spending. Manufacturing activities in the U.S. consolidated with the Institute of Supply Management Purchasing Managers’ Index declining to 60.4 in April from 61.2 in March on lower production and new orders.

Anak syarikat milik penuh Public Bank, Public Mutual mengumumkan pengagihan untuk lima daripada dana-dananya. Jumlah pengagihan kasar yang diumumkan bagi tahun kewangan berakhir pada 30 April 2011 adalah seperti berikut:

Public Dana Far-East Telco & Infrastructure: 2.25 Pengagihan/Unit
Public Dana Islamic Dividend: 2.00 Pengagihan/Unit
Public Dana Islamic Asia Dividend: 0.40 Pengagihan/Unit
Public Dana Far-East Balanced: 0.50 Pengagihan/Unit
Public Dana Global Balanced: 0.50 Pengagihan/Unit

Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif Public Mutual Yeoh Kim Hong berkata bahawa Public Dana Far-East Telco & Infrastructure, yang ditarafkan No. 1 bagi kategori Ekuiti Asia Pacifik oleh Lipper telah menghasilkan pulangan satu tahun sebanyak 18.94% bagi tempoh berakhir 8 April 2010. (sumber: Jadual Dana The Edge-Lipper yang bertarikh 18 April 2011). Dana ini bermatlamat untuk mencapai pertumbuhan modal jangka panjang dengan menumpukan pelaburannya di sektor-sektor telekomunikasi, infrastruktur dan utiliti di pasaran-pasaran Timur Jauh.

Public Dana Islamic Dividend dan Public Dana Islamic Asia Dividend telah menghasilkan pulangan satu tahun sebanyak 18.57% dan 11.02% masing-masing bagi tempoh yang sama. Public Dana Islamic Dividend adalah terbuka kepada Skim Pelaburan Ahli KWSP.

Sementara itu, Public Dana Far-East Balanced dan Public Dana Global Balanced pula telah menghasilkan pulangan satu tahun sebanyak 4.16% dan 1.62% masing-masing bagi tempoh berakhir 8 April 2011.

The FBM KLCI eased in tandem with regional markets to close at 1,495.6 points on Friday and register a decline of 1.8% for the week.

Average daily trading volume eased to 1.1 bil from 1.2 bil in the preceding week while daily turnover in value terms was sustained at RM1.8 bil over the same period.

Most regional equity markets retreated on concerns that the impact from Japan’s recent earthquake may dampen regional trade activities. The Japanese market fell by 4.2% while the Taiwan and South Korean markets eased by 2.5% respectively over the week.

On Wall Street, the Dow fell to a 5-week intra-day low of 11,936 points on Friday as sentiment turned cautious amid the political uncertainties in the Middle East and concerns over the earthquake in Japan. The Dow fell by 1.0% to close at 12,044 points for the week. The Nasdaq was down by 2.5% to close at 2,716 points over the same period.

In the U.S., consumer spending improved with retail sales growth rising to a 10-month high of 8.9% in February from 8.1% in January amid improving labour market conditions. However, the University of Michigan’s Consumer Sentiment Index eased to a 5-month low of 68.2 in March from 77.5 in February on concerns over the impact of higher oil prices on household income.

Led by buying of selected index stocks following higher regional markets, the FBM KLCI crossed above 1,500 points to hit a 3-week intraday high of 1,529.4 points. The index closed at 1,522.6 points to register a gain of 2.2% for the week.

Average daily trading volume increased to 1.9 bil from 1.7 bil units in the preceding week while daily turnover in value terms fell to RM1.7 bil from RM2.1 bil over the same period.

On Wall Street, shares prices were well-supported following news of continued improvement in the labour market, reinforcing expectations that the economic recovery is gaining pace. The Dow rose by 0.3% to close at 12,170 points for the week. The broader-based S&P 500 Index was almost unchanged at 1,321 points while the Nasdaq was up by 0.1% to 2,785 points over the same period.

In the U.S., manufacturing activities strengthened with the Institute of Supply Management Purchasing Managers’ Index rising to a 6½-year high of 61.4 in February from 60.8 in January on higher production and new orders. U.S. non-farm jobs rose by 192,000 jobs in February compared to an increase of 63,000 jobs in January due to higher job gains in the services and construction sectors. The unemployment rate fell to a 22-month low of 8.9% from 9% over the same period.

Due to continued concerns over the political uncertainties in the Middle East, oil prices closed at a 2½-year high of US$104.42/brl to register a weekly gain of 7.7%.

The FBM KLCI eased in tandem with regional markets amidst concerns over the surge in global oil prices to above US$100/brl. Sentiment was also cautious in the absence of fresh leads for the local market. The index closed at a 2½ month low of 1,489.3 points on Friday to register a loss of 1.9% for the week.

Average daily trading volume remained sustained at 1.8 bil over week while daily turnover in value terms rose to RM2.1 bil from RM2.0 bil over the same period.

Concerns over rising inflationary pressures in the region due to elevated oil prices caused most regional markets to register losses ranging between 1% and 4%. The Hang Seng China Enterprises Index and the Japanese market eased by 3.7% and 3.3% respectively over the week.

On Wall Street, the Dow fell to a 3-week intra-day low of 11,983.2 points on Thursday as sentiment turned cautious on concerns that rising oil prices may dampen economic activities. The Dow fell by 2.1% to close at 12,131 points for the week. The Nasdaq was down by 1.9% to close at 2,781 points over the same period.

KUALA LUMPUR: Public Mutual won nine of the 32 awards including the most prestigious “Best Overall Fund Group” award at the Edge-Lipper Malaysia Fund Awards for 2011 on Monday, Feb 28.

This is the 8th consecutive year Public Mutual has emerged as the biggest winner at the annual awards event.

Public Mutual’s chairman Tan Sri Dr Teh Hong Piow said he was proud of the fund management company’s outstanding achievement despite uncertainties in 2010.

“These awards reflect Public Mutual’s commitment in continuously delivering top value as well as meeting the diverse needs of our unitholders,” he said.

Public Fund won the Best Overall Fund Group over three years, Best Equity Asia-Pacific Fund Over Three Years, Best Equity Asia-Pacific Fund Over Three Years, Best Equity Malaysia Small and Mid Caps Fund Over Three Years, Best Equity Malaysia Small and Mid Caps Fund Over five Years, Best Equity Malaysia Small and Mid Caps Fund Over 10 Years, Best Bond Malaysian Ringgit Islamic Fund Over Five Years, Best Bond Malaysian Ringgit Fund Over 10 Years and Best Equity Malaysia Islamic Fund Over 10 Years. - TheEdgeMalaysia.com

5.8% is not enough !!!! You can get more from Public Mutual.

PETALING JAYA: The Employees Provident Fund (EPF) has declared a dividend of 5.8% for 2010, up from 5.65% declared the year before.

It will pay out a total of RM21.61bil to members, an increase from the 2009 dividend payout of RM19.37bil.

EPF declared that the rate, which was approved by the Finance Minister, was the “highest dividend payout amount ever”.

EPF’s total investment assets stood at RM440.52bil as at Dec 31 last year while its gross investment income was RM24.06bil.

The local market started the week on a firm note with the FBM KLCI crossing above 1,500 points and touching a one-week intraday high of 1,521.2 points on Friday following the rebound in global and regional markets. The index closed at 1,517.6 points to register a gain of 1.5% for the week.

Average daily trading volume decreased to 1.8 bil from 2.6 bil units in the preceding week while daily turnover in value terms fell to RM2.0 bil from RM2.8 bil over the same period.

On Wall Street, shares prices were firm on the back of better-than-expected U.S. corporate earnings and housing starts for January 2011. The Dow rose by 1% to close at a 33-month high of 12,391 points for the week. The broader-based S&P 500 Index was also up 1% to close at a 33-month high of 1,343 points while the Nasdaq was up by 0.9% to 2,834 points over the same period.

In the U.S., consumer spending remained resilient with retail sales growth rising to 7.8% in January 2011 from 7.6% in December 2010 amidst higher automotive and gasoline sales. The U.S. housing market improved with housing starts rising to a seasonally-adjusted annual rate of 596,000 units in January 2011 compared to 520,000 units in December 2010. The U.S. inflation rate rose to an 8-month high of 1.6% in January 2011 from 1.5% in December 2010 on higher food and housing costs while the core inflation rate increased to 0.9% from 0.6% over the same period.

Oil prices rose by 0.7% to close at US$86.20/brl due to supply concerns amidst political uncertainties in the Middle East.

After commencing the week on a firm note, the FBM KLCI fell to a 2½ month low intraday low of 1,490.4 points on Thursday amidst the retracement in regional markets. The FBM KLCI subsequently closed at 1,494.5 points to register a loss of 2.4% for the week.

Average daily trading volume increased to 2.5 bil from 1.5 bil units in the preceding week while daily turnover in value terms rose to RM2.7 bil from RM1.9 bil over the same period.

Regional markets eased on continued concerns over food-related inflationary pressures and higher interest rates across developing economies. The Hang Seng China Enterprises Index fell by 4.9% while most regional markets registered weekly losses ranging between 3% and 5%.

On Wall Street, share prices continued to remain firm on the back of better-than-expected sales for most U.S. companies in the last quarter and positive merger & acquisitions news. The Dow rose by 1.5% to close at 12,273 points for the week. The Nasdaq was up 1.4% to close at 2,809 points over the same period.

Lazimnya terdapat 2 ciri utama tabiat pelabur.

Tabiat mereka inilah yang menentukan sama ada mereka mampu ‘Buat Duit’ atau tidak melalui pelaburan, terutamannya pelaburan Unit Amanah.

Ramai orang yang terdedah dalam industri pelaburan mengatakan terdapat hampir 90% pelabur mempunyai tabiat yang kurang tepat terhadap pelaburan mereka. Betulkah kenyataan itu? Saya tidak pasti, tetapi mengikut kajian-kajian psikologi memang ramai orang yang akan suka bertindak ‘terbalik’. Ia sama seperti hanya 5% sahaja orang yang berani dan mencari sebab untuk berjaya, sedang 95% lagi adalah orang yang suka memberi alasan serta lebih selesa berada pada tahap biasa. Mereka memanggil pelabur-pelabur itu sebagai ‘Pelabur Biasa’.

Para ‘Pelabur Biasa’ lazimnya tidak percaya kepada matlamat kewangan mereka, sesetengahnya langsung tidak meletakkan objektif kepada pelaburan mereka. Mereka mudah panik apa dengan turun naik pasaran serta banyak menggunakan emosi/perasaan untuk membuat keputusan. Mereka lebih suka dan percaya kepada pandangan dan nasihat individu tidak berkaliber yang menyebelahi emosi mereka.

Berlainan dengan ‘Pelabur Hebat’. Para pelabur ini, memang suka melabur. Mereka sanggup menimba ilmu untuk mengetahui potensi dan cara untuk mencapai matlamat kewangan mereka melalui pelaburan. Mereka bercita-cita untuk kaya dan akan mengambil tindakan diatas setiap peluang untuk memastikan matlamat mereka tercapai.

Lazimnya, ‘Pelabur Hebat’ tidak mudah panik. Mereka mempunyai objektif pelaburan yang jelas. Mereka tidak akan mengganggu pelaburan mereka sehinggalah matlamatnya tercapai. Bagi yang lebih agresif, pastinya mereka akan terus menambah pelaburan mereka. Mereka tidak takut rugi, mereka mahu untung dan mahu laksanakan strategi yang menguntungkan.

Mereka juga tidak suka terburu-buru kerana mereka amat faham bahawa setiap pelaburan dan untung perlukan masa yang tertentu. Bagi mereka adalah diluar tabii’ jika menanam pokok untuk menuai hasilnya sebelum pokok itu tiba masa untuk berbuah.

Anak syarikat milik penuh Public Bank, Public Mutual, mengumumkan pengagihan untuk empat daripada dana-dananya. Jumlah pengagihan kasar dan pecahan unit yang diumumkan untuk dana-dana yang mempunyai tahun kewangan berakhir pada 31 Januari 2011 adalah seperti berikut:

Public Dana Index (PIX): 6.00 sen seunit
Public Dana Islamic Optimal Growth (PIOGF): 1.25 sen seunit
Public Dana Enhanced Bond (PEBF): 3.00 sen seunit (dengan pecahan unit: 1:20)
Public Dana Money Market (PMMF): 2.50 sen seunit

Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif Public Mutual Yeoh Kim Hong berkata menurut Jadual Dana The Edge-Lipper yang bertarikh 17 Januari 2011, Public Dana Index dan Public Dana Islamic Optimal Growth telah menghasilkan pulangan satu tahun sebanyak 23.7% dan 20.19% masing-masing bagi tempoh berakhir 7 Januari 2011. Kedua-dua dana tersebut terbuka untuk Skim Pelaburan Ahli KWSP.

Bagi Public Dana Enhanced Bond pula, ia telah menghasilkan pulangan satu tahun sebanyak 8.59% bagi tempoh berakhir 7 Januari 2011, sementara itu, Public Dana Money Market telah menghasilkan pulangan satu tahun sebanyak 2.32% bagi tempoh yang sama.

The FBM KLCI fell to a 5-week intraday low of 1,505.4 points on Wednesday amidst profit-taking activities. Sentiment was also dampened by sluggish trading conditions in offshore markets. The FBM KLCI subsequently closed at 1,521.9 points to register a loss of 1.7% for the week.

Average daily trading volume decreased to 1.6 bil from 1.8 bil units in the preceding week while daily turnover in value terms eased to RM2.3 bil from RM2.4 bil over the same period.

Selected regional markets generally closed on a mixed note following news of higher-than-expected inflationary pressures.

After recent gains, the FBM KLCI eased on profit-taking to a 2-week intraday low of 1,547.0 points on Friday in tandem with the retracement of regional markets. The index closed at 1,547.4 points to register a loss of 1.4% for the week.

The average daily trading volume decreased to 1.9 bil units from 2.5 bil units in the preceding week while average trading value eased to RM2.5 bil from RM2.8 bil over the same period.

On Wall Street, sentiment was mixed as weaker-than-expected corporate results from selected major financial institutions were mitigated by a pledge among European financial regulators to support the Eurozone region. The Dow rose by 0.7% to close at a 31-month high of 11,872 points for the week. The broader-based S&P 500 Index eased by 0.8% to 1,283 points while the Nasdaq was down by 2.4% to 2,690 points over the same period.

In the U.S., the labour market continued to be firm with the initial jobless claims falling to 404,000 for the week ended 16th January 2011 compared to 441,000 claims in the previous week. The U.S. housing market gained pace with existing home sales rising by 12.3% month-on-month to a seasonally-adjusted annual rate of 5.28 million units in December compared to an increase of 6.1% in November as home-buyers capitalized on low mortgage rates.