2011 Prediction For Markets

As the year draws to a close, I get more and more queries as to what's in store for 2011. My view is that I think we will have a super bull market in most of Asia and other emerging markets.What we had in 2010 is by and large still muted and did not have the requisite liquidity participation by private investors. 2010 was largely dominated by funds flow and institutional rebalancing. In Malaysia, retail participation was still low. There is no doubt that there is ample liquidity on the sidelines, although much of it is actually in properties. Those in it would have had a fantastic run over the last 4-5 years, more incredibly brushing aside...

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Have You Been To Lan Je?

I think this restaurant needs little introduction. They have one signature dish, the steamed tilapia (fei chou yue). They do not drown the fish with much soya sauce or cooked oil. Its loaded with ginger and hot chillies. Owing to the turnover, you can bet that the produce is very fresh. You don't get the mud-after-taste which is prevalent for this kind of fish. You can have normal or spicy, trust me, take the normal, the spicy one will be way too much chilli padi all over. The over generous amount of ginger is a trademark, will make you hot but ginger is good for you anyway.The salty prawns is a decent dish as well. As it is probably farmed prawns,...

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Now We Are On To Something ... Malaysian Football

Finally, after years and years head shaking by Malaysians whenever we talk of the national or state football teams, we now have something to sink our teeth in. Its very easy to be critical of everything when asked why Malaysian actual footballing standard is nowhere near the average Malaysian's passion for the game. First let's get some common questions/doubts/assertions out of the way:a) the best years are behind us - that's a bullshit sentiment, it all depends on what we put in, its never too late to change or modify our ways, if we keep a negative attitude... that kind of defeatist attitude will get everybody nowhere but a dead endb) K. Rajagopal...

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The Year In Review

As usual The Edge came out with its year in review wrap edition. I will try to follow the publication's focus page by page with my take. Corporate Malaysia's New DNA - This I think is worthy page 3 material. The ETP and the corporate moves over the last 3 months in particular have seen a strong willingness by GLCs to work with non GLCs, either in a joint venture capacity or even a merger. Naturally this directive has to come from the top. This is an important step to leverage on each side's weaknesses and strength. Its a loud acknowledgment of what is lacking and what needs to be done that is synergistic. Its about reaching a goal faster. It...

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A Blessed Christ-mass To All Readers

My favourite song for Christmas time has always been Grown Up Christmas List ever since I heard Amy Grant sang it years ago. She was the original singer even though you could find many artistes covering it now (Michael Buble, Kelly Clarkson and Natalie Cole, to name a few). The song was composed by David Foster and Linda Thompson Jenner. At a time when we are busy buying and receiving presents, or maybe take it as an opportunity to drink too much, we get lost in all the merriment. Its the birthday of Jesus, does anybody know what he wants for his birthday?Too often the church and fellow Christians fail to share the message of Christmas, we get...

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Marketocracy Portfolio As At 22 December 2010

price history SMF m100 S&P 500 DJIA Nasdaq Graph Period: [7 Days] [30 Days] [90 Days] [6 Months] [1 Year] [2 Years] [3 Years][4 Years] [5 Years] [Since Inception] recent returns vs. major indexes Beating Today MTD QTD YTD SMF 1.02% 8.26% 13.20% 17.02% S&P 500 0.60% 5.73% 9.76% 14.03% DOW 0.48% 4.29% 6.40% 10.07% Nasdaq 0.68% 6.06% 11.86% 16.76%recent returns ...

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Empire@Subang Jaya and Di Wei

The newish Empire shopping mall @ Subang is one snazzy place. Its not too big and parking is not too bad (for now). There are not that many chain stores which gives the place a bit of character. There's the hair salon on 3rd floor that gives you an iPad to play with while getting your hair done (yes, they have more than a few laying around). The Loaf is there at the foodie floor and you must check out the other end, a little cafe that serves great coffee and macaroons and stuff. There is a place called Vanilla on the top floor that serves the best lasagna, ready made for take home as well.Then there is this funky Chinese restaurant Di Wei (Royal...

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US Trade Deficit and China

While many have been harping about the US trade deficit and the role China has in it, that has been the key argument to support a stronger yuan. However, the reality is quite different. I have said before that about 60%-70% of China's exports are actually produced and manufactured by foreign companies operating in China. The WSJ has a brilliant article on the iPhone trade imbalance and perception. Two academic researchers estimate that Apple Inc.'s iPhone—one of the best-selling U.S. technology products—actually added $1.9 billion to the U.S. trade deficit with China last year, officially. How is this possible? The researchers say traditional...

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Hap Seng Consolidated

This will probably be the highest priced stock that I have featured... lol. Most investors will only look at Hap Seng Plantations as it is more focused, same goes for research houses. Many will consider Hap Seng Consolidated to be having a finger in too many pies. But seriously, they are in all the right industries.Year to Sep 2010, the company has made RM275.8m net profit or 39 sen net EPS. Taking in the final quarter, the company should register a net profit of RM348m or a net EPS of 55 sen. NTA is at RM4.41 per share, not revalued.Hap Seng Plantation's stake alone is worth RM1.3bn at market prices. Current market cap for Hap Seng Consolidated...

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Great Fish Head Meehoon Soup

Some of you have commented that I only feature expensive eating places. Not really, if you scroll back, you will find Shin Kee beef noodle @ Petaling Street, Ah Sang bak kut teh @ Sungei Way, Hing Ket grill house @ Klang, etc.This time, I am recommending this great place for premium Fish Head Meehoon soup. Its at Damansara Kim.Location of GPS listed below.The soup base is just right, the fish head is of a high quality hence the premium prices. Try their grilled salmon as well, its very juicy and delicious. Remember to order a plate of fried fish skin to put into the meehoon soup, its a must.GPS Location:N 03'08.089'E 101'37.7...

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