Singapore stock calls for 12 October 2017

Physics 101 - All objects will fall to the ground at the same time.

In physics, we learnt that all objects would fall to the ground at the same time.  However, we realized that it was impossible in the real world.  Scientists had proven the laws of physics in a controlled environment whereby there's no air resistance to affect the falling objects.

When there's no air resistance, objects really fall to the ground at the same time regardless of weight and shape because the same gravity is acting on the objects.

Another investment trust to delist from SGX!

http://www.businesstimes.com.sg/real-estate/indiabulls-properties-investment-trust-gets-takeover-offer-of-90-s-cents-apiece

SGX is losing its clients faster than it can attract new clients.  Genting HK, Global Logistics and Indiabulls Properties are all leaving SGX.

The USA has proven itself to be lacking in credibility

https://sg.finance.yahoo.com/news/trump-expected-decertify-iran-nuclear-030700035.html

Trump has reinforced the common global perspective about USA's credibility.  There is no point in signing any contract with the USA government because it can renege on its contractual obligations at its whims and fancies.

No wonder the North Korea doesn't trust the USA.  There is no way that the Korea peninsula crisis can be resolved without trust.

How will the Kobe steel scandal affect you?

https://www.theguardian.com/business/2017/oct/11/japan-kobe-steel-scandal-ford-toyota-honda-mazda-boeing

If you drive a Japanese car or take a Japan made MRT, you better watch out.

The low quality steels have been used in cars, aircrafts, space rockets, trains and defence equipment.  There are many steel grades and Kobe falsified data about the strength and durability of such steels for approvals to be used.

Consumer safety has been compromised!

Russia accuses the USA of condoning ISIS in Syria.

https://sg.news.yahoo.com/russia-says-islamic-state-operates-near-u-syria-092515410.html

This is not surprising and unexpected as the USA has been grooming terrorists in the Middle East especially when Hillary Clinton was the secretary of state.

Saddem and Osama used to be close allies of the USA in the past.  The USA started to wipe them out when it lost control of the terrorists.  Many of the terrorists were trained by the USA and armed with USA weapons.

Singapore stock calls for 11 October 2017

I like Warren Buffett's view on cryptocurrency. How about you?

How did Warren Buffett view cryptocurrency?

Warren Buffett viewed cryptocurrency as a means of money transfer and not real money.  This is also his reason for not investing in cryptocurrency.  His rationale behind cryptocurrency is substantiated by his financial background and investment experiences and he uses a simple analogy to explain the cryptocurrency.

His analogy:

Cryptocurrency is just a means of money transfer which is similar to a conventional cheque.  A cheque is also a means of money transfer.  How much would you pay for a cheque then?  He said he couldn't understand the rationale for other people wanting to pay so much for a cryptocurrency just for money transfer.  There is no real use for a cryptocurrency and it doesn't yield any dividend at all.

We really need a savvy billionaire like him to jolt us back from our dreamland to the reality.  Even an ex-IMF economist doesn't have faith in cryptocurrency.

https://www.coindesk.com/ex-imf-economist-kenneth-rogoff-joins-bitcoin-will-collapse-chorus/

Glass shattering bridge is scary!

It's really funny to look at these expressions. Heehee!

Russia to ban cryptocurrency trading after China.

https://sg.finance.yahoo.com/news/russian-central-bank-ban-websites-offering-crypto-currencies-084024434--business.html

This will definitely reduce money laundering for Russian.  Cryptocurrencies are mostly used for money laundering instead of proper commercial transactions.  Therefore, it will be a matter of time for cryptocurrencies to implode in the future.

https://www.coindesk.com/ex-imf-economist-kenneth-rogoff-joins-bitcoin-will-collapse-chorus/

Singapore stock calls for 10 October 2017

China won the contract to build MRT in Singapore.

https://sg.news.yahoo.com/china-railway-tunnel-wins-311-million-contract-build-circle-line-6-station-094802082.html

Look like our PM Lee has shown goodwill gesture towards China after visiting China in September 2017.

Is this a prelude to the KL-SG HSR contract to China?  China has not responded to our KL-SG invitation insofar.

http://sg-stock.blogspot.sg/2017/09/why-is-china-so-blase-about-singapore.html

Malaysia to impose S$8 VEP on SG cars.

https://sg.news.yahoo.com/foreign-registered-vehicles-soon-pay-s8-enter-malaysia-084713445.html

This new VEP of S$8 is on top of the 20ringgit imposed on SG cars earlier.

We did state clearly in our previous posting that Malaysia won't be so accommodative towards SG anymore.  Please read our posting below.

http://sg-stock.blogspot.sg/2016/10/malaysia-to-impose-20ringgit-road.html

Sigh! Another big market capitalisation stock will delist from SGX after Genting HK.

http://www.businesstimes.com.sg/companies-markets/global-logistic-gets-sgx-nod-aims-to-be-delisted-by-april-14-2018

GLP will delist next year.  SGX has been losing quite a number of big clients because it is losing its competitiveness due to low liquidity.  Low liquidity stock exchange will not yield a high valuation for a listing company.

SGX always attracts mid-size companies to list on its stock exchange while bigger ones prefer to list on HKEX and US stock exchanges.

Singapore stock calls for 9 October 2017

Indian women was gang raped at gun point in front of her hubby and baby.

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/woman-alleges-gangrape-at-gunpoint-muzaffarnagar-uttar-pradesh/1/1063401.html

India is really a rapist paradise.  This is really disgusting!

The UK prepares for war with North Korea.

https://sg.news.yahoo.com/britain-apos-prepares-war-north-031737023.html

Was this the storm that Trump was talking about?

http://sg-stock.blogspot.sg/2017/10/hot-news-trump-calm-before-storm.html

The UK is a close ally of the USA.  Therefore, the UK is privy to any decision from the USA.

This Korean peninsula war won't be a simple war because too many countries are involved.

China, Russia, North Korea, South Korea, Japan, USA and UK will be involved in this Korean war.  OMG!

Turkey and USA are at loggerheads now.

https://sg.news.yahoo.com/us-turkey-mutually-suspend-visa-services-032403342.html

The USA's support for the Turds has got on the Turkey's nerves and also pushes Turkey closer to Russia.

Turkey is a NATO member whereby NATO is controlled by the USA.

Let's see how this will pan out.

Hot news! Trump: "The calm before the storm."

What is the storm?

Is Trump insinuating that he will start the NK war soon?  Stock markets will crash big time because of the NK war!

Maybe he will impose harsher sanctions against Iran which is a bigger threat to the USA than NK.

Let's see.

Iphone 8 batteries swelling problem is real!

https://in.news.yahoo.com/apple-looking-iphone-8-batteries-swelling-044603544.html

More than half a dozen cases reported in Japan, Taiwan, China, Canada & Greece.  This will definitely impact Iphone 8 sales.

Apple shares price will get dicey.

Sigh! The North Korea rocket man may conduct missile test again!

https://sg.news.yahoo.com/north-korea-preparing-long-range-missile-test-ria-044934551.html

This is to retaliate against the USA for the new sanctions against NK.

NK fat boy knows that the USA won't dare to attack NK.  Therefore, he is continuing his missile launching game.

Baltic dry index - 1405

oday, Friday, October 06 2017, the Baltic Dry Index climbed by 23 points, reaching 1405 points.

Baltic Dry Index is compiled by the London-based Baltic Exchange and covers prices for transported cargo such as coal, grain and iron ore. The index is based on a daily survey of agents all over the world. Baltic Dry hit a temporary peak on May 20, 2008, when the index hit 11,793. The lowest level ever reached was on Wednesday the 10th of February 2016, when the index dropped to 290 points.

========================

Related stocks: Sembcorp Marine, Cosco & Pan Ocean.

US rig count - 936

HOUSTON (AP) — The number of rigs exploring for oil and natural gas in the U.S. declined by four this week to 936.

That's up from the 524 rigs that were active a year ago.

Houston oilfield services company Baker Hughes said Friday that 748 rigs sought oil and 187 explored for natural gas this week. One was listed as miscellaneous.

Among major oil- and gas-producing states, Oklahoma gained three rigs and Colorado added one.

Texas lost three rigs, Pennsylvania and Wyoming lost two each, and Louisiana shed one rig.

Alaska, Arkansas, California, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, Utah and West Virginia were unchanged.

The U.S. rig count peaked at 4,530 in 1981. It bottomed out in May of 2016 at 404.

===========================

Related stocks: Keppel Corp, Sembcorp Marine & Cosco.

Singapore stock calls for 6 October 2017

Please vote on our HSR poll.

We would like to know our readers' response to the KL-SG HSR ticket price.

Please vote on our HSR poll.

KL-SG HSR ticket price will be around $60-$65 for a single trip.

https://www.theedgesingapore.com/one-way-ticket-kl-sg-hsr-could-cost-60-65-iseas

OMG! That's really expensive as a return trip will cost $120-$130 per pax.  I don't think a Singapore family will travel to KL often for leisure purpose because of the high price.

A Singaporean family of 4 will cost around $500.

China has boosted its air power with the 5th generation J-20.

http://fortune.com/2017/09/28/china-chengdu-j-20-stealth-fighter-jet/

The touted J20 is in service now in China air force.  This will boost its air power and will counter the USA F-35 in Japan and South Korea.

Singapore stock calls for 5 October 2017

Singapore stock calls for 4 October 2017

Genting HK is delisting from SGX.

http://www.businesstimes.com.sg/companies-markets/genting-hk-to-delist-from-sgx-retain-single-primary-listing-in-hong-kong

This is a company with a market capitalization of about S$2.9B.  SGX has lost another big client.  SGX really cannot compete with HKEX.

Catalonia will announce independence soon after successfully breaking away from Spain.

https://sg.finance.yahoo.com/news/catalonia-apos-leader-apos-declare-051800633.html

This is definitely not good news for Europe because it will set an example for others to follow.  Scotland has been trying to break away from UK and will want to follow Catalonia.

Ireland, France and Italy will also face increased pressures from separatists in their own countries.

Singapore stock calls for 3 October 2017

China will be replacing WIFI with LIFI soon.

http://en.people.cn/n3/2017/1003/c202936-9276460.html

Wifi will be outdated soon and wifi chips in computers, routers and mobile phones will become obsolete.

China has achieved another breakthrough in technology and everyone will be using LIFI soon.

Kevin Warsh is slated to replace Janet Yellen as FED Chair.

https://www.cnbc.com/2017/10/02/fed-chair-favorite-warsh-believes-central-bank-is-slave-of-the-sp.html?__source=yahoo%7Cfinance%7Cheadline%7Cheadline%7Cstory&par=yahoo&doc=104746283&yptr=yahoo

This man is more hawkish than Janet Yellen and he will want to end the QE much faster than Yellen as he sees that FED is being held hostage by the stock market.

USA gunman fired a machine gun at the crowd below the Mandalay Hotel.

https://www.nytimes.com/2017/10/02/us/las-vegas-shooting.html

This is definitely an act of terrorism.  The white man was shooting from the 32nd floor of Mandalay Hotel.  He mounted his machine gun in the hotel room and fired at the crowd below.  Up till date, about 59 died in this shooting craze.

Spain police attacked referendum voters!

Not only did the Spain police attack the referendum voters, they also attacked the officials and firemen.  This won't end well as this violence against its own citizens would only reinforce their resolve to gain independence.

Apple is reporting bad sales for Iphone 8 and 8 plus in China, HK and India.

http://indianexpress.com/article/technology/iphone-8/lack-of-innovation-high-prices-discouraging-people-from-buying-iphones-4870685/

https://www.cnet.com/news/china-no-crowds-apple-stores-iphone-8-launch/

Some analysts attribute the poor sales to the upcoming Iphone X sales launch.  If the Iphone X sales launch is also bad, Apple and its suppliers' stock prices will fall again.

Singapore stock calls for 2 October 2017

The Chinese who hated China would always emigrate to the USA.

https://www.nytimes.com/2017/10/01/business/facebook-china-guo-wengui.html?mcubz=3

This is the same with Amos Yee who hates Singapore.  All these people will take up the USA citizenships and badmouth their own countries of origin when they're no longer in their birthplaces.

Therefore, not all Chinese Americans are pro-China and most of them are not China spies.

Spain is breaking up.

http://www.marketwatch.com/story/catalonia-leader-with-90-approval-we-have-the-right-to-be-independent-2017-10-01?siteid=yhoof2&yptr=yahoo

This comes after Iraq break-up.  This Spain break-up doesn't bode well for Europe because Spain is not doing well now and will become weaker.  Catalonia constitutes 10% of Spain's population but 20% of Spain's economy.  Spain will drag Europe down.

Bad Iphone sales launch in China.

Iphone sales launch in China Hangzhou has no queue.  People used to queue overnight in China for Iphone launch but the recent Iphone 8 had only 2 people in the queue.  The security guards were more than customers.

Our Iphones poll.

This poll shows that most of our readers are not interested in Iphones.  Heehee!

The same F1 event but different views and outcomes.

http://www.todayonline.com/singapore/singapore-f1-deal-extended-another-four-years

Singapore has extended F1 for another 4 years.  Singapore government sees an economic value in the F1 event because it has a multiplier effect on SG such as boosting the hotel, retail and F&B businesses.

http://www.thestar.com.my/business/business-news/2017/09/30/malaysia-does-not-want-to-host-formula-one-even-if-it-was-given-free/

However, Malaysia doesn't want to host F1 despite having a proper race track.  Malaysian government sees no entertainment value in the F1 event because there is no consumer gratification in sitting down to watch the F1 and also a huge cost involved in organising it.

Who is right? and What is right? Economic vs Entertainment value!

China's manufacturing and services are growing well.

http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/official-survey-china-factory-activity-rises-year-high-50193525

China official PMI rose to 52.4 in September compared to 51.7 in August.  50 is the dividing line between growth and contraction.

However, the private Caixin PMI slipped to 51 from 51.6 but it was still showing growth albeit diminishing growth.

The non-manufacturing or services index rose to 55.4 in September from 53.4 in August.

These indexes show that China economic growth is stable and growing gradually.

South Korea bans initial coin offering (ICO) after China.

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/south-korea-bans-forms-initial-025033448.html

SK has joined China in banning ICOs.

Bitcoin or virtual currency is a flawed concept.

http://sg-stock.blogspot.sg/2017/08/death-knell-for-virtual-currency-is.html

When this virtual currency scam is over, many people will be burnt heavily. Sigh!

Baltic dry index - 1356

Today, Friday, September 29 2017, the Baltic Dry Index decreased by 35 points, reaching 1356 points.

Baltic Dry Index is compiled by the London-based Baltic Exchange and covers prices for transported cargo such as coal, grain and iron ore. The index is based on a daily survey of agents all over the world. Baltic Dry hit a temporary peak on May 20, 2008, when the index hit 11,793. The lowest level ever reached was on Wednesday the 10th of February 2016, when the index dropped to 290 points.

==========================

Related stocks: Sembcorp Marine, Cosco & Pan Ocean.

US rig count - 940

The number of rigs exploring for oil and natural gas in the U.S. increased by five this week to 940.

That's up from the 522 rigs that were active a year ago.

Houston oilfield services company Baker Hughes said Friday that 750 rigs sought oil and 189 explored for natural gas this week. One was listed as miscellaneous.

Among major oil- and gas-producing states, Utah gained four rigs and Louisiana increased by two. New Mexico and North Dakota each gained one.

Oklahoma lost three rigs and Texas shed two.

Alaska, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Wyoming were unchanged.

The U.S. rig count peaked at 4,530 in 1981. It bottomed out in May of 2016 at 404.

==========================

Related stocks: Keppel Corp, Sembcorp Marine & Cosco.

North Korea radar is no longer working due to shortage of electricity.

http://english.yonhapnews.co.kr/news/2017/09/26/0200000000AEN20170926005251315.html

NK had no military action against US bomber flight recently.

The lack of energy is really thwarting NK's defence system.  Therefore, the USA doesn't need to use F35 against NK as the situation in NK is getting dire without oil imports.

Singapore stock calls for 29 September 2017

Another bad news for Iphone 8.

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/two-iphone-8-battery-incidents-already-reported-don-162021486.html

Iphone 8 battery is defective and will swell up to crack the Iphone.

Buyers beware!

India is heading towards a hard landing.

https://sg.finance.yahoo.com/news/indias-flagging-economy-draws-dire-022358211.html

The belligerent India is heading towards a hard landing.  Instead of focusing on developing its economy, India prefers to fight with its neighbours and waste unnecessary military spending on buying military weapons.

We did give a precursory warning on India recently.

http://sg-stock.blogspot.sg/2017/09/india-economic-growth-is-declining.html

Venezuela president is urging its military to get ready for USA invasion!

https://www.rt.com/news/404791-maduro-tanks-threats-us/

The USA is creating troubles again!  This time is with Venezuela.

We did post about this in our previous posting.

http://sg-stock.blogspot.sg/2017/09/usa-is-trying-to-topple-venezuela.html

China drones are combat ready!

Just look at the precision of the weapons!  All hit targets!

Singapore stock calls for 28 September 2017

Nokia 3310 is available in 3G now! Yeah!

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/new-nokia-3310-3g-to-be-available-in-singapore-from-october-9258376

This Nokia 3310 is 3G ready which is different from the Nokia 3310 in other countries because the other Nokia 3310 model is only 2G ready which is unusable in Singapore.

It's a great phone for elderly.  Heehee!

KGI Fraser is dead wrong about the FED staying put on the interest rate in December 2017.

I extracted this from KGI Fraser research report on 25 September 2017.

I believe KGI is wrong in its analysis and the analyst should be fired for the singularity thinking that is primarily focused on inflation.

Fed Chair Janet Yellen has indicated a very hawkish stance on future interest rate hikes in her latest speech.  I predict that the FED will hike interest rate in December and nothing will stop her from doing so unless a war breaks out.

The US interest rate hike in December 2017 is a fait accompli.

FED Chair Janet Yellen said recently that she and her colleagues had misjudged and adopted the wrong monetary policies based on the FED preferred inflation target of 2%. Therefore, she would continue to gradually increase the interest rates in the future to rectify the mishandling of the economy and disregard the unachievable 2% inflation rate.

Now, we have another Fed governor supporting her.

http://www.marketwatch.com/story/feds-rosengren-backs-regular-and-gradual-interest-rate-hikes-2017-09-27?siteid=yhoof2&yptr=yahoo

Trump US$5t tax plan won't get passed.

Why the US$5T tax plan won't get passed?  The Senate budget committee has a policy not to increase the national debt by US$1.5T in the next decade.  Therefore, the US$5T is way above this incremental limit.  Trump has to cut his tax plan by US$3.5T and he doesn't know how to cut it.

https://www.thestar.com/news/world/2017/09/27/trump-republicans-propose-5-trillion-tax-plan-cuts-to-individual-and-corporate-rates.html

Middle East will get messier now because the Turds voted for independence.

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-41419633

Turds, supported by the USA, carried out a referendum and voted for independence.  This referendum has definitely angered Turkey and Iran.  Both have moved their military forces to the border and also conducted joint-military exercise.

The USA has lost control of the Turds as the Turds have defied the USA.  This is the same situation with the terrorists.  The terrorists were also groomed by the USA in the past and the USA lost control of the terrorists in the end.

http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2017/09/25/536458/Iraq-Turkey-army-military-drills-referendum-independence-KRG-Kurdish-region

Singapore stock calls for 27 September 2017

Singapore stock calls for 26 September 2017

Apple suppliers' stocks are falling by at least 10%.

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-09-25/iphone-disappointment-hammers-suppliers-fuels-taiwan-outflows

We did warn about such stock impacts on Apple's suppliers and manufacturers.

http://sg-stock.blogspot.sg/2017/09/iphone-8-sales-launch-is-disappointing.html

There was a report on Apple demanding its suppliers to scale back on Apple's supplies in view of the lacklustre sales.

http://bgr.com/2017/09/25/iphone-x-release-date-supply/

Apple shares also have fallen from its peak.

https://www.cnbc.com/2017/09/25/apples-iphone-x-pulls-shares-down-with-low-supply.html

China can build one floor of a building in 3 days!

Amazing building speed!

Japan will dissolve its parliament on Thursday for election.

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-japan-election/japans-abe-announces-snap-election-amid-worries-over-north-korea-crisis-idUSKCN1C0001

Japan will be having its election on 22 October 2017.

Japan stock market will be range bound for now as nobody is 100% confident that Abe will win in this upcoming election.  It may turn out like the Trump presidential election win and the Brexit event.

We can only hope that NK will not test its H-Bomb in the Pacific Ocean as stated by Kim.

Singapore stock calls for 25 September 2017

USA is trying to topple Venezuela government.

The USA is a real troublemaker in the world.  It has been trying to topple the Cambodian government but is not successful so far and is targeting Venezuela now.

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/cia-venezuela-crisis-government-mike-pompeo-helping-install-new-remarks-a7859771.html

One of the successful regime changes implemented by the USA was Ukraine because it spent USD$5B and 10 years in Ukraine.  The USA was so proud about it and announced its involvement in public.

https://www.globalresearch.ca/washington-was-behind-ukraine-coup-obama-admits-that-us-brokered-a-deal-in-support-of-regime-change/5429142

PM Lee praised China HSR during his China visit in September 2017.

Just look at the stability of China HSR.

No wonder our PM Lee loves China HSR.

Sino-Singapore relationship is getting cosy!

http://en.people.cn/n3/2017/0924/c90000-9273013.html

Finally! We are getting cosy with China, beginning with the new round of military exercises.

SG has realized the threats from the BRI and decided to get cosy with China.  SG has no choice because TPP is no longer available and our government has to participate in RCEP and BRI.

I hope that China will give the face and political credit to SG by participating in the KL-SG HSR under Singapore invitation.

Baltic dry index - 1502

Today, Friday, September 22 2017, the Baltic Dry Index climbed by 32 points, reaching 1502 points.

Baltic Dry Index is compiled by the London-based Baltic Exchange and covers prices for transported cargo such as coal, grain and iron ore. The index is based on a daily survey of agents all over the world. Baltic Dry hit a temporary peak on May 20, 2008, when the index hit 11,793. The lowest level ever reached was on Wednesday the 10th of February 2016, when the index dropped to 290 points.

==========================

Related stocks: Sembcorp Marine, Cosco & Pan Ocean.

US rig count - 935

HOUSTON (AP) — The number of rigs exploring for oil and natural gas in the U.S. fell by one this week to 935.

That's still up from the 511 rigs that were active a year ago.

Houston oilfield services company Baker Hughes said Friday that 744 rigs sought oil and 190 explored for natural gas this week. One was listed as miscellaneous.

Among major oil- and gas-producing states, Louisiana gained three rigs.

Alaska, New Mexico, and Texas each gained one rig. North Dakota and Oklahoma lost three rigs each, and Colorado lost two rigs.

California, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Utah, West Virginia, and Wyoming were unchanged.

The U.S. rig count peaked at 4,530 in 1981. It bottomed out in May of 2016 at 404.

========================

Related stocks: Keppel Corp, Sembcorp Marine & Cosco.

How does a China warehouse sort its packages?

What can I say? Simply amazing!

Travel alert to Bali.

http://news.sky.com/story/bali-volcano-alert-sees-thousands-evacuated-from-homes-11047375

Bali volcano has shown signs of erupting soon.  Therefore, it's best to avoid going to Bali now as the volcano is expected to erupt within 10 days.

Singapore stock calls for 22 September 2017

Why is China so blase about Singapore invitation to participate in the KL-SG HSR tender?

Singapore first invited China to participate in our KL-HSR tender in June 2017 by our FM Vivian but China ignored our invitation.

http://sg-stock.blogspot.sg/2017/06/singapore-had-repented-and-invited.html

Then, our PM Lee invited China again in September 2017 during his China visit.  However, China has not responded to our invitation again.

http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/world/2017-09/20/content_32229112.htm

Why?

Well, China is considering whether to give face or political credit to SG for allowing China to participate in the KL-HSR.  Why am I saying this?  This is because China is a strategic thinker and has a strategic tactic to undertake the KL-SG HSR without going through SG.  Therefore, it will only take part in the project under Singapore invitation out of good faith or when it wants to give political credit to SG.

If you understand the BRI, you will know that China gives preferential treatment to Laos which is an inland country without any port.  China is helping Laos by turning it into a land transhipment hub where goods and people are transported to its neighbouring countries by railways and HSRs.  Therefore, Laos will adopt China HSR system in reciprocation.

http://shanghaiist.com/2017/07/12/thailand-china-railway-approved.php

http://sg-stock.blogspot.sg/2017/09/china-won-hsr-construction-deal-in.html

What about the BKK-KL HSR?

Thailand had given the internal HSR (BKK-Chiang Mai) to Japan because Japan gave a lot of concessions to Thailand.  Meanwhile, the cross-border HSRs from BKK to China and Laos were given to China.  Thailand has to maintain 2 different HSR systems now instead of one.

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asiapacific/rail-diplomacy-puts-grand-plans-for-thailand-s-railway-on-track-8591784

Malaysia had indicated its preference for China HSR system for the cross-border BKK-KL HSR.  Will Thailand adopt a 3rd HSR system for this BKK-KL HSR? I don't think so because it is expensive and difficult to maintain 3 different HSR systems.  Therefore, Thai is likely to adopt the China HSR system as requested by Malaysia.

http://www.todayonline.com/world/asia/thailand-malaysia-begin-talks-hsr-linking-bangkok-and-kuala-lumpur-thai-minister

When the BKK-KL HSR system is adopting the China HSR system, Malaysia will also want to adopt the same system for the KL-SG HSR because it's easier and cheaper to maintain 1 HSR system instead of 2.  Therefore, it is likely that Malaysia will impose the China HSR system on KL-SG HSR unless SG gives a lot of concessions to Malaysia to adopt a different HSR system.  SG is at the losing end because it is at the end of the HSR and is only responsible for the 15km HSR system on its own land.

Malaysia can insist on building the HSR from KL to JB using the China HSR system and leave SG out of it under the worst case scenario because SG cannot have a say on Malaysia land.  Malaysia will just let SG decide on its own HSR because Malaysia also cannot have a say on Singapore land.

This is the reason for China to be blase about our invitation as China has a strategic tactic to undertake the KL-SG project without going through SG.  SG is only responsible for 15km of the HSR on its own land and is making a lot of noise about the HSR but Malaysia is so quiet about the HSR when it is undertaking 335km of the HSR.  Let's see whether China will give face to SG and participate in the HSR project under our invitation out of good faith.

Iphone 8 sales launch is disappointing.

http://www.asiaone.com/digital/apples-iphone-8-sees-muted-launch-asia

This will definitely hit Apple's suppliers and manufacturers.  Watch out the stock performances of those companies involved in the Apple's chain.

OMG! HP is retrenching again.

https://sg.finance.yahoo.com/news/hewlett-packard-enterprise-reportedly-cutting-234601321.html

Many countries are reporting good economic growth but companies are retrenching......Why? Why? Why?

This shows that we're not having real economic growth at all.

OMG! SPH is trenching!

https://sg.finance.yahoo.com/news/singapore-press-holdings-said-consider-job-cuts-reorganization-plan-113721110.html

SPH monopolizes the Singapore media industry and cannot even survive because of technological changes.

This is what happens when you rest on your laurels thinking that your monopoly will protect your business.  Alas! Time has changed.

Why did PM Lee go to China in September 2017?

PM Lee had requested for the new sea-rail link developments between China & SG in this Sino-SG meeting.

http://sg-stock.blogspot.sg/2017/05/new-sea-rail-link-between-china-and.html

We reported this new sea-rail link before.

PM Lee had also promised to promote China-ASEAN relationship in 2018 when it's the chairman and invited China to participate in the KL-SG HSR.

Basically, this trip is to appease and pacify China because PM Lee realizes that he cannot rely on Trump as he is unpredictable.

Singapore stock calls for 21 September 2017

Who will win the KL-SG HSR project?

http://www.businesstimes.com.sg/transport/lta-forms-new-unit-to-implement-the-kl-singapore-high-speed-rail-project

China? Japan? Korea? or France?

Well, Singapore is responsible for 15km while Malaysia will build 335km of the 350km KL-SG HSR.  Therefore, Malaysia will definitely have a bigger say in this joint-venture.  Furthermore, Malaysia will also have to consider its KL-BKK HSR.  Thus, it is in Malaysia's interest to have the same HSR system as it is easier and cheaper to maintain than to have 2 different HSR systems.

However, in Singapore context, we would like to have an open standard railway system so that we're not at the mercy of a single vendor.  This difference in consideration will not sit well with the Malaysia side as Malaysia has more considerations than SG.

Recently, Thailand had awarded its cross-border Thai-Laos HSR to China.

http://sg-stock.blogspot.sg/2017/09/china-won-hsr-construction-deal-in.html

In view of this, it is likely that China will win the BKK-KL HSR too.  Consequently, Malaysia will want to adopt the same HSR system for its KL-SG HSR.

US Fed maintains interest rate and will begin QE tapering in October 2017.

The US Fed has maintained its interest rate as expected but will begin its QE tapering in October 2017 with an initial US$10b monthly taper.  In a nutshell, this means FED will not reinvest US$10b from its bond proceeds when the bonds mature and this will gradually increase to US$50b per month.

QE tapering will only affect long-term rates because these bonds and MBS maturity periods are long while the FED rate hikes will affect short-term rates like overnight bank rate, loan rate, etc.  The FED is expected to hike rate in December 2017 and 3x in 2018.

All in all, rates are definitely rising in the future.

South Korea and China trade war has intensified.

http://english.etnews.com/20170919200001

South Korea has decided to halt its semiconductor and display manufacturer from setting up factories in China in retaliation.  However, this move will hurt its Korean businesses.

Why?

China has already produced its own Kirin 970 AI chip which will be used on China-made mobile phones and Sharp is going to produce 8K display panels in China Foxconn factory.  Furthermore, TSMC is also producing its A11 chips in China too.  Therefore, I don't see any technology transfer from SK to China.  Instead, SK manufacturers will lose their competitive edges when they don't set up their factories in China because it will take a longer time to deliver their products to China consumers.  The production cost will also be higher when they don't set up factories in China.

Good luck to SK as SK is slowly killing its own businesses.

Russia and China snub Trump's speech on UN reform.

https://www.thenational.ae/world/the-americas/russia-and-china-snub-trump-guterres-meeting-on-un-reform-1.629753

It's difficult to pass any motion without China & Russia approvals as these 2 are permanent members and have veto powers.

The absence of China & Russia showed that the USA would face tremendous difficulties in UN.

How do you know Sino-SG relationship is going well?

Well, when SG allows China naval vessels and subs to berth at our port, it shows that Sino-SG relationship is going well.

Just look at Malaysia.  PM Najib was in USA but China sub was berthing at Malaysia port.

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-china-malaysia-southchinasea/chinese-sub-docks-at-malaysian-port-for-second-time-this-year-idUSKCN1BO17P

Trump's speech at UN received some heavy criticism.

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-41327130

Swedish FM remark was a direct slap at Trump - Wrong speech, wrong time & wrong audience!  In other words, Swedish FM was saying Trump was spewing nonsense at the UN summit.

Trump had made a mockery of himself in the world with this speech.  His speech is more likely to create ramification than to garner good unison.

China has also expressed a peaceful resolution on the NK issue which is an exact opposite of what Trump is doing.  Trump is trying to set the motion of war against NK but he is doomed to fail.

http://en.people.cn/n3/2017/0920/c90000-9271375.html

Singapore stock calls for 20 September 2017

Blah Blah Blah! That's what Trump is good at but nothing gets done.

https://sg.news.yahoo.com/donald-trump-expected-rebuke-states-114254280.html

NATO is the essence of Trump's speech.  This NATO is No Action, Talk Only.

There is no way for Trump to destroy NK totally without China & Russia approvals.  This is a fact and China & Russia have veto powers in UN.  NK is not Iraq whereby the USA can attack NK unilaterally.  China & Russia won't allow it.

Hot news! USA and Taiwan are in cahoots to topple the Cambodian government.

http://www.phnompenhpost.com/national/hun-sen-hits-us-foreign-policy

This is the usual mode of operandi whenever the local government is not the USA ally.  The USA knew that Hun was wary of USA operatives in Cambodia.  Therefore, the USA asked Taiwan to do this on behalf of the USA.  However, the Taiwan businessmen were taken aback by the Cambodian media outburst.

The Taiwan businessmen were so afraid of being implicated in this matter that they published in the mainstream newspaper for 3 days that they were not involved in this "regime change".

In the end, the Taiwan government was forced to come forth to deny any involvement in toppling the Cambodian government.

http://focustaiwan.tw/news/aipl/201709190008.aspx

Cambodian Hun was just issuing a subtle warning to Taiwan through the media not to help the USA to topple the government and nobody was arrested in this episode.  Hun would have arrested those involved in the "regime change" if he didn't want to give Taiwan a chance to back off.  Hun was willing to give Taiwan a chance because he recognised the one-China policy.  Let's not forget Hun was a hard-handed man in the past.

USA embassy in Cuba was under sonic weapon attack recently.

http://www.foxnews.com/science/2017/09/18/scientists-still-baffled-by-mysterious-sonic-weapon-attack-on-us-embassy-in-cuba.html

USA embassy will be closed in Cuba for its personnel health protection.  The USA is certain that its embassy in Cuba is under some kind of sonic weapon attack but it cannot determine the source and frequency.

21 personnel have been confirmed to be injured by this sonic attack.

The real threat to global trade!

http://www.scmp.com/news/world/united-states-canada/article/2111759/trumps-trade-chief-says-china-threat-global-trading

The USA is back again with a smearing campaign against China by labelling China as an unprecedented threat.  However, the real threat to the global trade is the USA because of its protectionism and anti-globalization policies.  The USA even tries to supersede WTO rules with its own 301 trade law.

Just look at how Germany & BRICS condemned the USA.

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world-0/us-politics/merkel-trump-attack-foreign-policy-winners-losers-a7825161.html

http://thehill.com/policy/international/340646-merkel-hits-us-policy-ahead-of-g20-summit

http://usa.chinadaily.com.cn/business/2017-06/20/content_29808940.htm

A research showed that anti-globalization was the no.1 threat facing Asia Pacific but the USA wanted to mislead the world by embarking on a smearing campaign.

http://www.asiaone.com/business/anti-globalisation-no-1-threat-facing-asia-pacific-report

Singapore stock calls for 19 September 2017

China President Xi Jinping will be having a final showdown with Jiang Zemin soon.

http://www.reuters.com/article/us-china-corruption-usa/chinas-most-wanted-overseas-fugitive-confesses-to-corruption-xinhua-idUSKBN1AD1D6

The most corrupted person, Yang XiuZhu, was on a run for 13 years before she requested in the USA to return to China to face trial.  This was something puzzling and uncanny because she would be facing a death sentence in China under the corruption and bribery charges.

She was in custody for a long time before she was given a trial recently.  Why did she request to face trial in China after being on the run for 13 years? We'll come to this in a moment.

Meanwhile, President Xi had just completed his military revamp recently by replacing all the top honchos including the chief of general staff.  President Xi had managed to replace all the Jiang's henchmen in the military.  Therefore, he has total control of the military now and he can have a final showdown with Jiang Zemin.  Jiang is currently under house arrest in China.

The withholdment of Yang's sentence was bewildering because it was a corruption case proven beyond reasonable doubt.  It was speculated that Yang was willing to return to China to face trial because President Xi promised to pardon her death sentence in exchange for her to become a tainted witness to testify against Jiang Zemin.  We also believe this to be true because nobody would be so foolish to return to face a death sentence in China especially when she was no longer in China anymore.

Please read about the China political situation below.

http://sg-stock.blogspot.sg/2017/07/political-battles-are-playing-out-in.html

Singapore NODX jumps significantly in August with 17% year on year growth.

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/business/singapore-s-exports-jump-17-in-fourth-straight-month-of-growth-9225588

Singapore is a country which relies heavily on international trading and our economic growth also depends significantly on net exports.

China is our largest export nation now and will impact SG's economic growth since we cannot find another market to replace China.

Does it make sense to offend our largest trading partner for the political interest of another nation (USA)?

Asia will get more and more affected by China, whether we like it or not.  The USA doesn't care about Asia except for its own political interest.  I hope our government will make the right choice.

The USA is just setting the motion for a war against North Korea.

https://uk.news.yahoo.com/north-korea-will-destroyed-reckless-behaviour-continues-us-ambassador-warns-090000879.html

The USA already knew that sanctions won't work on NK but still insisted on sanctions because it would give the USA the excuse to wage a war against NK after all the available avenues had been exhausted.  However, it's a wishful thinking because China & Russia won't allow a war at their doorsteps.  Having a war near China & Russia means that China & Russia will have to deal with millions of refugees and also the USA influences on the Korean peninsula after the war.  This kind of situation is something China & Russia don't want to see and they'll definitely get involved in the war.

Singapore stock calls for 18 September 2017

Will PM Lee flip-flop on Sino-SG relationship when he visits USA after China?

http://www.businesstimes.com.sg/government-economy/singapore-china-relations-will-continue-advancing-with-the-times-says-pm-lee

It is gladdening to see that our PM Lee is making pro-China remarks.  However, I hope that he won't make anti-China remarks later when he visits USA.

It is despicable in the eyes of the public to see our leader making flip-flop statements in different countries.  When there is no unison in our political stance, there won't be any credibility and trust in our nation.  This won't bode well for SG in the future as no country will trust SG.

President Halimah is here to divide or unite Singaporeans?

http://www.reuters.com/article/us-singapore-protest/singaporeans-protest-against-uncontested-presidential-election-idUSKCN1BR0I3?il=0

It's sad to see that Singaporeans protest against our Malay reserved President.  This shows that she doesn't have the mandate of the people and has become a controversial president.

However, this was what 70% of Singaporeans wanted in the last GE.  Singaporeans wanted to have a one-party system and this was the repercussion we needed to accept.

We have to repent and accept the inevitable outcome.

http://sg-stock.blogspot.sg/2017/09/halimah-yacob-has-become-most.html

Typhoon Talim has landed in Japan

Baltic dry index - 1385

Today, Friday, September 15 2017, the Baltic Dry Index climbed by 24 points, reaching 1385 points.

Baltic Dry Index is compiled by the London-based Baltic Exchange and covers prices for transported cargo such as coal, grain and iron ore. The index is based on a daily survey of agents all over the world. Baltic Dry hit a temporary peak on May 20, 2008, when the index hit 11,793. The lowest level ever reached was on Wednesday the 10th of February 2016, when the index dropped to 290 points.

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Related stocks: Sembcorp Marine, Cosco, Pan Ocean

US rig count - 936

HOUSTON (AP) — The number of rigs exploring for oil and natural gas in the U.S. fell by eight this week to 936.

That's up from the 506 rigs that were active a year ago.

Houston oilfield services company Baker Hughes said Friday that 749 rigs sought oil and 186 explored for natural gas this week. One was listed as miscellaneous.

Among major oil- and gas-producing states, West Virginia added one rig.

Louisiana and Texas each lost three rigs. Colorado, New Mexico and North Dakota each shed one.

Alaska, California, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Utah and Wyoming were unchanged.

The U.S. rig count peaked at 4,530 in 1981. It bottomed out in May of 2016 at 404.

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Related stocks: Keppel Corp, Sembcorp Marine & Cosco