<div class=newsTextDataWrapInner><p>KUALA LUMPUR (Feb 28): Hong Leong IB Research has downgraded AirAsia Group Bhd to “Hold” at RM3.04 with a lower target price (TP) of RM3.20 (from RM3.65) and said AirAsia reported FY18 core PATMI of RM705.2 million (-52.3% y-o-y), below HLIB forecast and consensus, following a disappointing 4Q18.</p></div>

<div class=newsTextDataWrapInner><p>In a note today, the research house said AirAsia’s FY18 was affected by higher operational costs (jet fuel, maintenance, lease charges and user fees).</p></div>

<div class=newsTextDataWrapInner><p>“Management will remain aggressive in its capacity expansion plan with additional 22 aircrafts in 2019 while focusing on cost cutting measures.</p></div><div class=inPageAd id=div-gpt-ad-inpage></div>

<div class=newsTextDataWrapInner><p>“Declared a second interim dividend of 12 sen/share (total 64 sen/share for FY18).</p></div>

<div class=newsTextDataWrapInner><p>“Downgrade to Hold with lower TP: RM3.20 (from RM3.65), based on 10% discount to SOP of RM3.55 post earnings downward adjustments,” it said.</p></div>


KUALA LUMPUR (Feb 28): Hong Leong IB Research has downgraded AirAsia Group Bhd to “Hold” at RM3.04 with a lower target price (TP) of RM3.20 (from RM3.65) and said AirAsia reported FY18 core PATMI of RM705.2 million (-52.3% y-o-y), below HLIB forecast and consensus, following a disappointing 4Q18....

HLIB Research downgrades AirAsia, lowers target price to RM3.20 

The nomination centre for the Kuala Kubu Baharu state by-election closed at 10am on Saturday.

The announcement was made by returning officer Yuhanas Auree Kamaruddin at the Hulu Selangor Multipurpose Hall and District Sports Complex here.

Nomination centre for Kuala Kubu Baharu by-election closes at 10am

Alphabet Inc closed decisively above a US$2 trillion (RM9.54 trillion) market capitalisation for the first time on Friday, as a powerhouse earnings report reassured investors that the Google parent would be a major player in artificial intelligence (AI).

Alphabet joins US$2 trillion club as results show AI strength

Candidates contesting the upcoming Kuala Kubu Bharu by-election, a semi-urban seat located in the Hulu Selangor district, have started executing their campaign strategies over the weekend. The by-election is being held following the demise of its incumbent, Lee Kee Hiong from DAP, on March 21 due to cancer.

The Week Ahead: Attention on KKB by-election, FOMC decision, trade data in Asia

Richly valued US stocks are leaving investors with little tolerance for disappointment, raising the stakes ahead of a week in which two more technology and growth giants are set to report.

Lofty US stocks leave investors punishing earnings disappointments

Two earthquakes, the largest a 6.1 magnitude, struck Taiwan's eastern county of Hualien on Saturday, the island's weather administration said, with no immediate reports of damage.

The quakes, within half an hour of each other in the early hours of the morning, shook buildings in the capital, Taipei.

Taiwan rattled by quakes again, no immediate reports of damage

Nomination for the Kuala Kubu Baharu state by-election opened at 9am on Saturday at the Hulu Selangor Multipurpose Hall and District Sports Complex here.

Nomination opens at 9am for Kuala Kubu Baharu by-election

US regulators have seized Republic First Bancorp and agreed to sell it to Fulton Bank, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp (FDIC) said on Friday, underscoring the challenges facing regional banks a year after the collapse of three peers.

US regulators seize troubled lender Republic First, sell it to Fulton Bank

Apple Inc has renewed discussions with OpenAI about using the start-up’s technology to power some new features coming to the iPhone later this year, according to people familiar with the matter.

Apple intensifies talks with OpenAI for iPhone generative AI features

The Perak government is expected to establish cooperation with Star Group Industries (SGI), a leading South Korean company with experience in the production of downstream products of rare earth elements (REE).

Perak to collaborate with rare earth elements company from South Korea, says MB

Global stocks were higher on Friday, as Big Tech gains lifted Wall Street shares, while Japan's yen sank to a 34-year low after the Bank of Japan (BOJ) kept monetary policy loose.

Global stocks gain on Big Tech lift; yen slides to 34-year low

<p>The creation of Flexible Account 3 for anytime withdrawals from May 11 means Employees Provident Fund (EPF) members can choose to take out up to a third of the balance in their existing Wellbeing Account 2.</p>


Who pays for anytime EPF withdrawals?

<p>China passed a law on Friday strengthening its trade defence capabilities as the US and the European Union take aim at Beijing over excess industrial capacity.</p>


China passes tariff law amid tensions with trading partners

<p>Global&nbsp;stocks were higher on Friday, as Big Tech gains lifted Wall Street shares, while Japan's yen&nbsp;sank to a&nbsp;34-year low after the Bank of Japan (BOJ)&nbsp;kept&nbsp;monetary policy loose.</p>


<p>The Perak government is expected to establish cooperation with Star Group Industries (SGI), a leading South Korean company with experience in the production of downstream products of rare earth elements (REE).</p>


<p>Richly valued US&nbsp;stocks are leaving investors with little tolerance for disappointment, raising the stakes ahead of a week in which two more technology and growth giants are set to report.</p>


<p>Alphabet Inc&nbsp;closed decisively above a US$2 trillion (RM9.54 trillion) market capitalisation for the first time on Friday, as a powerhouse earnings report reassured investors that the Google parent would be a major player in artificial intelligence (AI).</p>


<p>US&nbsp;regulators have seized Republic First Bancorp and agreed to sell it to Fulton Bank, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp (FDIC) said on Friday, underscoring the challenges facing regional banks a year after the collapse of three peers.</p>


<p>The nomination centre&nbsp;for the Kuala Kubu Baharu state by-election closed at 10am on Saturday.</p>

<p>The announcement was made by returning officer Yuhanas Auree Kamaruddin&nbsp;at the Hulu Selangor Multipurpose Hall and District Sports Complex here.</p>


<p>Nomination&nbsp;for the Kuala Kubu Baharu state by-election opened at 9am on Saturday at&nbsp;the Hulu Selangor Multipurpose Hall and District Sports Complex here.</p>


<p>Candidates contesting the upcoming Kuala Kubu Bharu by-election, a semi-urban seat located in the Hulu Selangor district, have started executing their campaign strategies over the weekend. The by-election is being held following the demise of its incumbent, Lee Kee Hiong from DAP, on March 21 due to cancer.</p>


<p>Apple Inc&nbsp;has renewed discussions with OpenAI about using the start-up’s technology to power some new features coming to the iPhone later this year, according to people familiar with the matter.&nbsp;</p>


<p>Two earthquakes, the largest a 6.1 magnitude, struck Taiwan's eastern county of Hualien on Saturday, the island's weather administration said, with no immediate reports of damage.</p>

<p>The quakes, within half an hour of each other in the early hours of the morning, shook buildings in the capital, Taipei.</p>
