US stocks regain momentum as housing, GDP data show strength

Today’s Highlights

►    Results Note – Lafarge Malaysia (SELL, downgrade) - A plunging quarter

►    Results Note  – UMW Holdings (SELL, maintain) - O&G division continues to bleed

►    Results Note – AFG (HOLD, maintain) - Sustained by niche segments

►    Results Note – Karex (HOLD, maintain) - Lack of tender love

►    Results Note  – SUPERMAX (HOLD, maintain) - Weak start

►    Results Note  – Media Prima (SELL, maintain) - Another disappointing quarter due to print

►    Results Note  – Benalec Hldgs (HOLD, maintain) - Rebound lag

Outside Malaysia            

►    US stocks regain momentum as housing, GDP data show strength

►    US third-quarter GDP revised higher on consumer spending

►    Home prices in 20 US cities climbed 5.1% in September

►    Consumer confidence in US increases to a nine-year high

►    Euro area confidence rises as ECB reviews asset-purchase program

►    German inflation fails to pick up as ECB weighs adding stimulus

►    Japan’s household spending, retail sales decline in October

►    Oil tumbles as Saudi-Iranian discord puts OPEC agreement at risk