UPDATE ON AVIAN INFLUENZA A (H7N9) IN CHINA 30 APRIL 2013

UPDATE ON

AVIAN INFLUENZA A (H7N9) IN CHINA

30 APRIL 2013

Affected places:

Eight (8) Provinces: Anhui, Fujian, Henan, Hunan, Jiangsu, Jiangxi, Shandong and Zhejiang

Two (2) Municipalities: Beijing and Shanghai.

Number of cases:

To date, there are a total of 126 laboratory confirmed human cases with avian influenza A (H7N9) virus including 24 fatalities in China reported from eight (8) Provinces: Anhui 4 (1), Fujian 2 (0), Henan 4 (0), Hunan 2 (0), Jiangsu 26 (5), Jiangxi 4 (0), Shandong 2 (0) and Zhejiang 46 (6) and two (2) Municipalities: Beijing 1 (0) and Shanghai 34 (12), and 1 (0) Taiwan case. Currently, 78 patients are hospitalized and 24 have been discharged.

WHO does not advise special screening at points of entry with regard to this event, nor does it recommend that any travel or trade restrictions be applied.

Symptoms:

Symptoms include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Infection with avian influenza A(H7N9) virus has resulted in severe respiratory illness.

Source and Mode of Transmission Avian Influenza A (H7N9):

Both the source of infection and the mode of transmission are uncertain. The Chinese health authorities are still investigating and heightened disease surveillance. So far, there is no evidence of ongoing human-to-human transmission.

Vaccine for Avian Influenza A (H7N9) virus:

No vaccine for the prevention of avian influenza A (H7N9) virus infections is currently available. The virus H7N9 is susceptible to Neuraminidase Inhibitors (OSELTAMIVIR & ZANAMIVIR).

Travel advice to China and Taiwan:

There is no recommendation against travel to China and Taiwan at this time by WHO.

Market Update - 30 April 2013

• Overnight was quiet and fairly flat, if anything maybe a touch of a risk on appetite, but not by much.

• The S&P index closed 12 points higher to 1,593 and it feels like the market is positioning for a more dovish FOMC on Wednesday. Recent US data has been less than compelling and the market seems eager to position for a weaker USD. But of course should market have a sizable correction then of course we could see Dollars again put on its safe haven suit and rally.

• USDMYR opened maybe just a touch lower but still quiet with little action as we are only 4 working days from elections. This one will be an interesting one, the fact that market is sitting out shows the uncertainty everyone seems to be expecting from this round.

• Something from our central bank, BNM Governor Zeti said that economic growth may still reach 5-6% this year, driven by strong domestic demand and investment inflows. Added that recent portfolio inflows have been orderly and that there is no surprise why the MYR has strengthened quite markedly in recent sessions.

• Just to share something from Reuters on OCBC, of course I have to share, “Oversea-Chinese Banking Corp OCBC.SI, Singapore's second-biggest lender, posted a 16 percent fall in first quarter profit, hurt by lower contributions from its insurance unit and weak interest rate margins. OCBC earned S$696 million ($564 million) in the three months ended March, compared with S$832 million a year earlier. Its profit was above the S$656 million average forecast of eight analysts polled by Reuters. Business momentum is strong and asset quality remains sound, Chief Executive Officer Samuel Tsien said in a statement.”

Malaysia Palm Oil SGS Data 1-25 April 2013

SGS (1-25Apr) = 1083975 v 1055914(up​2.7%)

A MUST READ..!!! | Health Tips

A MUST READ..!!! | Health Tips

This is a vital information - literally of life and death - Be sure to read it and send it to those who appreciate it.

WATER AND SOAP IN ARMPIT
BEFORE BEDTIME
We spend the night with clean and underarm deodorant, to be a free breathing time the armpit.
Some time ago, I went to a seminar on Breast Cancer, led by Terry Birk with support from Dan Sullivan.

During the discussion, asked why the most common reason for developing breast cancer tumors is near the armpit.
My question could not be answered at that time.
This information was sent to me recently, and I'm glad it has been answered.
I informed a friend who is undergoing chemotherapy and she said that I had this information, obtained in a support group that frequents ...
Now I want to share information with you.!The main cause of Breast Cancer
is the use of anti-perspirant!

Most products on the market are a combination of anti-perspirant/deodorants.
Look at the labels!
Deodorant is fine,
ANTI-PERSPIRANT, NO.
The concentration of toxins causes
cell mutation:
CANCER. Here's why:

The human body is just a few areas where it can eliminate toxins: behind the knees, behind the ears, the English area and armpits.
Toxins are eliminated through perspiration.
The anti-perspirant, as the name says, prevents you from perspiring, thereby inhibiting the body to eliminate toxins through the armpits.
These toxins do not magically disappear.

As not come with sweat, the organism ta deposited in the lymph glands found under the arms.
Most breast cancers occur in the upper outside quadrant of the breast area.
Precisely where are the glands in men seems to occur to a lesser extent, but are not exempt from
Breast Cancer develop because of the anti-perspirant used instead of soap and water.
The difference lies in the fact that when men use anti-perspirant, not applied directly to the skin, they do so in large part on the hair of the armpits.

Women who apply antiperspirant or aftershave shaving the underarms, increase the risk due to tiny injuries and skin irritations which make harmful chemical components to penetrate more quickly into the body,

Please pass this infornación everyone ...
Breast Cancer is becoming frighteningly common and this warning may save some lives.
If somehow doubt this information, they can make their own investigations
They'll probably come to the same conclusion.

(BN) Ringgit Has Fifth Weekly Gain as Japan Easing Lures Inflows

· April 19 (Bloomberg) -- The ringgit strengthened for a fifth week on speculation Japan’s unprecedented monetary-easing program is spurring investment in Malaysian assets. Government bonds fell.

· The ringgit has been the second-biggest gainer against the dollar this month among Asia’s 11 most-traded currencies after the Bank of Japan announced April 4 that it would buy 7.5 trillion yen ($76 billion) of debt a month. The North Asian nation is Malaysia’s second-biggest overseas market. Prime Minister Najib Razak said this week he is “cautiously optimistic” his party can reclaim a two-thirds majority in parliament in the general elections on May 5.

· “The ringgit and other Asian currencies have gained on capital inflows from Japan,” said Wee-Khoon Chong, a rates strategist in Hong Kong at Societe Generale SA. The ringgit may weaken in the near term due to investor caution before the elections, he said.

· The Malaysian currency strengthened 0.1 percent this week to 3.0343 per dollar as of 4:44 p.m. in Kuala Lumpur, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. The ringgit, which was little changed today, has advanced 2 percent this month. One-month implied volatility, a measure of expected moves in exchange rates used to price options, rose 36 basis points today and 83 basis points this week to 7.81 percent, according to data compiled by Bloomberg.

· The yield on the 3.26 percent sovereign bonds due March 2018 rose one basis point, or 0.01 percentage point, this week to 3.17 percent and was steady today, according to data compiled by Bloomberg.

Malaysia Palm Oil ITS Data 1-20 April 2013

ITS (1-20 Apr) = 882469 v 927665 (down 4.87%)

Market Update - 22 April 2013

• USDMYR opened a touch higher at 3.0400 because it seems market is viewing that the candidates for the upcoming election seems weak and some resignations from UMNO senior ranks further added uncertainty within the main camp.

• The range for the week expected to be around 3.0100-3.0600 as I reckon the pair should be range trading will 5^th May 2013.

• Asian currencies still continue to be on the strong footing as CNY fixing lower everyday lending strength to Asian currencies.

• AUDMYR looks very attractive at the moment at 3.1200 and we could see 3.1100-3.1000 as there are talks of a large market position globally pushing AUDUSD lower.

• G20 meeting was the highlight of the weekend but we had nothing much major coming out of the headlines.

• The focus was of course Japan, “We will be mindful of unintended negative side effects stemming from extended periods of monetary easing”. Neither Japan nor the JPY were singled out specifically in the G20 communique, an outcome most had expected.

• USDJPY looking to break 100.00 this week and I feel strongly it will break but not power through this level as market will be weary of overbought activities as well as potential risk off in global markets given the recent iffy data.
• 
  Expecting a quiet day ahead with little news or data and neither the G10s or EMs seeing firm conviction to trade any pair except USDJPY and EURUSD.

Market Update - 19 April 2013

• Last night was generally a “risk off: mode with EUR down, Gold up, equities soft to flat & core yields in at the margin but the truth is everything was contained in recent ranges. Eurostoxx unch, S&P -0.67, German 10yr -0.5pt, US 10yr -1pt. Soft US earnings by tech companies.

• USDMYR opened at 3.0400 and we expect it be fairly quiet today ahead of the weekend. Expected range for today 3.0200-3.0500.

• Yesterday the data kicked off with UK Retail Sales at 6:30pm. A disappointing headline number was overlooked by markets as snow/weather affected. Core spending on food is strong & the overall trend is still aiming higher.

• The Spanish Bond auction was also held at 6:30pm followed by the French at 6:50pm. Yields across everything lower than previous & demand was up so there’s plenty of confidence in the ECB backstop down the road. Bunds didn’t seem to trade off these results at all.

• Italy failed to elect a president in the 1^st round of parliamentary voting. While the German lower House formally passed the Cypriot Bailout measures. 487 Yes, 102 No & 13 Abstained.

• The US tried to auction off a record $18bln of 5yr TIPS paper but found a 5yr low in demand with BTC of just 2.2x. Maybe not a surprise to all given even the Fed are publicly talking about deflation (Bullard yesterday). Inflation linked securities look like underperforming traditional securities for the first time since 2008.
• US Claims data was right on survey. The slightly soft Philly Fed & Leading Indicators saw equities sell off but they were already falling into the release.

Market Update - 18 April 2013

• Poor performance in technology, energy and financial shares led Wall Street closing lower, with DOW -0.94%, S&P -1.43% and Nasdaq -1.84%. Fed Bullard believes that the Fed should buy more bonds if inflation keeps falling.

• Mailing letters to US President Obama were intercepted due to positive test for ricin.

• Gold producers, ignored as global stocks rebounded in the past two years and investors turned to exchange traded funds that track bullion, face closing mines or shutting themselves down after the metal’s worst slump in three decades this week made 15% of miners unprofitable

• PBOC’s deputy governor, Yi Gang said the yuan’s trading band will be further widened “in the near future”

• Asian stocks fell, led by mining companies, after commodity prices retreated on concern a weaker outlook for global economic growth will crimp demand for raw materials. KLCI closed at another record high on Wednesday, above the 1710 mark, as persistent buying of blue chip stocks supported sentiment in the market.

• Malaysia’s March CPI rose 1.6% yoy after increasing 1.5% in February. This morning, USD/MYR rose on risk-on sentiment, today’s expected range 3.0300 -3.0450

Ringgit Declines as Weak U.S., China Data Dim Export Outlook

Ringgit Declines as Weak U.S., China Data Dim Export Outlook



By Elffie Chew

· April 16 (Bloomberg) -- Malaysia’s ringgit dropped the most in a month as weaker economic data from the U.S. and China dimmed the outlook for the Southeast Asian nation’s exports.

· Government bonds were steady.

· Confidence among U.S. homebuilders unexpectedly fell in April for a third month and manufacturing in the New York region expanded less than projected, data showed yesterday. That followed a report China’s economic expansion slowed to 7.7 percent in the first quarter from a year earlier, versus 7.9 percent in the preceding three months. Malaysia reported earlier this month exports contracted 7.7 percent in February. China and the U.S. are the country’s third and fourth biggest overseas markets.

· “Economic data from China was a real wet blanket,” said Vishnu Varathan, a Singapore-based economist at Mizuho Corporate Bank Ltd. “There’s no reason for people to go long on risk as data from U.S. are also looking soft.”

· The ringgit weakened 0.2 percent to 3.0468 per dollar as of 9:34 a.m. in Kuala Lumpur, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. That’s the most since March 15. One-month implied volatility, a measure of expected moves in exchange-rates used to price options, climbed 14 basis points, or 0.14 percentage point, to 7.12 percent.

· The National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo index of builder confidence dropped to 42, less than the 45 projected by economists and 44 in March, the Washington-based group said yesterday. Readings below 50 mean more respondents said conditions were poor. The Federal Reserve Bank of New York’s general economic index dropped to 3.1 this month from 9.2 in March. The median projection of 47 economists surveyed by Bloomberg was 7.

· Gains in consumer prices in Malaysia probably accelerated to 1.6 percent in March from 1.5 percent in the preceding month, according to the median forecast of 17 economists surveyed by Bloomberg News before data due tomorrow.

· Malaysian government bonds were little changed. The yield on the 3.26 percent notes due March 2018 held at 3.16 percent, according to data compiled by Bloomberg.

Market Update - 16 April 2013

· Market took a huge hit last night and across all asset classes, things took a dip.

· There was a terrorist attack in US where two bombs went off in the Boston Marathon. So far from the news 2 have died and numerous injured. The bombs were believed to be concealed in two small packages and from the reports so far there are more packages that are currently being defused. This have rocked the market and the development in Boston next few days will be closely monitored and could affect markets.

· With so much negative news and risk off mood, USDMYR also traded back up to 3.0500 and we reckon range for today is at 3.0200-3.0700 with much volatility but little volume.

· To top it up, yesterday during Asian time, China’s slower than anticipated start to the year has took a big swipe off commodities for a second day with oil falling 4% to $87.75 in New York (-6.23% since Friday), Gold down a whopping 16% since Friday currently trading at USD1380/oz, copper fell as much as 4.47% but recovered to -2.4% last and silver down 12% and falling.

· To make matters worse, more bad data from the USA last night compounded recent poor jobs, retail sales and manufacturing indices. The Empire manufacturing index fell to 3.05 from 9.24, the survey was at 7. The NAHB housing index fell for a second month to 42 from 44, the first consecutive drop since early 2011.

· US 10yr yields are down 4bps to 1.68%, the lowest close since 11^th December and curves flattening across all maturities.

· How can we not also share on USDJPY, everyone was looking for the pair to power past 100.00 but of course as expected it didn’t and it tracked all the way back to 95.80 yesterday. We reckon with the G10 meeting this weekend and the current swing, USDJPY could face more downside pressure.

· Europe is still Europe, stock markets missed most of the brutality on the NYSE but fell 0.33% anyway with only moderate moves in sovereign yields.

· Moody’s commented on Cyprus saying the solvency issues are still unaddressed (but then so are Greece, Portugal, Ireland and Spain?), and they also said Spanish real estate will suffer for another 5 years due to unemployment, credit constraints and poor growth.

· In Italy, news that the parliament will meet on Thursday to elect a new President. They will need a 2/3rds majority, I doubt very much that they can get it at this stage.

Malaysia Palm Oil SGS Data 1-15 April 2013

SGS (1-15 Apr) = 629990 v 678829(dow​n 7.2%)

Malaysia Palm Oil ITS Data 1-15 April 2013

ITS (1-15 Apr) = 648275 v 675210 (down 4%)

Market Update - 15 April 2013

· USDMYR looks set to be stuck in the 3.0000-3.0500 range for today with not much major data expected.

· US Treasury released their Economics and Exchange Rate policies report and nothing drastic from the report this round. US Treasury skips labelling China (or Japan for the matter) as currency manipulator, butr repeats call for greater exchange rate transparency from China

· US Treasury also called for Japan to “refrain from competitive devaluation and targeting its exchange rate for competitive purposes”.

· Separately, draft documents also reveal G20 is mulling cutting public debt to below 90% of GDP over the long term, especially with the “lack of credible medium-term fiscal consolidation plans in the US and Japan”.

· US retails sales was weaker at -0.4% vs consensus of 0.0% expected. Consumer Confidence also fell at 72.3 vs 78.6.

· Gold fell sharply below 1500 to a 21 months lows, and right now the trend looks bleak. Possible Gold sales by Cyprus continued to weigh on sentiment, coupled with continued ETF redemptions and talks of a shift out of commodities into equities by various fund names. 


USDJPY fell to low of 97.60 by profit taking, as I shared last week, it was unlikely for USDJPY to just power past 100, retracement was expected and I reckon buy on dips will keep the pair well supported above 95.00.

Market Update - 11 April 2013

· Most by now would know that the elections are called and it will be 5^th May 2013, finally……USDMYR traded higher shortly after the announcement.

· USDMYR now it seems the way market is reading it is different, if BN loses its good for the long term and change for the country while if they win it’s also good since we have some short term stability. So that means, either way it’s good for Malaysia? Personally I am not sure how to read this pair at the moment but one thing is for sure, market is looking to sell on rallies and we could see further downside for this pair. Range for today remains at 3.0000-3.0500.

· Bernanke’s likely to leave the latest FOMC statement similar to the last one with QE still in tact and the equity markets responded accordingly; the S&P storming to a new all time record high, up 1.22% to 1587.33 in its best day for months. Treasuries were sold down consistently, yield rising 5.3bps to 1.8% on the benchmark 10yr.

· European markets were also joining the risk on mood yesterday, the Eurostoxx added 2.5% with peripheral stock markets surging (Italy +3.35%, Spain +3.35%).

· The German Economic Ministry released a bullish report on the domestic economy, seeing upside in labour, retail sales & industrial orders."Expectations of a recovery after the winter half of the year were based up to now on a slight improvement in the global economy and stronger sentiment indicators. Now however signs of a pickup in industrial orders, a key area for growth, are supporting this expectation,"

· USDJPY continue to trade higher but 100 proving to be a big psychological resistance at the moment. Yen strengthened 50pts briefly on the below headlines but it was soon back down, this morning we’re at 99.78 around fresh 5 year highs and down 75pts on the night.

· Mr Kuroda once again said BOJ is doing all it can at the moment and it will ensure the 2% inflation target will be their target and it will be achieved, expect more USDJPY move up.

· Goldman Sachs has called gold a SELL as Cyprus declared it would sell $400 million of its gold reserves, the metal slumped 1.7% or $27 to $1558.

· Barack Obama tabled his latest budget proposal, which John Boehner said he deserved “some credit” for, but also labelled the new offering as “incremental”, while Senate minority leader McConnell said it was “not a serious plan” . He’s conceded on linking social security to the less generous chained CPI, which is symbolic and will enrage the Democrats but it’s a step in the right direction, but is trying to soak hedge funds and the rich with higher CTG. The proposal would have the deficit down to 1.7% by 2013, short of the small surplus the Republicans plan would manage.

Malaysia Palm Oil SGS Data 1-10 April 2013

SGS (1-10 Apr) = 462276 v 438549(up 5.41%)

Malaysia Palm Oil ITS Data 1-10 April 2013

ITS (1-10 Apr) = 456440 v 441025 (up 3.5%)

Market Update - 10 April 2013

· USDMYR took out the 3.0500 support level in a blink and opened this morning heading lower, currently trading at 3.0250 and market seems to be very inclined to sell on rally. We expect market will try and test 3.0000, let’s wait and see how things progress today. Expected trading range today 3.0000-3.0500.

· For those who are looking to buy SGD and AUD against MYR, good time to buy, SGDMYR at 2.4450 and AUDMYR at 3.1700. Just to touch a little on SGD, the upcoming MAS meeting will likely see MAS leave the SGD NEER (nominal effect exchange rate) unchanged both the slope and the band and will be bias to allow SGD to appreciate further.

· Asia time we reckon some focus will be given to North Korea and see if they decide to finally action instead of just talk, if you ask us it’s all just a show and they are unlikely to launch any missiles. Market pretty much have the same sentiment as not much movement despite all the news….that’s of course until we

· Mood is still upbeat in general in markets as Equities continue to do well. Eurostoxx +0.23% with peripheral EU mkts rallying hardest. The S&P +0.35%. the Dow +0.45% after putting in a new intraday high.

· Equities took an early turn south on Der Spiegel saying Greek savers could be subject to Cypriot style haircuts. The Greek FinMin was forced to declare deposits safe, mkts settled/recovered

· The JPY took a breather after 3 straight days of depreciation. Settling around the 99 area. Yesterday, several banks officially revise Q4 2013 targets to around 104-105.

· The US NFIB Small Biz Survey was just under expectation. The amount of biz owners expecting better conditions in the next 6 months remains in negative territory. According to survey the outlook for labour, sales & inventories is weaker while there is positivity in the earnings & credit conditions segments.

· RBA Board Member Edwards: “High AUD doesn’t require policy response”, AUDUSD seems well supported but market conviction seems low on the pair.

Nice Things You Say That Really Annoy Me

By Julie Cole

When we have our babies, it is natural to transform into “mama bear”, stopping at nothing to defend and protect. For the mama who has a child facing additional challenges, this instinct goes into overdrive.

Having a child with autism has made me respond to certain comments irrationally. I can be oversensitive - even when comments are said in kindness or without any intention of harm.

That is my disclaimer. If you’re curious about what common and harmless things you are saying that make my ears bleed, here goes:

1. “All I want is a healthy baby.”
I get that. It makes sense to me - health is the most important gift we can ask for. But, bring out my psycho sidekick self and you want to know what it hears? It hears that the very last thing you want is a child like mine. I know that’s not really what’s being said, but it’s what the little friend in my head is hearing!

2. “Your son was born to you because you are strong and can handle it.”
I understand and appreciate this is a compliment, but in those early and difficult days when I was digesting an autism diagnosis, I wanted to scream “So let me get this straight - I’m rewarded for being a competent parent by having a kid with autism?!” My rational self knows you are encouraging me but that little crazy me is turning red, stamping feet and yelling “it’s not FAIR” better than any 4-year-old you’ve encountered.

3. “He’s lucky to have you.”
The thing is, I’m lucky to have him. When I hear how fortunate he is to have me, it makes me feel like you see him as a burden. Please remember, I feel like I picked a four-leaf clover on the morning of his birth.

So next time you say something completely innocent, and I start frothing at the mouth and growling, you’ll know that it’s a simple case of mama bear gone mad.

Hot Hair Trend: Messy Braids

By ModernMom Staff 

Messy braids are the latest and hottest hair accessory - from Fishtail Braids to Side Braids to Classic Braids, you can’t go wrong! It's a great way to style your hair that looks casual and chic at the same time.

Pro tip - use a salt beach spray for better handling while braiding. And of course, don't be afraid to experiment!

Here are a few of our favorites styles:

Loose Side Braid

Gather a small portion of your hair and weave it into a loose braid, finishing down the side of one shoulder. Rough up the hair a bit before braiding to make it look tousled. Scrunch up and tease the rest of your hair so that it flows about your head in a tousled, wild manner. Then give a spritz of finishing spray to set the style.

Fish-Tail Braid

The fish-tail braid got its name because it looks like the tail of a fish. While the fish-tail is casual enough for every day, it does take a little longer to do than a regular braid, so you may want to save it for a night out or another special occasion. You make a fish-tail by dividing your hair into two equal sections. You then move small portions from the outside of each section into the inside of the other section until you reach the end of your hair.

Half-Up Braid

For this braid, gather the sides and top of hair and hold loosely at the back center of head. Braid 4 or 5 times. Then, turn braid under to one side and criss cross pin with bobby pins until secure. Finish with a shine spray or oil on the ends.

(Brooke Burke on the set of Dancing with the Stars)

What's your favorite braid style?

Most Bizarre Celebrity Baby Names

By ModernMom Staff 

What’s up with the celebrity trend of super strange baby names? Don’t these kids get enough attention as the child of a star, without adding on the burden of a bizarre name like Pilot Inspektor (not kidding, unfortunately)?

Here's a list of the weirdest celeb baby names we've heard, in no particular order (mainly because they're all pretty equally ridiculous)..

1. Apple
(daughter of Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin)

2. Jermajesty
(son of Jermaine Jackson)

3. Memphis Eve
(daughter of U2's Bono)

4. Kyd
(son of David Duchovny and Tea Leoni)

5. Kal-El
(son of Nicolas Cage - inspired by Superman’s birth name)

6. Pilot Inspektor
(son of Jason Lee - star of "My Name is Earl")

7. Satchel
(son of Woody Allen and Mia Farrow)

8. Moxie Crimefighter
(daughter of Penn Jillette - of Penn and Teller)

9. Ocean
(son of Forest Whitaker)

10. Moon Unit
(daughter of musician Frank Zappa - who named another child Diva Thin Muffin)

11. Blue Angel
(daguhter of U2's The Edge)

12. Spike
(son of Mike Myers)

13. Bastian Kick
(son of Jeremy Sisto)

14. Fuschia
(daughter of Sting)

15. Denim
(son of Toni Braxton)

Seriously, people - there’s a fine line between giving your baby a unique name and afflicting them with a name that they’ll never be able to live down.

What are you thoughts on these names? Do you know any "normal people" with unique baby names?

INSIDE MALAYSIA: Ringgit Touches 2-Month High Before Trade Data

INSIDE MALAYSIA: Ringgit Touches 2-Month High Before Trade Data

By Ron Harui

April 5 (Bloomberg) -- Ringgit rises 0.3% to 3.0699 per dollar after earlier touching 3.0685, highest since Jan. 30, before data that may show trade surplus widened.

* Malaysia’s trade surplus expanded to 5b ringgit in February from 3.27b ringgit in January, according to median estimate of economists in Bloomberg survey; data due out at 12:01pm

* A flood of money out of Malaysia should reverse, easing inflows into Thailand, Eastspring Investments and Societe Generale SA said, as Prime Minister Najib Razak looks set to remain in power after elections

* Ringgit has gained 0.8% this week, most since 5-day period ended Jan. 11; USD/MYR’s 14-day RSI is at 30.3, just above oversold threshold of 30

Market Update - 8 April 2013

• Markets were mixed and disappointed given the data from last Friday. Non-farm payrolls printed a weak 88K in March but the unemployment rate fell to 7.6%. Canadian unemployment was terrible, jumping to 7.2% from 7.0%, while also losing 55,000 jobs in March.

• USDMYR opened this morning lower at 3.0600 with favours to sell on rallies, meaning we expect upside on USDMYR to be capped. We can’t explain why is MYR so strong as well. 3.0500 will still be a key support level for now, a firm break could see us head towards 3.0300, but if 3.0500 holds, then we could see the range of 3.0500-3.0800 hold.

• USDJPY has been one heck of a move, moving from 93.50 to 98.50! That’s 5.5% move in just 2 days. Although the pair is pretty bullish,we reckon we won’t see it storm past 100.00, we still reckon it will be an orderly pullback before resuming a trend higher.
  
  Some news from Robert Kuok’s news firm the South China Morning Post, of course the Chinese won’t go quietly with the Japanese weakening the Yen so aggresively -- Many of China's top economists are livid at what they view as an effective currency devaluation by Japan and are calling on the People's Bank of China to retaliate by weakening the Yuan to defend itself in what they see as a new currency war.

• Cyprus confirmed that capital controls would remain in place for another 7 days, €10K per month for businesses and €2K for individuals on top of the €300 daily limit on cash withdrawals and govt approval for payments over €25k. - ICAP