Asian FX May Have More Sustained Selling Pressure Among EM

Asian FX May Have More Sustained Selling Pressure Among EM

By Lilian Karunungan

     June 24 (Bloomberg) -- Asian FX could have more sustained selling pressure among emerging currencies as largest positions are still holed up in these assets, Steven Englander, managing director at Citigroup, writes in report dated June 21.

  * As of June 20, only 20% EM long positions reduced since peak  on May 27, citing CitiFX data: report

  * Non-leveraged investors unwound only small portion of their  EM buying this yr: report

  * Roughly 80% USD and 20% EUR funded a combination of long EM,   long GBP and long JPY for 2013: report

  * Further backing up of U.S. rates could lead to further  reduction of risk appetite: report

  * EM funds continue to hold about $16b in debt so far purchased this yr: report

Market Update - 24 June 2013

• Wall Street closed mostly higher last Friday, with Dow +0.28% and S&P +0.27% while Nasdaq -0.22%, after two straight days of losses. 

• St Louis Fed’s Bullard felt that the Fed’s announcement of reduction in bond buying was wrongly timed and worried that the credibility of Fed is at stake. Meanwhile, Canada’s CPI rose less than expected at 0.7% yoy (0.2% mom) in May. 

• The Japanese yen slumped, spurring gains in Japanese stocks, as investors digest the prospect of reduced Federal Reserve stimulus as the outlook for US economy improves. 

• The KLCI closed 0.37% lower on Friday but likely to get some boost at the start of the fresh week, following some positive cues from Wall Street. 

• China may adjust its monetary policy as needed while seeking more efficient use of the nation’s financial resources as a cash squeeze in the banking system risks exacerbating an economic slowdown 

• USD/MYR continues to remain supported above the 3.2000 mark. Today’s expected trading range 3.2050 – 3.2200.

Malaysia Palm Oil ITS Data 1-25 June 2013

ITS (1-25 June) = 1167266v 1064925 (up9.61%)

Malaysia Palm Oil ITS Data 1-20 June 2013

ITS (1-20 June) = 928810 v 799405 (up16.18%)

If you want to increase milk supply then DON'T SKIP night feeding.

If you want to increase milk supply then DON'T SKIP night feeding. 

Here is WHY NIGHT FEEDING IS IMPORTANT? 
=============================
1. Milk Production
Nighttime feeds are very important for “informing the breasts” how much milk to make for the next day. When a mom doesn’t nighttime breastfeed, she risks decreasing her milk supply to the point of not being able to continue breastfeeding. If a woman is not producing enough milk and she’s not nursing at night, she can co-sleep with her child and breastfeed on cue to restore her supply.

2. Prolactin
Prolactin levels are at their highest between 2:00 and 6:00 AM. Prolactin is the hormone responsible for helping the alveolar cells in the breast to make breastmilk, and it is released from the pituitary gland in response to a suckling baby. Research has shown that the level of prolactin in the milk is higher during times of highest milk production and that the highest prolactin levels occur in the middle of the night. This means that babies who are allowed to nurse on demand will nurse with the frequency in order to ensure the correct milk supply for its unique growing needs. Nature doesn’t make mistakes. Babies who nurse during the night are helping to release the prolactin to make more milk for the next day. So moms who wean their infants at night in order to get more sleep but who want to continue to breastfeed during the day may have some problems maintaining the same milk supply.

3. Nucleotides
Naturally occurring chemicals called nucleotides that have previously been linked to sleepiness only reach their highest concentrations in human breast milk that is produced at night. Nucleotides are the building blocks of DNA & tissues development, but they also participate in cellular signalling and metabolic processes within cells. It is a mistake for some mother to express the milk at a certain time and then store it and feed it to the baby at a different time. Why? B'coz baby is not getting the required nutrient as mother nature have planned.

(Again if in any circumstances whereby a mother is not able to direct feed baby at night, EBM is still better than giving baby FM)

4. SIDS Prevention
Night waking is also nature’s way of helping to keep our babies safe from SIDS for the beginning of 6 months of life. A hungry baby wakes up and we attend to them. We rearrange their blankets and their sleeping position, and we breastfeed them. This is all a part of SIDS prevention. When my babies didn’t wake up every two hours, I used to get worry and would check on their breathing.

5. The Science of Mothering
A recent national survey indicates, that breastfeeding mothers are three times more likely to bedshare than bottle feeding mothers, safe bedsharing combined with breastfeeding could itself eventually be statistically shown to be protective [from SIDS]“. So not only can bed sharing and breastfeeding at night help protect your infant from SIDS, those nighttime feeds can maintain a correct milk supply as well as help meet your child’s attachment needs.

Market Update - 19 June 2013

• Wall Street continued to advance for the second consecutive day, with Dow +0.91%, S&P +0.78% and Nasdaq +0.87%, as US inflation data showed that the economy is stabilizing amid better economic sentiment in Germany. 

• Draghi said that ECB will aid the Eurozone economy if necessary and added that its policy rate is an effective tool again as market showed signs of stabilization. Meanwhile, RBA sees more scope for rate cuts given its inflation outlook. 

• Asian stocks rallied, pushing the benchmark equity index to a two-week high, as the yen drove declines among regional currencies on prospects the Federal Reserve will signal the fate of US monetary stimulus today 

• KLCI inched higher on Tuesday, posting 0.11% gains in the day. Some positive remarks from PM Najib regarding Malaysia’s fiscal consolidation plans are also worthy to take note of, although the local bourse is clearly waiting for fresh cues from the upcoming FOMC statement 

• Concerns of further capital outflows have weighed on the MYR on Tuesday, and the USD/MYR is currently trading above the 3.1600 level. The upside bias in the pair may sustain for now, with firm support at the 3.1300 mark, today’s expected trading range is 3.1550 - 3.1750

Market Update - 17 June 2013

• Wall Street ended lower, with Dow -0.70%, S&P -0.59% and Nasdaq -0.63%, on the back of disappointing US factory out and consumer confidence. 

• The benchmark gauge for Asian stocks fell while Japanese equities swung between gains and losses as investors awaited this week’s Federal Reserve meeting amid concern the US may curb economic stimulus 

• In the eurozone, employment continued to slide with a fall of 0.5% qoq (-1.0% yoy) in Q1, while its CPI remained subdued at 1.4% yoy (0.1% mom) in May. Meanwhile, Japan’s tertiary industry index came in disappointing at 0% mom (forecast: 0.2% mom) in April, up from a revised -0.2% mom in March. 

• BNM Governor Zeti indicated that the recent volatility in currency and stock market is likely to be temporary and that the central bank remains committed to orderly markets. 

• USD/MYR remains supported above the 3.1000 mark, today’s expected trading range 3.1000 – 3.1500

Malaysia Palm Oil ITS Data 1-15 June 2013

ITS (1-15 June) = 709860 v 599300 (up18.45%)

Stroke has a new indicator

Stroke has a new indicator They Now Have a Fourth Indicator, the Tongue. STROKE:Remember the 1st Three Letters..... S. T. R. STROKE IDENTIFICATION:      It only takes a minute to read this. A neurologist says that if he can get to a stroke victim within 3 hours he can totally reverse the effects of a stroke...totally. He said the trick was getting a stroke recognized, diagnosed, and then getting the patient medically cared for within 3 hours, which is tough. RECOGNIZING A STROKE       Thank God for the sense to remember the '3' steps, STR. Read and Learn! Sometimes symptoms of a stroke are difficult to identify. Unfortunately, the lack of awareness spells disaster. The stroke victim may suffer severe brain damage when people nearby fail to recognize the symptoms of a stroke. Now doctors say a bystander can recognize a stroke by asking three simple questions: S *Ask the individual to SMILE. T *Ask the person to TALK and SPEAK A SIMPLE SENTENCE (Coherently) (I.e. It is sunny out today.) R*Ask him or her to RAISE BOTH ARMS.    If he or she has trouble with ANY ONE of these tasks, call emergency numberimmediately and describe the symptoms to the dispatcher.       New Sign of a Stroke Stick out Your Tongue     NOTE: Another 'sign' of a stroke is this: Ask the person to 'stick' out his or her tongue. If the tongue is 'crooked', if it goes to one side or the other that is also an indication of a stroke.       A cardiologist says if everyone who gets this e-mail sends it to 10 people; you can bet that at least one life will be saved. I have done my part.  Will you do yours?

Market Update 12 June 2013

• The selling in the Wall Street continued last night, with the Dow -0.76%, S&P -1.02% and Nasdaq -1.06%, as most equity markets across G7 and APXJ entered the “sell in June” scenario. Sentiments may have been doused by the lack of fresh stimulus from BOJ. 

• BOJ Governor, Haruhiko Kuroda’s conviction his April plan to double the nation’s monetary base will be enough to end deflation is confronting its biggest test with a sustained sell-off in stocks. 

• Asian stocks fell for a second day extending a global retreat, as investors weighed growing reluctance by central banks to add more stimulus after BOJ left its lending program unchanged, with no change in interest rates and asset buying targets. 

• With Asian markets still in a sell-off mode, the KLCI slipped by -0.46% on Tuesday. Local market sentiment has been dragged by capital outflows from the region, as the QE3 tapering continues to haunt prospect of markets in EM. 

• USD/MYR broke 3.1500 in yesterday’s trading followed by some profit taking towards the end of the day, USD/MYR then closed below 3.1500. The pair opened this morning at the 3.1300 level and expected range for today is 3.1300 – 3.1500

Malaysia Palm Oil SGS Data 1-10 June 2013

SGS (1-10 June) = 400075 v 377193(up 6.07%)

Malaysia Palm Oil ITS Data 1-10 June 2013

ITS (1-10 June) = 419035 v 380047 (up10.26%)

Does Everyone Lie About Sex?

Have you ever stretched the truth about what goes on in your bedroom? If so, you're not alone.

A new study from Ohio State University at Mansfield found that most people of both genders lied about their sexual history - although in different ways.

In a paper published Tuesday in the journal Sex Roles, Professor of Psychology Terri Fisher shared the results of a survey of a group of 293 heterosexual male and female college students on their sexual history, as well as on other nonsexual activities relating to gender roles.

Men reported having sex at an earlier age and with more people than was actually true. Women, on the other hand, wanted to be seen as having less sexual experience than they actually had, to match what is expected of women.

However, the same participants were willing to admit to everyday activities typically associated with the opposite sex - such as changing a car tire.

"Sexuality seemed to be the one area where people felt some concern if they didn't meet the stereotypes of a typical man or a typical woman," wrote Fisher.

So why does this matter?

Fisher says medical professionals need to be aware of how women respond to questions about their sexuality.

“Based on these findings, a doctor may need to ask female patients about their sexual behavior in different ways than they would for male patients,” she said.

Have you ever lied to a doctor or a lover about your past sexual history?

Fruit Salad Recipes With Fewer Than Five Ingredients

By Pam Gaulin 

Fresh, light and oh so tasty! Fruit salad is one of my family's favorites!

To make the perfect mix, start with the freshest fruit available. For crunch and a more savory flavor add your favorite nuts. (If there are nut allergies in the family, or to be on the safe side, use sesame seeds instead.) Then add a sweet dressing and you're done!
Here are five recipes for your next springtime picnic or impromptu brunch with the neighborhood moms - all made with just a few basic fruits:

Berry-licious Fruit Salad

Strawberries, blackberries

Rinse the strawberries with water to start the Berry-licious fruit salad. Cut off the green stems on the strawberries. Rinse the blackberries carefully since they are delicate. Gently pat the fruits dry with a paper towel. Set aside. Rinse off fresh baby spinach leaves and dry those. Remove any long or tough stems. Toss in some sesame seeds and toss the salad with honey mustard dressing. Serve immediately.

Summer Fun Fruit Salad

Grapes, blueberries, peaches, plums

Toss together a summer fun fruit salad that kids will love. Wash and dry off seedless red grapes and blueberries, removing all stems. Dice up some peaches and plums. Leave the skin on the plums for extra fiber and to add color. Stir in some lemon juice.

Melon Ball Dream Salad

Watermelon, honeydew melon, cantaloupe

Make a mid-summer melon ball dream salad with fresh melons. Cut watermelon, honeydew melon and cantaloupe in half. Spoon the seeds out of the cantaloupe and honeydew. Use the melon baller to make uniform melon balls. Toss with lime juice and fresh cilantro. If cilantro is not a flavor your family likes, use fresh mint instead.

Granny Smith Apple Salad

Apples, grapes, walnuts

Make an end of summer fall fruit salad. Core and dice your favorite apple variety. For a tart balance use Granny Smith apples. For a crisp fruit salad opt for Macoun apples. Leave the peel on the apples. Cut some green, seedless grapes in half. Add walnuts for a crunchy texture. If there are nut allergies, opt for pomegranate seeds instead. Toss with poppy seed dressing and serve on top of fresh baby field greens or your favorite lettuce.

Tropical Oasis Fruit Salad

Mangoes, oranges, coconut, macadamia nuts

Create a tropical oasis fruit salad with fresh pineapple. Add sliced mangoes, oranges, shredded coconut and macadamia nuts. If the mangoes are too strong of a flavor, replace them with sliced bananas. For added flavor, skewer the fruit, brush with honey and grill for a few minutes on an outdoor grill.

Market Update - 3 June 2013

• Global bonds market posted their biggest monthly losses in nine years in May as the US dollar rallied and stocks reached record highs. Employment gains an increases in housing and consumer confidence suggested the recovery in the US economy is gaining momentum.

• The Aussie dollar, gold and copper climbed, while oil declined.

• China released their manufacturing PMI which showed a small gain (50.8 from 50.6 last month; survey was 50.0). China’s government indicated a slowdown in its economy is bottoming out, underscoring forecasts for policy makers to avoid cutting interest rates this year

• Asian stocks fell extending last month’s loss, amid speculations that a strengthening US economy will prompt the Federal Reserve to reduce monetary stimulus.

• USD/MYR may continue to be supported, with a possible test of 3.1000 in the horizon, today’s expected range is 3.0800 – 3.1100.  

Market Update - 4 June 2013

• Wall Street ended higher with the Dow +0.92%, S&P +0.59% and Nasdaq +0.27%, as some positivity from the higher-than-expected EZ manufacturing PMI overshadowed the weak US ISM numbers, also underscoring speculation that the poor US manufacturing numbers may mean an extended bond-buying efforts by the Fed.

• The US dollar is back below 100 yen after falling past the level for the first time in a month yesterday after investors weighed whether the US recovery is robust enough for the Federal Reserve to scale back stimulus

• Draghi said that ECB’s loose monetary policy and stronger external demand led Eurozone back onto its path for a gradual recovery.

• Asian stocks swung between gains and losses on optimism Federal Reserve officials are committed to record US stimulus measures while data showed US manufacturing unexpected contracted

• Crude oil, gold and copper all higher in yesterday’s trading.

• The Aussie dollar weakened against all 16 major peers before the Reserve Bank announces a policy decision today

• The USD/MYR may ease intra-day following the correction seen overnight in the broad USD tone. Short-term support expected at 3.0700, today’s expected range 3.0650 - 3.1000

Market Update - 5 June 2013

• Some consolidation in Wall Street: Dow -0.50%, S&P -0.55% and Nasdaq -0.58% as investors await key economic data including EZ 1Q13 GDP and US factory orders,

• The US trade deficit had widened USD 40.3billion as the rise in imports offset the rebound in export. The imports grew on the stronger dollar, despite being weighed by lower oil prices. Meanwhile, exports grew to a record with the automobiles and jewellery industries seeing strong sales.

• The US dollar is back above 100 yen, after rallying from the lowest in almost a month, before US employment data that may add to the case for the Federal Reserve to slow stimulus

• Other major currencies were mostly flat, except the Aussie dollar which was a notable exception as it fell another ~80pts overnight. RBA kept is cash target at 2.75% unchanged yesterday at its monthly monetary policy meeting as widely expected.

• The UK construction PMI rose more than expected to 50.8, the first sign of expansion since October, this supports the view that the economy may be seeing a turnaround.

• USD/MYR remains supported for now above the 3.0800 level, expected daily range is 3.0800 – 3.1000, to bolster further upwards move, may need a break of the 3.1000 psychological level.