0033 GMT [Dow Jones] STOCK CALL: Citigroup cuts Singapore Exchange (S68.SG)
target price to S$4.70 from S$6.45; reiterates Sell rating. Broker says
history suggests stock will keep downward bias until equity market troughs,
Citi strategists expect further downside for Singapore market as recession
looms; "we think SGX will break below S$5.00 before this bear market ends."
Notes historically STI troughs 3-5 months before consensus earnings
revision cycle bottoms out, says earnings cycle may turn in Aug. 2009,
implying STI troughs in 2Q09. Cuts FY09-FY10 earnings forecasts by 8%-27%
to reflect lower average daily equity volume assumptions. Says new target
price assumes 20.5x PE ratio, but warns that may still have downside risk.
Shares closed +1.8% at S$6.12 Friday. (KIG)
target price to S$4.70 from S$6.45; reiterates Sell rating. Broker says
history suggests stock will keep downward bias until equity market troughs,
Citi strategists expect further downside for Singapore market as recession
looms; "we think SGX will break below S$5.00 before this bear market ends."
Notes historically STI troughs 3-5 months before consensus earnings
revision cycle bottoms out, says earnings cycle may turn in Aug. 2009,
implying STI troughs in 2Q09. Cuts FY09-FY10 earnings forecasts by 8%-27%
to reflect lower average daily equity volume assumptions. Says new target
price assumes 20.5x PE ratio, but warns that may still have downside risk.
Shares closed +1.8% at S$6.12 Friday. (KIG)