Will CapitaLand build "almost inhuman" size apartments?

The statement by former CEO of CapitaLand, Liew Mun Leong, regarding shoebox apartments being “almost inhuman” is one of those things which will be remembered for a long, long time.

Now, in a bid to sell more apartments in rather challenging circumstances, will CapitaLand build smaller and smaller apartments including those which are "almost inhuman"?



"Almost inhuman" size apartments in Japan.

CapitaLand, Singapore’s biggest developer, may alter the size of its apartments as it seeks to improve affordability to combat government measures aimed at curbing speculation and lowering prices.

The developer sold 139 residential units in the island- state in the three months ended June, 31% fewer than in the same period last year, it said yesterday as it forecast “headwinds” in the near term with the housing curbs. (Source: Bloomberg)

Tough times for property developers in Singapore and, with interest rates set to rise, it seems that it will only get tougher.

Related post:
To rent or to buy: Rule of 15.

Capitaland: Leveling up.

"People’s Bank of China slashed its one-year deposit and lending rates by 25bps and 31bps respectively just a month after it cut interest rates by 25bps. Beijing also announced further easing of interest rates, with banks expected to lower lending rates by as much as 70% against benchmark rates." Further expectations are for the bank RRR (required reserve ratio) to be cut by another 50bps in 3Q 2012.  (Source: The EDGE)

All these measures would serve to improve liquidity, helping businesses and consumers gain easier access to cheaper loans. As Capitaland has a significant presence in China, improving liquidity in the country will only benefit its projects over there.

Capitaland's share price has been climbing steadily higher on the back of higher volumes. This has attracted the attention of bulls and bears alike. Yes, undoubtedly. Although bulls are enjoying the ride, at the first sign of weakness, bears would rush back in.

Volume is the fuel that drives rallies. With the high volume seen, we won't be wrong to expect price to possibly go higher. Now, how high can the share price go? No one can say for sure. Bummer!

However, what I can say is that price has touched a major resistance, a many times tested resistance. People who bought at this level during the period of 11 April 2012 to the first few days of May 2012 could be looking to break even. The desire to break even is why this resistance is likely to be a tougher one.

The bullish momentum has to be strong enough to break through the barrier decisively. Any hesitation by the bulls will bring back the bears. Even as the OBV suggests that accumulation is powering on, there is no sign that the counter is overbought on the MFI.

Managing to break the immediate resistance could possibly see the double top formed in February and March 2012 tested. This is at $3.15. Incidentally, the 150% Fibo line approximates this price level as well which adds to the expectation that this resistance could be a stronger one.

Singapore property prices to stay resilient?

If the latest report by Maybank is correct, then, the expected 20 to 30% decline in Singapore property prices over the next couple of years might not transpire. The expectation is now for a mere 10% decline in property prices over the next 18 months. This suggests that any dip in prices could see showflats packed with buyers again.

Related post:
Affordability of housing in Singapore.

Singapore residential sector to see soft landing. Shares in CapitalMalls Asia have jumped nearly 32% this year, while CapitaLand rose 22% and Keppel Land is up nearly 39%.
Tuesday, 19 June 2012

© 2012 - The Edge Singapore

Capitaland: Technical analysis can be simple.

Some readers asked me if I could teach them technical analysis. I have always declined, saying that it is easy enough to pick up. There are many good books out there and many good websites where one could pick up technical analysis.

Technical analysis can be quite simple. For example, this weekly chart for Capitaland shows the MACD rising in a wavelike pattern into positive territory. This means that longer term momentum has turned positive. It is also quite clear that price action broke out of a base formation and has seen a reversal in trend.

Now, does technical analysis tell us if the price would continue to rise or fall? I would be hesitant to say "yes". Technical analysis shows us resistance and supports. It shows us the probability of something happening but never certainty.

In this instance, technical analysis tells us that there is probably resistance at $3.25 in the event that the share price continues to rise. It also tells us that immediate support is probably at $2.75 in case of a pull back. $2.75 is the top of a double bottom formation and it is also where the 50w MA has flatlined. It is also where the rising 20w MA could form a golden cross with the 50w MA in the coming weeks.

Anyone who is thinking of going long would probably be happy doing so in case of a pull back to $2.75 thereabouts while anyone thinking of selling could do so at $3.25. Simple enough? Just don't think of technical analysis as the Holy Grail.

Capitaland: Pushing higher on lower volume.

Capitaland's share price touched a high of $2.66 and closed at $2.65. Remember that I mentioned that in very bullish circumstances we could see $2.65 or even $2.75 tested? This is still valid.

I did a partial divestment at $2.65 today. If the following week should see price pushing higher, I would be happy to divest once more. $2.75? It could happen although I see the declining 200dMA now at $2.73. This could limit further appreciation in price. Although bulls could push past this resistance, it would surprise me (pleasantly) if price could close above the 200dMA. Why do I say this?

Look at the trading volume. It has been reducing. Indeed, volume is also lower this week as compared to last week. Volume is the fuel that drives rallies and reducing volume could be an early signal of coming weakness in price. Volume precedes price.

Momentum oscillators also signal that greater caution should be exercised. On the daily charts, the MFI has entered overbought territory while the Stochastics has been overbought for some time. It is riskier to go long at present despite the return of positive momentum as shown by a rising MACD in positive territory.

Long holders could consider selling while anyone thinking of buying could consider waiting for a pull back to supports.

Related post:
Capitaland: Partial divestment at $2.48.

Capitaland: Partial divestment at $2.48.

Just two days ago, on 17 January, I said that I see resistance at $2.48. I got this from the weekly chart as that was resistance provided by the declining 20wMA and the 138.2% Fibo line.

So, I put in an overnight sell order at $2.48 and it was filled later in the session today.

In very bullish circumstances, we could see $2.50 and $2.53 taken out with ease. With the formation of a long white candle on the back of very high volume, this could indeed be the case. The MACD has just crossed into positive territory and this signals the return of positive buying momentum.

In such an instance, we could see $2.65 or even $2.75 tested. It would be a sight to behold. Remember, however, that TA is about probability. Nothing is for certain.

Relates post:
Capitaland: Resistance at $2.48.

Capitaland: Resistance at $2.48.

Capitaland is on the rise.

I see resistance at $2.48. This is provided by the moderately declining 20wMA as well as the 138.2% Fibo line.

Beyond $2.48, resistance is provided by the 150% and 161.8% Fibo lines at $2.50 and $2.53 respectively.

In case of a retracement, we could see a test of the 50% Fibo line at $2.30 or the 38.2% Fibo line at $2.27.

Related post:
Capitaland: 20wMA, the resistance to watch.

Capitaland: 20wMA, the resistance to watch.

Quite a few people asked me what do I think of Capitaland as I have not said anything about it in a while. Well, if we look at the weekly chart, it is obvious that the downtrend is intact.

However, the higher low on the MACD which accompanies the lower low in price gives us a positive divergence. Being in the weekly chart, it suggests that we could see a recovery in price eventually.

A recovery could meet with resistance provided by the declining 20wMA. If we notice, this MA has functioned as resistance since late October 2010. Yes, Capitaland's downtrend has gone on for more than a year.

The 20wMA is important because:

1. For traders, this is where they would probably sell.

2. If the 20wMA holds as resistance, price would probably form a lower high and continue to move lower.

3. If the 20wMA breaks and price moves higher on the back of increased volume, the downtrend could be broken and it might even reverse. Short covering could push price even higher.

What would I do? Sell at resistance at least partially. It is never wrong to take profit, especially in uncertain times such as now.

Capitaland: Rising MACD in weekly chart.

I look at weekly charts when I am interested in the longer term technicals of a particular stock. I got more shares of Capitaland at $2.35 not too long ago. Its price hit a low of $2.25 so far today.

However, as my motivation for being invested in Capitaland is because of its cheap valuation, I am not too concerned with short term price weakness. Of course, I might do a bit of trading if I could make some extra money on the way.

With this in mind, I looked at the weekly chart earlier. I found that the MACD is rising as price weakens. A positive divergence.

Also, up till now, this week's volume has been relatively low compared to last week's. We need to see how things pan out tomorrow, the final trading day of the week.

Connecting the lows of the weeks of 22 August and 3 October gives me a trendline which suggests that there could be support at $2.16 if the counter should go that low in price this week or next.

Capitaland: Bought at $2.35.

Property counters continue to be sold down today. Mr. Market is really worried about the aggressive cooling measures announced by the government, it seems.

What do we do when there is lots of fear and prices are battered down? Ask ourselves if there could be some good stocks we might be able to buy on the cheap. I wondered especially if all property counters are going to be affected to the same degree?

Companies which develop luxury residential real estate like SC Global and Ho Bee are likely to be more affected by the new cooling measures as a bigger proportion of buyers of the properties they develop are foreigners. The impression I have is that they are also less diversified and have a bigger chunk of their business in Singapore luxury residential properties.

Fundamentally, in comparison, the more diversified Capitaland is probably less affected and, in fact, with plans to spin off more properties in China into two new REITs, it could see positive interest from the investment community in an otherwise down market. Capitaland is likely to weather the storm pretty well.

Technically, $2.35 looked like it could be a strong support, having been breached only once since April 2009. So, I put in an overnight buy order at $2.35 which was filled this morning.

Well, today marks the second time this support has been breached since April 2009. The counter's price managed to close at $2.35 but not after touching a low of $2.31. Volume, although still relatively high, reduced today as a black spinning top was formed. This is a possible reversal signal but in case of further weakness, next support is at $2.28.

Related post:
Selling a private property just got harder.

CPL, CMA and NOL: Resistance levels to look out for.

We had a very nice rally today. The upward march on the STI was almost uninterupted all the way from the start of the session. In an earlier blog post on 17 October, I mentioned that there seems to be a bias for further upward movement and it has taken almost two weeks to materialise.

Now that a rally is underway, for investors who are already vested, do we ask if the rally could continue tomorrow? No. We should ask if the rally were to continue tomorrow, where are the resistance levels? We should be looking for exit prices.

For investors who are not vested and who are knocking themselves on the heads for being overly bearish, they want to know where are the supports so that they could consider buying on pull backs. However, given the strength of the rally in Europe right now, chances of a retest of supports could be rather slim. If I had missed the boat, so be it. That's my take.

For CapitaMalls Asia,  a long white candle tested the high of 17 Oct at $1.31. Overcoming this resistance level will see a cluster of resistance levels ahead: $1.33 as provided by the declining 100dMA followed by $1.36, a many times tested resistance level in early September.

In very bullish conditions, we could see the gap at $1.395 filled. Where should I place my sell order? As is my usual style, I will partially divest at each resistance level.

Capitaland could test resistance at $2.71 as a white candle was formed today on the back of very much higher volume.

If $2.71 were to be taken out convincingly, we could see the gap at $2.79 filled eventually. Before $2.71, we have the declining 100dMA to contend with. This MA approximates $2.68 in the next session.

NOL formed a nice white candle today on the back of relatively high volume. Immediate resistance is at $1.19, the high of 13 Oct. Given the momentum of the upward movement, chances of a continuation in the next session is high.

Overcoming $1.19 would see $1.24 and $1.27 as the next two resistance levels, the 123.6% and 138.2% Fibo lines respectively. $1.27 also approximates the position of the declining 100dMA.

With container shipping business very much in the doldrums, the 138.2% Fibo line could be a strong resistance, if tested at all. Remember that 38.2% is also a golden ratio.

Good luck.

Capitaland, CapitaMalls Asia and NOL: Closing charts.

CAPITALAND

Volume increased over the last session but the bulls were not strong enough to have the share price close above the 50dMA. Closing at $2.52 is where we find resistance provided by the declining 50dMA.

Although price did touch a high of $2.56, forming a white spinning top suggests indecision and is a sign of weakness.

The counter has, in the meantime, broken out of its immediate downtrend. Immediate support is provided by the flat 20dMA at $2.49.

CAPITAMALLS ASIA

CapitaMalls Asia's chart looks more promising. Another white candle was formed today on higher volume. $1.25 could be resistance turned support.

Further upward movement in price could see the gap at $1.33 filled. Immediate support is at $1.25.

NOL

Although a black candle was formed today on relatively higher volume, there is reason to be optimistic. Why?

The decline in price only travelled halfway down the white candle from the previous day. This suggests that the bears were lacking in conviction and there were enough buyers to keep the share price from falling too much.

A decline to immediate support at $1.125 could see more buying momentum.

Capitaland: Positive divergence.

Capitaland spots a positive divergence. As price formed a new low on 4 Oct, it is clear a few sessions later that the MACD has formed a higher low. The MACD is a lagging indicator just like other momentum oscillators. So, things are usually clearer a few sessions later. Acting before a clearer picture forms would be to pre-empt.

That the MACD formed a bullish crossover with the signal line in negative territory also suggests the return of buying interest although not strong enough to send the MACD into positive territory. Coupled with the positive divergence, we could see Capitaland's share price moving higher.

A long white candle was formed in the last session as resistance provided by the 20dMA was overcome convincingly. Share price is currently resisted by the declining 50dMA which is at $2.52. If this were to be broken, I believe bulls will return and bears will cover their shorts.  We could then see the share price rising to test resistance provided by the declining 100dMA which approximates $2.71 which is also a potential double bottom neckline.

Could be quite a rewarding trade for breakout traders if a breakout should materialise.

Capitaland: TA update.

What an amazing run up Capitaland's share price had in the last session. That the run up was accompanied by huge volume is good news for bulls. Short sellers were probably scrambling to cover their positions in the last session, surprised by the buying strength.

Anyone who added to their long positions or initiated one in the last few sessions would be wise to search for exit points, if they have not done so already. Why? Make no mistake, Capitaland's share price is still in a downtrend. Only if it were to break out of resistance provided by the declining 100dMA in a convincing manner could we say that the downtrend is broken.

Resistance provided by the declining 100dMA? Divest at resistance? In a downtrend, that would be conventional wisdom and something I would do.

Capitaland: Weekly chart.

Capitaland seems to be enjoying a respite.

A quick look at the weekly chart suggests that a retest of the declining 20wMA as resistance is likely. It could happen this week or the next couple of weeks.

If I were to hazard a guess, it could be at $3.14 if it should happen as that is also where we see some resistance provided by the candlesticks. However, volume declined in the last couple of weeks. So, this brings into question whether recent strength is sustainable.

Wait and see.

Selling shares of Capitaland and CapitaMalls Asia.

I did a contra on the shares bought earlier in the week for Capitaland and CapitaMalls Asia yesterday. To me, the way in which the share prices were moving higher on lowering volume did not look sustainable.

Downtrends are rivers of hope, no doubt, but I would not get too hopeful especially if the technicals hint of a weak rebound. Lock in some gains and let others take on the higher risk of holding the shares in the downtrend.

If prices should go higher, congratulate the buyers. They took on greater risk and if they were to make money in the process, they deserve it.

Capitaland:

CapitaMalls Asia:

If prices were to move higher next week to test resistance provided by the longer term MAs, I would move to cut my long positions in these two counters, bearing in mind that their downtrends are very much intact.

I cut losses if prices rebound to test resistance and not when they are moving lower.

Related post:
The long awaited technical rebound.

The long awaited technical rebound.

I keep saying that downtrends are rivers of hope and that prices do not go down in a straight line. This is quite natural but in despair and desperation, it is all too easy to give up and throw in the towel. This is capitulation.

Capitaland and CapitaMalls Asia are both in downtrends. This is quite obvious. With no signs of reversals to the upside, I recently added to my long positions with the simple believe that they are very oversold and technical indicators were prime for a technical rebound.

Of course, there was no way to know if or when the technical rebound was going to take place. However, the feeling was that any further downside could be limited in case a rebound did not take place anyway.

Now that the rebound has happened, it is important not to become delusional to think that prices could continue going up to hit the old highs. With the downtrend intact, the thing to do is to sell if resistance levels are tested. The question is at what price levels do we sell at? Well, my way is to search out the resistance levels and I see $2.91 and $2.94 for Capitaland.

Wait a minute, do I not think the share price could go higher to test resistance provided by the trendline which is approximating $3.20? Well, it could, of course, but that is a long shot and, bearing in mind that I added to my long position recognising the strong downtrend the counter is in, the thing to do is to lock in gains and to reduce exposure.

What about CapitaMalls Asia? Well, I am still hopeful that its share price could do a gap cover at $1.55. However, I also recognise that we could find resistance at $1.50 to be quite significant.

Therefore, locking in gains at $1.50 would be a good idea if it were to be tested. Let's see how things turn out tomorrow.

Related posts:
Capitaland: Average buy price of $2.81.
CapitaMalls Asia: Bought at $1.37.

STI rises 1.3% to 3,053.51 at closing
Tuesday, 21 June 2011

© 2011 - The Edge Singapore

CapitaLand to double portfolio in China in 5 years, Lim says: Update
Tuesday, 21 June 2011

© 2011 - The Edge Singapore

Capitaland: More downside?

My purchase of more shares in Capitaland yesterday at $2.81 per share, unfortunately, did not turn out well. Today, its share price closed at $2.75, the day's low. There are some very determined shortists. The bears have won for now. Well, this is the risk one has to accept if one were to go long in a downtrend when there are no clear reversal signals. Too bad for me.

I am going to employ Fibo lines which have worked so well for me on other occasions to help determine where would we find the next support. Taking the high of $4.23 as 0% and $3.08, a natural support as 100%, we see a clearer picture.

$2.81 is where we find the 123.6% Fibo line, not a golden ratio and, as it turned out, it was a weak support which held up for a while in the morning. The next support is at $2.64. This is provided by the 138.2% Fibo line, a golden ratio and likely to be stronger. In the absence of a rebound, I would keep an eye on this price if it should be tested.

Fundamentally, Capitaland is now trading at a 21.4% discount to its NAV of $3.50 per share. I still get a feeling that it is very oversold and that a technical rebound is overdue. Of course, Mr. Market does not care two hoots what I feel.

For investors still keen on property stocks, the key is to be extra selective. Daiwa Securities recommends CapitaLand, which it notes has underperformed the local market “significantly” over the last 12 months. “We believe the market has sold down CapitaLand shares to a level where nearly all of the future policy risk (in China and Singapore) has been priced in.”

Daiwa adds what while home prices in Singapore and China may stagnate or even decline, CapitaLand’s combined residential property exposure in the two countries accounts for less than 20% of its overall assets. Daiwa has an “outperform” rating and $3.50 price target on CapitaLand. The stock closed at $2.75 on June 17.
(Source: The EDGE Weekend Comment Jun 17)

Related post:
Capitaland: Average buy price of $2.81.

Capitaland: Average buy price of $2.81.

Readers might remember that I said I was waiting for a chance to reduce exposure to this counter. It means waiting for a rebound to reduce at resistance. I do not like selling as prices are on their way down. Of course, as I have mentioned before, this is also a flaw in my methods. If there should be no rebound, then, it is more stocks for the freezer. However, if we believe that downtrends are rivers of hope, then, rebounds are just a matter of time.

With Capitaland, price has continued to drift lower for a month or so now. No rebound. Some traders have thrown in the towel and called it quits, selling away their shares. This, to me, shows fatigue amongst long holders and, perhaps, many, if not most, of the would be sellers have sold. The counter's share price would have a better chance of going higher then.

Today, there was a fierce tussle between bulls and bears. Very high volume was chalked up as price closed lower at $2.82, after touching a low of $2.79, forming a black hammer in the process. We might not have seen the bottom yet but we could be seeing the corner of a floor.

There are no signs of a reversal yet and buying into Capitaland at $2.81 is based on a believe that the counter is oversold and that a technical rebound is overdue. Target to the upside is $3.00. Wish me luck.

Related post:
Capitaland: Daily versus Weekly.

CapitaMalls Asia and Capitaland: Daily versus Weekly.

The possibility of a positive divergence panning out for CapitaMalls Asia still exists. With a lower low in its share price, the MACD has stayed at a higher low. However, it seems to be having some difficulty making a positive crossover with the signal line.

I decided to look at the weekly chart and found that the MACD has just gone lower than the previous low. A lower low on the MACD in the weekly chart is a foregone conclusion. It scuttles the chances of a reversal without a positive divergence.

What am I concluding from this? In the short term, there could be support and possibly a rebound but in the longer term, continuing weakness would not surprise me. Any rebound off lows to retest resistance would be good opportunities to reduce exposure.

I recognise the technical signs and would act accordingly. Bearing in mind all the time that TA is about probabilities, I never fully divest. A partial divestment reduces exposure and would allow me to ride any unforeseen reversal to the upside as well.

What about Capitaland? I am going to be lazy here. See the daily and weekly charts below:

Do you see the similarities? No prizes for guessing what am I planning to do with my investment in Capitaland. Good luck to fellow shareholders.

Related post:
An elaboration on my methods.