Stocks to watch: Astro, MPHB, IOI, Axiata

Stocks to watch again on July 27 include companies linked to low-profile billionaire T Ananda Krishnan including Measat and Astro as speculation continues over a relisting of Maxis and the spinning off of Astro's overseas operations.

Tanjong plc, which is also linked to Ananda Krishnan, could also see trading interest. Tanjong plc has stated it has no plans to dispose of its gaming business at the moment, but does not rule out a sale should an appealing offer crops up.

MULTI-PURPOSE HOLDINGS BHD could see volatile trading after its share buyback of 1.86 million shares on July 24 triggered a price surge, sending its share price up 11.25% or 17 sen to close at RM1.68.

IOI Corp, which saw its share price retreat 12 sen or 2.41% after announcing a rights issue, could continue to see some selling pressure.

In the Lion Group, major shareholder Tan Sri William Cheng Heng Jem has stated his intention to deal in the securities of Parkson Holdings pending the announcement of the fourth-quarter results ended June 30.

In Axiata group, the Employees Provident Fund Board had acquired 7.04 million shares and disposed of 2.98 million shares from July 17 to 20. The recent transactions raised its shareholding to 1.426 billion shares or 17%.