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Americans lead as equity analysts are analysed
When it comes to equity research in the region, Americans still dominate.
Institutional Investor's 2008 All-Asia Research  Team survey yesterday showed that Goldman Sachs topped all its rivals in 19 research sectors, and holding the top three spots in 11 categories.
Goldman edged out Citi Investment Research, which claimed 10 top spots with five champions mainly in the technology, telecoms and power sectors.
JP Morgan ranked third with eight top spots while UBS and Credit Suisse both claimed seven spots.
While there were few changes at the top this year, the biggest improvement was  from Merrill Lynch's conglomerate team, led by Christie Ju, which rose to No1 from tenth spot last year.
The poll is like a report card for analysts, with many using it to justify their hefty bonuses.
Some analysts noted that there were more voters in this year's poll. More results will be released on a country-by-country basis today.
Timing is everything
We told you so. Hutchison Whampoa's rally  justified the belief of many brokers that it could spell the end of a bull run. On Tuesday, the blue-chip laggard surged, and yesterday's 2.48 per cent decline in Hang Seng Index said it all.
We spotted a blue-chip director whose timing was perfect cashing out nearly HK$390 million worth of shares just before the correction.
He was Li & Fung president Bruce Rockowitz, who sold 12 million shares at between HK$31.20 and HK$32.10 in four transactions from April 30 to May 6th.
Mr Rockowitz showed patience in liquidating his shares at an almost year-high of HK$32.50 on average, compared  with a January low of HK$22.40. He is now holding 58.62 million shares, or 1.7 per cent.
Guess who's smiling now?
Best left unsaid
We should note what is said, but  perhaps more important is to note what's left unsaid.
While Walt Disney yesterday reported 31 per cent growth in its second-quarter results, there was no mention of Hong Kong Disneyland.
Hong Kong Disneyland was grouped under international business, along with the Paris theme park, but Disney only mentioned operating income growth at Disneyland Resort Paris.
The only indication we noted was chief executive Bob Iger, who told investors at the post-results teleconference that both the Paris and Hong Kong parks were performing strongly, thanks to the favourable US dollar exchange rate.
So we still don't know exactly how well the Lantau theme park performed in the first quarter this year.
But we did note something else that was far more interesting: one of our loyal leaders claims there is a striking resemblance between the new HK Disneyland managing director Dave Vermeulen with the park's character Buzz Lightyear.
Hedging one's bets
How are our transport businesses reacting to oil surging  above US$120 per barrel?
Hong Kong Ferry has  been creative. According to chairman Colin Lam Ko-yin, the company has been buying shares in oil companies, including CNOOC, in the past two months to hedge its positions.
That may not work for Cathay Pacific, which spent one-third of its operating costs on fuel. Chairman Christopher Pratt yesterday indicated that there was a high chance that Cathay would raise its airfares. Let's just say ferry passengers are the lucky ones.
The name game
Kenneth may not be a common name in German, but he is indeed an Alibaba.com customer. Our Monday report about the latest Alibaba ad at Chek Lap Kok airport quoting a German customer named Kenneth tickled a German family.
'I showed the column to my mother, and we both found it very amusing,' said Intrasolutions & Consulting managing director Kenneth Koegler, communicating through his Hong Kong agent,  noting that Kenneth is indeed a very unusual name in Germany.
'My parents just liked the name Kenneth, so they gave it to me.'



Lai See