21.   SINGAPORE shares fell as Malaysian stocks dived to a six-year low, raising concern about earnings at Singapore banks with loans in Malaysia.

22.   Some portfolio managers said the rally in Malaysian stocks will be short-lived.

23.   Still, Lui has been buying some Malaysian stocks in recent weeks, as prices have fallen to attractive levels.

24.   The decline in Malaysian stocks was offset by a gain in banks.

25.   The decline in stocks may be moderated by buying orders from local pension funds, which were instructed by Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad yesterday to buy Malaysian stocks.

26.   The drop in Malaysian stocks was limited by a rebound in the Hong Kong market.

27.   The expected fall in Malaysian stocks may be buffered by plantation stocks, which are being eagerly sought after by foreign investors, because of soaring palm oil prices.

28.   The funds were instructed by Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamed last week to buy Malaysian stocks.

29.   The move is seen pushing Malaysian stocks higher today.

30.   The Singapore and Kuala Lumpur exchanges are closely tied , with a large number of Malaysian stocks traded over the counter in Singapore.