Market Watch

Markets continue to inch up, hitting new highs but is it still time to deploy cash? Laurent Lequeu, Independent Market Analyst & Writer, The Macro Butler Newsletter tells us his investment strategy and how to identify the outperforming companies. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia’s exports grew just 1.9% year-on-year in August, slowing sharply from 6.5% in July. The growth was largely underpinned by re-exports, a trend expected to persist as Malaysia continues to face lower trade tariffs compared with China amid U.S.-China trade tensions. Zafri Zulkeffeli, Deputy Chief Economist at BIMB Securities Sdn Bhd, shares his outlook and growth expectations. Image Credit:...

The S&P500 hit a new high recently despite the expensive valuations. We ask Joe Quinlan, Chief Market Strategist, US Trust-BOA Private Wealth Management if there is still upside to this rally and if so, what are the sectors to overweight and underweight. We also ask him for his views on the recent moves by Nvidia on Intel and Open AI. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/list...

Plantation companies reported second-quarter results that were stronger than expected, supported by improved downstream margins, higher external purchases, and tighter cost management. However what is the outlook for CPO prices and which plantations will outperform for the rest of 2025 and beyond. Hoe Lee Leng, Head of Regional Plantations, RHB Investment Bank tells us. Image Credit: Shutterstock....

As US markets notch up new records, we get Kingsley Jones, Chief Investment Officer, Jevons Global views on whether the current bullish sentiment in the US market is sustainable and what advice would he give to investors with regards to their US portfolio. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After sliding to a 52-week low in April, Singapore’s benchmark Straits Times Index has staged a strong comeback, gaining about 30% to close at a record high last Friday. So, what’s changed and does this rally still have legs? For insights, we speak with Adrian Loh, Head of Research at UOB Kay Hian Singapore. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US stocks notched up fresh records the day after Federal Reserve returned to easing interest rates and signaled further cuts are coming. Tim Mulholland, President of TJM Limited in Chicago, share his insights into what to expect going forward with his views on commodities like gold and silver, which are courting record highs currently. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for...

India’s economy posted world-beating growth of over 8% annually, but now faces challenges from U.S. tariffs. However, with ongoing trade talks between the two countries, the outlook for India’s economy and stock market may be brightening. Pramod Amthe  of Incred Capital weighs in. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The US Federal Reserve has finally delivered on a widely anticipated 25 basis point interest rate cut that will take its benchmark down to a target range of 4% to 4.25%, its lowest in nearly three years. Song Seng Wun, Economic Advisor at CGS International Securities, shares his perspective on its impact and what markets can look forward to. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listen...

Robust growth in China’s EV market has triggered a price war and the prospect of consolidation across the auto industry. Ray Kwok, Director of Research at CGS International Hong Kong, explains which companies are likely to emerge as winners and why. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US retail sales expanded by 0.6% in August, contradicting expectations of a consumer slowdown given softness in the labour market. How much will this weigh on the Fed's monetary policy trajectory? We discuss this and other trends with Michele Schneider of Market Gauge. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The FBMKLCI has had a rather lackluster year with a return of -3.6%, making it one of the worst performing markets in Asia.  Jeremy Goh, Head of Research, CGS International Malaysia tells  us what are the catalysts for a re-rating and what are the top buy ideas for 2025. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With job data deteriorating whilst inflation remaining an issue, what options does the Federal Reserve have in September's FOMC meeting. David Dietze, Chief Investment Strategist at Dietze Wealth Management Group tells us what to expect and if that is already priced in. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US equity valuations may appear stretched, but the rally could still have room to run depending on how many times the Federal Reserve cuts interest rates. Tony Nash, CEO of Complete Intelligence, noted that a 25-basis-point cut in September is widely expected. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The latest economic data reveal a weakening jobs market in the US, further supporting the case for the Fed to cut rates in September. But with tariff effects also starting to bite, how will the Fed manage its twin mandate? We discuss this with Carlos Casanova of UBP. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Japan’s equity market has remained resilient despite Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba’s resignation, reflecting the country’s long history of political turnover, particularly during the 1990s and late 2000s. Andrew Jackson, Head of Equity Strategy at Ortus Advisors, discusses how Japanese stocks are valued relative to global peers and shares his top picks. Image Credit: Shutterstock.co...

Traders are now expecting the Federal Reserve to cut rates three times by the end of the year. Joe Quinlan, Chief Market Strategist, US Trust-BOA Private Wealth Management tells us what impact this has on the bond and equity markets. We also ask if the coveted neutral rate still has any significance among central banks. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy informa...

Last week, Indonesia's financial markets were rocked by volatility against a backdrop of social and political unrest. This led to a sharp correction in the Jakarta Composite Index and Rupiah. We ask Jerry Goh, Asia Equities Investment Director, Aberdeen Standard Investments on what investment strategy to adopt in these volatile markets and what could outperform. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com See...

Kingsley Jones, Chief Investment Officer of Jevons Global, warns that the US labour market is weakening and the economy could tip into recession in 2026. To support growth, he expects the Federal Reserve may cut interest rates three to four times in the rest of this year. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Vishnu Varathan, Head of Economics & Strategy at Mizuho Bank, observed that US job growth remains resilient, though deportation and immigration policies may be distorting the data. President Trump’s tariffs are also expected to be upheld by the Supreme Court, despite being struck down by the Court of Appeals. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Decade-low lease rates in Hong Kong’s prime office market may be creating opportunities for multinational companies to upgrade their premises. To find out whether this signals a turnaround for Hong Kong’s office sector, we speak with Patrick Wong of Bloomberg Intelligence. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gold prices hit a record US$3,500 an ounce as worries over the Federal Reserve’s independence dented consumer confidence. David Chow, Director at Azure Capital, warns the longer-term outlook for the US economy is skewed to the downside, even if August unemployment figures show a modest uptick. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With stellar results from Alibaba, Hong Kong equities rallied. We ask Joe Quinlan, Chief Market Strategist, US Trust-BOA Private Wealth Management if this rally has legs and what will outperform. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The US economy continues to show resilience, with second-quarter GDP growth beating expectations and jobless claims declining. Joseph Sroka, Chief Investment Officer at NovaPoint Capital, credits the momentum to greater clarity on tariffs and the path of interest rates. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Markets continue to inch up even though investors were slightly disappointed with Nvidia’s guidance. We speak to Tony Nash, CEO from Complete Intelligence as to whether this rally is sustainable. We also ask if markets in Hong Kong and China still have upside and what those catalysts are.  Image Credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.