Market Watch

Global markets have given up a fair of its gains seen in January. This is on concerns on the strong data coming out of the US so far which points to more rate hikes by the Fed. More importantly, a Fed pivot will unlikely happen this year. Also, should investors be focusing more of their investments in developing markets like China? For answers, we speak to Jack Kouzi, Director for Strategy, V...

After stronger than expected CPI and PPI numbers, the Fed seems to be struggling to contain inflationary pressures. We ask Joe Quinlan, Chief Market Strategist at US Trust-BOA Private Wealth Management what does this mean for the terminal rate and why does the Fed still keep to it's 2% inflation target. Image credit: Shutterstock See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For 2023, equities have generally been on an uptrend driven by better earnings delivery from companies and better than expected economic data. However, recent data on inflation, employment and the producers price index have spooked markets. Recently St Louis Fed President James Bullard alluded to a possible 50bp increase in rates at the next meeting. What will this mean for global equities and bon...

US retail sales in January jumped the most in 2 years and homebuilder sentiment rose in February by most since 2020 whilst US inflation rose by 0.5%. Should the Fed have been more aggressive and gone for a 50bp at the last meeting? Also Cisco's recent results beat expectations and is this a good indicator of strong spending on tech infrastructure and the revival of old tech? We speak to Tony Nash,...

RHB Research released an interesting regional report recently which was titled ‘ESG Diamonds in the Rough’, where the best companies that met the criteria based on ROEs, low gearing levels, cheaper valuations vs peers and a credible ESG score above the country's median were picked. Alexander Chia, Regional Head of Regional Equity Research, RHB Investment Bank helps us understand the methodology an...

US CPI rose by 0.5%, highest in 3 months. Will this change the pace of hikes by the Federal Reserve? Carlos Casanova, Senior Economist at UBP tells us his view whilst commenting on the incoming Bank of Japan Governor. Image credit: Shutterstock See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US CPI will be released later, we speak to Joe Quinlan, Chief Market Strategist at US Trust-BOA Private Wealth Management as to his expectations and how that will impact the pace of rate hikes. We also ask him as to why UK equities are outperforming depsite the weak economic outlook. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Regional stock markets were off to a great start in 2023 where most markets show outperformance in January. Since then markets have given up some gains largely due to the hot US January jobs report. Meanwhile, the FBM KLCI Index has lagged its regional counterparts and is down slightly YTD. What does 2023 hold for the Asia Equity Markets and should investors be looking abroad to other markets to d...

Markets took a stumble last week, we ask Kingsley Jones, Chief Investment Officer, Jevons Global if this a precursor of further correction. We also ask him for his views whether there will be significant change to Japan's monetary policy if monetary policy expert Kazuo Ueda is the next central bank governor. Image credit: Shutterstock See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The recent job numbers from the US has thrown a spanner in the works for equity markets. This may lead to more rate hikes from the Fed Funds and lead to a higher terminal rate. Also is the retail participation in the US stock market still buoyant which may lead to more Meme stocks in play? For insights, we speak to Tim Mulholland, President, TJM Limited, in Chicago. Image credit: Shutter...

Inflation was on the rise in 2022 impacting the wallets of Malaysians. However not all listed consumer stocks were negatively. Syifaa' Mahsuri Ismail, equity analyst from Hong Leong Investment Bank tells us why whilst giving us an outlook for this sector in 2023 and what names to pick. Image credit: Shutterstock See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

China reopening of its economy and borders early this year will certainly see the economy on track for better growth in 2023. Will the recovery be a V or U shaped? Also how should investors be reading the recent comments from the FED on further rate hikes and what will be the terminal rate? For answers, we speak to Vishnu Varathan, Head of Economics & Strategy, Mizuho Bank. Image cre...

Jack Kouzi, Director of Strategy for VFS Group tries to help us understand what is exactly happening with US Markets following a series of engagements with Fed Chair Powell as he helps us navigate whether the recent geopolitical tensions between US - China will have any bearing on markets. Image credit: Shutterstock See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The recent blockbuster U.S January payroll numbers shook market perceptions and quashed expectations that the Fed may be finished with rate hikes. This has caused the market to pullback from the January highs but this may be a buying opportunity for investors. For  insights we speak to Joe Quinlan, Chief Market Strategist, US Trust-BOA Private Wealth Management. Image credit: Shutterstoc...

The KL Construction Index kicked off 2023 on a strong footing, up 8% on a year-to-date basis. However the outperformance has mostly been seen among smaller cap names, while the larger capitalisation companies like Gamuda, IJM and Sunway Construction have been laggards. With Budget 2023 on the horizon, what's the outlook of the sector over the next half-year? Loong Chee Wei of Affin Hwang Investmen...

The market continues to rally on the lower 25bp increase in rates by the FED and better than expected results from some tech giants like Meta has boosted the performance of Nasdaq. But is the market getting ahead of itself given that fundamentals have not changed too much. For insights we speak to Clifford Bennett, Chief Economist, ACY Securities. Image credit: Shutterstock See omnystudi...

US markets continued its strong trend seen in January and rallied further on news that the Fed has increased interest rates by a smaller quantum of 25bp yesterday. The statement by the Fed was quite hawkish but that the press conference was more dovish because Powell acknowledged it would take time for the full effect of rate rises to feed through to the economy. What will this mean for markets in...

Tech heavyweights like Meta, Apple and Alphabet are expected to release results this week. Earnings are expected to be soft but this is likely priced in and investors would be more concerned with the guidance given. The FOMC meeting also starts on February 1 and expectations are for a 25 bp increase but more importantly will be the guidance given on future rate increases. For more insights on this...

Global equity markets have started the year strongly with most showing gains. While fund flows have been more apparent in China and emerging markets, US and European markets have also showed relatively strong performance as talks on a recession have fizzled out. With the Fed also likely at the tail end of its tightening cycle, bonds look to be back in favour. However, all eyes will be on February...

STI is up by 5% on YTD basis but can this positive momentum be sustained? Geoff Howie, Market Strategist, Singapore Exchange gives us that answer whilst examining the REIT sector in detail. Image credit: Shutterstock See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the Chinese markets reopen after the week long Lunar Year Break, we ask Kingsley Jones, Chief Investment Officer at Jevons Global how the markets will behave in 2023. We are dive into the reopening themes and what are the investment opportunities. Image credit: Shutterstock See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

4Q US GDP surprised on the upside with 2.9% growth but still slowed from 3.2% in 3Q. However, is this just an blip and is the economy is weaker than expected when we dissect the numbers further? Additionally are earnings for 2023 still too lofty and will there be further cuts? For insights we speak to Tim Mulholland, President, TJM Limited. Image credit: Shutterstock See omnystudio.com/l...

China’s reopening has sparked hopes of a demand led boost that will soften any chance of a hard economic landing for G7 nations. But how realistic is this view and are the GDP expectations of 5 to 5.5% too optimistic for China? Also what is the read through of Bank Negara Malaysia keeping the OPR unchanged? For insights, we speak to Vishnu Varathan, Head of Economics & Strategy, Mizu...

The CSI300 is one of the best performing markets in Asia, while the Hang Seng Index is having an even better run. We ask Jack Kouzi, Director for Strategy at VFS Group if this rally has legs and what sectors will offer best exposure to China's reopening theme. Image credit: Shutterstock See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Markets are still expected to be volatile in 2023 but what is the best investment strategy to adopt? Brian Arcese, Portfolio Manager & Equity Analyst at Foord Asset Management recommends a barbell approach whilst telling us where to find alpha. Image credit: Shutterstock See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.