Market Watch

Market Watch - Sep 17, 2026

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Money is pouring into data centres across Southeast Asia, with more than US$11.5 billion invested so far, according to a new report by Tracxn. Most of that money has gone to just five companies based in Singapore, while the actual data centres are going up in Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand. With sovereign funds, pension funds and borrowed money all piling in, it's worth asking how long this boom can last and who really benefits. We speak to Neha Singh, Founder and Managing Director of Tracxn, about where the money is going.

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Market Watch - Sep 15, 2026

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US Treasury yields have crossed the psychologically important 5% level as markets brace for another Federal Reserve rate hike, while persistent inflation, heavy government borrowing and US$100-plus oil add to the pressure. Yet US equities have remained surprisingly resilient despite the increasingly difficult backdrop. Can corporate earnings continue supporting stocks as borrowing costs climb, and are investors prepared for a broader period of synchronised monetary tightening around the world?

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Oil is back above US$100, bond yields are approaching uncomfortable levels and major central banks are turning increasingly hawkish, raising the risk of a difficult combination of persistent inflation and weaker growth. Meanwhile, investors are weighing whether US Treasuries look attractive at yields near 5%, whether China can shift from export-led growth towards stronger domestic demand, and whether gold can withstand higher rates. Are global markets entering a new tightening cycle, and where can investors find shelter if the energy shock persists?

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US equities slipped overnight as Brent pushed above US$100, nearly 30% off its early-August lows, while longer-dated Treasury yields kept climbing despite the Treasury tripling its bond buyback to US$6 billion. Hebe Chen, Senior Market Analyst at Vantage Markets, tells us which of those two pressures is the bigger threat to stocks right now, what the latest PPI and jobless claims data mean for Fed rate expectations, and why gold is holding up even with yields elevated. We also look at the yen at seven-month highs ahead of a possible BOJ hike, and what a stronger currency does to Japanese equities and the carry trade.

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Bursa Malaysia's REIT Index has had a roller-coaster year, and unlike the benchmark index it remains in the red — even as the 20 companies it tracks delivered a sturdy set of first-half results, with growth in both revenue and dividends. So why the disconnect? Afifah Ishak, Equity Research Analyst at Affin Hwang Investment Bank, joins us to break down the 2Q2026 reporting season: which sub-sectors are outperforming across retail, office, industrial and hospitality, what the removal of the 10% withholding tax on REIT dividends means for retail investors, how rising bond yields are testing the sector's defensive appeal, and why soft tourist numbers are weighing on hospitality and retail names. She also explains the risks to her Overweight call — and shares her top picks.

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Global equity sentiment turned lower as oil prices hit their highest in over three months — but tech has been the surprising bright spot through the latest correction. Tony Nash, CEO of Complete Intelligence, joins us to unpack whether this is a buying opportunity, what's driving diesel and copper to record highs, and why the Atlanta Fed's 4.7% GDPNow forecast has revived talk of a rate hike before year end. He also weighs in on the Japanese yen's surge to a seven-month high against the dollar, and what a stronger yen means for global financial markets.

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Malaysia’s technology sector has been one of Bursa Malaysia’s standout performers in 2026, fuelled by booming investment in AI, semiconductors and data centres. Second-quarter earnings largely lived up to expectations, but the technology index has since retreated from its highs and valuations remain demanding. Which Malaysian companies are capturing the biggest gains from the global AI spending boom, what could derail the sector’s momentum, and is there enough growth ahead to justify its premium valuations?

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China’s August exports grew 25% from a year ago, accelerating from the previous month. But this stronger than expected performance was based on three categories: integrated chips, computing equipment and EVs. Meanwhile, with the Chinese yuan hitting a three and a half year high against the USD recently questions are being asked about more upside to the currency. Finally we look at the move by China’s Finance Ministry which led a 360 billion yuan capital injection exercise over the weekend.

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Strong US jobs data has kept a September Federal Reserve rate hike firmly in play, testing whether equities can continue performing in an environment of elevated borrowing costs and a resilient economy. In Japan, a stronger yen and speculation over a faster pace of Bank of Japan tightening are also putting monetary policy back in focus. Meanwhile, gold has lost some of its momentum since Jackson Hole. Are markets prepared for further rate hikes, and has gold’s rally finally run its course?

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Malaysia’s data-centre story is entering a new phase as the focus shifts from building facilities to actually powering, cooling and connecting them. With electricity capacity emerging as a major constraint, alongside water availability and network connectivity, the investment opportunity could increasingly move from construction players towards utilities, renewable energy providers and connectivity operators. What will determine which projects successfully come online, and which Malaysian companies stand to benefit as the country’s data-centre industry matures?

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A surprisingly strong US jobs report has reinforced expectations that the Federal Reserve could raise rates again, putting even greater focus on this week’s inflation data. At the same time, global bonds are reeling from a sharp sell-off, US equities have lost some momentum and semiconductor stocks are showing fresh signs of life. With the Japanese yen also experiencing another volatile week, where should investors be looking for opportunities as markets adjust to the prospect of tighter monetary policy?

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US markets closed higher overnight, but the calm hides a lot of tension underneath. Oil has pushed to its highest level since July as the Middle East conflict intensifies, and August payrolls land tomorrow after July's big negative surprise, leaving the Fed staring at a possible stagflation problem. Volumes have been thin, Treasury yields are climbing, and the question is whether that's a strong economy or a market that's stopped believing in the AI trade. We speak to Tim Mulholland, President of TJM Limited, on what's actually moving markets right now and where the opportunities are.

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Malaysian corporate earnings for the June quarter came in stronger than almost anyone expected, with more positive surprises and fewer misses than the first quarter. For the first time since December 2020, not a single sector reported earnings that missed expectations overall, helped by strong commodity prices, our position as a net oil and gas exporter, and a resilient tech sector. But even with that showing, RHB is holding its year-end KLCI target at 1,750 points and staying Neutral on sectors like gaming, auto and rubber gloves. We speak to Alexander Chia, Head of Regional Equity Research at RHB Investment Bank, on what the results tell us about where the local bourse goes from here.

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The G20 has wrapped up against a backdrop of geopolitical tensions, trade disputes and rising global bond yields, with US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent arguing that economic growth is the best answer to America’s mounting debt burden. Meanwhile, markets are pricing in the possibility of another Federal Reserve rate hike, while stronger consumer confidence is adding to expectations that the Bank of Japan could tighten policy again. Can growth really solve America’s debt problem, and are markets prepared for interest rates to remain higher for longer?

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Fresh US economic data, rising global bond yields and renewed Middle East tensions are giving investors plenty to contend with as September gets underway. Meanwhile, Kevin Warsh’s hawkish Jackson Hole message has kept another Federal Reserve rate hike firmly on the table. With Treasury yields testing uncomfortable levels and higher oil prices adding to inflation concerns, how much room do policymakers have to respond, and where should investors be positioning themselves in an increasingly uncertain market?

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Malaysia’s banking sector has just wrapped up its second-quarter 2026 earnings season, offering fresh insights into how the country’s largest lenders are navigating current operating conditions. Chin Jin Han, Research Analyst at Affin Hwang Investment Bank, joins BFM’s Market Watch to break down key earnings drivers, emerging operational pressures, and where the true risks lie for the remainder of the year.

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Kevin Warsh has used his first Jackson Hole address as Fed Chair to put the fight against inflation firmly back at the centre of monetary policy, raising expectations that another rate hike could come as soon as September. Meanwhile, renewed US-Iran tensions are pushing energy prices higher, Treasury yields remain elevated and the Japanese yen is once again under pressure. With US equities coming off a strong August, can markets continue climbing as investors confront the prospect of higher-for-longer interest rates?

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The ringgit has firmed against the US dollar in recent weeks, from around RM4.09 in mid-August to roughly RM4.03 — but how much of that is a Malaysia story, and how much is simply a softer greenback ahead of Jackson Hole? Against the yuan the picture reverses: the ringgit has slipped since May, with one ringgit now buying about 1.67 yuan, down from 1.73 — and China is still our largest trading partner. We look at what could carry this appreciation into September and what might reverse it quickly, how the ringgit is tracking against the Singapore and Australian dollars, and whether it has earned the label of Asian outperformer. We also touch on the yen after this month's joint US-Japan intervention, and which Asian currencies have the most upside from here. We speak to Stephen Chiu, Chief Emerging Markets FX Strategist at Bloomberg Intelligence.

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We look at what yesterday's jobless claims say about the US labour market, and what to listen for when Kevin Warsh delivers his first Jackson Hole keynote as Fed chair tonight. With Treasury yields easing and the dollar near its weakest since May, we ask whether the worst of the bond turmoil has passed, whether the Fed's next move could be a hike rather than a cut, and how investors should be hedging against a devaluing dollar. We speak to Laurent Lequeu, Independent Market Analyst and Writer of The Macro Butler Newsletter.

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Nvidia's earnings are once again taking center stage as the AI market barometer, even as tech behemoths commit close to US$700 billion in AI CAPEX this year alone, increasingly funded through debt. Patrick Chang, Chief Investment Officer at CIMB Bank, joins BFM’s Market Watch to unpack what Nvidia's numbers signal for the broader market, the evolution of AI monetisation, and where the next compelling investment themes lie.

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This week equity markets are being dictated by the escalating trade war between the US and Canada while recovering Treasury yields lent some support. David Dietze, Chief Investment Strategist at Dietze Wealth Management Group, shares his thoughts on these developments as well as signals from the Jackson Hole symposium taking place this week.

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Malaysia’s automotive market continues to defy economic uncertainty, with vehicle sales rising nearly 3% in the first seven months of 2026 and the Malaysian Automotive Association expecting another year above 800,000 units. But beneath the headline numbers, the competitive landscape is shifting as Proton gains ground, Perodua loses market share and Chinese marques make deeper inroads. Can sales maintain their momentum through the rest of the year, and which carmakers are best positioned to benefit?

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Stronger-than-expected US economic data is keeping pressure on Treasury yields and complicating the outlook for interest rates, even as investors await fresh signals from the Jackson Hole Symposium. Meanwhile, a weaker US dollar has supported gold and the Australian dollar, while Nvidia’s upcoming earnings could determine whether the AI-driven technology rally has further to run. Can markets continue climbing if borrowing costs remain elevated, and where should investors be looking for the next catalyst?

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Walmart, Home Depot and Target all reported this week, and the picture they paint is of a K-shaped American consumer, where Walmart's US comparable sales grew at their slowest pace in over six years, even as it gained share among higher-income households. But the bigger threat to equities may not be the consumer at all: it's the long end of the Treasury curve, with Washington now trying to boost buybacks of long-dated government debt to hold rates down. We also look at gold hitting its highest since June while the dollar slides, and whether that divergence widens. We speak to Tim Mulholland, President of TJM Limited.

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Vishnu Varathan from Mizuho Bank speaks about the impacts of the recent FOMC minutes, which revealed a split between members wanting to hike rates and those preferring to wait for more inflation data. However, markets paid more attention to the US Treasury’s announcement of increased buybacks of long-term bonds, which helped lower yields and boosted equities and gold. He explains that while this move provides short-term relief and benefits equities, it raises concerns about long-term debt sustainability and the potential weakening of the US dollar.

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A sharp pullback in semiconductor stocks and climbing global bond yields signal growing market fatigue as investors weigh the rising capital costs of scaling artificial intelligence ambitions.

Hebe Chen, Senior Market Analyst at Vantage Markets, joins BFM’s Market Watch to evaluate the outlook for US equities ahead of the July FOMC minutes release, analysing how interest rate expectations and government deficits are impacting broader market liquidity.

She assesses China's emerging "two-speed economy", where resilient manufacturing contrast with sluggish consumer demand, and details why targeted policy support will likely take precedence over broad-based stimulus.

Hebe also examines the rebound in South Korean tech giants SK Hynix and Samsung, alongside the structural factors and central bank buying driving renewed interest in gold as an inflation hedge

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Equities have responded negatively as crude oil prices have moved to their highest in two months while the 30-year US Treasury yield hit its highest level since June 2007. Joe Quinlan, Chief Market Strategist, US Trust-BOA Private Wealth Management, shares his insights into the latest market movements.

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Despite the S&P 500 reaching record highs, deteriorating US retail sales and falling consumer sentiment signal that equity markets may be priced to perfection with a thin margin for error. Dilin Wu, Research Strategist at Pepperstone, joins BFM’s Market Watch to analyse growing macro headwinds, upcoming tech earnings catalysts, and central bank expectations.

She breaks down why the Federal Reserve is likely to keep interest rates on hold through year-end, evaluates the hawkish stance of the Reserve Bank of Australia and its impact on the Aussie dollar, and explains why Japan’s FX intervention offers only temporary relief for the Yen.

Dilin also assesses gold's recent technical breakout, highlighting continuous central bank purchasing and institutional inflows as key drivers for medium- to long-term upside.

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Falling car sales for ten consecutive months and JD.com's first quarterly revenue drop in over a decade underscore China's persistent household consumption slowdown, even as AI tech exports continue to drive growth.

Carlos Casanova, Senior Economist at UBP, joins BFM’s Market Watch to analyse why massive consumer savings are not translating into domestic spending and what structural reforms are needed to stabilise sentiment.

He breaks down the policy paradox of China’s high-value tech export boom, outlines Beijing’s long-term strategy for gradual Yuan appreciation to boost imports and the Yuan's internationalisation.

He also offers his outlook on Japan’s second-quarter GDP data and Bank of Japan rate hike expectations.

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The Black Sea is becoming an increasingly dangerous front in the Russia-Ukraine war, as attacks on ports, warships and commercial infrastructure threaten some of the world's most important grain and energy routes. A major Ukrainian strike on Russia's Novorossiysk port has damaged grain export facilities and added pressure on Moscow to divert cargo through alternative routes, while Türkiye is proposing a moratorium on attacks against commercial shipping. With disruption already affecting Russian wheat exports, the Black Sea is increasingly being discussed alongside Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb as another vulnerable global trade chokepoint. Could continued attacks reshape agricultural trade and global food security, and how great is the risk of the conflict spilling into the wider region?

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US inflation came in softer than feared, and markets took it as a green light — indices are sitting at or near record highs. We ask Tony Nash what the CPI print actually tells us about where inflation is heading, and whether it's enough to move the Fed. Also on the table: whether investors should be taking profit or letting the winners run, the oil price reaction to reported attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz, and what a weaker yen means for markets after intervention from the US and Japan.

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Singapore’s three banks, DBS, OCBC and UOB, announced strong second quarter earnings recently, which significantly impacted the movement of Singapore’s stock market . Thilan Wickramasinghe, Head of Research Singapore & Regional Head of Financials at Maybank Investment Banking Group, talks about if current valuations justify the premiums.

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Investors are navigating increasingly divergent signals from the world's major central banks as inflation and interest-rate expectations shift. The Reserve Bank of Australia has kept rates at 4.35% but left the door open to further tightening, while markets are watching fresh US inflation data for clues on whether the Federal Reserve could raise rates again this year. Meanwhile, the Japanese yen is weakening despite recent intervention, and gold has rallied as expectations for higher US rates fade. With monetary policy increasingly moving in different directions, what does this mean for currencies, bonds and precious metals in the months ahead?

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US equities have pulled back after reaching record highs, but investors continue to navigate a complicated mix of geopolitical tensions, shifting interest-rate expectations and enthusiasm over artificial intelligence investment. The US-Iran standoff remains a key risk for oil and inflation, while weaker labour market signals have reduced expectations for further Federal Reserve tightening. At the same time, the AI investment boom is broadening beyond chipmakers into the companies supplying the infrastructure behind it, while a softer US dollar has helped gold regain momentum. With markets still trading near historic highs, can the rally continue, and where are the most attractive opportunities for investors now?

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After two consecutive months of net selling, foreign investors returned to Bursa Malaysia in July, helping push the FBM KLCI up 3.7% over the month. Imran Yassin Yusof, Head of Research at MBSB Research, explores whether this was a genuine shift in sentiment, or just selective buying of Malaysian blue chips when other Asian markets were struggling.

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US equity markets touched new record highs following a shock contraction in non-farm payroll figures, as investors priced in a more dovish Federal Reserve interest rate trajectory ahead of key CPI inflation data. Kingsley Jones, Chief Investment Officer at Jevons Global, joins BFM’s World Market Watch to navigate these global market signals and what to watch ahead.

He breaks down why Wall Street’s relief rally could prove short-lived if CPI inflation surprises to the upside, evaluates whether Big Tech is overspending on AI infrastructure versus emerging algorithmic and embodied AI innovations in China, and analyses the Reserve Bank of Australia’s rate outlook alongside a strengthening Australian dollar

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Following an all-time high near $126,000, Bitcoin has retraced nearly 50% to trade around $64,000. A massive $19 billion liquidation event, triggered by macro trade tensions, escalating geopolitical risks, and capital rotation toward AI equities, has tested market resilience. However, the absence of widespread systemic platform failures highlights a maturing industry compared to past cycles.

Zhong Yang Chan, Head of Research at CoinGecko, joins BFM’s Market Watch to analyse current crypto market dynamics. He compares this pullback to historical drawdowns, breaks down how institutional ETF flows and perpetual futures data signal potential recovery, and evaluates Russia's cross-border crypto moves amid global sanctions.

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Despite the S&P 500 recently testing new highs, rising geopolitical risks and persistent inflation expectations are fueling concerns over Federal Reserve rate policy ahead of crucial labor data. At the same time, record US equity ownership, elevated market leverage through ETFs, and surging long-end Treasury yields pose critical headwinds for equity valuations. Tim Mulholland, President of TJM Limited, joins BFM’s Market Watch to evaluate where equities go from here.

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Despite resilient US services sector activity, persistent inflationary pressures and a softening labor market point toward growing stagflationary risks.

Meanwhile, unprecedented currency joint action by US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Japanese authorities has temporarily checked dollar-yen volatility, even as markets grapple with Federal Reserve Chairman Kevin Warsh’s reduced-communication strategy and China’s widening domestic-export economic divide.

Vishnu Varathan, Head of Economics & Strategy at Mizuho Bank, joins BFM’s Market Watch to navigate these global market dynamics.

He evaluates whether the Fed may be forced to hike interest rates before cutting them, analyses the fair value baseline for the Japanese yen, and explains why a "policy bazooka" remains elusive for China's domestic economy.

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Following a brief pull-back, US equities have surged back toward record highs, driven by a dramatic rebound in Big Tech and broadening market participation across transportation, defense, and financials. However, with shifting Federal Reserve communications under Kevin Warsh, persistent debt concerns, and geopolitical risks keeping energy and food prices volatile, investors face a tricky landscape.

Michele Schneider, Chief Strategist at MarketGauge, joins BFM’s Morning Brief to analyse whether the current Tech rally is a sustainable bull run or a late-cycle trap reminiscent of 1999–2000. She breaks down critical price levels for SpaceX and Nvidia, evaluates the Fed's reduced transparency strategy, and outlines the macro risks that could derail corporate earnings.

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After surging over 120% from the start of the year to its peak in June, South Korea’s KOSPI index experienced severe volatility in July, enduring nine separate circuit-breaker halts amid a global pullback in semiconductor stocks. While heavyweights Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix led the initial AI-driven rally, the rapid rise of retail-driven single-stock leveraged ETFs amplified the subsequent market sell-off.

Terence Ng, Associate Director of Equities at AIIMAN Asset Management, joins BFM’s Morning Brief to break down the mechanics behind the KOSPI’s extreme price swings.

He discusses whether the recent slump offers an attractive entry point for long-term investors, how retail leverage impacted market stability, and where non-tech sector opportunities lie across Korean equities.

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US equities extended their gains following last week's market rebound, but key questions remain over whether the worst of the tech and AI volatility is behind us. Meanwhile in Asia, a 10% pullback in Japan's Nikkei 225 has global investors weighing their entry points.

Joe Quinlan, Chief Market Strategist at US Trust-BOA Private Wealth Management, joins BFM's Morning Brief to share his global outlook. He discusses whether it is time to buy the dip in Japanese equities, what a strengthening yen means for the US economy, and what the Treasury yield curve signals about the Federal Reserve's rate trajectory.

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China's economy is losing momentum, central banks are weighing their next moves, and geopolitical tensions continue to reshape energy markets. Laurent Lequeu, Independent Market Analyst & Writer at the Macro Butler newsletter joins us to unpack the forces driving the global economy and what investors should watch next.

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The Malaysian tech sector has been riding the global AI wave, with its fortunes closely tied to demand for AI-related products. But the big question is: can this strong spending on AI continue, and will our local tech players keep reaping the rewards? To get some insights, we speak with Lee Meng Horng, Senior Equity Analyst at RHB Investment Bank.

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US GDP and core PCE data landed this week, and markets clawed back ground after the post-FOMC selloff, though sentiment in semiconductor and AI stocks remains fragile. The conversation unpacks what the data says about US inflation and growth, where the Fed goes from here, and why Singapore's Straits Times Index keeps hitting record highs.

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Artificial intelligence continues to dominate investor attention especially in Asia. Given the recent volatility in North Asian tech hardware and with China's AI ambitions, where should investors allocate capital next? Will China and Singapore markets continue to outperform?

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China's technology sector has found a new source of optimism after memory chipmaker CXMT's blockbuster stock market debut reignited interest in the country's AI and semiconductor ambitions. But with global technology stocks facing valuation pressures and China's broader economy still uneven, investors are questioning whether the rally marks the start of a sustained recovery or a burst of speculative enthusiasm. Where are the best opportunities in China's equity market, and can the AI story drive the next leg of growth?

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Investors are navigating a pivotal week for Asian markets, with the Federal Reserve weighing its next move, fresh US tariffs threatening regional trade, and China preparing to signal its economic priorities at the mid-year Politburo meeting. At the same time, leadership uncertainty at Bank Indonesia and a slight tightening by Singapore’s central bank are adding to the policy mix. What do these developments mean for growth, currencies, and investment across the region?

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World equity markets recovered on the back of three nights of relative lull in the US-Iran war, although concern over AI and tech prospects kept the Nasdaq in negative territory for four straight sessions. Hebe Chen, a senior market analyst at Vantage Market, share her insights along with expectation from central bank rate decisions from the US and Australia.

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Malaysia's automotive sector has continued to outperform expectations, with vehicle sales rising in the first half of the year despite economic uncertainty. National brands remain dominant, but Chinese automakers are rapidly gaining market share while electric and hybrid vehicle adoption continues to accelerate. As the industry heads into the second half of the year, can strong demand withstand policy changes, inflationary pressures, and a slowing replacement cycle?

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Investors are becoming less willing to overlook soaring AI spending by Big Tech, even as companies continue to post strong revenue growth - this is evident from the performance of the Nasdaq recently. Kingsley Jones, Chief Investment Officer at Jevons Global, share his perspectives on this and more.

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Investors are balancing a resilient US economy against rising geopolitical and policy risks, with higher oil prices, shifting Federal Reserve expectations, and renewed tariff uncertainty all shaping market sentiment. Semiconductor stocks have rebounded after a sharp sell-off, but questions remain over whether the recovery can be sustained. As markets head into a pivotal period, what should investors be watching across equities, commodities, and monetary policy?

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Rising US fuel prices, renewed geopolitical tensions, and a weakening Japanese yen are forcing investors to reassess the outlook for inflation, interest rates, and global markets. With the Federal Reserve expected to keep rates on hold for now and the Bank of Japan weighing further tightening, attention is turning to how central banks will respond to shifting economic conditions. What do these developments mean for currencies, bonds, commodities, and investors in the months ahead?

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Foreign tourist arrivals have returned to Malaysia, reaching 26.6 million in 2025 and surpassing pre-pandemic levels of 26.1 million in 2019. However, should Malaysia focus on attracting higher-spending visitors rather than simply increasing tourist numbers? We speak to Redza Abdul Rahman, Director of Research at BIMB, for some answers.

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Global markets are navigating a complex mix of geopolitical tensions, resilient economic data, and shifting expectations for interest rates. Despite renewed conflict in the Middle East, oil prices remain well below recent highs, while investors continue to assess the outlook for equities, bonds, and safe-haven assets such as gold. As the second half of the year unfolds, what are the key risks and opportunities shaping global markets?

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The artificial intelligence boom has fuelled a rally in Asian stock markets to record highs as investors rushed to join the AI bandwagon. But the recent market sell-offs have raised concerns that the massive AI infrastructure investments may not result in the short-term profits to justify the lofty valuations of these stocks. Is this latest pullback simply a temporary bout of profit-taking, or does it signal the start of a more prolonged downturn? We speak to Herald van der Linde, Head of Equity Strategy of the Asia Pacific at HSBC.

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Wall Street chalked up another red day with equities pressured by elevated crude oil prices thanks to the US-Israel war on Iran, while tech stocks continue to be sold off. Joe Quinlan, Chief Market Strategist at US Trust-BOA Private Wealth Management, shares his insights into the latest market movements and what we can expect going forward.

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The past week saw equities slump as the US-Iran war escalated and investors sold of tech and AI stocks. Laurent Lequeu, Independent Market Analyst & Writer at the Macro Butler Newsletter, shares his insights into equity markets as well as commodities in the weeks ahead.

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AI and data centres may grab the headlines, but someone has to supply the concrete and metal to build them. RHB Investment Bank has an Overweight call on Malaysia's basic materials sector, with top picks Press Metal and Malayan Cement offering an estimated 25–37% upside. Equity analyst Iftaar Rusli walks us through how a 4% stronger ringgit cuts both ways for producers, why Indonesia's coal regulations matter for Malayan Cement's margins, and whether post-war reconstruction in the Middle East could be the sector's next big order book.

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What can we expect from Wall Street's earnings season to AI-driven chip stocks, oil prices and US interest rates expectations? Tim Waterer of KCM Trade breaks down the key themes shaping global markets and what investors should be watching next.

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US equities managed to register gains on comments from the Federal Reserve indicating that inflation may have peaked and should be edging down in coming quarters. Tony Nash, an economist at Main Street Alpha, shares some perspective on what to expect even as the Iran war continues to cast a shadow on US consumer prices going forward.

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Renewed tensions in the Middle East have pushed oil prices higher, reviving concerns over inflation, interest rates, and the global growth outlook. Yet investors have continued to favour emerging markets and AI-related stocks, highlighting the resilience of risk assets despite rising geopolitical uncertainty. As oil, bonds, equities, and technology pull markets in different directions, where should investors be looking in the second half of the year?

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The major US banks reported blockbuster earnings this week, driven by investment banking, capital markets and trading. How much will this be reflected in the broader earnings season? We discuss the outlook for the US economy and markets with David Dietze of Dietze Wealth Management,

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Malaysia's utilities sector is poised for a bright future, as a result of rising capital expenditure and increasing electricity demand, with consumption for 2026 projected to expand by 4.5% to 5.5%. Nurzulaikha Azali, an analyst at BIMB Securities Research, shares her insights on this sector.

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The resumption of a US blockade in the Strait of Hormuz and military strikes in the Gulf threatens to send oil prices soaring once again. How will this affect US Fed policy and market sentiment? We discuss the trends with Joe Quinlan of the US Trust-BOA Private Wealth Management.

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SK Hynix's debut on the Nasdaq last Friday was the biggest IPO by a foreign company on record raising USD$26.5 billion. What factors will influence the trajectory of chip players in the coming months? We discuss this and other market trends with Kingsley Jones of Jevons Global.

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Wall Street barely flinched this week, even as US strikes on Iran pushed oil higher and rattled the Strait of Hormuz. Tim Mulholland of TJM Limited in Chicago thinks that calm deserves scrutiny. He walks us through what the latest US economic data reveals beneath the surface, where the smart money is rotating as geopolitical risk builds, and why the sliding Japanese yen — now at multi-decade lows — might be a bigger threat to markets than anything happening in the Gulf.

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The US Federal Reserve's minutes for its June meeting has been released indicating that the central bank remains divided over the future path of interest rates, with policymakers split between the possibility of cuts and further hikes. Vishnu Varathan, Head of Economics & Strategy, Mizuho Bank, shares his insights into how this will also dictate the trajectory of currencies.

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Global airlines continue to benefit from resilient travel demand, but surging fuel prices, supply chain disruptions, and aircraft delivery delays are putting growing pressure on profitability. While some carriers are adapting through fare increases, fuel hedging, and network changes, others face tougher operating conditions as geopolitical tensions reshape global aviation. Can the industry continue growing while navigating higher costs, capacity constraints, and the long road to net-zero emissions?

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Global markets are entering a new phase as investors weigh diverging economic and policy trends across major economies. Japan is grappling with mixed domestic data and a weakening yen, while Europe's equity markets have surged to record highs, outpacing the United States amid improving growth expectations and lower energy prices. As central banks chart different paths and oil prices continue to ease, where are the best opportunities for investors, and could leadership in global markets be shifting?

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There appears to have been a rotation back into tech, AI and semiconductor stocks, leading the Dow Jones to hit a new record again. Joe Quinlan, Chief Market Strategist at US Trust-BOA Private Wealth Management, shares his insights into how the markets are moving plus an outlook into where crude oil prices may be heading.

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The Dow Jones closed last week at record highs; in contrast the S&P 500 and Nasdaq have been in a consolidation pattern for the past month. What are the factors driving this divergence? We discuss this and other market trends with Dilin Wu of Pepperstone.

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Global markets are sending mixed signals, with US blue chips pushing to new highs even as technology stocks lose momentum. Investors are also weighing a resilient US labour market, signs of stronger manufacturing activity in China, falling oil prices, and renewed interest in gold as expectations for Federal Reserve rate cuts evolve. As leadership shifts across sectors and regions, where are the best investment opportunities, and what risks could derail the current market narrative?

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Investors are weighing a mixed picture for the US economy, with manufacturing continuing to expand, inflation remaining a concern, and markets searching for fresh direction after recent volatility. While technology shares are attempting to stabilise and consumer-facing sectors such as airlines continue to outperform, attention is also turning to Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh's evolving policy approach. Is the US economy still on track for a soft landing, and where are the biggest opportunities and risks for investors in the second half of the year?

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The Japanese yen has weakened to its lowest level since 1986 against the US dollar, despite signs of strength elsewhere in the economy. What's the threshold for intervention by the Bank of Japan and what does this mean for monetary policy moving forward? We discuss this and other Asian economic trends with Carlos Casanova of UBP. 

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US markets have steadied after a bout of volatility, helped by easing geopolitical tensions and lower oil prices. As investors look to the second half of the year, attention is shifting from macro risks back to corporate earnings, with growing divergence emerging within the technology sector and renewed interest in cyclical industries. Is the market entering a broader phase of leadership, or will AI and the largest technology companies continue to drive returns?

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As oil prices retreat to pre-Iran war levels, a vital question emerges: Are markets accurately pricing the reality of crude flows through the Strait of Hormuz, or has bearish sentiment overshot? Between the wild swings in Korean memory chip stocks and the deeply depressed Japanese Yen, where do the markets fundamentals actually lie? We speak to Kingsley Jones, Chief Investment Officer at Jevons Global.

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US inflation has climbed to its highest level in three years, yet markets have remained remarkably resilient. Strong economic data, easing oil prices, and renewed optimism around AI have helped support investor sentiment, even as expectations grow that the Federal Reserve could keep interest rates higher for longer. Is the market correctly pricing the risks ahead, or are investors becoming too complacent?

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Spot gold is now trading at its lowest in a year while Brent crude oil futures have gone back to Feb 27 levels, the day before the US and Israel attacked Iran. Vishnu Varathan, Head of Economics & Strategy, Mizuho Bank, lays out the current scenario and its impact on interest rates and currencies.

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The overnight global sell-off in tech and AI stocks has reignited questions about the longevity of the AI-led bull run. Are these early signs that the bubble is bursting? We discuss market trends with David Chow of Azure Capital.

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The US Fed Chair Kevin Warsh in his first meeting gave hawkish signals as to the interest rate trajectory, but is a hike imminent? Joseph Sroka of NovaPoint Capital weighs in on the potential scenarios at play and what investors should consider in the AI tech space.

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Falling oil prices and easing tensions in the Middle East have reduced fears that the global economy could slide into stagflation. Yet investors still face major questions around the outlook for growth, inflation, interest rates, and the strength of the US dollar under new Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh. As markets reassess the path forward, are we entering a more stable phase for the global economy, or simply moving from one set of risks to another?

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Markets have welcomed the signing of the US-Iran peace agreement, with investors rotating back into risk assets as concerns over energy supplies and geopolitical disruption ease. The focus is now shifting back to economic fundamentals, including the outlook for interest rates, Federal Reserve policy, and the health of the US labour market. As investors reassess whether the post-conflict rally can be sustained, is this the start of a broader move into cyclical sectors, or are there still risks that could challenge market optimism?

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Asian markets have regained momentum after easing tensions in the Middle East helped drive oil prices lower and improve investor sentiment. At the same time, strong export data from Singapore, continued strength in South Korea's semiconductor sector, and resilient earnings in Japan are reinforcing the region's growth outlook. As investors shift their focus back to fundamentals, where are the best opportunities in Asia today, and which markets are best positioned to benefit from the next phase of growth?

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Markets are reassessing the outlook after the Federal Reserve held rates steady and signs emerged of a possible peace agreement between the United States and Iran. Lower oil prices and easing geopolitical tensions have improved sentiment, but investors are also weighing the implications of the first policy signals from new Fed Chair Kevin Warsh. As attention shifts back to growth, inflation, and interest rates, can the current rally broaden further, or do significant risks still threaten market stability?

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Global markets have rallied after reports of a peace agreement between the United States and Iran, easing concerns over energy supplies and helping drive a renewed risk-on mood across equities. With the Strait of Hormuz expected to reopen, oil prices have retreated, gasoline costs are falling, and investors are reassessing which sectors stand to benefit most from a more stable geopolitical environment. At the same time, attention is shifting back to fundamentals, including the first Federal Reserve meeting under new Chair Kevin Warsh, the outlook for interest rates, and whether the market's AI-driven leadership can continue as the rally broadens.

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Global markets were positive at the end of last week on the back of the SpaceX IPO and signals of an imminent US-Iran ceasefire deal. Have the markets fully priced in the potential reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, or does the rally have legs? We discuss the market outlook with Kingsley Jones of Jevons Global.

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The likelihood of a solution to the war in Iran sparked a rebound in the markets, led by tech stocks that have been sold off in the past few sessions. Tim Mulholland, President at TJM Limited, talks about the underlying economic data that will still guide central banks' interest rate decisions in the coming weeks.

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Indonesia’s central bank has delivered its first off-cycle interest rate hike in eight years after the rupiah fell to record lows against the US dollar. The move follows a series of interventions and comes amid growing pressure from global volatility, higher energy prices, and concerns over domestic economic policy. With policymakers now prioritising currency stability, investors are asking whether this is simply a response to external shocks, or a deeper test of confidence in Indonesia’s economic outlook.

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World markets ended in the deep red with the selloff on semiconductor, tech and AI plays continuing. Consumer price results from the US also indicate that inflation remains an issue for the interest rate outlook, while the Iran war appears to have escalated. Vishnu Varathan, Head of Economics & Strategy at Mizuho Bank, helps us make sense of these developments.

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The 1Q2026 earnings season has now wrapped, and while the period is traditionally softer due to festive holidays, this quarter saw an even more compressed business calendar with both Chinese New Year and Hari Raya falling within the reporting period. Jeremy Goh, Head of Research, Hong Leong Investment Bank, shares his insights into this.

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Wall Street stocks appear to be struggling to find its footing following last week's tumble as investors remain nervous that the AI-driven run in chips had risen too far, too fast. Joseph Sroka, Chief Investment Officer at NovaPoint Capital helps us make sense of these developments.

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Wall Street staged a mild tech-related recovery following a more than 5% decline on the Nasdaq, over the previous three sessions. Joe Quinlan, Chief Market Strategist, US Trust-BOA Private Wealth Management, analyses the events of the past few days and how they might guide investment decisions.

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Global markets were rattled by a sharp sell-off last week, with technology stocks leading the decline and investors reassessing the outlook for interest rates, valuations, and economic growth. Stronger-than-expected US labour market data has revived concerns that monetary policy may need to remain tighter for longer, putting pressure on equities, bonds, and even traditional safe havens such as gold. As the AI-driven rally faces one of its toughest tests yet, investors are increasingly asking whether this is a healthy correction within a broader bull market, or the beginning of a more significant shift in market leadership and risk appetite.

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Cryptocurrency markets are facing renewed pressure as Bitcoin retreats sharply from its highs, even as global equity markets continue to rally on the back of AI enthusiasm and strong technology earnings. Capital appears to be flowing back into traditional growth assets, while ETF outflows, long-term holder selling, and weakening sentiment have raised fresh questions about institutional demand for digital assets. At the same time, Ethereum is attracting attention for a very different reason, with some investors arguing that corporate adoption, AI-related use cases, and changes to network governance could unlock a new phase of growth. As crypto navigates a tougher market environment, is this simply another cyclical correction, or does it signal a more fundamental reassessment of the sector’s role in investor portfolios?

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Overnight saw the release of Australia's first quarter GDP numbers while the US' unemployment indicators are set to be released tonight. Hebe Chan, Senior Market Analyst at Vantage Market, dissects these numbers and what it would mean for interest rate decisions by the US Federal Reserve and the Reserve Bank of Australia.

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Malaysia’s banking sector started 2026 on a stronger-than-expected footing, with loan growth picking up, credit demand holding firm, and asset quality remaining stable despite a challenging global backdrop. Raymond Ng, Equity Analyst at Hong Leong Investment Bank unpacks what is driving this sector and what investors can expect.

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