Market Watch

Are soaring tech stocks blinding the market to a structural collapse in the traditional economy?While AI demand creates a high-growth "mirage" in the Nasdaq, the reality at the factory gates is sobering.With US inflation hitting a three-year high and energy prices surging, the global economy is fracturing into two distinct speeds. Vishnu Varathan, Head of Economics and Strategy at Mizuho Bank, joins the show to reveal why the AI boom is masking a stagflationary landscape and what a Kevin Warsh-led Fed faces ahead.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The S&P500 set yet another record high this week despite continuing geopolitical tensions over the Strait of Hormuz. What's driving the market rally? We discuss the trends to watch with Mich Schneider of Market Gauge.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A recent report by the Singapore Exchange noted that combined non-interest income for Singapore’s banking trio hit a record S$5.16 billion in 1Q26, driven by a surge in wealth management and fee income that now accounts for nearly 40% of their total earnings mix - what does this mean for the sector? We discuss with Geoff Howie, Market Strategist, Singapore Exchange.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Global markets continue to rally on AI optimism, with gains broadening beyond major tech names into smaller-cap stocks and Asian markets. But as oil prices remain elevated, geopolitical tensions persist, and inflation risks re-emerge, what could challenge the momentum behind this powerful market rally?Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Stronger-than-expected US labour data, a leadership change at the Federal Reserve, resilient Chinese trade figures, and elevated oil prices are all shaping the outlook for global markets. As inflation pressures build across ASEAN and Malaysia prepares to release its latest GDP figures, how are investors and policymakers positioning for the rest of 2026?Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bitcoin’s surge back above US$80,000 has reignited debate over the next phase of the crypto market, driven by institutional inflows, regulatory developments, and its growing role as a geopolitical hedge. As stablecoin legislation advances and attention turns to broader digital asset adoption, what is the outlook for cryptocurrencies, and where could the next wave of momentum come from?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Markets seesawed on the back of a possible peace deal between the US and Iran, but the lack of certainty kept crude oil prices elevated. Can major economies escape the risks of stagflation if the crisis is prolonged? We discuss the market outlook with independent analyst Laurent Lequeue.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Momentum in chip stocks continues to drive the Nasdaq and S&P500 higher - but is the rally sustainable? And are cyclicals like airlines back on the table? We discuss with Tony Nash, CEO, Complete Intelligence.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

According to Bloomberg, consensus earnings growth for the S&P 500 this year is 21% despite the economic volatility resulting from the Middle East conflict. Could investor buoyancy take a hit if global energy costs remain elevated? We discuss the outlook for US markets with Joseph Sroka of NovaPoint Capital. Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tech-led earnings remain strong, with AI investment broadening beyond the biggest US names into a wider set of industrial and hardware beneficiaries, suggesting the rally is becoming more diversified rather than concentrated in mega-cap stocks.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The S&P 500 saw a dramatic rebound of 10.4% in April and hit record highs last Friday, despite oil prices remaining elevated. Are markets underpricing inflation risks? We discuss the sustainability of the stock rally and central bank policy direction with Kingsley Jones of Jevons Global.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Federal Reserve has held US interest rates steady after Jerome Powell's final meeting as chair of the central bank, and with Kevin Warsh set to take over next. Vishnu Varathan, Head of Economics & Strategy at Mizuho Bank shares his takeaways on Powell's speech, along with the impact of Brent crude almost reaching USD120 a barrel on the ringgit.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mag 7 stocks have outperformed this month but still lagged the S&P500 on a year-to-date basis. Will this week's earnings results of Microsoft, Alphabet, Amazon and Apple provide the catalyst for stock rallies? We discuss this and other trends moving international markets with David Dietze of Dietze Wealth Management Group. Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ahead of the release of quarterly earnings from names like Apple, Amazon, Alphabet and Meta, markets have been generally upbeat. Joe Quinlan, Chief Market Strategist, US Trust-BOA Private Wealth Management, discusses the reactions so far with the S&P500 and Nasdaq hitting record highs.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

First quarter US corporate earnings results have so far beaten expectations led by names like Intel and Honeywell. David Chow, Director of Investment at Azure Capital, shares his insights on these results and what we might expect as the year progresses and current geopolitical events begin to show their impact.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US jobless claims data and the S&P PMI numbers were released overnight providing insights into the world's largest economy, even as the US-Iran standoff over the Strait of Hormuz continue to cloud the horizon. Dilin Wu, a research strategist at Pepperstone, shares her take on these issues as well as the trajectory of Australian interest rates going forward.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia’s semiconductor sector is showing early signs of recovery, with chipmakers raising prices and AI-driven demand supporting momentum. But with inventory levels still elevated and uncertainties around the durability of this upcycle, is this the start of a sustained rebound, or are risks still lurking beneath the surface?Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Overnight, the S&P500 and Nasdaq chalked up new record highs as first quarter results of firms like Goldman Sachs, Tesla and IBM beat analysts' expectations. Tony Nash, CEO of Complete Intelligence, weighs in on if this equities' rally still has legs or will the impact of high energy prices and lower consumer demand anticipated for Q2 might present itself.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the Gulf crisis creates supply shocks and drives inflation across Asia, which countries are more vulnerable? We discuss the regional economic outlook and monetary policy positioning with Carlos Casanova of UBP.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Markets remain volatile despite signs of positivity in sectors like AI and tech, with company earnings supporting this view. Joe Quinlan, Chief Market Strategist at US Trust-BOA Private Wealth Management, share his insights into how and where to look for these opportunities.Image Credit: Shutterstock. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Global markets continue to rally despite the uncertainty in the Strait of Hormuz, partially driven by robust first quarter earnings results. But can this momentum last if the Gulf conflict is prolonged? We discuss this and other market trends with Kingsley Jones of Jevons Global.Image Credit: Shutterstock.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia’s healthcare sector is entering a new phase driven by an ageing population, rising demand for specialist care, and growing pressure on public systems. As private operators step in to fill capacity gaps and global disruptions reshape supply chains, what is the outlook for the sector, and where are the key opportunities and risks for investors?Image Credits: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The local palm oil plantation sector is entering a critical period of high volatility with inventories hitting a seven-month low and CPO prices surging nearly 19% in March. Jacquelyn Yow, Analyst, CGS International discusses whether upcoming demand catalysts like Indonesia’s B50 mandate can sustain this momentum or if rising production will soon weigh on the market.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Both the S&P 500 and Nasdaq registered record closing highs this week despite ongoing turmoil in the Gulf. Are US markets underpricing the risks from the war in Iran? We discuss market trends with Tim Mulholland of TJM Limited.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Straits Times Index (STI) started 2026 on a steady footing, rising about 5.1% in the first quarter, even as global markets moved unevenly. But what’s driving this resilience, and is it built to last? We discuss this with Geoff Howie, Market Strategist, Singapore Exchange.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The World Bank and the International Monetary Fund recently signalled slower global growth as a result of the US-Israel war on Iran, now into its seventh week. Vishnu Varathan, Head of Economics & Strategy at Mizuho Bank shares his insights into the impact on financial markets, especially emerging economies that seem to be less severely impacted.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US markets rallied despite little breakthrough in US-Iran ceasefire talks. What's driving investor optimism and what are the key takeaways from the major US bank earnings so far? We discuss market trends with Joseph Sroka of NovaPoint Capital.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Uncertainty remains the theme as a fragile two-week ceasefire between Iran and the US remains in focus, despite a blockade of Iranian ports and vessels by the American navy. Peter Lim, Chief Research Officer, Trident Analytics, share his take on the best asset allocation strategy in these volatile times.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After a strong rally earlier in the year that saw the FBM-KLCI breach 1,700 points for the first time in seven years, the market appears to have entered a consolidation phase. As the index hovers near this multi-year high, Ng Zhu Hann, CEO & Founder, Tradeview Capital explores whether the momentum can hold and which specific stocks investors can consider buying.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Weekend developments in the US-Israel war in Iran continue to dictate the direction of commodities and equities markets, following the failure of both sides to advance the two-week ceasefire. Kingsley Jones, the Chief Investment Officer at Jevons Global, shares his perspectives on asset allocation in this time of great uncertainty and volatility.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Equity markets managed to remain buoyant with the latest developments in the West Asia conflict offering (very fragile) hope that would see the stabilisation of crude oil prices. Tim Waterer, Chief Market Analyst at KCM Trade, also discusses Australian equities amid a strengthening Australian dollar and a hawkish central bank there.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Equities rallied across the world immediately after a two-week US-Iran ceasefire was announced, while crude oil prices tumbled 16%, its largest one-day drop since 2020. Tony Nash, CEO of Complete Intelligence, discusses what he anticipates as more details about these latest developments become clearer.Image Credit: Shutterstock.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The S&P500 has risen the last five consecutive days, its longest winning streak since January - have markets largely taken into accounts Trump's antics since the start of the Iran war? Michele Schneider, Chief Strategist at Market Gauge talks about what's been moving investor sentiment.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Financial markets continue to be dictated by mixed messaging coming out of the Trump administration in the short term, while in the long term, economic data continue to provide some guidance. Laurent Lequeu, independent market analyst and writer of the Macro Butler Newsletter, explains what he is anticipating.Image credits: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia is rolling out measures to safeguard households and the economy, including setting up specialised crisis committees. Dr Cassey Lee, Principal Fellow and Coordinator of the Regional Economic Studies Programme at ISEAS–Yusof Ishak Institute, discusses how effective these efforts are in managing the crisis.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The conflict in the Middle East has sent Brent crude oil prices above $USD100 for the better part of the past month. How will inflation risks weigh on Asian central banks whose countries rely on Gulf energy imports? We discuss this and other market-moving trends with Song Seng Wun, Economic Adviser at SDAX.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

World markets were again buffeted by news that the United States and Israel plan to continue attacking Iran, while a possible arrangement between Tehran and Oman to open up the Strait of Hormuz, provided some relief. Tim Mulholland, President of TJM Limited shares some insights into where to find investment opportunities.Image Credit: Shutterstock. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia's construction sector is bracing for moderate to significant disruptions as the US-Israel war against Iran threatens global supply chains and energy stability. Against that backdrop, what is the outlook for the sector and are there any buy ideas still for investors? Adam Mohamed Rahim, Equity Research Analyst, RHB Research will be discussing this.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Equity markets around the world have staged a strong rebound overnight, as crude oil prices decline on (tenuous) hopes that the US war on Iran may see an end. Vishnu Varathan, Head of Macro Strategy, Asia ex-Japan at Mizuho Bank, also discusses the latest economic figures as well as where the ringgit is heading, after recently weakening against the USD.Image Credit: Shutterstock.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Are markets getting ahead of geopolitics? Laurent Lequeu, independent market analyst and writer of The Macro Butler Newsletter, breaks down the US rally on Iran de-escalation hopes, tracks oil above 100 dollars, and maps the rate path and recession risk.Image Credit: Shutterstock.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The rise in global oil and gas prices has raised questions about inflation and its effect on consumer sentiment. How resilient is the Malaysian consumer sector to navigate the potential headwinds? We discuss the sector outlook with Sabariah Akhair of BIMB Securities Research.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With the Iran war into its second month and narratives continuing to be confusing, financial and commodities markets remain in flux. Joe Quinlan, Chief Market Strategist, US Trust-BOA Private Wealth Management, shares his market insights.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Markets are under pressure, with oil rising above USD$115, equities sliding into correction territory and volatility on the rise. How should investors position for the year ahead, and where are the relative opportunities across assets? Dilin Wu, Research Strategist at Pepperstone, weighs in on market direction, dollar strength and the outlook for China.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US markets tumbled overnight despite news that President Donald Trump was extending the ceasefire on energy infrastructure attacks in Iran for an additional 10 days to allow for negotiations to continue. How should investors allocate their portfolio amid macro-economic uncertainty? David Chow of Azure Capital gives us his take.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bursa Malaysia’s REIT Index saw a dip last week following the removal of a decade-long preferential tax treatment, marking a three-month low and leading to the question of whether the sector is still worth investing in? Mohd Fadzerin Arrifin, Equity Analyst, BIMB Securities Research weighs in with his analysis. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wall Street is higher as traders followed the latest developments out of the Middle East, hoping for progress toward ending the war in Iran. Tony Nash, CEO of Complete Intelligence, shares his take on the trajectory of US interest rates as well as sectors to look at including the aerospace and defence segments.Credit Image: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The palm oil market has been boosted by the ongoing Iran war - crude Palm Oil (CPO) futures have surged to about the 4500 ringgit mark in recent days. Is this trajectory a sustainable one and what is the outlook for the sector? We discuss this with Dr. Sathia Varqa, Managing Editor and Senior Analyst with Fastmarkets Palm Oil Analytics.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Recent economic data indicate continued softening of the US economy at a time when oil prices are under upward pressure due to the war in Iran. What does this mean for future Fed monetary policy? We discuss this and other market trends with David Dietze, Chief Investment Strategist at Dietze Wealth Management Group.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Equity markets have rallied after days of massive losses, while Brent crude oil fell more than 10%, after hitting a 2½-year high, after President Donald Trump indicated a scaling down of his threats to Iran. Joe Quinlan, Chief Market Strategist, US Trust-BOA Private Wealth Management, shares his take on how to navigate the current market turmoil.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the conflict in Iran pushes oil prices above USD100, we’ve seen the ringgit remaining resilient compared to regional peers like South Korea, where the won has crashed to a record low. Which currencies will we see emerging as the winners and losers in the coming weeks and months? We discuss this with Stephen Chiu, Chief Asia FX and Rates Strategist, Bloomberg Intelligence.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.