Market Watch

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?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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?Image Credit: EPA ImagesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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?Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 hedgeImage Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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?Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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?Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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?Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 dollarImage Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.Image Credit: Shutterstock See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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?Click here to find out more about CIMB Chief Investment Office.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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?Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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?Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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?Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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?Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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?Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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?Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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?Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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,Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.