Market Watch

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Latest data reveal that US services activity accelerated in May, while employment registered a slight slowdown. Meanwhile, equities on Wall Street have broken a nine-day winning streak but optimism still surrounds tech and AI counters. Tony Nash, CEO of Complete Intelligence discusses these developments and their impact on US interest rates going forward.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How are the major East Asian economies - China, South Korea and Japan - navigating external headwinds? We analyse the latest economic data with Carlos Casanova, Senior Economist at UBP.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Overnight, news that the US-Israel war on Iran may see a resolution spurred markets. However, this also comes as central banks turn more hawkish and companies continue to ramp up AI and tech spending. Tim Mulholland, President at TJM Limited, outlines how he thinks investor might position themselves going forward.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Recent positive news surrounding the US-Israel war on Iran have caused crude oil prices to drop, supporting equities but upcoming inflation data will dictate central banks' actions in the coming weeks. Vishnu Varathan, Head of Economics & Strategy at Mizuho Bank shares his insights.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

News that there might be a resolution to the US-Israel war on Iran has been dominating market sentiment with the latest (conflicting) updates causing equities to rise and crude oil to fall. Laurent Lequeu, an independent market with the Macro Butler newsletter shares his insights on what sectors to pay attention to.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Asian indices like the Taiwan Index and South Korea's Kospi have rallied on the back of the global AI boom. How attractive is the Asia tech hardware sector for investors? David Chow of Azure Capital weighs in on this and other market trends.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia’s property sector began 2026 relatively stable footing, supported by healthy earnings visibility and strong sales secured over the past two years. But fresh macro data is beginning to paint a more cautious picture. Jessica Low a senior analyst at MBSB Research shares her outlook for this sector, the key risks ahead, and where she still sees value.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

S jobless claims data released yesterday indicate that layoffs remain muted while in Australia, the unemployment rate jumped to 4.5% in April to reach the highest in about 4½ years. Tim Waterer, Chief Market Analyst at KCM Trade, shares his insights on this would guide the decisions of the US Federal Reserve and the Reserve Bank of Australia.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Overnight, the US Federal Reserve's Federal Open Market Committee's meeting minutes were released yesterday, while results from Nvidia came in above expectations. Tony Nash, CEO of Complete Intelligence, joins us to analyse what these developments might signal for markets ahead.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Global bond yields have risen over concerns that central banks will be forced to hike interest rates in the wake of the ongoing Hormuz blockade. What does this mean for the outlook of regional equities? We discuss market trends with Dilin Wu of Pepperstone.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over the past month, Asian FX have been roiled by the ongoing conflict in Iran, with currencies like the South Korean won and Japanese yen trending lower, but our ringgit has managed to maintain strength this year. Stephen Chiu, Chief Asia FX and Rates Strategist, Bloomberg Intelligence joins us to talk about how currencies in the region will perform in the current quarter.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.