Key Takeaways Renewed US-Iran tensions pushed Brent crude briefly above US$80 , reigniting concerns over global energy supplies. Despite geopolitical uncertainty, Wall Street avoided a sharp sell-off , suggesting investors believe the conflict remains manageable for now. Higher oil prices have revived expectations of a Federal Reserve rate hike , as markets worry about renewed inflation. Technology stocks remained relatively resilient , showing that AI continues to provide underlying support for equities. The next move in oil prices could determine whether market volatility returns. Market Insight When news broke that the US had launched fresh strikes on Iran , investors immediately rushed into the oil market. Brent crude briefly climbed above US$80 a barrel , as fears grew that escalating tensions could disrupt supplies through the Strait of Hormuz , one of the world's busiest energy shipping routes. Yet the reaction in equities was far more measured. Although the S...
As the year 2009 is coming to an end, we should start setting financial goals for year 2010. Financial goals are needed so that we can control our day-to-day financial affairs which will be executed by creating and following a budget. Good financial goals are usually realistic and achievable and will give satisfaction to one. It doesn't serve a purpose if a person earning 10,000 a year setting a goal which is to save 20,000 a year because it is impossible to achieve. Not only that, it will then demoralize him or her. There are few steps to set financial goals:- Identify and write down your goals. Break goals down into short-term goals and long-term goal - timeline could be differ; eg. some might take few months as short-term where as some will consider it as long-term Educate yourself and plan - Learn the debts and assets that we have, and to look into the expenses. Then plan a budget . Follow the budget with discipline and diligently . Evaluate your progress - it doesn...