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 we all read it from the news everywhere that the household debt in Malaysia is on the rise and the household debt has been going from 66.7% in 2009 to 74.6% end of 2010. What this is actually telling us is that for every RM1,000 that we earn, RM746 is used to serve loan ( source ). While I have been thinking of promoting debt or loan in this blog, but finally kill the idea of doing that as I know there are many people who cannot control once they stepped into the world of debt - even a financial pro. Below is the story of How a Financial Pro Lost His House . I find that this article can serve as a reminder to us that excessive leveraging has its danger as well. ONE night a few years ago, when the value of our home had collapsed, our debt was out of control and my financial planning business was shaky, I went to take out the trash. There was this enormous window that looked right in on the kitchen table, and through it I could see my wife, Cori, and our four children eating dinner. I...