MONEY MASTER

Malaysia’s corporate landscape saw a mix of  fundraising activities, renewable energy expansion, IPO enthusiasm and balance sheet restructuring  dominate headlines, reflecting continued investor appetite for growth and defensive sectors despite broader market caution. Tenaga Advances Renewable Energy Push KL: TENAGA  strengthened its renewable energy ambitions after its subsidiary issued  RM1.05 billion in Asean Green SRI Sukuk  to finance a  500MW solar photovoltaic project in Kedah . The issuance highlights increasing institutional support for  green financing  and reinforces Tenaga’s long-term transition towards cleaner energy infrastructure. Investors may view the move positively as ESG-linked investments continue gaining traction across regional markets. Mr DIY Expands Funding Flexibility KL: MRDIY  raised  RM540 million via its maiden bond issuance , with proceeds earmarked for refinancing, working capital and expansion plans. The ...

Global equities traded mixed as investors weighed  resilient US economic data , a continued  AI-driven tech rally , and  elevated oil prices  stemming from Middle East tensions. US Stocks Extend Gains on Tech Strength Wall Street delivered a mixed but positive session: S&P 500   +0.8% Nasdaq Composite   +1.7% (record high) Dow Jones Industrial Average  little changed The rally was driven by  chipmakers and AI-related stocks : Intel   +14%  on potential deal with  Apple Qualcomm   +8% Nvidia   +1.75% This reinforces the  ongoing strength in semiconductor and AI themes . Oil Prices Stay Elevated Amid Ongoing Conflict Crude prices remained volatile as tensions persisted: Brent crude settled at ~US$101.29 per barrel (+1.23%) The market continues to monitor  clashes near the Strait of Hormuz , a critical global energy chokepoint. While investors are pricing in a potential resolution, analysts warn that  prolo...

KUALA LUMPUR, May 8 (Bernama) -- Bursa Malaysia snapped a five-day rally to close lower on Friday on profit-taking and in line with weaker global markets as renewed military developments between the United States and Iran hurt risk appetite, said an analyst.  At 5 pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) fell 10.79 points, or 0.61 per cent, to its intraday low of 1,748.06 from Thursday’s close of 1,758.85. The benchmark index, which opened 0.78 of-a-point lower at 1,758.07, moved to its intraday high of 1,760.19 in early trade before succumbing to selling pressure in late trading. Market breadth was negative with losers beating gainers  708 to 451. A total of 586 counters were unchanged, 907 untraded, and nine suspended. Turnover eased to 3.31 billion units worth RM3.00 billion compared with 3.78 billion units worth RM4.24 billion yesterday.

A sharp rally in US AI software stocks is reinforcing investor confidence in the  commercialisation phase of artificial intelligence , with institutional capital positioning for further upside — particularly in  Microsoft . AI Software Stocks Surge on Earnings Strength The sector saw strong gains following robust earnings, highlighting  growing monetisation of AI investments : Datadog   +35% Snowflake   +10% MongoDB   +12% Cloudflare  surged The rally signals a shift from  AI infrastructure spending toward real revenue generation , boosting sentiment across software names. Large Options Trade Signals Bullish Outlook on Microsoft Institutional investors executed a significant  bull call spread strategy  on Microsoft: Bought  26,160 contracts of $500 calls (Nov 2026) Sold  26,160 contracts of $575 calls Net premium: ~US$26.8 million With Microsoft trading near  US$425 , the structure implies expectations for  gradual up...

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co  continues to benefit from the artificial intelligence wave, posting  strong double-digit sales growth  as global tech giants accelerate investment in AI infrastructure. Strong Monthly Sales Highlight AI Momentum TSMC reported  April revenue of NT$410.7 billion (US$13.1 billion) , representing a  17.5% year-on-year increase . The performance reflects  sustained demand from hyperscalers , which are aggressively expanding AI capabilities. Analysts estimate  Q2 revenue growth of around 35% , indicating continued strength through mid-2026. AI Capex Boom Driving Semiconductor Demand The surge in demand is supported by large-scale spending commitments from leading tech companies, including: Nvidia Advanced Micro Devices Alphabet Amazon Meta Platforms Microsoft These firms are collectively allocating about  US$725 billion toward AI investments this year , significantly boosting demand for  advanced semiconductor...

Asian markets showed resilience despite rising geopolitical tensions, with  AI-driven momentum continuing to support equities , even as oil prices climbed on renewed Middle East hostilities. Oil Prices Rise Amid Renewed Conflict Crude oil extended gains as the US and Iran exchanged fire: Brent crude  rose  1.3% to US$101.60 per barrel Energy markets remain sensitive to developments in the  Strait of Hormuz , a key global supply route Despite the flare-up, both sides signaled  limited escalation , keeping hopes alive for a  negotiated resolution . Asian Stocks Slip Slightly but Hold Strong Weekly Gains The  MSCI Asia-Pacific ex-Japan Index  dipped  0.8% , reflecting cautious sentiment. However, weekly performance remains robust: Kospi   +12% (largest weekly gain since 2008) Taiex Index   +6.9% Nikkei 225   +4.5% The rally has been fueled by  strong demand for AI-related chips , particularly benefiting companies like Samsung...

Global markets turned cautious again as escalating tensions in the Middle East  reversed recent risk-on sentiment , pushing  oil prices higher  and dragging US equity futures lower. US Futures Slip as Risk Appetite Fades Contracts on major US indices declined in early trading: S&P 500  futures  -0.2% Nasdaq 100  futures  -0.3% The pullback follows  record highs in US equities earlier this week , highlighting how quickly  geopolitical shocks can shift market direction . Oil Prices Rise on Supply Disruption Fears Crude oil prices moved higher after reports of: Explosions near a key Iranian port Attacks on US naval vessels in the Strait of Hormuz West Texas Intermediate crude  extended gains, reflecting concerns that  energy supply routes could be disrupted . The Strait of Hormuz remains a  critical global oil chokepoint , making it highly sensitive to geopolitical developments. Dollar and Yields Strengthen on Safe-Haven Deman...

KUALA LUMPUR, May 7 (Bernama) -- Bursa Malaysia closed marginally higher today, supported by continued buying in banking heavyweights following Bank Negara Malaysia’s decision to maintain the overnight policy rate (OPR) at 2.75 per cent. At 5 pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) rose 1.98 points, or 0.11 per cent, to 1,758.85 from Wednesday’s close of 1,756.87. The benchmark index, which opened 5.94 points higher at 1,762.81, moved between 1,758.42 and 1,768.46 during the day. Market breadth was positive with gainers beating losers 660 to 583. A total of 593 counters were unchanged, 815 untraded, and nine suspended. Turnover eased to 3.78 billion units worth RM4.24 billion, compared with 3.98 billion units worth RM3.97 billion yesterday.

Nvidia surged higher as bullish options activity exploded, with traders placing  massive bets that the AI-driven rally still has room to run . What Happened NVIDIA  jumped about  5% , breaking above a key technical level known as a  “call wall” (~$205)  — often seen as resistance. At the same time: A trader  paid $57 million  for call options (bullish bet) The trade covers  524,000 shares at $195 strike Breakeven: $216.75  within ~72 days This means the buyer is betting Nvidia will  continue climbing significantly from current levels (~$205) . Smart Money Signal Another key move: A trader  sold put options  at  $202.50 Collected  $2.12 million premium  This is important because: Selling puts = betting the stock will NOT fall below that level Signal:  Big players see  $202–205 as a strong support zone Gamma Effect Supporting the Rally Gamma Flip level: ~$202.65 Nvidia is currently  above this level ...

Malaysia’s central bank is expected to  keep interest rates unchanged , as  inflation remains relatively muted  despite rising global energy prices linked to geopolitical tensions. Rate Pause Expected Amid Stable Inflation Bank Negara Malaysia  is widely expected to  hold the Overnight Policy Rate (OPR) at 2.75% , according to economists surveyed. Last rate move:  25bps cut in July 2025 Policy stance:  wait-and-see amid global uncertainty This contrasts with some regional peers that are considering  policy tightening  due to stronger inflation pressures. Inflation Still Within Manageable Range Malaysia’s inflation remains  contained compared to regional economies : CPI: 1.7% (March)  vs 1.4% in February Still within the central bank’s  2026 forecast range By comparison: Philippines:  7.2% inflation Vietnam:  5.46% inflation The relatively low inflation gives policymakers  room to delay tightening . Strong Ringgit...

Summary Intel surged to a new all-time high, but short sellers are stepping in aggressively, signaling growing doubts about how long the rally can last. Intel Rally Meets Resistance Intel  recently broke above  $100 for the first time , driven by strong AI momentum, partnerships, and positive market sentiment. However, behind the rally: Short volume jumped to 27.01M shares Represents  13.6% of total trading volume Highest among large-cap stocks tracked Key Insight: Big players are betting the stock may reverse soon Bearish Signals Are Building Technical indicators are flashing warning signs: 12 out of 15 indicators show bearish/overbought signals KDJ indicator flags the stock as  “severely overbought” Price has risen  too fast, too quickly Historically: There’s a  44% chance Intel drops the next day  at similar levels Key Insight: Momentum is strong, but overheating risk is rising Short Squeeze Risk Still in Play Despite bearish bets, there’s another t...

South Korea’s stock market rally could gain fresh momentum as  US retail investors get direct access , opening the door for new capital inflows into one of the world’s top-performing markets. Korea Market Attracts Global Attention South Korean equities have become one of the hottest trades globally: Kospi Index up over 75% in 2026 Now among the  world’s best-performing major markets Recently became the  7th largest stock market globally This surge has been driven largely by  AI-related demand and strong industrial sectors . New Catalyst: US Retail Money Interactive Brokers  is enabling direct trading access to Korean stocks for global clients. This means: US investors can now  buy Korean stocks directly No need to rely on  ETFs or ADRs Faster access with  real-time execution Key Impact: More liquidity and stronger inflows into Korean equities AI and Chip Stocks Lead the Rally The market’s strength is heavily supported by tech giants: Samsung Elect...

US equities surged to fresh records, driven by  strong AI earnings momentum  and a sharp  decline in oil prices , as hopes of a US-Iran deal lifted market sentiment. Record Highs Led by Tech and AI Stocks The  S&P 500  rose  1% to a record ~7,332 , while the  Nasdaq 100  gained  1.2% , also hitting a new high. The  Dow Jones Industrial Average  climbed  1.1% , supported by broad-based gains. The rally reflects a powerful combination of: AI-driven earnings beats Improved  geopolitical sentiment Lower  energy costs easing inflation concerns AMD Leads AI Surge on Strong Guidance Advanced Micro Devices  surged  ~16% , after: Beating earnings expectations Raising forward guidance Highlighting  strong data center demand The move reinforced confidence in the  AI infrastructure cycle , lifting peers like  NVIDIA  and  Intel . Oil Prices Plunge on Peace Optimism Crude markets saw a sharp ...

Singapore shares opened higher on Thursday, supported by  strong global tech momentum , even as mixed corporate earnings and policy developments remain in focus. STI Rises on Positive Global Cues The  FTSE Straits Times Index  climbed  0.43% to 4,948.49  in early trade. Market breadth was positive: Advancers: 127 Decliners: 52 The gains track strong momentum from Wall Street. Wall Street Hits Record Highs on AI Optimism US equities surged to fresh highs: S&P 500   +1.46% Nasdaq Composite   +2.03% Dow Jones Industrial Average   +1.24% The rally was driven by: AI demand acceleration Optimism over a potential  US-Iran peace deal Advanced Micro Devices  surged  19% , while broader chip stocks extended gains, reinforcing the  AI investment cycle . Singapore Strengthens Financial Credibility Singapore received the  highest rating  from the  Financial Action Task Force , despite past money laundering issues. Reinfor...