MONEY MASTER

Key Takeaways Wall Street closed at fresh record highs , supported by easing US-Iran tensions and a rebound in technology stocks. Maybank Research raised Singapore's 2026 GDP forecast to 4.6% , citing sustained AI-driven strength in manufacturing and semiconductors. Singapore equities opened lower , with investors locking in gains despite an improving economic outlook. DBS lowered Multiplier Account interest rates , reflecting a softer interest rate environment. CapitaLand Ascott Trust, Keppel Infrastructure Trust and Yangzijiang Financial  reported positive corporate developments, offering stock-specific opportunities. Market Overview Singapore shares opened modestly lower on Tuesday, even as global risk appetite improved following another record-setting session on Wall Street. The  Straits Times Index (STI)  slipped  0.49% , with investors taking a cautious stance after recent gains. In the US, the  Dow Jones Industrial Average  closed at a fresh all-time...

Key Takeaways Wall Street rallied to fresh highs , led by AI and Magnificent Seven stocks, with the Dow Jones setting another record close. Maybank Investment Bank upgraded Malaysia's technology sector to Positive , citing stronger semiconductor demand and improving order visibility. Bursa Malaysia eased 0.11% , reflecting sector rotation despite a stronger ringgit and improving outlook for technology stocks. ViTrox and ITMAX emerged as Maybank's preferred picks , while strong earnings and IPO demand highlighted continued strength across selected sectors. Technology and AI remain key investment themes , supporting Malaysia's semiconductor supply chain and export outlook. Market Overview Global investor sentiment strengthened after another robust session on Wall Street, where  AI-related stocks  reignited market momentum. The  Dow Jones Industrial Average  reached a new record closing high, while the  Nasdaq Composite  jumped more than 2% as investors return...

Key Takeaways Asian equities extended their rally , putting the region on track for its strongest quarterly performance in 17 years as technology stocks rebounded. The Japanese yen weakened to a 40-year low , raising the possibility of government intervention while continuing to support Japan's exporters. Markets are closely watching US-Iran peace talks and US jobs data , both of which could shape expectations for Federal Reserve policy. Technology remains the market's key leadership sector , with continued strength likely to determine the sustainability of the global equity rally. Market Overview Asian markets advanced on Tuesday, following another strong session on Wall Street as investors returned to  AI-related technology stocks  after last week's sharp pullback. The  MSCI Asia Pacific Index  rose 0.5%, leaving the benchmark on course for its  best quarterly gain in 17 years , while gains in  Japan  and  South Korea  led the regional rall...

KUALA LUMPUR, June 29 (Bernama) -- Bursa Malaysia ended marginally lower on Monday, with the benchmark index paring its earlier losses after rebounding strongly from intraday lows amid heavy selling in the morning session. IPPFA Sdn Bhd director of investment strategy and country economist Mohd Sedek Jantan said market sentiment remained driven by global macroeconomic and geopolitical developments, as investors weighed artificial intelligence's long-term earnings potential against rising costs, demanding valuations, and the fragile US-Iran ceasefire. At 5 pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) eased 1.83 points to 1,665.91 from Friday's close of 1,667.74. The benchmark index opened 1.04 points higher at 1,668.78, slid to an intraday low of 1,655.28 in the mid-morning session before hitting a high of 1,669.21 in late afternoon. Market breadth was positive, with gainers outnumbering losers 554 to 481, while 555 counters were unchanged, 1,153 untraded, and 133 susp...

Key Takeaways FBM KLCI slipped below its 2026 gains , pressured by renewed geopolitical concerns and regional market weakness. Foreign fund outflows and political uncertainty  continue to cap market sentiment ahead of upcoming state elections. Higher oil prices and elevated US interest rate expectations  could prolong market volatility. Analysts favour domestic, cash-generative companies , viewing market weakness as a selective buying opportunity. Market Overview Malaysian equities started the week on a weaker footing, with the  FBM KLCI  falling as much as  0.8%  to  1,655.28 , wiping out its gains for the year. The decline mirrored losses across major Asian markets as investors shifted their focus back to geopolitical tensions involving  Iran  and the broader Middle East. Financial heavyweights led the pullback, with  Public Bank  declining 1.5%, contributing significantly to the benchmark index's weakest level since December 2025...

Key Takeaways Singapore's exports surged 38.4%  in May, driven by robust AI-related electronics demand. Wall Street ended slightly lower  as a sharp sell-off in semiconductor stocks offset gains in healthcare. Singapore's manufacturing growth remained strong  but moderated from April, suggesting AI momentum is normalizing. Keppel's Indonesia legal dispute  has progressed to the country's Supreme Court, adding uncertainty for investors. First REIT  is seeking bondholder approval to provide greater financing flexibility ahead of planned asset divestments. Market Overview Singapore equities opened marginally higher on Monday, supported by resilient domestic economic data despite a mixed overnight performance on Wall Street. Investor sentiment remained cautious as weakness across global semiconductor stocks weighed on technology-related counters. In the U.S., major indices closed slightly lower after AI chipmakers extended their recent pullback. The semiconductor se...

Federal Reserve’s Tom Barkin warned that inflation remains too high despite early signs of easing. While falling oil prices are helping, persistent pressures from services, consumer spending, and AI-driven investment mean the path back to 2% inflation is still uncertain. Inflation may be slowing but it is not yet under control. What’s Happening Inflation still elevated PCE at  4.1% YoY  (highest since April 2023) Well above Fed’s 2% target Some signs of relief emerging Oil and gasoline prices falling after ceasefire Tariff and energy pressures starting to ease But underlying inflation remains sticky Services inflation still high Strong consumer spending continues New drivers of inflation AI infrastructure buildout adding demand pressure Businesses still factoring in current inflation when pricing What’s Really Changing The inflation story is evolving: Before →  Energy and war-driven inflation spike Now →  Broad-based and structural inflation pressures Even as oil pri...

KUALA LUMPUR, June 26 (Bernama) -- Bursa Malaysia reversed earlier losses to settle slightly higher on Friday, supported by a late rebound in banking stocks that lifted the benchmark index into positive territory just minutes before the market closed, an analyst said.  At 5 pm, the benchmark FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) index was up by 0.24 per cent, or 3.92 points, to 1,667.74 from Thursday’s close of 1,663.82. The index opened 0.68 of-a-point higher at 1,664.50 and moved between 1,659.74 and 1,668.75 throughout the trading session. Market breadth, however, was negative with decliners thumping gainers 728 to 334, while 528 counters were unchanged, 1,153 untraded and 65 suspended. Turnover dwindled to 2.93 billion units valued at RM2.26 billion against 3.18 billion units worth RM2.89 billion on Thursday.

Press Metal shares fell more than 6% as aluminium prices dropped to a three-month low, driven by easing Middle East tensions and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. The move signals a broader shift in the commodity cycle as supply risks unwind. The aluminium story is shifting from supply disruption to normalisation and that changes everything. What’s Happening Aluminium prices falling Down to ~US$3,122/tonne (3-month low) Supply concerns easing as shipping routes reopen Press Metal hit hard Share price dropped ~6–7% Highly sensitive to aluminium price movements Previously benefited from war-driven rally Strong earnings supported by higher prices Stock still up ~10% since Iran conflict began What’s Really Changing This is not just a price drop, it’s a  cycle transition : Before →  Geopolitical supply shock  (prices pushed higher) Now →  Supply normalisation  (prices easing) As Hormuz reopens, the market is moving away from scarcity pricing. Key Takeaway The ke...

Gold steadied near the $4,000 level after softer US inflation data reduced expectations of aggressive rate hikes. While the metal has pulled back from its recent highs, easing yields and a weaker dollar are helping to stabilise prices. Gold is no longer driven by fear alone, it is now highly sensitive to interest-rate expectations. What’s Happening Inflation came in softer than expected PCE rose 0.4% → below expectations Reduces urgency for rate hikes Rate-hike expectations easing Lower probability of near-term hikes Bond yields declined Dollar momentum slowing Recent rally paused Supports gold prices Gold stabilising near $4,000 After recent sharp pullback Still heading for a fourth weekly loss What Changed Gold’s recent weakness reflects a shift: Earlier rally driven by  geopolitics + debt concerns Now pressured by  “higher-for-longer” rate expectations The market is transitioning from: Fear-driven buying → Rate-driven pricing KeyTakeaway The key driver for gold is no longer...

Hong Kong home prices rose for the 12th straight month in May, marking the longest growth streak since 2018. The recovery is driven mainly by strong demand from mainland Chinese buyers, though tighter capital controls could pose risks ahead. Hong Kong’s housing recovery is real, but heavily dependent on mainland demand. What’s Happening Prices continue rising +1.4% month-on-month in May +12% year-on-year Longest rally since 2018 12 consecutive months of gains First sustained recovery after years of decline Demand driven by mainland buyers Wealthy, educated migrants entering Hong Kong Attracted by low taxes and visa flexibility Transaction outlook improving Expected up to  80,000 deals in 2026  (highest since 2012) What’s the Risk China tightening scrutiny on cross-border funds Banks increasing checks on mainland buyers Potential impact on ability to fund property purchases Key Takeaway Hong Kong property is recovering but the key driver is external liquidity. Strong rebound su...

DBS is stepping up its commitment to Asia’s energy transition with a S$273 million financing deal, even as markets remain cautious amid inflation concerns and sector rotation. While Wall Street shows a shift away from tech into traditional sectors, Singapore equities opened slightly weaker. Capital is moving cautiously but long-term investment in energy transition is accelerating. What’s Really Happening Markets are sending mixed signals: US markets diverging Dow hitting record highs (driven by industrials & healthcare) Nasdaq and S&P 500 under pressure (tech weakness) Inflation still a concern PCE at 4.1% → keeps rate outlook tight Reduces chances of near-term rate cuts Singapore market cautious STI slightly lower More decliners than advancers At the same time, structural investment continues: DBS commits  S$273m  to fund renewable energy, grid upgrades, and storage Part of broader push into Asia’s long-term decarbonisation theme Why? This reflects a growing disconnec...

Global markets are showing a clear rotation away from mega-cap tech into traditional sectors, lifting the Dow to record levels. However, Malaysia’s KLCI remains weak, facing technical resistance despite a stronger ringgit and stable global backdrop. Global markets are rotating but Malaysia is not benefiting. What’s Really Happening In the US, markets are diverging: Dow rising → driven by industrials and healthcare Nasdaq falling → dragged by Big Tech weakness Clear shift away from AI leaders into non-tech sectors At the same time in Malaysia: KLCI is struggling to gain momentum Market remains range-bound with cautious sentiment Technical resistance continues to cap upside Even with a stronger ringgit, equity sentiment remains fragile. Why? This tells us two important things: 1. Global rotation is underway Capital is moving out of crowded tech trades into more defensive or value sectors. 2. Malaysia lacks strong catalysts Unlike US industrials or AI markets, Bursa does not have a clear ...

The Dow Jones hit a record high driven by industrial and healthcare stocks, while the S&P 500 and Nasdaq slipped as weakness in Big Tech outweighed strong earnings from Micron. This is no longer a broad rally, it’s a rotation away from Big Tech into other sectors. What’s Really Happening The market is splitting into two directions: Winners (Old Economy / Defensive): Caterpillar surged on industrial strength Merck rose on M&A optimism UnitedHealth gained on stability Losers (Big Tech / AI Leaders): Apple, Microsoft, Amazon, Nvidia all declined Pressure came from pricing concerns and stretched valuations Even strong earnings from Micron which jumped sharply were not enough to lift the broader tech sector. Why? This shift highlights a key change in market leadership: Investors are  taking profits from AI winners Capital is rotating into  non-tech, value and defensive sectors Inflation (PCE at 4.1%) is keeping  rate pressure alive In short: The AI trade is still stron...

KUALA LUMPUR, June 25 (Bernama) -- Bursa Malaysia ended lower on Thursday as selling pressure in industrial products and services stocks outweighed gains in the telecommunications sector, an analyst said. At 5 pm, the benchmark FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) slid 1.09 per cent, or 18.31 points, to end at its intraday low of 1,663.82 from Wednesday’s close of 1,682.13.  The index opened 2.32 points higher at 1,684.45 and subsequently hit its day high of 1,685.17 in the early session. Market breadth was negative with decliners outpacing gainers 623 to 478. to A total of 534 counters were unchanged, 1,116 untraded, and 40 suspended. Turnover expanded to 3.18 billion units worth RM2.89 billion, against 2.76 billion units valued at RM2.42 billion on Wednesday.

KUALA LUMPUR, June 24 (Bernama) -- Bursa Malaysia finished higher on Wednesday as bargain-hunting activities emerged following recent pullback in the market, analysts said.  At 5 pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) increased 0.13 per cent, or 2.21 points, to 1,682.13 from Tuesday’s close of 1,679.92. The index opened 2.11 points better at 1,682.03 and moved between 1,680.49 and 1,690.66 throughout the trading session.  Market breadth was positive with gainers outpacing decliners 518 to 483, while 564 counters were unchanged, 1,175 untraded and 41 suspended. Turnover shrank to 2.76 billion units valued at RM2.42 billion against 3.35 billion units worth RM3.12 billion on Tuesday.

SK Hynix is moving closer to a US listing via ADRs after a massive AI-driven rally. The offering could raise billions, but the real objective is to attract global investors and close the valuation gap with US semiconductor peers. This is not about raising cash, it’s about re-rating the stock in the global AI race. What’s Really Happening SK Hynix is preparing to tap US markets at a time when: Its stock has surged over 300% on AI demand It dominates high-bandwidth memory (HBM), a critical component for AI chips Global investors are heavily concentrated in US-listed AI names By listing in the US, SK Hynix is positioning itself directly alongside companies like Nvidia and AMD in the same investment universe. Why This Matters This move reflects a bigger shift: Capital is flowing toward  AI leaders with global visibility US markets still command  valuation premiums Asian tech firms are increasingly seeking  direct access to global capital In simple terms, SK Hynix is not chang...

South Korean stocks rebounded sharply on Wednesday, with the KOSPI surging 4.1% after suffering a near 10% selloff a day earlier. The recovery was led by semiconductor heavyweights, with Samsung Electronics jumping more than 9% and SK Hynix gaining 5% as retail investors rushed to buy the dip. What's Driving the Rebound? Retail investors stepped in aggressively after Tuesday's selloff. FOMO-driven buying boosted leveraged ETF activity. Chip stocks recovered as investors looked ahead to Micron's upcoming earnings report. Why Investors Should Pay Attention The rebound highlights how quickly sentiment can swing in markets that have been driven by AI optimism and heavy retail participation. Key risks remain: Micron earnings this week US inflation and jobs data Elevated leverage in technology-related ETFs Key Takeaway The AI story remains intact, but recent moves show that valuations and sentiment are becoming increasingly sensitive to new catalysts. For investors, the latest re...

Malaysia's central bank is ramping up efforts to support the ringgit after the currency became Asia's weakest performer this month, highlighting growing pressure from global interest-rate expectations and political uncertainty. The ringgit has fallen 4.3% against the US dollar in June, underperforming most regional peers as investors rotate toward dollar assets amid expectations that US interest rates could remain higher for longer. Why Is the Ringgit Under Pressure? Several factors have weighed on sentiment: External Factors Rising expectations of further US rate hikes Stronger US dollar globally Reduced appetite for emerging-market currencies Domestic Factors Political uncertainty ahead of upcoming state elections Foreign fund outflows from regional markets Cautious investor positioning The combination has pushed the ringgit to become the worst-performing Asian currency this month. Bank Negara's Response Rather than intervening aggressively in currency markets, Bank Negar...

Global markets are entering a more volatile phase as investors reassess lofty technology valuations and the sustainability of massive AI-related capital spending. Asian equities traded mixed on Wednesday following a sharp sell-off in global technology and semiconductor shares, while bond markets signaled growing demand for safety amid concerns over economic uncertainty and interest rate expectations. What Changed? Just weeks ago, investors were focused on: AI-driven earnings optimism Falling geopolitical risks Expectations of monetary easing Now, markets are increasingly focused on: Rising AI infrastructure spending Higher-for-longer interest rates Elevated valuations in technology stocks Increased market volatility The result is a shift from momentum-driven buying toward more selective risk-taking. Technology Stocks Under Pressure The latest sell-off was led by technology and semiconductor names after investors began questioning whether current valuations fully reflect future earnings...

Global markets entered Tuesday with a mixed tone as investors rotated out of some of the year's biggest technology winners, even as AI-related semiconductor stocks continued to surge to fresh highs. While Wall Street's major indices weakened overnight, Singapore equities showed resilience, supported by domestic liquidity, retail participation, and continued government-backed market initiatives. Market Snapshot The Straits Times Index (STI) opened higher, rising 0.3% as buying interest remained healthy despite global market volatility. Key drivers supporting sentiment include: Continued deployment of Singapore's S$6.5 billion Equity Market Development Programme (EQDP) Strong retail participation Renewed interest in undervalued small- and mid-cap stocks This contrasts with the more volatile environment seen in global technology markets. AI Trade Faces Its First Reality Check The biggest story overnight was not the decline in US indices. It was the divergence within technology...

South Korean stocks suffered their biggest selloff in months on Tuesday, with the Kospi Index falling as much as 4.6% as investors rushed to lock in profits from high-flying technology shares. The decline was led by semiconductor giants Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix, both of which dropped more than 5%, while foreign investors sold over 2 trillion won (US$1.3 billion) worth of Korean equities during the morning session. What Triggered the Selloff? Several factors appear to be driving the correction: Profit-taking after a powerful rally Valuation concerns in AI-related stocks Foreign investor selling Growing focus on Micron’s upcoming earnings results The Kospi had recently surged above the 9,000 level as investors piled into AI beneficiaries and largely ignored geopolitical concerns. However, after weeks of gains, the market had become increasingly overbought. Why Micron Matters Investors are now turning their attention to Micron Technology's earnings report later this week. The ...