MONEY MASTER

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...

Quick Summary TSMC’s January revenue jumped 37% YoY , beating expectations AI-driven demand  is keeping capacity tight and sales strong Potential US tariff exemptions  could further boost demand from Big Tech Stock is already  up 17% year-to-date What’s Driving TSMC Higher Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co  reported  January revenue of NT$401.6 billion (US$12.7bn) : +20% quarter-on-quarter +37% year-on-year The pace of growth is  ahead of TSMC’s own ~30% full-year growth guidance , reinforcing its central role in the global semiconductor supply chain. AI Demand Keeps Capex Elevated TSMC recently announced: Up to US$56 billion in capex for 2026 , +30% vs last year High investment levels expected for the next three years The spending spree reflects  relentless demand for AI chips , particularly from hyperscalers and data-centre operators. Tariff Relief: A Possible Bonus According to the  Financial Times ,  major US tech firms may be exempt ...

Simple Summary Chinese tech stocks have fallen 20% from their October high Hang Seng Tech Index dropped as much as 3.4%  in the latest session Tax hike fears and weak sentiment  are weighing on the sector Global AI valuation concerns  added to the selloff What’s Happening A key gauge of Chinese technology shares extended its decline on Tuesday, with the  Hang Seng Tech Index  slipping into  bear-market territory , down about  20% from its October peak . Losses were led by heavyweight names: Kuaishou Technology Tencent Holdings Alibaba Group Holding The index reversed earlier gains as selling accelerated through the session. Why Investors Are Selling Several factors are pressuring sentiment: Policy worries:  Investors fear Beijing may  raise value-added tax (VAT) on internet services firms , after recently targeting telecom companies. Global tech jitters:  Renewed doubts over whether  AI giants can justify heavy spending and high val...

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company  (TSMC)  will report its  Q4 earnings on January 15 , taking center stage as the most critical “pick-and-shovel” play in the global AI boom. With AI chip demand accelerating and expectations running high, investors are less focused on headline numbers and more on  forward guidance, capacity expansion, and long-term AI visibility . Options Market: Caution Ahead of Earnings The derivatives market is signalling  defensive positioning  into the print: Put/Call ratio:   1.64  on open interest of 1.76 million contracts Implied volatility:   43.33% , well above historical volatility of 31.25% IV Percentile:   67% , indicating options are moderately expensive This suggests institutions are  hedging against downside risk , even if results come in strong — a sign that expectations for guidance may be difficult to exceed. Q4 Financial Expectations (Consensus) Revenue US$32.38bn  (+20% YoY, -2% Qo...

Key Takeaway:   EchoStar (SATS)  surged after agreeing to sell spectrum rights to  SpaceX , a deal that injects much-needed cash, resolves regulatory pressure, and positions SpaceX to expand its  direct-to-device (D2D) services . Deal Overview EchoStar has agreed to sell part of its  wireless spectrum portfolio  to  SpaceX  in a transaction valued at  US$17 billion . The deal addresses a looming  FCC probe  that threatened EchoStar’s licenses for underuse, while simultaneously advancing SpaceX’s long-held goal of providing  direct-to-device mobile services  via its  Starlink satellite network . Strategic Impact for EchoStar Gains a significant cash infusion, strengthening its balance sheet. Avoids potential FCC penalties or loss of licenses tied to spectrum underutilisation. Marks the end of EchoStar’s ambition to be a  fourth standalone U.S. wireless competitor , as originally envisioned in the  Sprint–T-Mo...