MONEY MASTER

Global fuel markets are tightening rapidly as  diesel prices spike to multi-year highs , reflecting severe supply disruptions caused by the ongoing Middle East conflict. Diesel Futures Hit Highest Since 2022 European diesel futures surged to  $1,493 per ton (above $200 per barrel) , rising as much as  9.4% , marking the  highest level since 2022 . The rally highlights growing concerns that  fuel shortages could emerge in the coming weeks , particularly if disruptions persist. Strait of Hormuz Disruption Chokes Supply The sharp price increase is largely driven by the  near shutdown of the Strait of Hormuz , a critical global energy artery. Flows of  refined fuels like diesel are heavily constrained Crude supply disruptions  are forcing refiners to reduce output Global trade routes are being rerouted, increasing  transport time and costs This has triggered a scramble among traders to secure supply, with shipments being diverted across longer an...

Japanese equities are facing mounting pressure as  foreign investors accelerate selling , reflecting rising concerns over the economic fallout from escalating geopolitical tensions. Heavy Foreign Outflows Signal Growing Caution Overseas investors sold a net  ¥1.51 trillion (US$9.5 billion)  worth of Japanese equities in the week ended March 27, according to data from the Japan Exchange Group. This marks the  largest weekly outflow since September 2024  and the  third consecutive week of net selling , reversing earlier strong inflows. The selloff highlights a sharp shift in sentiment as investors reassess exposure to Asia amid rising global uncertainty. Sharp Market Correction After Strong Start Japan’s equity market has seen a rapid reversal: Both the  Topix and Nikkei 225  fell  over 11% in March , marking the  worst monthly performance since 2008 The  Nikkei 225  has  underperformed US markets by ~6 percentage points ...

Asian equities fell sharply after renewed geopolitical concerns, but an unusual signal from South Korea suggests  market volatility may be stabilising despite the selloff . Regional Stocks Retreat as War Fears Resurface The  MSCI Asia Pacific Index dropped as much as 2.6% , as hopes for a quick resolution to the Middle East conflict faded following remarks by  Donald Trump . South Korea was hit particularly hard: Kospi Index fell 4.5% , its steepest drop in over a week Trading volume surged  15% above the 30-day average , indicating strong selling pressure The decline reflects broader  risk-off sentiment across global markets , driven by escalating geopolitical uncertainty. Volatility Falls — A Contrarian Signal Despite the equity selloff, a key market signal offered a more constructive outlook. The  Kospi 200 Volatility Index declined , even as stocks dropped — a  rare divergence  that suggests  options traders expect calmer conditions ahead...

Quick Summary Investment commitments rose , but  job creation fell to the lowest level since at least 2006 AI, electronics and manufacturing dominated new investments China emerged as a major investment source , while the US share dropped sharply The shift highlights  capital-intensive growth over labour-intensive expansion What’s Happening Singapore is pulling in  larger and more capital-heavy investments , yet generating  fewer jobs  in return. According to the annual review by  Singapore Economic Development Board , projects committed last year are expected to create just  15,700 jobs over the next five years  — the  lowest projection in nearly two decades . At the same time, these projects are forecast to deliver  S$18 billion in value-added per year  once fully realised, also the weakest outcome since 2021. Investment Keeps Growing Despite softer employment outcomes: Fixed-asset investment commitments reached S$14.2 billion in ...

Summary Markets and diplomats were bracing for escalation — then came the reversal. Within hours of arriving in Davos, US President  Donald Trump  abruptly softened his stance on Greenland, shelving tariff threats against Europe and ruling out the use of force. The pivot eased market stress but underscored how  policy volatility has become a central risk factor for investors . What Changed — And Why Trump’s about-face followed  intense back-channel talks  with European leaders and NATO officials, including  Mark Rutte  and German Chancellor  Friedrich Merz . Europe presented a united front, pairing  security concessions  with  warnings about damage to NATO unity  if tensions spiraled. After meeting Rutte, Trump announced he had formed a  “framework of a future deal”  on Greenland and  called off planned tariffs  on European nations that had been set to begin next month. What the Emerging Framework Looks Like...

Local institutional investors sustained their buying momentum on  Bursa Malaysia  for the  ninth consecutive week , recording net equity purchases of  RM1.05 billion  last week, up from  RM995.5 million  the prior week, according to MIDF Research. Key Insights Foreign Investors : Continued to exit the market with a  net outflow of RM1.07 billion , marking another week of selling. Sector Trends : Highest Net Foreign Inflows : Property (RM42.6M), Technology (RM40.2M), Plantation (RM29.4M). Highest Net Foreign Outflows : Financial Services (-RM500.5M), Healthcare (-RM168.9M), Utilities (-RM160.5M). Retail Investors Return to Buying After four weeks of net selling, local retail investors turned net buyers with  RM13.8 million  in net purchases. Regional Context Asia-Wide Trend : Foreign investors recorded  US$4.7 billion  in net outflows across eight Asian markets, a 2.6x increase from the previous week. Key Contributors : Taiwan :...

US stock futures pared losses on Friday following softer-than-expected inflation data, while Treasury yields fell. However, concerns about the Federal Reserve's hawkish tone and a potential government shutdown continue to loom large over markets. Key Market Movements Stock Futures: S&P 500 futures: -0.5% Nasdaq 100 futures: -0.8% Dow Jones Industrial Average futures: -0.2% Treasuries: 10-year US Treasury yields fell six basis points to  4.50% . Commodities: West Texas Intermediate crude: -0.6% to  $68.96/barrel . Gold: +0.7% to  $2,611.66/ounce . Drivers of Market Sentiment Inflation Data: The Federal Reserve's preferred inflation measure, the  Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) index , rose by a muted  0.1% in November , suggesting a more benign inflation trajectory. Despite this, annual core PCE inflation remained steady at  2.8% , underscoring persistent price pressures. Fed’s Policy Outlook: The Fed scaled back its anticipated rate cuts for 202...

The FBM KLCI rose 23.47 points or 1.4%, tracking regional share gains as a crude oil price rise buoyed sentiment. The crude oil futures extended gains thanks to a weaker dollar and speculation on talks among oil producers on a potentially meeting to discuss output cuts. Below are some of the top movers in the index. Top movers in FBM KLCI Hubline Bhd was the most-actively traded stock. Today's biggest gainers were Nestle (M) Bhd, PPB Group Bhd, and Sime Darby Bhd. The biggest decliners included British American Tobacco (M) Bhd and Kossan Rubber Industries Bhd. Despite the rally in the index, analysts were mindful of the sustainability of the index's advance. Asian share indices gained. In China, Hong Kong's Hang Seng gained 1.01%, while the Shanghai Composite was up 1.53%. South Korea's Kospi rose 1.35%. Japan's Nikkei 225, however, fell 0.85%. Asian shares rallied on Thursday as speculation the US Federal Reserve might o...