MONEY MASTER

  Key Takeaway:  Apple’s stock has surged  12% in the past month , hitting its highest level since December 2024, as strong iPhone 17 demand sparks optimism. Analysts remain split, with some cheering China-led growth while others warn of product mix risks. Apple Inc. (AAPL)  is riding a wave of optimism thanks to the launch of the  iPhone 17 , with shares jumping  4.3% on Monday  to close at their 2025 peak of  US$256.64 . The stock has rebounded sharply from a rough first half — when it slumped nearly  30%  amid tariff worries and AI concerns — and is now one of the  best performers in the Nasdaq Composite . Early signs suggest demand for the iPhone 17 is running ahead of supply. Bank of America’s  Wamsi Mohan  noted that ship dates are more extended than last year’s iPhone 16, particularly in China, where orders are boosted by a  15% government subsidy  and regulatory delays for the new iPhone Air. China’s rece...

Wall Street Cheers Despite Tariff Noise Global investors kicked off the week on a high note: S&P 500 : ▲1.47% Nasdaq : ▲1.95% Dow Jones : ▲1.34% Markets shrugged off weak US jobs data and  Trump’s renewed tariff threats on India . The EU also  paused retaliatory tariffs  after a tentative deal with Washington. Earnings Spotlight : Palantir  doubled its Q2 profit to  $326.7M  and raised guidance, thanks to a 68% surge in US revenue. Malaysia Commits $240B in US Trade Deal, Slashes Tariffs Malaysia secured a  reduced US tariff rate of 19% , down from 25%, by  committing to over $240B in trade agreements , including big-ticket items like Boeing aircraft and coal. Why It Matters: The US was Malaysia’s  top export destination in 2024  (RM198.7B). Lower tariffs align Malaysia with other ASEAN peers. It also supports  FDI inflow , solidifying trade relations. Bursa Malaysia Dips Despite Regional Optimism FBM KLCI : ▼0.42% to 1,526.98 T...

Beijing just fired a serious shot across the bow — and coal markets are paying attention. The  National Energy Administration (NEA)  has kicked off a month-long inspection blitz across China’s top coal-producing provinces, including  Shanxi, Inner Mongolia, Shaanxi, and Xinjiang , targeting rampant overproduction that has driven coal prices to a  four-year low . This is more than just energy market housekeeping — it’s  a clear signal of Beijing’s broader agenda : Tackle industrial overcapacity   Mitigate deflationary risks   Reinforce long-term economic stability What’s Happening China is  facing coal oversupply , with intense competition and weak prices. In response, the NEA is stepping in with surprise audits and production limits. Coal sector joins steel, EVs, and solar in Beijing’s overcapacity crackdown list. Why It Matters While this move may  rebalance the supply-demand equation  over the long term, investors should brace for...

Meta Platforms (META)  continues its impressive run, climbing  26% year-to-date , outpacing the  Nasdaq 100’s 9%  and the  S&P 500’s 6% . Trading near its  52-week high of $747.90 , investors are asking:  Can Meta keep rising? What’s Fueling Meta’s Rally? AI Integration Across Core Products Meta AI now operates across  Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp , reaching  700M+ users . TikTok Ban Advantage Meta stands to benefit  if TikTok is banned , removing a key competitor. Ad Tech & Engagement Growth Better  ad pricing  (+10%) and rising  daily active users  (3.43B). Smart Cost Cuts Performance-based job cuts affected  ~5%  of workforce to raise efficiency. AI Talent Grab Meta is poaching top minds from  OpenAI ,  Google DeepMind ,  Anthropic , and  Apple  to power its  Superintelligence Labs (MSL) . The Bigger AI Play $68B Capex in 2025 Up from $60B+, for  AI data cen...