Investing Updates: What to Expect in the Week Ahead(Nonfarm Payrolls, Earnings from APLD)

Source:

https://www.moomoo.com/news/post/63542693/what-to-expect-in-the-week-ahead-nonfarm-payrolls-earnings?futusource=news_hotnews_list&client_hour_clock=24&main_broker=WwoJMTAwOApdCg==&my_cid=103096561&sg_cid=103096561&skintype=3&us_cid=103096561&level=2&global_content=%7B%22promote_content%22:%22mm:post:63542693%22,%22invite%22:103096561%7D&data_ticket=1766969945699374&utm_medium=futu_niuniu_share&utm_content=web_share&utm_campaign=news&utm_term=63542693

ChatGPT:

U.S. markets enter the first full trading week of 2026 facing a heavy slate of economic data and select corporate earnings, with the December nonfarm payrolls report on Friday expected to be the key driver of sentiment. Investors are watching closely for signals on whether the labour market is cooling enough to influence the Federal Reserve’s policy path.

The week begins on Monday with the ISM Manufacturing PMI. While manufacturing activity is still expected to remain in contraction territory below the 50 mark, the December reading may show modest improvement. Mixed regional Federal Reserve surveys suggest uneven demand, but better employment trends and slower supplier delivery times could offer some support.

Tuesday is quiet on the data front, before attention turns to Wednesday’s releases. Applied Digital (APLD) will report second-quarter earnings after the market close. The company recently announced plans to spin out its cloud business and pursue a business combination with EKSO to launch ChronoScale, developments that have put the stock firmly on investors’ radar. On the macro side, the ISM Services PMI is expected to edge lower in December, reflecting softer demand, though employment strength may limit the decline. The November JOLTS report is forecast to show job openings ticking up slightly to around 7.7 million, indicating labour demand remains relatively stable.

Thursday brings initial jobless claims, which are expected to rebound modestly after dipping below 200,000 during the Christmas week due to seasonal distortions.

Friday’s employment report will be the main event. Economists expect nonfarm payrolls to rise by about 57,000 jobs in December, down from November’s 64,000, while the unemployment rate is seen edging down to 4.5%.

Last week, U.S. equities ended lower, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq both falling more than 1 per cent. Tesla slid sharply after weak delivery figures, Sidus Space surged on a major defence contract, and Intel rallied on optimism around new server and processor technologies.

Comments:

Fresh year. Fresh Start.

Fresh Venezuela War? 😅

Staying calm and DCA as usual.

Entertainment Updates: Claw machines take over arcades in Japan

Source:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HaPTLoREV9I

Comments:

Interesting development.

Still feels like a waste of money?

Just play during overseas trips cause it's cheaper? 😅

Property Updates: Why The Singapore Property Market Will Be Different In 2026 — And It’s Not Just About Prices

Source:

https://stackedhomes.com/2026-singapore-private-residential-market-outlook/#sh.2u1ou1

ChatGPT:

Singapore’s private residential property market in 2026 is expected to look markedly different from the frenzied post-pandemic years, not because of falling prices, but due to a return to greater balance and normalcy. After sharp price increases and buyer anxiety in 2022–2024, the market is shifting toward calmer conditions, giving buyers more breathing room.

One major change is the pivot in new launches away from the Core Central Region (CCR) and back to the heartlands. While around 23 per cent of launches in 2025 were in the CCR, an estimated 65 per cent of 2026 launches will be in the Outside Central Region (OCR), including areas such as Tengah, Tampines and Bayshore. This matters not just for affordability, but also for liveability. OCR projects are more likely to offer family-sized three-bedroom units within the upgrader “sweet spot” of roughly $1.8 million to $2 million, something that was harder to find in CCR-heavy years.

Second, buyers face less urgency to purchase immediately. Private home completions are expected to rise from about 5,200 units in 2025 to around 7,000 units in 2026, as projects launched during the post-Covid boom reach completion. At the same time, new launches and overall new supply are set to fall. This combination eases supply pressure, encourages a more patient “wait-and-negotiate” mindset, and should help moderate price growth. It may also soften the rental market as more owners move into completed homes.

Third, the return of more executive condominium (EC) launches provides an important affordability bridge for buyers priced out of private homes. At least five ECs are expected in 2026, compared with just two in 2025, and demand is likely to be strong.

Finally, while interest rates have fallen to three-year lows, financing rules remain strict due to TDSR floor rates. Overall, 2026 points to a steadier, more rational market — a welcome change after years of excess excitement.

Comments:

Interesting insights.

Data Updates: Singapore's economy grows 5.7% in Q4 2025, beating forecasts

Source:

https://www.asiaone.com/singapore/singapores-economy-grows-57-q4-2025-beating-forecasts

ChatGPT:

Singapore’s economy expanded by a robust 5.7 per cent year-on-year in the fourth quarter of 2025, beating market expectations and marking its fastest quarterly growth for the year, according to advance estimates released by the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) on Jan 2. This was also stronger than the 5.0 per cent growth recorded in the same period a year earlier. For the full year, gross domestic product grew by 4.8 per cent, exceeding both the 4.4 per cent expansion in 2024 and the official forecast of “around 4 per cent” that had been upgraded in November.

Prime Minister Lawrence Wong had earlier disclosed the full-year growth figure in his New Year’s Day message, describing the performance as “stronger-than-expected growth”. However, he cautioned that maintaining such momentum would be difficult, citing persistent global challenges including fractured trade relations and geopolitical tensions that are likely to remain long-term features of the global landscape.

Looking ahead, MTI expects Singapore’s economy to grow between one and three per cent in 2026. The ministry warned that slowing growth in major economies could moderate export demand across Southeast Asia, posing headwinds for trade-dependent economies like Singapore.

The manufacturing sector was a key driver of the strong fourth-quarter performance, surging 15 per cent year-on-year, a sharp acceleration from the 4.9 per cent growth recorded in the previous quarter. This was largely driven by significant output expansions in the biomedical manufacturing and electronics clusters. Pharmaceutical production underpinned biomedical growth, while electronics benefited from sustained global demand for AI-related semiconductors, servers and related equipment.

The construction sector also expanded, growing 4.2 per cent year-on-year in the fourth quarter, though this represented a moderation from the 5.1 per cent growth seen previously. Meanwhile, all services-producing sectors recorded growth, with wholesale trade supported by strong sales of electronic components, telecommunications equipment and computer hardware amid the ongoing artificial intelligence boom.

Comments:

Huat Huat Singapore!

Happy New Year 2026!

Source:

https://www.marinabaycountdown.gov.sg/about/one-countdown-2026/

Portfolio Updates

2025 was a great year for investments.

Hope 2026 will be as good.

Only one ticker Raffles Medical is in the red now 😆. I might divest it for better returns elsewhere.

Estimated portfolio value's around 520k.

On track to reach between 1m to 1.5m target at 55. To switch to 4%+ dividends by then.

Portfolio strategy remains the same. To simplify with diversified holdings and achieve market returns.

May the AI revolution, World Peace and Humanity prevail! 👏

Food Updates: Restaurant offers buffet for S$7, was forced to change terms after ‘overwhelming response’ from diners

Source:

https://theindependent.sg/restaurant-offers-buffet-for-s7-was-forced-to-change-terms-after-overwhelming-response-from-diners/

ChatGPT:

A restaurant on Cavan Road, Dragon’s Bite by Our Dining Place, recently found itself overwhelmed after launching an ultra-affordable S$7 nett unlimited lunch buffet, prompting it to revise its dining terms due to unexpectedly high demand. Announced on Instagram on Dec 9, the buffet was offered daily from Tuesday to Sunday, including weekends and public holidays, and quickly attracted attention for its unusually low price point. The restaurant, which seats about 70 diners, promoted the buffet as an affordable and satisfying dining option.

Interest surged further after the deal was highlighted on Dec 20 by the popular Instagram account @singaporebeauty, which labelled it a “value for money buffet” and showcased a wide variety of dishes. The video featured items such as sambal sotong, stir-fried pork collar, seafood tofu, pepper chicken soup, bitter gourd omelette, braised chicken feet, Hokkien mee, and desserts like cake and fruit. Many commenters expressed eagerness to try the buffet, fuelling even larger crowds.

However, the overwhelming response soon created operational challenges. On Dec 22, the restaurant issued an apology and announced updated terms and conditions. It cited full occupancy that prevented some diners with reservations from being seated and admitted it had underestimated demand, particularly for popular items like shell prawns. As a result, prawns were limited to five pieces per diner until stocks ran out.

To manage crowds better, Dragon’s Bite scrapped reservations in favour of walk-ins only, imposed a 45-minute dining limit, required table-sharing, and restricted diners to one plate and one bowl each, moving away from a traditional buffet format. The restaurant also stated it reserves the right to change dishes and portion sizes. Despite the changes, the S$7 buffet remains attractive, and the eatery now posts its daily menu online, though it is closed on Mondays and Dec 30.

My Comments:

Singaporeans are great "deal breakers" 😂

Food Updates: Battle of the expensive cai fans: 666 Cai Fan Porridge ($21) vs Cafe&Meal MUJI ($20.80)

Source:

https://sethlui.com/expensive-cai-fan-battle-singapore/

ChatGPT:

As food prices rise across Singapore, even humble cai fan can deliver sticker shock. Curious about premium versions of this everyday meal, the writer deliberately spends over S$20 at two places: Cafe&Meal MUJI and 666 Cai Fan • Porridge, to see which justifies the splurge.

Cafe&Meal MUJI, available at only three outlets islandwide, offers a sit-down, Japanese-style experience focused on simple, healthy food. The writer orders the 3 Deli Set (S$20.80), discounted to S$18.80 due to a weekday promotion. The set includes one hot deli, two cold delis, a side, soup, and a choice of carbs. Portions are modest, but execution stands out. Highlights include the Golden Sesame Crusted Salmon, which is tender and moist, though lacking the promised hojicha aroma. The butternut mash with pulled pork and kale impresses with layered textures and flavours, resembling an elevated Japanese potato salad. The thick omelette is soft yet textural, enhanced by an umami-rich mushroom sauce. The 16-grain rice and hijiki seaweed add depth, while the carrot cumin soup proves rich and comforting, outperforming standard miso.

In contrast, 666 Cai Fan • Porridge, a newer stall in Toa Payoh, looks like a typical cai fan stall but clearly labels premium items to avoid price disputes. A loaded plate costs S$21, featuring salmon, braised beef, lamb rendang, chilli prawns, and vegetables. While the braised beef and lamb rendang are tender and flavourful, portions are small. The fried salmon is large but dry, feeling overpriced. The tau kwa with minced pork and chilli prawns are more satisfying value-wise.

Overall, despite similar prices, the writer feels Cafe&Meal MUJI delivers better consistency, refinement, and overall quality, making its high price easier to justify than the upscale kopitiam-style cai fan.

My Comments:

Interesting comparisons!

Will consider trying them in future.

Investing Updates: What to Expect in the Week Ahead (FOMC Minutes, New Year's Day and Warren Buffett's Exit)

Source:

https://www.moomoo.com/news/post/63357635/what-to-expect-in-the-week-ahead-fomc-minutes-new?level=1&data_ticket=1766969945699374

ChatGPT:

U.S. markets head into the final days of 2025 on a strong footing, with the S&P 500 on track for an eighth straight monthly gain, its longest streak since 2017–2018. While technology stocks powered much of the multi-year rally, recent performance suggests a rotation toward financials, healthcare, transports and small caps. Trading conditions may be thin as markets close for New Year’s Day and investors digest delayed economic releases following the earlier federal shutdown.

The key macro event this week is the release of the Federal Reserve’s minutes from its December 9–10 meeting. At that meeting, the Fed delivered a third consecutive 25-basis-point rate cut, bringing the policy rate to 3.50%–3.75%. Policymakers modestly upgraded growth forecasts while trimming inflation expectations, reinforcing expectations of a gradual easing cycle. Markets will scrutinise the minutes for clues on the pace of future cuts, especially ahead of President Trump’s nomination of a new Fed chair to replace Jerome Powell.

Economic data highlights include U.S. pending home sales for November, jobless claims, mortgage rate updates, and the final S&P Global Manufacturing PMI. Housing data has been relatively resilient, helped by improving affordability and easing recession fears, while labour market indicators point to a gradual cooling rather than a sharp slowdown. Manufacturing activity, however, has softened, signalling slower momentum heading into 2026.

Beyond macro data, a major corporate milestone looms: Warren Buffett is set to step down as CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, with Greg Abel taking over leadership. Meanwhile, attention remains on heavily traded stocks such as Nvidia, Tesla and Apple, as well as Rocket Lab, which has seen sharp post-holiday volatility following recent contract wins and record highs.

Investing Updates: Commentary: Singapore’s stock market is waking up and the hard part starts now

Source:

https://www.channelnewsasia.com/commentary/singapore-stock-market-sgx-review-group-5709421

ChatGPT:

Singapore’s long-sleepy stock market has shown clear signs of revival in 2025, with the Straits Times Index reaching multiple record highs. The rally has been driven mainly by banks and blue-chip stocks, while mid-cap companies have also begun to attract stronger interest. However, the key question is whether this momentum represents a sustainable resurgence or merely a short-term rebound.

A major boost to sentiment has come from the Monetary Authority of Singapore’s S$5 billion Equity Market Development Programme (EQDP), designed to inject liquidity into small and mid-cap stocks. Nearly S$4 billion has already been allocated to fund managers, and the launch of the iEdge Singapore Next 50 Index has provided greater visibility to mid-cap companies. Increased confidence has also translated into a strong IPO year: Singapore led Southeast Asia in IPO proceeds, raising about US$1.6 billion across nine deals, largely driven by two major REIT listings.

Despite these positives, liquidity remains the critical challenge. Sustained trading volume is essential to attract IPOs and support higher valuations. Market turnover has recently declined, raising concerns that EQDP funds alone may be insufficient. Compared with regional peers such as Malaysia, Thailand and Australia, Singapore still lacks a steady flow of domestic institutional funds.

The commentary argues that more initiatives are needed. These include expanding broker custodial services, encouraging margin financing, aligning practices with global norms, and attracting Singapore-based companies listed overseas to return home. The creation of mid-cap ETFs could also provide stable investment vehicles, though this depends on sufficient underlying liquidity.

Ultimately, while Singapore’s market has revived, revival is not reinvention. The next phase requires a multi-pronged strategy to deepen liquidity, diversify sectors, and convince both institutional and retail investors that a rejuvenated SGX offers long-term value.