Investing Updates: What to Expect in the Week Ahead (March CPI, FOMC Minutes, Core PCE & Earnings from DAL, APLD)

Source:

https://www.moomoo.com/community/feed/what-to-expect-in-the-week-ahead-march-cpi-fomc-116351525519365?futusource=news_hotnews_list&client_hour_clock=24&clientlang=2&clienttype=121&clientver=16.9.15408&is_visitor=0&main_broker=WwoJMTAwOApdCg%3D%3D&my_cid=103096561&sg_cid=103096561&skintype=3&us_cid=103096561&user_id=103096561&user_id_type=3&global_content=%7B%22promote_content%22%3A%22mm%3Afeed%3A116351525519365%22%2C%22invite%22%3A%22103096561%22%7D

Claude:

Week Ahead: CPI, FOMC Minutes, and Key Earnings in Focus

The week's dominant macro event is Friday's March CPI print, with Bloomberg Economics forecasting a sharp +0.9% month-on-month surge — the largest since June 2022 — pushing the year-on-year rate to 3.3%, driven primarily by a gasoline spike linked to the ongoing Iran conflict. The critical question is whether this represents a one-off energy shock or the beginning of a broader inflation re-acceleration that closes the door on near-term Fed rate cuts.

Wednesday's FOMC minutes from the March 17–18 meeting are expected to confirm broad consensus to hold rates steady, with Chair Powell maintaining a high bar for any easing until core inflation trends convincingly toward 2%. Thursday's Core PCE reading is forecast at +0.44% month-on-month, with the year-on-year rate edging down slightly to 3.0%.

On the activity side, Monday's ISM Services PMI and Tuesday's durable goods orders are both expected to hold up reasonably well, keeping the macro backdrop "solid but inflationary." With the VIX elevated, markets are likely to stay cautious heading into the Thursday–Friday risk window.

Key earnings include Delta Air Lines (Wednesday), which will serve as a live read on airlines' ability to pass fuel cost increases through to consumers via higher fares. Applied Digital and BlackBerry also report, offering insights into AI data centre monetisation and cybersecurity spending respectively.

In markets last week, Intel surged after repurchasing Apollo's stake in its Irish chip facility, Microsoft unveiled new proprietary AI models, and Nvidia benefited from sustained AI hardware demand. Tesla fell after missing delivery expectations, while Micron staged a partial recovery following early pressure over reduced AI memory demand concerns.

Sports Updates: Italian football in crisis as FA chief resigns and Ceferin issues Euro 2032 warning

Source:

https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/apr/02/uefa-president-ceferin-warns-italy-it-could-lose-euro-2032-without-action-on-stadiums

Claude:

Italian Football in Crisis: FA Chief Resigns, Euro 2032 at Risk

Italian football has been plunged into deep crisis following the country's third consecutive failure to qualify for a World Cup. After a penalty shootout defeat to Bosnia and Herzegovina, federation president Gabriele Gravina resigned at an emergency FIGC general council meeting, with legendary goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon — serving as national team delegation head — following him out the door shortly after.

Coach Gennaro Gattuso, who replaced Luciano Spalletti just ten months ago in June 2025, also appears set to lose his job, having failed to deliver the immediate priority of World Cup qualification. A new federation president will be elected in June.

The fallout extends well beyond the dugout. UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin issued a stark warning that Italy risks losing its co-hosting rights for Euro 2032, which it is scheduled to stage alongside Turkey. Speaking to Gazzetta dello Sport, Ceferin described Italy's football infrastructure as "among the worst in Europe," and stated plainly that if stadiums are not ready, the tournament will not be held in Italy.

The situation is alarming. Of the 11 cities on Italy's shortlist, only Juventus's Allianz Stadium currently meets UEFA requirements. While redevelopments are planned for San Siro, Naples' Maradona stadium, and a new Rome venue, construction on all host stadiums must have begun by March 2027 — leaving very little time.

Ceferin pointed to the dysfunctional relationship between football politics and government as the root of the infrastructure problem. Gravina himself acknowledged the scale of the challenge upon resigning, warning that Italian football needs to be fundamentally "redesigned" from the ground up.

Comments:

Didn't know that Italy is in such a crisis with the infrastructure.

Investing Updates: Ascendas REIT Preferential Offering: Asking $300M From Unitholders to Buy $1.4B in Properties. Should You Give?

Source:

https://drwealth.com/ascendas-reit-preferential-offering-asking-300m-from-unitholders-to-buy-1-4b-in-properties-should-you-give/

Claude:

Ascendas REIT's $1.4B Acquisition: Should Unitholders Participate?

CapitaLand Ascendas REIT (CLAR) has announced a S$1.4 billion acquisition of three assets, backed by an Equity Fund Raising (EFR) targeting at least S$900 million. While dilution is an immediate concern for unitholders, the underlying assets and deal structure suggest a strategically sound move.

The three acquisitions span developed markets: a logistics complex at 25 Loyang Crescent, Singapore (S$504.2M, 6.9% NPI yield, fully occupied); a 50% stake in Ascent at Singapore Science Park (S$245M, 5.6% yield); and a 49% interest in a Greater Osaka data centre (S$620.7M, 4.3% yield), fully leased with a ~14-year lease featuring annual rent escalations.

Together, these assets improve CLAR's portfolio meaningfully — overall occupancy rises from 90.9% to 91.5%, and the Weighted Average Lease Expiry (WALE) extends from 3.7 to 4.3 years, locking in more visible recurring revenue. The acquisitions are also DPU accretive by 2.12%, while leverage increases by just 0.7 percentage points.

The EFR comprises a private placement — heavily oversubscribed by institutional investors — and a preferential offering open to existing unitholders at S$2.35–S$2.40 per unit, a 4.5%–6.5% discount to pre-announcement prices, helping offset dilution. The preferential offering opens 7 April, with a deadline of 15 April 2026.

The key risk is the macro environment. Ongoing Middle East tensions could delay interest rate cuts, keeping borrowing costs elevated and pressuring REIT valuations. However, financing this deal primarily through equity rather than debt is a prudent move that protects CLAR's balance sheet.

Overall, for long-term investors, participation in the preferential offering appears worthwhile.

Comments:

Yet another Rights issue in one of the old REITs in my portfolio.

I don't think this is a good time to do this.

Will subscribe to it as I'm still having a long runway to retirement.

Property Updates: HDB Resale Prices Just Fell For The First Time Since 2019 — Is This The Start Of A Bigger Shift?

Source:

https://stackedhomes.com/hdb-resale-prices-just-fell-for-the-first-time-since-2019-is-this-the-start-of-a-bigger-shift/#sh.jn0lfb

Claude:

HDB Resale Prices Fall for First Time Since 2019

HDB resale prices dipped 0.1% in Q1 2026 — the first quarterly decline since 2019 — marking the fifth consecutive quarter of slowing or flat price growth. While modest, this signals a meaningful shift in Singapore's public housing market.

The primary driver is a surge in flats reaching their Minimum Occupation Period (MOP). Around 13,400 units are expected to enter the resale market in 2026, roughly double last year's figure, with even larger volumes anticipated in 2027 and 2028. Key contributors include Tampines, Punggol, and Queenstown. This supply wave has already nudged analysts to revise full-year price growth forecasts down from 7% to around 5%.

The introduction of Plus and Prime flat categories may also be quietly reshaping demand. These centrally located BTO options give buyers access to well-situated homes without turning to the resale market. Despite stricter conditions like a 10-year MOP, they remain consistently oversubscribed.

On the financing side, buyers relying on bank loans face uncertainty. While interest rates aren't expected to spike, geopolitical tensions — particularly in the Middle East — could delay anticipated rate cuts, keeping borrowing costs elevated for longer. Those considering switching from HDB concessionary loans to bank loans are advised to consult a mortgage broker before acting.

Finally, the article addresses whether selling within the same development to upgrade is worthwhile. The verdict: it can make sense for lifestyle reasons, since you already know the environment. However, purely investment-driven moves may disappoint, as prices within a single development tend to rise in tandem, leaving little room for outperformance after accounting for stamp duties, legal fees, and agent commissions.

Comments:

Good information.

Sports Updates: Data usage, AI's role and player welfare - 'Football in 10 Years' discussion | BBC Sport

Source:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EkbuNvKoVWU&list=PL1-GUwM7PCPZptqOfIupw2Y7twHXPPcoy&index=2&t=26s

Comments:

Promising tech influence.

Sports Updates: ATP launches official fantasy game

Source:

https://www.atptour.com/en/news/atp-launches-official-fantasy-game-2026

ChatGPT:

The Association of Tennis Professionals has launched its official fantasy game, ATP Fantasy, in partnership with Deltatre, offering fans a new interactive way to engage with the tennis season. The game allows users to act as coaches by selecting a team of eight players—six starters and two substitutes—within a 100-credit budget. Player values are based on the PIF ATP Live Rankings, with top stars like Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, Alexander Zverev, and Novak Djokovic among the highest-priced picks.

Former world No. 3 Dominic Thiem joins as the Official Fantasy Coach, offering weekly tips and insights. Additional content and leagues will be supported by media partners such as Tennis TV, Tennis Channel, and Sky Sports, helping fans connect and compete globally.

Gameplay scoring reflects real ATP Tour performances, awarding points for match progress and tournament level, with bonuses or penalties for actions like aces, double faults, straight-set wins, and upsets. The 2026 season spans 23 tournament weeks from April to November, starting at the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters and ending at the Rolex Paris Masters. It is divided into four themed “swings”: Clay, Grass, North American Hard Court, and Race to the Nitto ATP Finals.

Players can compete in private or global leagues, with prizes including merchandise, event tickets, and a grand prize trip to the 2027 Nitto ATP Finals. The initiative is part of ATP’s broader strategy to boost fan engagement, especially among younger audiences, building on partnerships with platforms like TikTok and Spotify.

Comments:

Interesting development.

Will it be as successful as Fantasy Football?

Food Updates: Sunshine Launches New Mao Shan Wang Durian Milk Bun

Source:

https://eatbook.sg/sunshine-mao-shan-wang-durian-milk-bun/

ChatGPT:

Sunshine Bakeries has launched a new limited-time treat, the Mao Shan Wang Durian Milk Bun, offering durian lovers an early taste of the prized fruit ahead of peak season. Priced at $2.50, the bun is now available across major supermarkets and convenience stores islandwide, though quantities are limited due to reliance on early-season harvests.

Marketed as a “First Taste” release, the bun uses real Mao Shan Wang pulp sourced from rare early-March yields. This ensures freshness and quality, while giving consumers a preview of the upcoming durian season. The product features 50% more durian filling than usual, packed into a soft, pillowy Hokkaido-style milk bun. The filling is described as smooth and custard-like, delivering the rich, bittersweet flavour profile that Mao Shan Wang is known for.

A key selling point is convenience. Unlike fresh durian, which can be messy and leave a strong lingering smell, this bun is designed to be fuss-free and portable—suitable for breakfast, snacks, or on-the-go consumption without the usual drawbacks.

This launch adds to Sunshine Bakeries’ growing range of creative bread offerings. Alongside staple flavours like Butter Sugar, Belgian Chocolate, Strawberry, and Vanilla, the brand also offers more unique options such as Dark Rye Komugi Loaf and various Shokupan loaves, including Butter, Shiro Barley, and Purple Sweet Potato. Their Poketto sandwich series further expands choices with fillings like Peanut Butter, Strawberry Cream Cheese, and Bolognese.

In related food news, other brands are also rolling out new items, highlighting a continued trend of innovative and indulgent food launches in Singapore.

Comments:

Looks good.

Will try one for lunch.

Investing Updates: What to Expect in the Week Ahead（PMI, Unemployment Rate, and Earnings from RZLV, GRRR, NKE and LAES)

Source:

https://www.moomoo.com/community/feed/what-to-expect-in-the-week-ahead-pmi-unemployment-rate-116311814045701

Claude:

Week Ahead Summary (March 30 – April 3)

Macro Focus This week is dominated by a packed U.S. economic calendar testing three pillars simultaneously: consumer sentiment, labor demand, and spending. Key releases include Consumer Confidence and JOLTS (March 31), ADP employment, retail sales, and ISM Manufacturing (April 1), jobless claims (April 2), and the marquee March nonfarm payrolls report (April 3). If these data points soften in unison, markets will lean into a growth-cooling narrative; if resilient, a "higher-for-longer" rates mindset may reassert itself.

Market Note U.S. equity markets are closed Friday for Good Friday, despite the jobs report dropping that morning. Initial reactions will play out in futures, bonds, FX, and commodities — potentially making Monday's open more volatile.

Key Earnings Nike (NKE) reports Tuesday after the close and is the week's most important company event. Investors want signs of North America stabilization, inventory normalization, gross margin recovery, and clearer China guidance. A cautious tone could drag on discretionary retail broadly. Other names reporting include Rezolve AI and Gorilla Technology (Monday), SEALSQ Corp and Bitfarms (Tuesday), and Cal-Maine Foods (Wednesday).

Market Sentiment Broader markets have been under pressure from surging oil prices and geopolitical tensions, pushing the Nasdaq into correction territory. AI-related names remain central — Nvidia holds its position as the AI bellwether, Arm Holdings surged on data-center chip ambitions, and Apple re-entered the AI conversation. Micron slid ~16% after Alphabet unveiled memory-efficiency technology raising demand concerns. Tesla continues trading as an AI/robotics story rather than purely an EV play.

Comments:

Challenging times continue...

Property Updates: Over 1,000 Condos In Singapore Are Now Over 30 Years Old — And It Could Change How Buyers Think

Source:

https://stackedhomes.com/over-1000-condos-in-singapore-are-now-over-30-years-old-and-it-could-change-how-buyers-think/#sh.xhz2um

ChatGPT:

Over 1,000 of Singapore’s roughly 3,750 condo developments are now over 30 years old, raising important questions about ageing properties, rising maintenance costs, and future buyer behaviour. While there has been discussion about whether the government should support struggling MCSTs, public funding for private property maintenance is unlikely, given most Singaporeans do not live in condos.

As condos age, maintenance expenses increase, placing financial strain on owners. This shifts the en bloc conversation: instead of focusing purely on windfall gains, ageing developments may face pressure where staying becomes less viable. Some may struggle to fund major repairs while also failing to reach the required consensus for collective sales, leading to gradual decline.

One theoretical solution is lowering en bloc thresholds for older developments with insufficient sinking funds, though challenges like pricing and relocation remain. Alternatively, some condos choose renewal over redevelopment. Developments like Mandarin Gardens show that failed en bloc attempts can encourage owners to invest in upgrades, improving long-term viability.

For buyers, this trend means a shift in due diligence. Beyond monthly maintenance fees, they must assess sinking funds, past and upcoming major works, and the effectiveness of estate management. These factors will become increasingly critical as more condos enter their later life stages.

The article also highlights key buying considerations. Leasehold properties often offer better short- to mid-term gains due to lower entry prices, while freehold benefits require longer holding periods. Exit strategy depends on affordability and buyer demand, with mid-sized family units typically الأكثر liquid. Location—especially proximity to MRTs and amenities—remains crucial for resale demand and price support.

Comments:

Good Information.

Investing Updates: Singapore sets out plan to support gold trading amid growing interest

Source:

https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/gold-trading-vault-mas-central-bank-6020216

Gemini:

Singapore is significantly expanding its gold ecosystem to establish itself as a premier global trading hub. On March 27, 2026, Chee Hong Tat, Deputy Chairman of the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), unveiled a strategic plan focused on four key areas to capitalize on the growing investor interest in vaulting and trading gold within the region.

Core Strategic Pillars

The Gold Market Development Working Group, established in January 2026, will focus on:

• Infrastructure Enhancement: Improving physical facilities for the storage and transportation of gold.

• Sovereign Services: Offering specialized gold storage for foreign central banks and sovereign entities, leveraging Singapore’s reputation for safety and security.

• Product Diversification: Broadening the range of gold-related capital market products available to investors.

• Clearing and Settlement: Implementing a secure system for transferring assets, specifically addressing both the London-standard large bars (12.4kg) and the Asian-preferred kilobars (1kg).

Economic Impact

Mr. Chee emphasized that gold trading will serve as a new pillar for Singapore’s wealth and asset management sector. By building this ecosystem, the nation aims to attract more global assets and create high-quality jobs.

Addressing regional competition, specifically from Hong Kong, Mr. Chee noted that the global demand for a "safe haven" in an uncertain environment provides ample space for both hubs to coexist. Rather than reacting to short-term price fluctuations, Singapore is focused on long-term "environmental" growth. Detailed updates from the workgroup, which includes major banks and refineries, are expected throughout the year.

Comments:

Interesting move by government.