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Showing posts with label Data. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Data. Show all posts

Monday, 11 May 2026

Investing Updates: What to Expect in the Week Ahead (Earnings from Circle, Nebius, Applied Materials)


Source:



ChatGPT:


Markets head into the week with strong momentum as AI enthusiasm continues driving U.S. equities higher. The Nasdaq Composite and S&P 500 both reached record highs last week, led by a 7% surge in technology stocks. Investors remain focused on semiconductor, cloud infrastructure, and data-center companies that are benefiting from the ongoing AI boom.

The biggest macro event will be Tuesday’s April Consumer Price Index (CPI) report. A softer inflation reading could revive expectations for Federal Reserve rate cuts in 2026, potentially supporting further gains in growth and technology stocks. Other important economic data this week include Producer Price Index (PPI), retail sales, industrial production, import/export prices, and jobless claims.

Several major earnings releases could influence sentiment. On Monday, Circle reports after its stock jumped nearly 20% following positive stablecoin regulation developments. Investors will also watch Constellation Energy for updates on nuclear power demand tied to AI infrastructure.

Wednesday highlights include Nebius, which recently secured a major Nvidia investment, reinforcing optimism around AI cloud infrastructure. After the bell, Cisco Systems reports, with investors focused on data-center demand.

Thursday brings results from Applied Materials, a key semiconductor equipment supplier expected to benefit from strong chipmaking demand.

Among notable market movers, Intel surged after reports of a manufacturing partnership with Apple and stronger AI collaborations. Rocket Lab rallied on record revenue and new defense contracts, while Nvidia remained supported by expanding AI infrastructure demand despite ongoing geopolitical concerns involving China.

Monday, 4 May 2026

Investing Updates: What to Expect in the Week Ahead (Employment Data & Earnings from PLTR, AMD and CRWV)


Source:



ChatGPT:


The first full week of May is set to be driven by a mix of major corporate earnings and key U.S. economic data, especially labor market indicators. Companies across AI, tech, crypto, and healthcare will report results, offering insights into growth trends and macro resilience.

On Monday, Palantir is expected to post strong Q1 growth, fueled by rising government AI demand, though risks include weaker global demand and reduced spending.

Tuesday highlights Advanced Micro Devices, where investors will assess whether AI demand is expanding beyond GPUs into broader computing ecosystems. Lumentum and Astera Labs are also expected to benefit from cloud and AI infrastructure growth. Meanwhile, MicroStrategy remains closely tied to its Bitcoin-focused strategy. Economic data includes ISM services and JOLTS job openings.

Wednesday brings results from Novo Nordisk, facing competitive and cost pressures, and Arm Holdings, with attention on its potential shift into selling its own CPUs. Coherent is expected to ride AI data center demand. The ADP payroll report will provide an early look at employment trends.

On Thursday, Coinbase will be watched for progress in subscription services and its broader platform strategy. Rocket Lab and CoreWeave are expected to show strong revenue growth but continued profitability challenges.

Friday’s nonfarm payrolls report is the week’s key macro event, as the Federal Reserve looks for signs of labor market cooling before considering rate cuts.

Overall, strong earnings have recently pushed the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite to record highs, though investors remain cautious about AI spending costs and shifting competitive dynamics.

Monday, 27 April 2026

Investing Updates: What to Expect in the Week Ahead (FOMC Rate Decision and Earnings from AAPL, GOOG, AMZN, META and MSFT)


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ChatGPT:


The week ahead is packed with major tech earnings and a key Federal Reserve decision, set against a backdrop of geopolitical tension and rising energy prices.

Five “Magnificent Seven” companies—Apple, Alphabet, Amazon, Meta Platforms, and Microsoft—headline earnings. Revenues are expected to remain strong, driven by AI-related growth, but heavy capital expenditure on AI infrastructure is likely to pressure profit margins.

On the macro front, the Federal Reserve is widely expected to hold interest rates steady at its April meeting, as policymakers remain cautious due to inflation risks linked to the Iran conflict and oil price volatility. Markets anticipate rate cuts later in the year as unemployment rises.

Economic data will also be closely watched. Consumer confidence may weaken due to high fuel costs and a soft labor market. Later in the week, GDP growth is to rebound to around 2%, while the PCE inflation index could rise to 3.5% year-on-year, reflecting higher gasoline prices.

Corporate earnings outside tech reveal mixed trends. General Motors may see declining revenues and margins due to higher input costs and weaker demand for fuel-heavy vehicles. In contrast, Coca-Cola and Visa are expected to show resilience, supported by pricing power and international growth.

Energy giants ExxonMobil and Chevron face profit declines despite higher oil prices, as production disruptions offset gains.

Overall, the week will test whether AI-driven growth can outweigh rising costs and macroeconomic uncertainty.

Comments:


Interesting week for tech πŸ˜‹

Monday, 6 April 2026

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


Source:



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.

Monday, 30 March 2026

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


Source:



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...

Monday, 16 March 2026

Investing Updates: What to Expect in the Week Ahead (PPI, FOMC Press Conference, and Earnings from MU, FDX, LULU and DLTR)


Source:



ChatGPT:


The coming week is expected to be pivotal for markets, with key economic data, a major Federal Reserve decision, and several important corporate earnings reports shaping investor sentiment.

Rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East have pushed oil prices close to $100 per barrel, reviving inflation concerns and pressuring transportation and discretionary consumer stocks. Against this backdrop, investors are focused on the upcoming Federal Reserve policy meeting on Wednesday. While markets widely expect the Fed to hold interest rates steady, attention will center on the updated “dot plot,” which could reveal policymakers’ outlook for potential rate cuts in 2026. The Producer Price Index (PPI) data released the same day will also offer insight into inflation trends.

On the corporate side, several key earnings reports will provide signals about the broader economy and specific industries.

The week begins Monday with results from Dollar Tree (DLTR), where investors will look for evidence of “trade-down” behavior among U.S. consumers shifting toward discount retailers. However, rising wages and logistics costs may continue to squeeze margins.

On Tuesday, Lululemon Athletica (LULU) will report its holiday quarter earnings. While the brand remains strong, investors are cautious about slowing growth in North America and are watching for progress in international markets, particularly China.

Wednesday’s spotlight falls on Micron Technology (MU), a key player in the AI supply chain. Analysts expect strong results driven by demand for High Bandwidth Memory (HBM) used in AI servers. Investors will evaluate whether Micron can maintain strong pricing as traditional PC and smartphone memory markets recover.

Thursday features results from FedEx (FDX), often seen as a global economic barometer. Investors will watch for signs of margin pressure from higher fuel costs and changing shipping volumes.

Meanwhile, the AI investment narrative continues shifting toward hardware and infrastructure, highlighted by developments around NVIDIA and growing demand for AI computing capacity. Overall, the week’s macro signals and earnings results will provide important clues about inflation, consumer behavior, and the strength of the AI-driven tech cycle.

Comments:

Bonus distribution for many corporate workers this month.

Be steady and assign to your respective allocations! πŸ˜€

Sunday, 8 March 2026

Investing Updates: What to Expect in the Week Ahead (CPI, Core PCE, and Earnings from ORCL, NIO, ADBE, and DKS)


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ChatGPT:


The upcoming week will be dominated by key inflation data and several high-profile corporate earnings reports, which could influence expectations for U.S. Federal Reserve rate cuts. Investors are closely watching whether inflation is cooling enough for the Fed to keep potential rate reductions on the table.

The main macro catalyst arrives on Wednesday with the release of February’s Consumer Price Index (CPI). Economists expect headline inflation to rise slightly but forecast core CPI to slow to around 0.19% month-on-month, down from 0.30% previously. If the data confirms continued disinflation, it could support market expectations for policy easing later this year.

Friday’s release of January core Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) inflation—the Fed’s preferred gauge—is expected to show a hotter reading of about 0.40% month-on-month, pushing the annual rate to roughly 3.1%. However, markets may downplay this backward-looking data if the more recent CPI reading suggests inflation pressures are easing.

Other economic indicators include Tuesday’s NFIB Small Business Optimism index and existing home sales, which are expected to soften to about 3.84 million annualized. Thursday’s initial jobless claims should remain low, indicating limited layoffs even as hiring demand softens.

Corporate earnings will also drive market sentiment. Electric-vehicle maker Nio will be evaluated on progress toward profitability and margin improvement. Oracle’s report will be scrutinized for growth in its cloud infrastructure business and whether artificial-intelligence demand can accelerate revenue without hurting margins.

Later in the week, Dick’s Sporting Goods will provide insight into consumer demand and retail trends, while Adobe’s results will test whether its generative-AI features are translating into stronger subscription growth.

Overall, with multiple economic releases and earnings reports concentrated mid-week onward, traders are expected to stay cautious and tactical, focusing on highly liquid sectors such as AI technology, semiconductors, and crypto-related stocks while monitoring potential sector rotations.

Comments:


Another volatile week due to war? πŸ˜“

Monday, 2 March 2026

Investing Updates: What to Expect in the Week Ahead (Nonfarm Payrolls, and Earnings from CrowdStrike, Broadcom and Marvell)


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ChatGPT:


Markets head into the new week focused on whether softer economic data reflects temporary disruptions or deeper shifts tied to AI-driven change. Last week’s selloff in AI-linked stocks was sparked by a widely circulated sell-side note warning of potential large-scale white-collar layoffs, reviving fears that automation could weigh on employment. This drove a rally in bonds as investors reassessed growth and rate expectations.

The key macro event will be February US Nonfarm Payrolls on Friday. Payroll growth is expected to slow sharply—down about 30,000 from January’s surprisingly strong figure—but economists largely blame late-January and early-February cold weather rather than structural labor-market weakness. Markets will read the report closely for implications on Federal Reserve policy. Earlier in the week, ISM Manufacturing and Services PMIs are expected to show continued expansion, albeit at a slower pace, reinforcing a narrative of cooling but resilient growth.

Earnings are another major driver. On Tuesday, CrowdStrike, Target, and Best Buy report. Retailers are expected to show slowing profits and margin pressure amid uncertain tariffs and soft consumer demand. Analysts warn Best Buy could miss EPS expectations due to weak demand, market share erosion, and memory-chip shortages.

Wednesday brings results from Broadcom, where margins are expected to support a modest EPS beat as AI-driven semiconductor revenue surges. On Thursday, Costco and Marvell Technology report. Marvell’s growth is moderating from explosive highs but remains strong relative to peers, with guidance pointing to sustainable expansion and potential post-earnings upside.

Overall, the week balances AI optimism against valuation concerns, cooling data, and uncertainty over whether massive AI investment can deliver commensurate returns.

Comments:

Iran war will add to uncertainty this week.

World Peace pls πŸ’–

Monday, 16 February 2026

Investing Updates: What to Expect in the Week Ahead (Core PCE, FOMC Minutes, and Earnings from Walmart, Palo Alto Networks, Carvana and Booking)


Source:


https://www.moomoo.com/news/post/65647920/what-to-expect-in-the-week-ahead-core-pce-fomc?level=1&data_ticket=1771205507529085

ChatGPT:


The coming week is a compressed but high-impact stretch for markets, shaped by key U.S. macro data and heavyweight earnings. With U.S. markets closed on Monday for President’s Day, attention intensifies across four trading days, beginning with Wednesday’s FOMC minutes and culminating in Friday’s inflation and growth data.

Investors will scrutinize the FOMC minutes for signals on whether the Federal Reserve is shifting from a “pause” stance to holding rates higher for longer. That debate will be tested by a powerful Friday macro bundle: the delayed Q4 GDP print, Personal Income and Spending, and Core PCE inflation. Together, these releases will drive expectations around growth durability and the timing of eventual rate cuts, influencing yields and risk appetite across asset classes.

Earnings are equally pivotal. Results from Walmart will serve as the primary gauge of consumer resilience, with investors weighing same-store sales, margin mix, and forward guidance. Palo Alto Networks anchors the cybersecurity space, where billings trends will reveal whether enterprise security spending remains firm amid shifting AI priorities. Carvana faces a credibility test as markets assess profitability progress against lingering short-seller concerns, while Booking Holdings is under pressure to explain how it defends demand and loyalty as AI-driven trip planners reshape travel search behavior.

Weekly jobless claims on Thursday offer the fastest read on labor-market momentum, potentially swinging sentiment between growth concerns and sticky inflation fears.

Recent trading has been dominated by rate-cut repricing and “AI anxiety,” with heavy turnover in AI, mega-cap, and crypto-linked stocks. Names like NVIDIA, Microsoft, and Amazon continue to act as both AI barometers and stability anchors as markets head into a catalyst-dense week.

Comments:

Walmart earnings and jobless claims data could be important.

Saturday, 14 February 2026

LifeStyle Updates: [FULL] Budget 2026: Prime Minister Lawrence Wong delivers Budget statement


Source:


https://www.youtube.com/live/NdTQQ9K9Be0?si=19UgjsOePzGoVQSa

Comments:


Great support for my family.

Kudos to the team who invented Child LifeSG credits 😊

Thursday, 12 February 2026

Investing Updates: CNA Explains: What's driving Singapore's exceptional economic growth, and can it last?


Source:



ChatGPT:

Singapore’s economy has recorded exceptional growth for two consecutive years, expanding 5.3 per cent in 2024 and 5 per cent in 2025 — the first time since 2010 and 2011 that it has sustained above 5 per cent growth for two straight years. This performance exceeded earlier government forecasts, prompting the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) to upgrade projections twice in 2025. For 2026, growth is now expected at 2 to 4 per cent.

The strong expansion was driven primarily by manufacturing, wholesale trade, and finance and insurance. In particular, surging global demand for artificial intelligence (AI)-related electronics significantly boosted the electronics and machinery segments. Pharmaceuticals also outperformed expectations due to high-value production, while construction remained resilient with strong project pipelines. Economists highlighted broad-based growth supported by robust foreign direct investment, safe-haven capital inflows, and accommodative financial conditions.

Singapore also benefited from relatively lower US tariffs compared to regional peers, as semiconductors and pharmaceuticals were largely exempt. Additionally, global firms front-loaded production and exports ahead of tariff hikes, further lifting activity.

Economists described the growth as unusual for a mature, developed economy, especially since it was not driven by recovery from a crisis. Similar AI-driven gains were seen in Taiwan, Malaysia, Vietnam and Indonesia, reflecting a wider regional electronics boom.

However, sustaining 5 per cent growth may be difficult due to a high base effect, external risks, softer labour market conditions and moderating momentum in late 2025. While analysts believe growth could exceed 3 per cent if Singapore successfully strengthens its position as an AI hub, matching the recent 5 per cent pace is considered unlikely. Nonetheless, officials remain optimistic that AI will remain a key long-term growth pillar.

Comments:

Singapore is conservative? It's in our roots πŸ˜‹

I'm more concerned about the upcoming and future TFR data. Imo, it has a deep impact on future generations and society norms.

Monday, 2 February 2026

Investing Updates: What to Expect in the Week Ahead (January Jobs Report, Earnings from GOOG, AMZN, PLTR and AMD)


Source:



ChatGPT:


What to Expect in the Week Ahead (Jan Jobs Report & Key Earnings)

Markets head into the week with heightened sensitivity to U.S. labour data, Federal Reserve leadership signals, and heavyweight earnings. The January nonfarm payrolls report on Friday will be the key macro test, especially following the nomination of former Fed governor Kevin Warsh as the next Fed chair. Investors will closely watch whether weaker employment data prompts a more cautious tone or reinforces confidence that the labour market remains resilient.

Economic data flow begins Monday with the ISM Manufacturing PMI, expected to show modest improvement in demand but still constrained by softer inventories and uneven employment trends. Tuesday’s JOLTS report may send mixed signals, with online postings improving but surveys pointing to more cautious hiring intentions. On Wednesday, ADP employment and the ISM Services PMI will further shape expectations for labour market momentum, with services activity likely cooling but staying in expansion. Friday’s payrolls report will also include a one-time re-benchmarking of household survey data, which may lower headline employment levels without materially affecting the unemployment rate, forecast at 4.4%.

Earnings take centre stage alongside macro data. Palantir’s results will spotlight the sustainability of its rapid commercial growth amid intensifying AI competition. AMD is expected to benefit from strong AI demand, though near-term guidance may be tempered by seasonality. Alphabet’s earnings will focus on Gemini-driven ad growth, cloud demand, and a sharp rise in capital expenditures tied to AI infrastructure. Amazon’s report will draw attention to advertising and AWS growth, as well as scrutiny over a potential, very large OpenAI investment. Other notable reporters include Qualcomm, Eli Lilly, Novo Nordisk, Uber, and Disney.

Market sentiment remains fragile after recent declines across risk assets. Equities, crypto, and precious metals sold off sharply following Warsh’s nomination, with the S&P 500 retreating after briefly breaking above 7,000 and Bitcoin falling below US$80,000. Investors will look to this week’s data and earnings for clarity on growth, policy direction, and the sustainability of heavy AI spending across corporate America.

Monday, 12 January 2026

Investing Updates: What to Expect in the Week Ahead (CPI, Earnings Season Kicks Off)


Source:


https://www.moomoo.com/news/post/63865477/what-to-expect-in-the-week-ahead-cpi-earnings-season?level=1&data_ticket=1766969945699374

ChatGPT:

This week’s markets are poised for volatility as the U.S. Consumer Price Index (CPI) report and the start of the fourth-quarter earnings season take center stage. Tuesday’s CPI release is the marquee macro event and will be closely watched for clues on inflation’s direction and its implications for the Federal Reserve’s policy outlook in 2026. A cooler or hotter print than expected could meaningfully shift rate and equity expectations. (XT)

The earnings calendar begins in earnest with major U.S. banks reporting early results. On Tuesday before the bellJPMorgan Chase and Delta Air Lines are due to report, with analysts anticipating year-over-year revenue and earnings growth for both. (Options Desk) Wednesday brings results from Bank of AmericaWells Fargo, and Citigroup, all expected to show double-digit EPS growth, offering early insights into financial sector health. (Options Desk) On ThursdayTaiwan Semiconductor (TSM)—a key supplier to Nvidia and Apple—reports before the open, followed by Goldman Sachs and BlackRock, whose performance will help set the tone for broader tech and asset-management sentiment. (Options Desk)

Alongside earnings, other economic data include the Producer Price Index (PPI) and U.S. Retail Sales on Wednesday, and Initial Jobless Claims on Thursday, each adding context to economic momentum and inflation trends. (Options Desk)

Equity markets enter this busy week having rallied recently, with the Nasdaq and S&P 500 up over 1% last week and the Dow rising more than 2%, while active trade includes names like Nvidia, Intel, Apple, Amazon, and Palantir. Momentum in tech and defense software has been a notable driver of recent performance. (scanx.trade)

In summary, inflation data and earnings—particularly from banks and chipmakers—will be pivotal in shaping investor expectations and market direction in the early 2026 trading environment.

Comments:


Start of Earnings Season.
Let's go Bull πŸ‚

Monday, 5 January 2026

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


Source:



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? πŸ˜…

Staying calm and DCA as usual.

Friday, 2 January 2026

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


Source:



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!

Monday, 29 December 2025

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


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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.

Tuesday, 23 December 2025

LifeStyle Updates: Singapore’s core, headline inflation hold steady at 1.2% in November


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ChatGPT:


Singapore’s core and headline inflation remained unchanged at 1.2% year on year in November, according to the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) and the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI). Both readings came in slightly below market expectations of 1.3%, reinforcing signs that inflation pressures remain contained.

Core inflation, which excludes accommodation and private transport, was steady as higher services inflation was offset by weaker retail and other goods prices, alongside a sharper fall in electricity and gas costs. On a month-on-month basis, core prices edged down 0.1%, while the all-items consumer price index rose 0.2%.

Headline inflation also held at 1.2%, reflecting unchanged accommodation and core inflation. Accommodation costs continued to rise modestly at 0.3%, in line with stable rental growth. Food inflation was unchanged at 1.2%, as prices for both cooked and non-cooked food rose at the same pace as in October.

Across CPI categories, price movements were mixed. Private transport inflation eased to 3.5%, down from 3.8%, due to a smaller increase in car prices. Retail and other goods inflation dipped to 0.3% as clothing, footwear and personal care appliance prices fell. Electricity and gas prices declined more sharply by 4.1%, reflecting lower electricity costs.

The main upward pressure came from services inflation, which rose to 1.9% from 1.8% in October, driven by higher costs for point-to-point transport services and health insurance.

MAS and MTI maintained their full-year 2025 forecasts, projecting core inflation at 0.5% and headline inflation at 0.5% to 1%. Forecasts for 2026 were also unchanged at 0.5% to 1.5% for both measures. Authorities highlighted ongoing uncertainties, noting that while imported cost pressures are easing, supply shocks or weaker global demand could alter the inflation outlook.

Monday, 22 December 2025

Investing Updates: What to Expect in the Week Ahead (Christmas Holiday, Q3 GDP Growth and CB Consumer Confidence)


Source:



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U.S. markets head into Christmas week on a relatively calm note, following a volatile but ultimately steady stretch in equities. Stocks rose on Friday, supported by gains in Oracle as enthusiasm around artificial intelligence rebounded after recent turbulence. With the Q3 earnings season concluded and the holiday period beginning, trading activity is expected to be lighter, while attention shifts toward macroeconomic signals and longer-term policy considerations, including speculation around the next Federal Reserve chair.

Christmas week is typically quiet for U.S. markets. Stock exchanges will close early on December 24 and remain shut on December 25. The key economic focus falls on Tuesday, December 23, when several important data releases are scheduled. These include durable goods orders, the second estimate of third-quarter GDP growth, and the Conference Board’s consumer confidence reading. Economists expect the GDP revision to confirm a solid 3.2% annualized expansion in Q3, reinforcing the view that the U.S. economy remains resilient. Durable goods orders for October are forecast to rise 0.4%, offering insight into business investment trends, while consumer confidence will shed light on household sentiment heading into year-end.

Market performance last week was largely mixed. The Dow Jones Industrial Average declined 0.67%, while the S&P 500 edged up 0.1% and the Nasdaq Composite gained 0.48%. Trading activity was concentrated in well-known names such as Nvidia, Tesla, Oracle, Broadcom, Palantir, Micron Technology, Nike, and Rocket Lab.

Among notable movers, Rocket Lab surged nearly 15% after securing its largest contract to date, potentially worth $805 million, boosting optimism around its growth prospects. Micron jumped over 10% on strong revenue guidance, easing concerns about AI-related volatility. In contrast, Nike was one of the week’s worst performers, plunging nearly 13% amid weaker China sales and margin pressure from higher tariffs.

Monday, 8 December 2025

Investing Updates: What to Expect in the Week Ahead (Earnings from Oracle, Broadcom and Adobe; FOMC Rate Decision)


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The upcoming week is dominated by the Federal Reserve, with Wednesday’s FOMC rate decision taking center stage as markets gauge the next phase of U.S. monetary policy. U.S. equities ended last week higher, supported by resilient large-cap tech and optimism around potential rate cuts, despite mixed labor signals.

A dense lineup of corporate earnings accompanies the macro focus. Key reporters include Oracle, Adobe, Broadcom, Costco, Lululemon, AutoZone, GameStop, AeroVironment, Chewy, Synopsys, and Ciena — offering insights across cloud computing, AI hardware, retail demand, and semiconductor design cycles.

Tuesday features earnings from AutoZone, GameStop, and AeroVironment, shedding light on consumer auto trends, meme-stock retail strategy, and defense-drone momentum. Macro releases include the NFIB Business Optimism Index and the long-delayed JOLTS report, both influential for rate expectations.

Wednesday is the biggest inflection point. Chewy, Oracle, Adobe, and Synopsys headline earnings with heavy emphasis on cloud adoption, AI-driven software, and chip-design demand. Macro catalysts include the Employment Cost Index, the federal budget statement, and most importantly, the FOMC decision (forecast: 3.75%) followed by Chair Powell’s press conference. Markets are primed for volatility, with any dovish signal likely to lift growth and tech sectors.

Thursday brings results from Ciena, Broadcom, Costco, and Lululemon. These will highlight trends in 5G infrastructure, AI accelerators, retail resilience, and global athleisure demand. Jobless claims and the U.S. trade deficit arrive the same morning, providing further context for labor tightness and currency pressures.

Friday lacks major earnings but includes speeches from Fed regional presidents and wholesale inventory data, rounding out a macro-heavy week.

Last week’s market heat list saw strong gains from CoreWeave and Oracle, while Netflix slid on acquisition concerns, underscoring shifting sentiment across tech leaders.

Monday, 1 December 2025

Investing Updates: What to Expect in the Week Ahead (Earnings from Marvell and Salesforce; ADP, Core PCE and Initial Jobless Claims)


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This week’s U.S. market outlook is driven by key economic data and major corporate earnings, as investors evaluate the likelihood of a Federal Reserve rate cut in December. With October CPI and GDP data unavailable due to the government shutdown, markets will lean heavily on ISM manufacturing and services surveys, ADP private-sector payrolls, and the September Core PCE report to gauge inflation and labor-market strength. These indicators will shape expectations around how tariffs and softer economic conditions may influence Fed policy.

Corporate earnings will also be in focus, especially from cloud software, cybersecurity, semiconductors, and retail. MongoDB and Credo Technology kick off the week on Monday, offering insights into AI-driven database adoption and demand for 5G/AI networking modules. On Tuesday, CrowdStrike and Marvell Technology report post-market, with investors watching cybersecurity spending trends and AI server interconnect demand.

Mid-week, Macy’sSalesforce, and Snowflake will provide signals on consumer resilience, enterprise software momentum, and cloud data-platform growth. Salesforce’s Copilot AI rollout, Snowflake’s lakehouse adoption, and Macy’s holiday-season margins will be key highlights.

Economic data intensifies from Wednesday to Friday with ADP employment, Services PMI, ISM Non-Manufacturing PMI, weekly jobless claims, and the closely watched Core PCE Price Index, the Fed’s preferred inflation gauge.

Last week, U.S. equities rallied strongly: the Dow rose 3.18%, the S&P 500 gained 3.73%, and the Nasdaq climbed 4.91%. Active names included NVIDIA, Tesla, Intel, Meta, Alphabet, AMD, Oracle, SoFi, and Coinbase. Intel jumped over 10% after reports it may supply entry-level M-series chips for Apple by 2027, while Alphabet rose nearly 7% on optimism around Gemini 3 and reports of Meta considering large TPU purchases. SoFi surged 17% after launching in-app crypto trading.

Opinion:

It's the most wonderful time of the year..... 

Year-end bull let's go... πŸ˜™