Articles & Commentaries

It was a good week for financial markets with most equity bourses climbing higher to end the week in positive territory. While the pandemic has continued to wreak havoc on global economics, the better than expected economic data flowing out of the US boosted sentiment. Gold stole the limelight when it breached USD2,000 per ounce and stayed above that level ...

Number of Covid-19 infection cases continued its rapid rise last week, and has now surpassed 18 million cases at the time of writing, with almost 690,000 deaths. Global financial markets ended the week in a mix despite the tech sector regaining its upward trend post the release of strong earnings results. The uncertainties that have continued to hover over global ...

Asia Pacific's real estate investment trusts (REITs) are expected to outperform the broader market on their dividend prospects as economies reopen. According to a recent report by Goldman Sachs published in June, the relative stability and higher visibility of dividends in the REIT sector has helped it outperform the overall market during periods of rate cuts and slow economic growth. ...

If the US and China were friends on Facebook, their relationship would likely be described as "It's Complicated" at best. Ties between the two economic giants have been rift since President Trump took to the White House as continuous threats drove a wedge between the two. What started as threats on trade tariffs have escalated to condemnation by the US ...

Number of Covid-19 cases globally rose from 14.5% million to 16.2 million over the week as the resurgence of the virus spread across the globe. Financial markets slid lower as investors' focus turned towards safe haven assets, even pushing aside the tech-sector, which had previously done well with support from the "work-from-home" trend. Geopolitical tensions between the US, and China ...

The rapid rise in coronavirus cases continue to weigh on markets as the number of cases inch toward 14.5 million cases globally. The broader US equity market continued its climb higher with the support of industrial-focused stocks as the tech-sector lost pace. Global financial markets ended the week mixed as concerns over the economic impact from the pandemic, coupled with ...

Global financial markets ended the week on a mixed note as fears of a resurgence of the coronavirus pandemic dampened market sentiment. The tech sector was again seen to be a key driver for markets, as the stay at home stocks pushed higher. Pandemic cases continued to surge over the week, with the US seeing up to 60,000 cases being ...

Smart beta exchange traded funds (ETF) have gained increasing prominence amongst investors by combining the best of both active and passive strategies.

Last week saw global financial markets ending on firmer ground after improved sentiment boosted demand for risk assets despite the lack of any clear catalysts. Sentiment boost was largely seen stemming from the better than expected job data flowing out of the US, and optimism that the Feds were looking at more stimulus measures. The S&P enjoy its best quarterly ...

After some weeks of being cast aside by optimism and better than expected economic data, the economic effects of the coronavirus pandemic has crept back into the limelight, pressuring global financial markets lower. Plans for a wider reopening of businesses in the US raised concerns as the country continues to face surging rise of cases. The US now has more ...

After the stumble in the previous week, global financial markets dusted itself off and got back onto its feet to continue its climb last week with tech-related stocks, as well as the stocks in the energy sector taking lead. Investors' sentiment was boosted by better than expected retail sales numbers flowing of the US, news that the US Feds would ...

The initial excitement and optimism led by the reopening of businesses took a turn for the worse yesterday, and the 3-week equity rally halted. US equities saw one of its biggest drops in 12-weeks as news broke that cases in the US have spiked in 3 of its largest cities after the reopening of businesses.

Technology has started to play an even bigger role in our daily lives as we venture into a new normal. The recent pandemic have thought us that we can remain connected with each other despite being apart as social distancing takes priority in the quest of human survival.

Global financial markets took a tumble towards the end of last week after recording 3 consecutive weeks of positive gains. News that infection cases spiked after the reopening of businesses in the US, coupled with a bleaker outlook for the US economy took its toll on global financial markets. Despite having major oil producers agreeing to a production cut, prices ...

Pandemic concerns were momentarily cast aside last week despite having topped more than 7 million infected cases worldwide. Instead, news were headlined by protestors taking over the streets in the US following the tragic death of George Floyd by a law enforcement officer. Better than expected economic numbers, and with the gradual reopening of global economies however, provided support for ...

It hasn't been an easy for global financial markets in recent months as lockdown measures push economies to a halt. After emerging from its 11-week lockdown, China had the head start of restarting its economy, and is said to be seeing its manufacturing sector back at 80% capacity. But with containment measures imposed outside of China, the global supply chain ...

It was a short trading week last week as we celebrated the Hari Raya holidays, and US markets closed on Monday for Memorial Day. Markets moved higher as sentiment improved on the back of a gradual reopening of businesses and optimism for a vaccine. This comes amidst the pandemic infections rising above 6 million, and the US topping the infection ...

Investors' appetite for risk rose on the back of prospects for an economic recovery as lockdown restrictions were relaxed, and optimism for a coronavirus vaccine. But pressure soon mounted after President Trump escalated his rhetoric against China over the pandemic. Global equity markets ended the week mixed, whilst Oil price continued to surge for the 4th consecutive week.

Gold price has broken its 7-year high as market risks continue to loom over global financial markets. As equity markets have rejoiced over the re-opening of segments within the global economy, concerns of a 2nd wave lurks in the shadows. Gold ETFs have been seeing a steady stream of inflows as investors cushion their portfolio with Gold exposure amidst the ...

Equity markets turned south last week after more negative reports on the outlook for markets were released. The potential resumption of a trade war between the US and China, and President Trump's reckless remarks on the situation only served to put additional pressure on markets. With more than 4.5 million infected cases reported globally, the pandemic crisis continues to be ...

In April, many investors were caught by surprise on the price movement of the United States Oil Fund ("USO"), which is an exchange-traded fund ("ETF") that seeks to track the West Texas Intermediate ("WTI") crude oil. A myriad of investors flooded this ETF as a means to gain exposure to oil...

The coronavirus continues to take its toll on markets with global confirmed cases now above 4 million. Markets took positively to easing measures announced by countries as economies started to reopen for business. Record high unemployment rate in the US failed to quash its equity market rally as tech stocks led major US indices to close the week higher.

It was a shortened trading session last week with many markets closing on Friday for Labour Day holidays. Financial markets ended the week broadly stronger with the exception of the US market. Sentiment was boosted when announcements were made by some countries stating that it was looking at easing its lockdown measures.

The erratic trend in global markets continued last week, with sell-offs leaving most markets ending the week in the red. What was thought to be a light at the end of the tunnel ended in despair after hopes of a possible vaccine from Gilead in the US failed its first trial test. Pandemic cases continue to climb higher, and is ...

Optimism and hope held up global financial markets last week. Despite the overall bleaker global outlook, financial markets climbed higher on sentiment support from news that the US are stepping up efforts to address the rapidly rising pandemic infection cases. Oil price remained weak even after an agreement was reached to cut production. Gold price continued its upward climb, which ...

Financial markets enjoyed some stability, and rose steadily last week ahead of the Easter Holidays. While pandemic infection cases have slowed in some countries, it has also been rising at an alarming rate in others. Nevertheless, the aggressive stimulus packages being rolled out by central banks, along with the slow down in infection cases in previous identified hotspots have led ...

After the movement control order ("MCO") was put in place on the 18th of March, many of us are now having to accustom ourselves to a new environment. As we enter the 4th week of the MCO, have you realised how reliant you have become on technology?

Financial markets fell back into the red last week after it failed to sustain the strong run of the previous week. Economies globally continue their efforts to contain the spread of the pandemic as reported cases continue to rise - hitting the 1 million mark last week. The US now stands as the country with the most infected cases as ...

Many of us wonder if this pandemic outbreak of Covid-19 would result in a recession and a continued sell-down in the markets. The markets have already turned bearish when the S&P, Dow and the other major markets dropped 20% from its peak. The sharp sell-off was the fastest ever in Wall Street history. From its pea on 19 Feb 2020, ...

Global economies remained vigilant as the outbreak of the Covid-19 virus spreads. Number of infections, and fatalities continue to rise at a rapid rate, which has led to Europe tightening its lockdown. China has seen a gradual move back to normalcy. In contrast, the US now has the highest number of case. Nevertheless, the US equity market rebounded from the ...

Global stock markets continued its downward tumble despite the monetary and stimulus packages being released by global central banks. The impact from the outbreak on the global economy is expected to be severe as lockdown measures get implemented across the globe on the back of the rapid rise in Covid-19 cases outside of China. The heightened level of uncertainty had ...

The Covid-19 remained in the headlines as reported cases continued to rise. The severity of the outbreak had led the WHO to declare it a pandemic last week. To date, there are been more than 150,000 reported infections, with over 5,800 fatalities as governments globally race to contain the spread. The tumble in oil prices put additional pressure ...

It was a week of synchronised stimulus packages being rolled out by global central banks as we grappled with the impact of the coronavirus outbreak. The virus continued to spread across continents, raising alarm bells as the death toll increased. Global financial markets remained under pressure despite the rate cuts as equities and bond yields tumbled.

Investors have been thrown into a vortex of uncertainties since we started the year of the Metal Rat. There was barely any time to rejoice from the achievement of finally signalling the US-China phase 1 trade deal when news of the Coronavirus outbreak hit us...

The spread of the coronavirus into at least 47 countries signalled distress for global financial markets, and the World Health Organization warned of a "pandemic potential". Equities across the globe suffered after investors worryingly moved their risk assets into safe haven instruments, leaving US treasury yields to slump record lows, while Gold price climbed steadily to trade above its 6-year ...

Review on Markets (24 February 2020)

The US equity market hit a record high last week before ending the week marginally lower as concerns intensified surrounding the global supply chain disruption. Gold price hits a 7-year high while market volatility is expected to continue in the near term.

Markets overcame a bumpy start and ended the week in the green supported by optimism that the Coronavirus would be contained. This gave equity markets a booster, nudging US equities to new highs while keeping most other markets in the green. With little economic data expected from major economies this week, we reckon that markets' focus will remain on the ...

Ever wonder how the ETFs in Malaysia performed? Read on to find out which ETFs were the most active and performed well last week.

Global equity markets started the week on weaker note when China's equity market opened almost 8% lower on its first trading day after a break from the festive holidays. Markets did, however, manage to claw higher after concerns surrounding the coronavirus eased slightly. Sentiment further improved after China announced that it would be reducing the tariffs on its US imports ...

Have you seen the performance of the NYSE FANG Index? The Index, which tracks the performance of 10 of the most renown tech-related companies listed on the US stock exchange, has recorded impressive returns since the start of the year - leaving its peers in the dust.

Ever wonder how the ETFs in Malaysia performed? Read on to find out which ETFs were the most active and performed well last week.

Global equity markets took a dive over the Chinese New Year holidays after news of an outbreak of the coronavirus left markets in limbo. The virus, first detected in the Wuhan City of China, led to a complete lock-down of the city as China's government rushed to contain the spread of the virus. The move disrupted the world's largest human ...

Market sentiment improved last week after the de-escalation of political tension between the US and Iran, and the signing of its phase 1 trade deal between US and China. The semblance of clarity nudged investors to move back into riskier assets, pushing global equities to hit new highs.

China's economy is shifting from being primarily focused on investment and manufacturing to a consumption- and services-driven market. In this paper (as prepared by S&P Dow Jones Indices), we use the S&P New China Sectors Index to analyse China's growing economic sectors and examine their equity, fundamental, and price performance characteristics.

After an intense week, the geopolitical tension that was stoked by the drone attack on Iran de-escalated, and left room for global equity markets to continue to climb. Investors' sentiment toward risk assets also improved on optimism on the US-China trade deal. However, weaker than expected US job data caused a bump in the road, putting some pressure on equity ...

Starting the year with a bang took a whole new meaning when news that the US had carried out an air strike in Baghdad on Friday, killing Iran's top general. The calm equity markets which had ended the year with strong returns were abruptly disrupted after the drone attack caused an escalation to the already fragile geopolitical situation between the ...

Having a smartphone in hand, or being connected to the internet has never been more relevant than in the era we live in today. The release of the latest smartphone, or the unveiling of the newest online retail platform has taken over the lustre of opening ceremonies of brick and mortar stores. Tech advancement have led to the mushrooming ...

We started the year with confidence that global financial markets were set for an upward trajectory this year after signs that key markets were going to lead the pack. Going into the final weeks of the year, markets seem as uncertain as it did this time last year.

Two new Exchange-Traded Fund ("ETF") strategies will soon be introduced on the Main Market of Bursa Malaysia; the leveraged, and inverse strategies. These strategies will provide an avenue for investors to either double their investment exposure into an index through a (2x) Leveraged ETF, or gain the reverse (inverse) performance of the index through a (-1x) Inverse ETF.

Investing in Chinese companies have not been easy over the past 3 months amidst the unresolved trade tension and the on-going protest in Hong Kong. The New China Economy which are made up of sectors such as technology, consumer discretionary, healthcare, are outperforming China of old (sectors such as financials, utilities, manufacturing).

There has been no clear sight of the dust settling from uncertainties that global financial markets continue to grapple with. Trade talks between the US and China are still on-going, although the latest round of additional tariffs that President Trump tweeted about has been delayed.

As anticipated, the US Fed slashed its rates by 0.25% in July, marking its 1st rate cut since the financial crisis in 2008. Despite encouraging economic data flowing out of the US, the Feds Chairman, Jerome Powell cited the move as an "insurance against downside risk". The move was seen as a defensive one, given the current sluggish ...

China released its 2nd quarter GDP results at 6.2%. The 6.2% was its weakest in almost 30-years, but given the current landscape, it was within estimates. Markets recovered the same day the data was released as underlying data points showed signs of improvement.

Sell in May and go away has never been more relevant as of late. Global financial markets took a hit after President Trump raised the stakes and announced more tariffs to be imposed on China imports, citing trade talks to be moving along too slowly for his liking.

There has been much talk about China government's shift of focus away from its manufacturing-centric economy towards one that is consumption-centric. Concentration is now turned towards its massive population, as well as its rising middle-class. Having built its reputation as the go-to country for manufacturing during its developing stage, we are now witnessing a transition towards the service and ...

Consumption remains a key performance driver for the Chinese market, where tech and consumer-related stocks have continued to trend higher over the quarter. Here's a snapshot of how the New China Economy faired in 1Q2019.

In line with a more sustainable growth pace, China had recently guided a lower GDP range for 2019

Updates on TradePlus S&P New China Tracker

After a slow start for Gold in 2018, tensions and uncertainties drove prices higher in the 2nd half to eke out a 1.2% gain (in MYR terms) for the year. We started the year on a high note, with strong investors' confidence leading investors to stay focused on riskier assets.

The meteoric rise of China as an economic powerhouse over the past half century is nothing short of a remarkable story. Through the gradual liberalisation of its economy since the 1970s, China has successfully steered itself from being one of the world's poorest nations to its second-largest economy today.

Short-term global headwinds present long-term investment opportunities in Gold

Global financial markets kick-started 2018 with much enthusiasm - where the synchronised and broad-based expansion seen from the year before seemingly showed further room to run...

Against a benign economic backdrop of moderate inflation, but also dramatic headlines stemming from escalating tensions in North Korea, more missteps in Trump's administration and terror attacks in Europe - we've seen a collective flight to safety by investors amidst rising geopolitical risks which has chilled stock markets.

Exchange traded funds (ETF) are unit trust funds that are listed & traded on a stock exchange. They are open-ended, index tracking funds which invest in a basket of securities (eg. stocks, bonds, commodities, etc.) to mirror the performance of the index that it tracks.

Decided to add some gold exposure into your portfolio but not sure where to begin? Let us explore some of the common ways where one can gain a piece of royalty!

From its usage as a medium to facilitate commerce in ancient times to being keepsake jewelleries for royalties and the affluent - gold has undoubtedly played a pivotal role in economies throughout the millenniums. Widely dubbed as a unique asset of wealth and value, its applications today are just as relevant for investors as it is for the man on ...

With the exception of death and taxes, it is often mentioned that nothing else in this world offers permanency - and the same can be said for the investment realm. The rise and fall of markets have been very much evident throughout the decades, and we've seen bulls turn into bears without the slightest hint. Hence the reason why market ...

Having stood against the test of time, gold has been interwoven into society as a unique asset of wealth and value. Today, it has become an essential piece of a diversified investment portfolio and is widely considered as an elective wealth preservation tool especially during adverse and uncertain market conditions.

The active versus passive debate has played out across numerous investment circuits globally, and whilst proponents for each strategy have strong arguments for either approach - the debate still rages on.

To hedge or not to hedge? That's probably the question on the minds of most investors, as they look outwards for their investments and seek to add to their allocation overseas.

Having too much choice can be a double-edged sword. On one hand, it presents more options for consumers, but the downside is that it can also be overwhelming for some, with a whole plethora of options to choose from - and this often leads to the consumer then making no choice at all.

"Never place all your eggs in a single basket" is probably one of the most commonly used and thrown-about phrases in various financial commentaries and articles. Nonetheless, although the investment realm has vastly expanded over the years, the advice still holds true and is applicable even till today.