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Look beyond profit numbers at UOB and OCBC. Focus on net interest margins to see how rate changes are affecting income, and check if loan growth is still steady. Watch for any rise in bad loans or credit costs. Fee income, especially from wealth management, is also important. Should also note dividend guidance, capital strength, and what management says about competition for deposits and the outlook for the rest of 2026. Currency movements and regional economic trends may also influence performance. Will continue to hold both UOB and OCBC for dividends.

AMD stock is surging on strong AI-driven earnings with guidance beating expectations. Key risk could be rising competition especially Nvidia/Intel, and potential slowdown in PC/gaming segments later in 2026.

U.S. earnings this week, led by Big Tech, may drive short-term volatility. Strong results could support equities and reinforce growth optimism, while disappointments may trigger pullbacks, especially given elevated valuations and sensitivity to guidance on margins, demand, and interest rates.

Will not add Nvidia but will hold as it is a core layer

Investors are prioritizing strong corporate fundamentals and AI-driven growth over short-term geopolitical noise. Think the conflict will remain contained.

Higher interest rates not only increase debt refinancing costs for retail businesses but also broadly compress equity market valuations, creating a scenario where reducing exposure to consumer-dependent sectors is defensive strategy.

US Iran talks do not seem to be going anywhere. Too many uncertainties, will be cautious while taking advantage of opportunities

S&P, Nasdaq notch 7-day winning streak on ceasefire hopes. The rally is not sustainable, we are due for a pullback as there are too many uncertainties

Alibaba’s ambition to dominate AI-driven commerce and cloud services positions it as China’s most aggressive AI player if it can balance growth with eventual returns.

While markets may remain volatile in the short term, historical patterns suggest potential recovery within weeks if conflicts de-escalate. However, we should remain selective, focusing on sectors and regions with structural resilience.

Traditional hedges like gold and silver prove resilient against policy-driven tech and crypto sell-offs, highlighting a flight to safety.

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