Barclays

Bank stocks continue the rally without any signs of stopping. Even when market opened lower yesterday, our 3 local banks managed to turn the tide and lead the reversal to eventually close higher for the day. I believe this is great for long term investors, but at the same time also expect the prices to drop back down in October when the trading board size decreases to increase trading volume.

The market-boosting effect of CPI is somewhat insignificant. The market is currently in a state of intense tug-of-war between bulls and bears. The anticipated quarterly earnings season has been suppressed all along. Will it simply fizzle out or wait for an outburst after the suppression? Let's wait and see.

June CPI came in lower than expected and the markets cheered slightly. Software stocks turned positive by closing while massive capital was flowing back into chips and memory stocks. However, I still hold a neutral stance as the macro risk is still very real. With companies starting to report earnings from the end of the month, I will be paying close attention to what they have to say.