SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 ETF

Reddit being included in the S&P is like a winning lottery experience for those who hold it. I deeply regret selling half my position before the market open when it was up 10 points; I will hold onto the other half until the end. Social media and AI are positively correlated, with no obvious side effects.

Reddit’s entry into the S&P 500 is a milestone. While index inclusion ensures steady passive fund inflows, its meme‑stock roots suggest volatility may persist; when mainstream credibility meets retail‑driven chaos.

Tensions in the Strait of Hormuz continue to escalate, with shipping traffic at a three-month low and conflicting signals from both sides regarding an end to the conflict; oil prices still fell 2.1% to $87.07.

Gold saw slight gains, while the US dollar remained weak.

The situation is not optimistic; hold some cash and keep safe-haven precious metals on hand for emergencies.

The inflation numbers are out and both CPI and PPI are looking favourable. The markets like them and are trending higher as a result.

The overall market is taking the inflation numbers in its stride and liking it. Price action leans bullish and the number of bears still being around and vocal gives it an even more bullish nuance.

S&P 500 hitting records with Reddit’s addition shows retail + AI data is mainstream now. $Citigroup(C.US)09.SG tripling profit and $9CI.SG gaining 14% proves Singapore real estate is in a real recovery, not just hype.

With CPI and PPI out of the way, it is back to earnings for the remaining companies. Interesting to see if there will be a pullback from all time highs or we go higher from here.

I still like Yangzijiang Shipbuilding (SGX: BS6) fundamentally, but at today’s ~S$4.66 I would not chase it with a large purchase. The price has moved very quickly after the excellent 1H26 results. As of 10:51am today, it was around S$4.66, already close to its recent high.

$S&P 500(.SPX.US)2.000

🦎 IGGY MORNING BRIEF, 13 AUG 2026

☕ Good morning, Iguanas. SGX opens 9 am SGT.

OVERNIGHT US SUMMARY

Wall Street firmed Wednesday. Dow flat (-0.04% to 53,770.27). S&P 500 +0.26% to 7,748.50, snapping a two-day losing streak. Nasdaq +0.54% to 26,588.49. Softer US inflation and continued AI capex momentum drove gains. VIX eased to 14.55. Quiet, constructive session—no direct SGX read-through.

SGX PRE-OPEN PULSE

STI closed yesterday at 5,720.8 (-0.58%). USD/SGD at 1.2801. Brent crude ~$88.98/bbl, pause after recent run.

SINGAPORE NEWS ON IGGY’S RADAR

🌾 Wilmar International 1H2026: Core net profit +10% to $641.5m USD; pre-tax profit +13% to $1.06b. Feed/Industrial Products and Food Products segments led. Solid, unspectacular—steady improvement for income-focused holders.

🏬 CapitaLand Integrated Commercial Trust (CICT): 1H2026 DPU +7.1% to 6.02¢. Gross revenue +7.5% to $846.8m; NPI +8.7% to $630.5m. Genuine distribution growth backed by real revenue and NPI—not financial engineering. Watch if pace holds into 2H.

🔋 ComfortDelGro: Launches CDG Energy, taking full ownership of EV charging JV. Expands into fleet electrification and energy management. Strategic diversification—not a numbers story today, but signals next growth leg.

IGGY’S GAME PLAN

CICT’s distribution growth is today’s focus—real revenue and NPI behind a DPU hike is worth digging into beyond the headline. Wilmar’s steady profit growth reminds that not every good result needs drama to matter for income portfolios. Nothing shifts my yield discipline, but CICT merits a closer look once full-year picture emerges.

Not financial advice. Iggy’s Forensic Compliance Standards apply.

I just chased it aggressively at $343 at a small quantity. wouldn't sell a good long-term position simply because it has risen. For new money, I’d prefer buying in 2–3 tranches, with a more attractive accumulation zone around $315–330, and I'd become considerably more interested below $300.

Stocks held on to gains after CPI came in as expected, though oil prices edged higher after a senior Iranian official commented that there were no discussions with US on extending a ceasefire. With in line expectations of CPI, FED is now more likely to continue to hold steady as there is barely any major changes that would threaten the economy.

If CPI is good then all the tech sector will rebound if not.. prepare for the red day 😖😖

I believe the markets wants to see the CPI numbers first before deciding where it wants to go. If the numbers show inflation tapering, it will be good for the markets.

This market is too tricky to guess which way it wants to go. And many times I have mentioned that narratives are secondary to price action. Having said that, the market might be waiting for the CPI numbers looking at how lacklustre it has been lately.

maybe small correction coming soon as approaching US mid term. hopefully theres a chance to buy the dip for those who wish to. just dont panic sell.

In the past two years, the growth of the Singapore stock market and the Straits Times Index has become a standout presence in global stock markets. The pragmatic approach of Singapore-listed companies, along with their relatively low volatility compared to other securities markets, serves as a very important stabilizing factor in investors' portfolios. Over these two years, I have heard many friends share that the Singapore stock market is by no means inferior to the US stock market; it is a highly worthwhile investment target. Do not overlook it simply because its total market cap and price gains are smaller; holding it will make your portfolio more balanced. I hope that after hitting new highs, the local stock market can continue to develop steadily at its own pace.

Singapore's Ministry of Trade and Industry raised our 2026 GDP forecast massively after a rapid growing economy in the first half of the year, particularly driven by AI-related capital expenditure lifting the electronics and precision engineering clusters. As a huge exporter of time sensitive and high value goods, this is encouraging for our local economy. Let's hope we can continue to take advantage of this AI rally.

AI demand remains strong, but markets are becoming more selective as rising capex, valuations and cash-flow concerns shape the next phase of the AI trade.

SG upgraded GDP outlook keeps the market environment supportive, particularly for banks and companies linked to AI, infrastructure and manufacturing. Stronger AI demand, electronics and precision engineering activity continue to support growth.

Market participants are closely monitoring interest rates, inflation, valuations and upcoming corporate earnings for potential risks.With the STI near record highs, investors may want to stay selective and look for opportunities on pullbacks rather than chase the rally

I think the impt is the US CPI, hope it’s good