Equity markets are digesting sharp rallies with increased volatility. Central bank hawkishness could tighten conditions. AI semiconductor supercycle remains intact despite supply constraints. Korean won under pressure from profit-taking and US capital flow competition. China mainland AI names offer opportunity, but Hong Kong suffers from real estate/bank concentration.
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Mark Franklin
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The Trump administration is driving capital into US capital markets at the expense of overseas markets, and this is expected to persist for the remainder of the current presidential term.
AI semiconductor supercycle fundamentals remain intact through 2027, but increased volatility and potential central bank hawkishness create caution.
rut
Retail margin exposure and leveraged ETFs in South Korea guarantee two-way price action and increased volatility in the coming weeks.
Heidi Stroud Watts
Monday's session may be a reminder of a new normal with uncertainties still in play.
Mark Franklin
A period of digestion and increased volatility is inevitable after a sharp rally. Central bank meetings and inflation data could amplify this.
Cherry An
With AI sentiment shifts, geopolitical fluidity, and mega IPOs, will the market be challenged in coming months?
Mark Franklin
Large IPOs are well-telegraphed; no fast-tracking of SpaceX IPO reduces passive pressure. But retail may fund IPO allocations by selling winners.
Cherry An
South Korea's retail is overallocated for SpaceX IPO; single-stock leveraged ETFs add to volatility in a concentrated market.
Mark Franklin
Regulators missed an opportunity to curb retail participation in call options; margin exposure guarantees higher volatility. But semiconductor supercycle fundamentals remain intact through 2027.
Cherry An
Korean won is under pressure despite rallies; is this a common trend across Asia?
Mark Franklin
Korean won pressure is cyclical (profit-taking by foreign investors) and secular (Trump administration drives capital into US markets at expense of overseas markets).
Heidi Stroud Watts
Are China and Chinese assets a compelling alternative? Yuan is strong, and there are AI opportunities.
Mark Franklin
Mainland China AI names (Shenzhen GEM index) offer thematic expression; retail engagement is healthy. Hong Kong suffers from real estate/bank concentration and capital cost pressure.