U.S. stock markets decline as Trump renews criticism of Powell; Asian markets mixed amid ongoing trade uncertainty🇺🇸 S&P 500 Index: -2.35% 📉🇺🇸 Nasdaq Index: -2.55% 📉🇪🇺 STOXX 600 Index: 0.00% (Market closed)🇯🇵 Nikkei 225 Index: -1.30% 📉🇭🇰 Hang Seng Index: 0.00% (Market closed)🇨🇳 CSI 300 Index: 0.33% 📈🇸🇬 Straits Times Index: 1.05% 📈On Monday, U.S. stocks broadly declined, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite falling by -2.4% and -2.6% respectively. President Trump once again escalated his criticism of Federal Reserve Chair Powell, raising investor concerns over the Fed's independence.Asian markets showed mixed performance. The CSI 300 rose by 0.3%, boosted by expectations that Beijing may introduce more stimulus measures to offset the impact of the U.S.-China trade war. Meanwhile, t

I believe volatility brings opportunity, especially for long-term investors. When strong companies like Tesla $Tesla Motors(TSLA)$ and NVIDIA $NVIDIA Corp(NVDA)$ dip due to events like tariffs or political noise, I see it as a chance to accumulate quality assets at a discount. Instead of panicking with the crowd, I focus on the bigger picture and stick to my conviction. Crash warnings like the ones from Harry Dent sound scary, but I rely on a solid strategy — like dollar-cost averaging and staying diversified — to weather the storms. It's not about avoiding risk altogether, but about understanding and embracing it when the odds are in your favor. So yes, I’m ready to ride the waves. Dips aren’t disaste

I am eagerly awaiting Google's $Alphabet(GOOGL)$   Q1 2025 earnings, which are scheduled to be released after the market closes on Thursday, April 24, 2025. There is considerable excitement surrounding Alphabet's performance, particularly with analysts emphasizing growth driven by AI innovations in Search and YouTube. Morgan Stanley and Citi appear highly confident in Alphabet’s future, citing their advancements as an indication of strong long-term potential. I am keen to determine whether Alphabet can maintain this momentum and deliver results that align with the optimism. I am particularly optimistic due to $Morgan Stanley(MS)$  Morgan Stanley's emphasis

I've been watching gold's incredible run lately, and with prices hitting $3400, I can't help but feel a mix of excitement and caution. It's amazing to see Goldman Sachs forecasting a year-end price of $3,700, and even noting potential spikes to $4,500—those are some serious numbers! UBS jumping in with their own upward revision to $3,500 just confirms that the market is buzzing with optimism about gold's trajectory. I'm definitely intrigued, but I'm also wondering if I've missed the boat or if this rally still has legs. The question of whether gold is “too high” at this point is something I've been wrestling with. On one hand, these record highs make me nervous—buying in now feels like chasing a trend that's already soared. But on the other hand, the forecasts from big players like Goldman

Among all the stocks in the market, Tesla $Tesla Motors(TSLA)$ is the one I like the most. It’s not just about Elon Musk or the brand — it’s Tesla’s relentless drive for innovation that keeps me interested. From electric vehicles to energy storage and autonomous driving technology, Tesla goes far beyond just being a car company. What makes Tesla even more appealing is its long-term growth potential. I believe the recent dip marked a solid bottom, and I opened a position with that conviction. As the company expands production and improves margins, I plan to lock in partial profits when the stock reaches around $350. I’m confident Tesla will continue to lead the EV market in both technology and scale. Tesla also aligns strongly with my values on s

Major markets closed for Good Friday; Asian markets broadly higher on dip-buying 🇺🇸 S&P 500 Index: Closed 🇺🇸 Nasdaq Index: Closed 🇪🇺 Stoxx 600 Index: Closed 🇯🇵 Nikkei 225 Index: +1.03% 📈 🇭🇰 Hang Seng Index: Closed 🇨🇳 CSI 300 Index: +0.01% 📈 🇸🇬 Straits Times Index: Closed Asian equities ended mostly higher. The CSI 300 edged up by 0.01%, while the Nikkei 225 rose by 1.0%, boosted by optimism following positive developments in U.S.-Japan trade talks. Japan's core inflation rose by 3.2% year-on-year in March, in line with market expectations, driven primarily by persistently high food prices. The data underscores the Bank of Japan's growing policy challenge of balancing inflation control with economic stability amid potential U.S. tariff hikes. Upcoming Events: Monday: Investors will be w

I think if Trump fires Powell, it could create significant uncertainty in the financial markets, especially given Powell's stance on rejecting rate cuts and his focus on assessing inflation trends. Powell's term as a Fed governor lasts until February 2028, so any attempt to remove him early would likely face legal and political challenges, as the Fed's independence is a cornerstone of U.S. monetary policy. Trump's frustration, as seen in his Truth Social post calling Powell“too late and wrong,”stems from his desire for lower rates to boost economic growth, but firing Powell could backfire by eroding confidence in the Fed, leading to market volatility and a potential spike in Treasury yields. On the other hand, I see a possibility that Trump's threat might be more rhetorical than actionable

$Tesla Motors(TSLA)$   I believe Tesla's Q1 2025 earnings might not repeat last April's 14% stock jump, given the challenges the company is facing. Analysts are projecting declining revenue and EPS, with a consensus expecting revenue around $21 billion and EPS at $0.40. The 13% drop in vehicle deliveries to 336,000, alongside a 40% YTD stock decline, signals a tough quarter. Weakening EV demand, production issues, and backlash against Elon Musk's political involvement have hurt Tesla's brand, especially in Europe, where its market share fell from 17% to 9%. I think these factors make a strong earnings beat unlikely, and the stock could risk falling below $200 if negative sentiment persists. That said, I'm not as

Trump’s comments definitely stirred things up, but I’m not making any drastic moves like going fully to cash. Volatility is still relatively contained, and the FedWatch tool still shows decent odds for a June cut. That tells me the market isn’t panicking—yet. Personally, I’m sticking to my plan and watching key levels rather than reacting to headlines. I follow a disciplined dip-buying strategy, especially during periods of uncertainty like this. The Fed’s cautious tone makes sense to me—cutting too soon could backfire if inflation flares up again. So while Europe is easing, I think Powell is right to wait for more clarity on the inflation trend. As for Trump trying to fire Powell, it’s more political noise than a real risk—for now. The Fed’s independence is critical, and any serious attem

While I know a stock’s price doesn’t reflect its true value, high-priced stocks like Netflix can still feel intimidating. It’s psychological—seeing a $1,000 stock triggers thoughts like “What if it drops?” even though percentage moves are what matter. Ultimately, we’re buying future market cap growth, not just the number of shares. If I had $5,000 to split among SOXL, Nvidia, and Netflix, I’d lean most into SOXL $Direxion Daily Semiconductors Bull 3x Shares(SOXL)$ due to my DCA strategy and belief in semiconductors. Nvidia would come next—strong fundamentals and long-term upside. Netflix, while consistent, would get a smaller slice—not because of price, but because I see more near-term potential elsewhere. In the end, I focus on business fundamen

Spring is in the air, and so is the festive spirit of Easter! As we wrap up this week’s trading early due to the Easter holiday, it’s the perfect time to tap into our creative side and celebrate the season in a unique way—through art and imagination! Title: “Bunny Market Bounce” Inspiration: I envisioned a whimsical world where the charm of Easter meets the excitement of the financial markets. A curious bunny takes center stage, holding a vibrant Easter egg as stock charts rise behind it. Surrounding the scene are blooming spring flowers and pastel-colored eggs, symbolizing growth, renewal, and the optimism that both Easter and trading bring. The upward momentum in the background reflects the hopeful energy we carry into each new season—and each new trade. Hope this piece brings some festi

This Easter long weekend, I’m flying from Singapore back to my hometown in Sarawak to spend quality time with my baby and family. With the hustle and bustle of city life, I’ve been looking forward to this break for weeks — nothing compares to going home. There’s something so grounding about being surrounded by familiar faces, home-cooked meals, and the slower pace of life. I can’t wait to hold my baby in my arms, take slow walks with my family, and just be present without distractions. We’re planning to visit a few local spots too — maybe the riverside, maybe a hidden food gem only locals know. It’s not just a trip — it’s a reset. Time to recharge emotionally, reconnect deeply, and soak in the kind of joy that only home can bring. No better way to spend this long weekend than with the ones

Wall Street Ends Mixed as Rate Watch Continues; Asian Markets Rise on Trade Optimism Indices: 🇺🇸 S&P 500: +0.13% 🇺🇸 Nasdaq: -0.13% 🇪🇺 STOXX 600: -0.11% 🇯🇵 Nikkei 225: +1.35% 🇭🇰 Hang Seng: +1.61% 🇨🇳 CSI 300: -0.01% 🇸🇬 Straits Times Index: +1.58% US stocks closed mixed, with the S&P 500 edging up 0.1% and the Nasdaq slipping 0.1%. Strong performances from Eli Lilly and Apple helped offset investor caution over interest rates and US-Japan trade talks. For the week ending April 12, 2025, US initial jobless claims fell by 9,000 to 215,000, beating forecasts of 225,000 and indicating a still-strong labor market. However, ongoing trade tensions and policy uncertainty are prompting businesses to remain cautious about hiring. The European Central Bank cut its deposit rate by 25 basis points

As a Singapore-based consumer and investor, I’ve definitely noticed Chagee’s $Chagee Holdings Limited(CHA)$ growing presence here — with outlets at Orchard and Raffles City, they’re positioning themselves as a more premium, lifestyle-oriented brand. Compared to Mixue or Heytea, Chagee feels more curated and experience-driven, which seems to appeal to the urban crowd in Singapore. From an investment angle, the IPO pricing looks attractive. Chagee’s earnings strength stands out — nearly double Guming’s profit, yet it trades at a lower valuation. That suggests potential upside. Still, I understand the caution given US-China tensions and the risk of a future de-listing. If Chagee delivers on growth and manages sentiment well, it could shape up as a st

I believe the current correction is more complicated than what we saw in 2018. While the S&P 500’s recent drop has already surpassed 2018’s levels, today’s backdrop includes elevated valuations, lingering recession risks, and tariff uncertainty. Unlike 2018, a clear rebound catalyst like a Fed pivot hasn’t emerged yet. A breakthrough in US-China talks could provide a short-term boost, especially if it helps cool inflation and support growth. But with markets still pricing in optimistic earnings expectations, I wouldn’t rule out a second wave of selling — particularly if economic data softens or guidance gets revised down. That said, I don’t expect a deep crash. If GDP stays above recession territory and inflation stabilizes, a second dip could set up a double bottom. I’m watching close

I opened $Palantir Technologies Inc.(PLTR)$  ,Palantir Technologies presents a compelling investment opportunity, particularly for long-term investors bullish on data analytics and AI. The company has established itself as a leader in big data integration and decision-making platforms, with its flagship products—Gotham, Foundry, and now Artificial Intelligence Platform (AIP)—being adopted by both government and commercial clients. PLTR's deep ties with the U.S. government and defense sectors create a stable revenue foundation, while its expansion into commercial enterprises promises higher-margin growth. A major tailwind for Palantir is the accelerating adoption of artificial intelligence and machine learning across industries. Unlike generic

I’ve been watching gold closely & the sharp rebound after the recent 7% drop highlights strong demand. While some investors sold to cover losses elsewhere, the quick recovery to $3,263 shows gold’s safe-haven appeal remains intact. With US dollar weakness, surging Treasury yields, and central banks buying at record levels, I believe gold has a solid path toward $3,500 this year. I’ve started increasing my gold exposure gradually. While short-term volatility is real—especially during crises where gold can be sold off for liquidity—I still see it as a core hedge. At the same time, I’m holding some cash for flexibility if we see a deeper correction. For me, cash offers short-term safety, but gold is essential for long-term protection in an unstable macro environment. Looking forward, I th

As a Singapore resident, I view the recent strength of the SGD as both a positive and a limitation. On the upside, it makes overseas travel, remittances, and online shopping more affordable. But despite the stronger currency, the cost of living here continues to rise. Essentials like food, rent, and daily expenses haven't become any cheaper, so the benefits aren’t really translating into day-to-day relief. With MAS easing policy again and banks cutting deposit rates, I’ve had to reconsider where to keep my savings. Fixed deposits now only offer around 2% to 2.5%. With inflation still creeping in, holding cash in traditional bank accounts just doesn’t make much sense anymore. That’s why I’ve started using Tiger Vault. The approximate 4% yield is a big plus, and the flexibility to withdraw a