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

Wall Street closed slightly lower, Asian markets rose modestly as investors focused on tariff developments and Chinese economic data. 🇺🇸 S&P 500 Index: -0.16% 🇺🇸 Nasdaq Index: -0.05% 🇪🇺 Stoxx 600 Index: 1.68% 🇯🇵 Nikkei 225 Index: 0.84% 🇭🇰 Hang Seng Index: 0.23% 🇨🇳 CSI 300 Index: 0.06% 🇸🇬 Straits Times Index: 2.14% U.S. markets were weak, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq down 0.2% and 0.1%, respectively. Although the banking sector found some support from strong earnings, weakness in the consumer and healthcare sectors, along with ongoing tariff uncertainty, kept investor sentiment cautious. President Trump hinted at a possible exemption for auto-related tariffs. Asian markets mostly ended higher. The Hang Seng and CSI 300 indexes rose slightly by 0.2% and 0.1%, respectively, but gains w

I think gold could be a strong choice during a recession, especially with Goldman Sachs forecasting a year-end price of $3,700 and UBS at $3,500, with potential to hit $4,500. Gold has historically been a safe-haven asset, making it a good hedge against inflation and volatility in uncertain times like these. However, I'm also weighing other economic factors. A recession might drive gold prices higher, but interest rates, geopolitical tensions, and central bank policies—like recent reserve ratio cuts—could also impact its appeal. Gold thrives in low-rate environments, so I'm watching these trends closely before deciding. Ultimately, I see gold as a solid option but wouldn't go all-in. Diversifying with bonds or defensive stocks seems prudent, though I'm considering adding some gold to my po

Honestly, in this market climate, it feels like taking your eyes off the screen for even a few hours could mean missing a major policy reversal. Trump’s weekend tariff flip-flops have turned investing into a full-time surveillance job. I used to follow longer-term strategies with confidence, but now it feels like every move requires a backup plan—just in case there’s another tweet or press release while I’m sleeping. Lately, I’ve found myself shifting toward faster, more reactive trades. Instead of holding positions for weeks, I’m looking at daily or even intraday setups. The market’s not short on opportunities, but with the rules constantly changing, it’s hard to trust anything long enough to hold it through the weekend. That said, I’m not giving up or tuning out—I’m just adjusting. While

I’m quite intrigued by Chagee’s IPO. As the largest premium freshly made tea brand in China, its rapid expansion and growing popularity are impressive. The brand has clearly struck a chord with younger consumers who value quality and lifestyle experiences, which gives it strong potential in a growing market. That said, I’m approaching this with cautious optimism. The valuation is ambitious, and while the brand is trending well, competition in China’s beverage space is intense. I’d like to see how Chagee maintains its premium image and strong momentum without overextending. If I participate, it would be more for long-term potential than a quick trade. I’m interested in how the company continues to scale, especially with talk of international expansion. It feels like the kind of brand that c

Global Markets Rise on Tariff Relief 🇺🇸 S&P 500 Index: 0.79% 📈 🇺🇸 Nasdaq Index: 0.64% 📈 🇪🇺 Stoxx 600 Index: 2.70% 📈 🇯🇵 Nikkei 225 Index: 1.18% 📈 🇭🇰 Hang Seng Index: 2.40% 📈 🇨🇳 CSI 300 Index: 0.23% 📈 🇸🇬 Straits Times Index: 1.04% 📈 • US stock markets closed higher, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite rising 0.8% and 0.6% respectively, driven by gains in tech and auto stocks, after President Trump announced a waiver on a new round of China tariffs for smartphones and other electronics, and hinted at a possible exemption on auto-related tariffs. • Asia-Pacific markets mostly closed higher, with the Hang Seng Index and CSI 300 Index up 2.4% and 0.2% respectively, supported by gains in tech and financial stocks, following the US president's move to delay tariffs on some consumer elect

Wall Street Closes Higher on Easing Inflation and Strong Bank Earnings; Asian Markets Rise on Trade Optimism 🇺🇸 S&P 500 Index: 1.81% 📈 🇺🇸 Nasdaq Index: 2.06% 📈 🇪🇺 Stoxx 600 Index: -0.04% 📉 🇯🇵 Nikkei 225 Index: -2.96% 📉 🇭🇰 Hang Seng Index: 1.13% 📈 🇨🇳 CSI 300 Index: 0.41% 📈 🇸🇬 Straits Times Index: -1.83% 📉 U.S. stocks rose, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite up 1.8% and 2.1% respectively, driven by easing inflation pressures, better-than-expected bank earnings, and the Trump administration's temporary halt on new tariffs. U.S. consumer confidence in April sharply declined, with the University of Michigan's index falling from 57.0 in March to 50.8, far below the market forecast of 54, due to escalating trade tensions and growing recession fears. In March 2025, the U.S. Producer Pri

The China–U.S. tariff war has reached a boiling point, with both sides engaging in tit-for-tat tariff hikes, eventually pushing duties above 100%. If such extreme tariffs are finalized, it would effectively signal a decoupling of economic ties between the two largest economies in the world. This move could severely disrupt the global economy, potentially dragging it back by decades—an outcome with unimaginable consequences. It's no exaggeration to say that the tariff war, instigated by the U.S. President, could single-handedly crash global stock markets.Despite the U.S.'s aggressive stance and arrogant rhetoric, expecting China to back down, what it received in return was a retaliatory strike. The good news is that, after its plans failed to yield the expected outcome, the U.S. has begun t

I’ve been watching Singapore’s banks closely. While the rebound is nice to see, I’m still cautious about 2025 earnings. Pressures on net interest margins, slowing loan growth, and weaker wealth management fees—especially with a possible Fed rate cut—could weigh on results. Lower rates mean tighter margins, which hurts banks’ core income. That said, valuations are starting to look attractive. PE ratios are low, and dividend yields are appealing—especially with DBS, which also stands out for its stable NIM and aggressive buybacks. Right now, DBS looks like the best pick to me, but if OCBC or UOB dip further, they could be worth a look. I’m also tracking U.S. bank earnings for signs of what’s to come. If there’s weakness, it could impact local sentiment too. For now, I’m staying patient, hold

To me, the stock market is like dating someone wildly unpredictable—full of mixed signals, sudden mood swings, and just when you think you’ve figured it out, everything changes. Policies are like overprotective parents barging in—one tariff tweet and global markets freeze. Market sentiment? More like a flaky ex: sweet one day, gone the next. And technical analysis? It's like reading between the lines of vague social media posts—you think it means something… until it doesn’t. I’d say emotion is the hardest to predict. When sentiment shifts, fundamentals and charts don’t stand a chance. One dramatic headline and the whole market panic-sells before lunch. Analysts are still drawing support lines while prices are already 10% down. It’s chaos & trying to stay logical in the middle of it is

Ray Dalio really hit the mark—what we’re seeing now isn’t just about tariffs or policy tweaks. When even U.S. Treasuries aren’t acting like a safe haven, you know we’re in uncharted territory. The breakdowns across monetary systems, politics, and geopolitics aren’t just noise—they’re structural shifts. Tariffs may grab headlines, but they’re just surface-level signals of something much bigger brewing underneath. Now, would I go all in during a crash like 2008? I’d definitely consider it—but cautiously. Panic moments can be once-in-a-lifetime chances, but they’re also when emotions run wild and timing gets tricky. I wouldn’t go “all in” blindly, but I would be ready with dry powder, watching for true capitulation, and scaling in strategically rather than taking a one-shot gamble. Staying di

Risk Sentiment Cools on Wall Street, Trump's Tariff Pause Boosts Asian Markets 🇺🇸 S&P 500 Index: -3.46% 📉 🇺🇸 Nasdaq Index: -4.31% 📉 🇪🇺 STOXX 600 Index: 3.70% 📈 🇯🇵 Nikkei 225 Index: 9.13% 📈 🇭🇰 Hang Seng Index: 2.06% 📈 🇨🇳 CSI 300 Index: 1.31% 📈 🇸🇬 Straits Times Index: 5.43% 📈 U.S. stock markets saw a sharp sell-off, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq dropping by -3.5% and -4.3% respectively, as fears mount that the escalating U.S.-China trade war could cause long-term damage to global economic growth. The White House announced tariffs on Chinese goods would rise to 145%, further dampening investor confidence. U.S. core CPI growth slowed to 2.8% year-over-year in March 2025 (vs. expected 3.0%), down from 3.1% in February. This suggests inflation has temporarily eased before tariff pressures

I think Singapore’s decision to avoid retaliatory tariffs is wise. Given the risk of escalating trade tensions, retaliatory tariffs could hurt both the US and Singapore’s economy. Strengthening partnerships with like-minded countries and focusing on diplomacy seems like a more strategic, long-term solution to avoid further instability. If I were in charge, I’d focus on collaboration and economic diversification rather than retaliation. Tariffs often end up hurting domestic industries and raising costs, which impacts consumers and businesses. By investing in resilience, innovation, and expanding trade ties, Singapore could better weather the impact of tariffs. The STI $Straits Times Index(STI.SI)$ could see short-term pressure, but the governmen