As of May 7, 2025, U.S. markets are experiencing cautious sentiment, influenced by upcoming Federal Reserve announcements and U.S.-China trade negotiations.  --- 📉 Market Overview Major Indices: The S&P 500 and Nasdaq futures are slightly down, with the S&P 500 futures at 5,641.75 (-0.53%) and Nasdaq futures at 19,896.50 (-0.79%) . Federal Reserve: Investors are awaiting the Federal Reserve's policy decision today. While no rate change is expected, Chairman Jerome Powell's remarks will be closely watched for future policy cues . Trade Talks: U.S.-China trade discussions are set to resume, aiming to de-escalate tariff tensions. This development has introduced some optimism into the markets . --- 📌 Stocks to Watch Palantir Technologies (PLTR): The stock plunged over 12% after ea

With 10 Millions SGD, I will divide it across multiple assets: 1) 2 M for buying my own private condo. 2) 2 M into high interest savings accounts across all eligible banks. 3) 2 M into Singapore Savings Bonds and Singapore T bills. 4) 2 M into money market funds and derivatives. 5) 2 M into equities, with small amount into crypto. Also, I will top up CPF to FRS sum. I will continue working full time or at most, downgrade my work to part time role. I don't think I can just retire and do nothing at home lol.

With 10 Millions SGD, I will divide it across multiple assets: 1. 2 M for buying my own private condo 2. 2 M into high interest savings accounts across all eligible banks. 3. 2 M into Singapore Savings Bonds and Singapore T bills 4. 2 M into money market funds and derivatives 5. 2 M into equities, with small amount into crypto. I will continue working full time or at most, downgrade my work to part time role. I don't think I can just retire and do nothing at home.

The earnings reports for Singapore’s three major banks—DBS, OCBC, and UOB—are set to reveal the impact of moderating net interest margins (NIMs) and other macroeconomic factors. Based on analysts' expectations: 1. Projected Earnings Trends DBS: Anticipated 4.4% y-o-y decline in net income to $2.95 billion for 1QFY2025. This reflects challenges in maintaining NIMs amidst rate cuts and a potential slowdown in loan growth. OCBC: Expected to post a 5.7% y-o-y decrease in net income to $1.98 billion. A similar narrative of narrowing NIMs and weaker growth drivers applies here. UOB: Forecast to achieve a 1.1% y-o-y growth in net income, marking the slowest pace since 2QFY2024. This modest growth suggests some resilience but highlights the industry-wide pressure on profitability. 2. Impact of Dec

Warren Buffett's announcement to step down as CEO of Berkshire Hathaway by the end of 2025 indeed signifies the conclusion of a remarkable era in global finance. Having led the conglomerate since 1970, Buffett transformed it from a struggling textile company into a diversified powerhouse with significant holdings across various industries, including insurance, energy, transportation, and technology . Confidence in Greg Abel's Leadership Greg Abel, currently Vice Chairman overseeing non-insurance operations, has been designated as Buffett's successor. Abel has managed key Berkshire businesses such as BNSF Railway, See’s Candies, and Dairy Queen over the past seven years, demonstrating strategic acumen and a commitment to Berkshire's decentralized management philosophy . His low-profile deme

$Palantir Technologies Inc.(PLTR)$  Palantir Technologies Inc. (NYSE: PLTR) is scheduled to report its Q1 2025 earnings on Monday, May 5, after market close. Analysts anticipate earnings per share (EPS) of $0.13, reflecting a 62% year-over-year increase, and revenue of approximately $862 million, marking a 36% growth compared to the same period last year . --- Can Palantir's Earnings Justify Its Current Valuation? Palantir's stock has experienced significant appreciation, currently trading around $124.28, with a year-to-date increase of approximately 54% and a 12-month surge of about 450% . This growth is attributed to its strategic positioning in artificial intelligence (AI) and defense sectors.  Despite robust

At the 2025 Berkshire Hathaway Annual Shareholders Meeting, Warren Buffett, now 94, reaffirmed his commitment to providing transparency regarding the company's investment strategies and succession plans. Below is a summary addressing your specific inquiries: --- Will Buffett Provide Further Guidance on His Holdings? Yes. During the meeting, Buffett discussed Berkshire's investment portfolio, notably the reduction of its Apple stake. He clarified that this move was primarily for tax optimization and not indicative of diminished confidence in Apple's business prospects. He emphasized that Apple remains one of Berkshire's most successful investments. Additionally, Buffett addressed the company's substantial cash reserves, explaining that maintaining liquidity allows Berkshire to capitalize on

$Apple(AAPL)$  Apple Inc. (AAPL) recently reported stronger-than-expected earnings for its fiscal second quarter of 2025, with revenue reaching $95.36 billion and net income at $24.78 billion. Despite this performance, the company's stock experienced a decline of over 4% in after-hours trading, primarily due to concerns over an anticipated $900 million increase in costs for the upcoming quarter, attributed to tariffs imposed by the Trump administration.   In response to these tariffs, Apple has been diversifying its supply chain, shifting iPhone production for the U.S. market to India and manufacturing other products like iPads and Macs in Vietnam. However, the company remains vulnerable to trade tensions, especially given its histo

The choice between a meal with Donald Trump or Warren Buffett hinges on personal priorities and the type of insights one seeks: Donald Trump: A dinner with Trump could offer a unique perspective on branding, media strategy, and his approach to business and politics. His controversial but influential career could lead to intriguing discussions, particularly for those interested in understanding his methods and public persona. Warren Buffett: Dining with Buffett would likely be a masterclass in investment philosophy, financial markets, and long-term wealth-building strategies. Known for his humility and wisdom, Buffett’s guidance could provide practical, enduring value for anyone interested in finance or business. If reality weren't a factor and personal growth were the goal, many might lean

The impact of "Sell in May and go away" this year depends heavily on several factors, including economic data, corporate earnings, Federal Reserve policy, and broader investor sentiment. Let’s break this down: Context of the Past Four Months Recent Performance: The S&P 500’s -0.76% decline in April, though milder than March’s sharp drop, marks continued weakness. A four-month decline may suggest that much of the pessimism is already priced in. Rebound Momentum: Recent rebounds, driven by strong earnings from major companies, could indicate underlying resilience, which might lessen the usual seasonal effect of "Sell in May." Will the Adage Apply? Macroeconomic Indicators: If inflation cools and the Federal Reserve signals a pause in rate hikes, it could provide a tailwind for markets, p

This scenario can indeed be categorised as a "better than fear" situation. Here's why: 1. Market Expectations vs Results: Companies like Microsoft and Meta surpassing earnings and revenue expectations often ease broader market concerns, particularly in a volatile environment where issues such as tariffs or economic slowdowns are a worry. Strong performances by major players reassure investors that these firms can effectively navigate macroeconomic challenges. 2. Sector Leadership: Microsoft’s robust cloud and enterprise performance, along with Meta’s resurgence in advertising, signal resilience in key growth sectors. This sets a positive tone across industries, boosting confidence in technology and related fields. Regarding Apple and Amazon: Apple: Much will depend on iPhone sales, wearabl

Semiconductor Sector Outlook and Investment Considerations Qualcomm (QCOM): Navigating Sector Challenges Qualcomm is scheduled to report its earnings after market close today, April 30, 2025. Analysts anticipate a 13% year-over-year revenue increase to $10.6 billion and earnings per share (EPS) of $2.81, driven by robust demand for its chipsets, particularly from premium Android devices produced by Chinese vendors . Despite a recent 20% decline in its stock over the past six months, attributed to U.S.-China trade tensions , Qualcomm's diversified portfolio, including automotive and Internet of Things (IoT) segments, positions it to potentially outperform peers in the current semiconductor downturn. Positive earnings estimate revisions further suggest investor confidence in its long-term pr

$Tesla Motors(TSLA)$  Tesla Inc. (TSLA) is currently trading at approximately $292.03, approaching the critical $300 resistance level. This level is significant; a decisive break above it could signal a bullish reversal, potentially reigniting investor confidence.   The upcoming robotaxi launch in June 2025 is a pivotal event for Tesla. Analysts anticipate that this initiative could substantially impact the company's valuation, with projections suggesting a 34% surge in stock price. However, it's important to note that past events have shown that such announcements can lead to "sell the news" reactions if expectations are not met.   Despite recent gains, Tesla faces challenges, including a 40% dro

$Palantir Technologies Inc.(PLTR)$  Palantir’s Earnings Expectations and Valuation Q1 2025 Anticipated Performance EPS: $0.13 (+62% YoY) Revenue: $864 million (+36% YoY) Key Drivers: Growth in government contracts, potential traction in commercial AI adoption, and ongoing expansion in global markets. While these metrics show strong YoY growth, the key question is whether such performance justifies Palantir's premium valuation. A return to $110 signals high investor expectations, but it also places pressure on the company to outperform in both growth and profitability. --- Valuation Context Palantir's valuation hinges on: 1. AI Leadership: The company’s positioning in AI analytics, particularly for enterprises and gov

The financial performance of Microsoft (MSFT) and Meta, as part of the Magnificent Seven (Mag 7), is critical to broader market sentiment. Let’s evaluate based on the provided data and current market conditions. --- Earnings Expectations Microsoft (MSFT) Revenue: $68.38 billion (+10.6% YoY) EPS: $3.20 (+8.8% YoY) Growth in Azure and AI-driven products could underpin revenue. While double-digit growth is notable, its deceleration might temper enthusiasm compared to prior periods. Meta Revenue: $41.4 billion (+13.6% YoY) Down from 20.6% growth in Q4 2024, indicating slower momentum, likely due to macroeconomic pressures and competitive advertising landscapes. EPS: $5.29 (+12.2% YoY) Slowest EPS growth since Q1 2023 suggests pressures on operational efficiency or increased costs (e.g., Realit

$Trump Media & Technology(DJT)$   Donald Trump's policies and their impact on the stock market are subjects of speculation and analysis. Historically, stock market performance under any administration depends on a range of factors, including economic conditions, global trends, and specific policy measures. Here are some points to consider: Potential Policies Beneficial to the Stock Market: 1. Tax Cuts: Trump's administration has historically favoured tax reductions, particularly corporate tax cuts, which could boost corporate profits and, consequently, stock prices. 2. Deregulation: Pro-business deregulation might benefit certain sectors, such as energy, banking, and manufacturing. 3. Infrastructure Spending:

1. Which of the three investor types best describes your current strategy? I align most closely with "The 'Buy More on Dips' Type," focusing on long-term accumulation and leveraging market pullbacks to enhance my portfolio. 2. Is your portfolio positioned for the next decade, or just the next quarter? My emphasis on the S&P 500 and its historical resilience suggests a portfolio geared towards long-term growth, likely positioned for the next decade rather than short-term fluctuations. 3. Or do you belong to any other types? Welcome to comment and let me know! An alternative type could be "The Balanced Strategist," someone who combines a long-term core portfolio (e.g., S&P 500) with targeted investments in growth or thematic areas, striking a balance between accumulation and diversif

1. Which of the three investor types best describes your current strategy? I align most closely with "The 'Buy More on Dips' Type," focusing on long-term accumulation and leveraging market pullbacks to enhance my portfolio. 2. Is your portfolio positioned for the next decade, or just the next quarter? My emphasis on the S&P 500 and its historical resilience suggests a portfolio geared towards long-term growth, likely positioned for the next decade rather than short-term fluctuations. 3. Or do you belong to any other types? Welcome to comment and let me know! An alternative type could be "The Balanced Strategist," someone who combines a long-term core portfolio (e.g., S&P 500) with targeted investments in growth or thematic areas, striking a balance between accumulation and diversif

3-Day Bali Itinerary (SGD 2,000 Budget) Day 1: Fly to Bali (~SGD 250 round trip). Private transfer to a Seminyak or Canggu boutique hotel (~SGD 100/night). Have lunch at a local warung (~SGD 10), explore the area, and enjoy sunset cocktails (~SGD 15). Day 2: Visit Tegallalang Rice Terraces (~SGD 25), Ubud Monkey Forest (~SGD 15), and temples like Tirta Empul (~SGD 20). Enjoy lunch (~SGD 15) and watch a Balinese dance (~SGD 20). Dinner at a mid-range restaurant (~SGD 25). Day 3: Relax with a Balinese massage (~SGD 50), visit Sanur Beach or a beach club (~SGD 20), and have beachfront lunch (~SGD 20). Return to Singapore in the evening. Summary of Costs: Flights (SGD 250), accommodation (SGD 200), food (SGD 150), transport (SGD 100), activities (SGD 150), misc. (SGD 150). Total: ~SGD 1,000, l