To The Moon

Think the decline in some investment banking fees reflects a specific challenge, but broader capital markets are showing signs of a resurgence in 2025 and 2026, not a slowdown. So, don't think there is a broader slowdown as such. I also think banks can defend margins in a "higher-for-longer" rate environment through strategic management & stricter risk management. Of course, sustained high rates present challenges though.

(1) After a sharp Golden Dragon surge, is this the start of a sustained China tech uptrend?: The case for a durable re-rating phase in Chinese tech stocks is underpinned by a new expansion phase in Chinese economy, policy shifts favoring productivity and innovation & a structural reallocation of domestic household savings from property and deposits into equities. Foreign capital inflows amid a potentially weaker US dollar in 2026 also support this scenario. So, there is indeed a case for optimism or at least optimistic aggression.  (2) How much upside is left for names like Alibaba?: Growth in $Alibaba(BABA)$  cloud computing and AI segments is expected to be main drivers of its performance in 2026. Goldman Sachs has raised its

$Apple(AAPL)$  Whether Apple has reached a durable bottom after 6 weeks of losses is debatable: Per the bullish views of  Wedbush or Evercore, the current drawdown is a "waiting game" because the market has not yet priced in an "AI premium" for 2026. In my opinion, this is a rather simplistically optimistic take. Now the bearish or neutral view of Forbes, a potential stagnation is warned due to overvaluation that suggests the stock may consolidate rather than rally in the near term at least. Now to conclude, I prefer to take a middle path and feel we can see it at aroubd $300 i.e.  ~ 15% rise. 

Goldman Sachs' potential scenario for gold at $6,000  is driven by both strong fundamental factors and geopolitical uncertainty and,  in theory at least, not solely baswd on fear positioning. Most analysts base their 2026 forecasts around $5,000. So, the $6,000 target is perhaps considered a possibility, particularly in an extreme geopolitical escalation scenario that trump is subjecting the world to. With the USD no more looking like the solid base required for a reserve currency and a safe haven, central banks moving more to gold would also be a great catalyst in pushing up gold. Interesting times.

I believe the market is not underpricing Alphabet's$Alphabet(GOOG)$   AI monetization potential; the current valuation is reasonable given its growth prospects, and a stock price of $400 is most probably achievable in 2026 - contingent on based on strong free cash flow and AI leadership. The potential partnership with $Apple(AAPL)$   is quite a positive for both companies. Its Gemini models, in-house TPUs, and wide consumer reach should help in improving ad conversion and user engagement & contribute to strong financials. 

Yes, I feel, the current high geopolitical risk premium is a significant factor justifying further upside for gold & other precious metals in 2026. In the precious metals space, I think silver has more potential for stronger percentage gains, while gold can also be expected to perform well. Oil, however, faces a more bearish outlook due to a supply surplus if US manages to flood the market with Venezuelan & other sources. This along with expectations of central bank rate cuts and continued institutional buying, suggests potential for further price appreciation in gold, with some banks forecasting prices could reach $5,000 per ounce or higher in various scenarios. However, a sudden de-escalation of global tensions, which ideally would be welcome, could reduce this pre