BT Market Focus
Market Focus Daily is a closing bell look at markets and the news that drove its movements every trading day. Market Focus Weekly rounds up the week with expert analysis and insights for a big picture look at the trading week ahead. Produced by BT Podcasts, The Business Times, SPH Media.
Episodes
Treasury lifeline sparks global rally as bond rout recedes
Market news for August 20, 2026: Global markets rallied as the US Treasury’s increased debt buybacks eased bond market stress, boosting stocks. Despite persistent Fed inflation concerns and shipping delays in the Strait of Hormuz, investor sentiment improved as yields retreated from multi-decade highs. Synopsis: Market Focus Daily is a closing bell roundup by The Business Times that looks at
Decade-high bond yields and Middle East volatility deepen tech rout
Market news for August 19, 2026: Global markets slumped as bond yields hit decade highs; oil topped $90 amid Middle East volatility; tech stocks took a heavy hit, echoing Wall Street’s slide; and investors braced for persistent inflation and elusive policy guidance from Fed minutes. Synopsis: Market Focus Daily is a closing bell roundup by The Business Times that looks at the day’s mar
Geopolitical storm: Asian markets stumble as bond yields and oil hit decade highs
Market news for August 18, 2026: Bond yields hit decade-highs as oil rose; Asian stocks faltered following a US-Iran truce expiration; Anthropic’s revenue run rate hit $65 billion, and Milky Mist Dairy jumped 30 per cent in its successful Indian trading debut. Synopsis: Market Focus Daily is a closing bell roundup by The Business Times that looks at the day’s market movements and news
War, tariffs, and AI? Emerging markets aren’t flinching
Market news for August 17, 2026: Defying war, tariffs, and AI volatility, emerging markets showed surprising strength. Investor demand for EM debt reached two-decade highs as Asian stocks rose and US dollar weakness dampened expectations for an imminent Federal Reserve rate hike. Synopsis: Market Focus Daily is a closing bell roundup by The Business Times that looks at the day’s market movem
Records, rate cuts and the yen’s reckoning
Records are being broken, currencies are wobbling, and everyone's arguing about AI — but which signals actually matter? On this week's Market Focus Weekly, Howie Lim presses Pictet's Arun Sai on the Fed's next move, whether the Bank of Japan (BOJ) can save the yen, and why AI's boom is splitting into winners and losers. From Seoul's wild swings to oil's war premium, Arun cuts through the noi
Asian markets rally on tame inflation; oil stays buoyant amid Gulf war deadlock
Market news for August 13, 2026: Asian stocks climbed as tame US inflation data dampened near-term Federal Reserve rate hike expectations. Meanwhile, oil prices held near $80 a barrel, remaining elevated due to the ongoing US-Iran deadlock over a permanent end to the Gulf war. Synopsis: Market Focus Daily is a closing bell roundup by The Business Times that looks at the day’s market movement
Defying missile jitters: Asian markets rally on AI profits ahead of critical US inflation data
Market news for August 12, 2026: Geopolitical tensions boosted oil and gold, Asian shares gained, driven by South Korean strength and Foxconn’s 35 per cent profit jump. Investors await critical US inflation data following a North Korean missile launch. Synopsis: Market Focus Daily is a closing bell roundup by The Business Times that looks at the day’s market movements and news from Sin
European stocks climb on energy boost as Middle East tensions keep Asia on edge
Market news for August 11, 2026: European markets edged higher, bolstered by energy stocks, while Asian indices remained cautious amid persistent Middle East uncertainty. As investors monitor global inflation and interest rate trajectories, oil and gold prices climbed, reflecting the ongoing, fragile risk sentiment. Synopsis: Market Focus Daily is a closing bell roundup by The Business Times that
Greed is bad, patience is good: Walter de Oude's case for tuning out the noise
Is the market caught in a volatility trap, or witnessing a fundamental pivot? Howie Lim and Chocolate Finance founder Walter de Oude get down to brass tacks: From the geopolitical tug-of-war at the Strait of Hormuz and AI investment anxiety to the Federal Reserve’s next move. What’s really driving these market swings and how can investors maintain a long-term perspective amidst today's
Asian markets retreat as AI rally fades; focus shifts to US labour data
Market news for August 6, 2026: Asian shares retreated, snapping AI-driven gains as tech sector weakness mirrored Wall Street’s pullback. Amidst cautious sentiment and stable oil, investors are now pivoting focus to critical US labor data, weighing recessionary risks against the prospect of September rate hikes. Synopsis: Market Focus Daily is a closing bell roundup by The Business Times tha
Oil tumbles on Iran diplomacy hopes, Kospi soars on AI optimism
Market news for August 5, 2026: Asian shares climbed sharply today, following Wall Street's record-breaking rally, with technology shares leading the gains. Oil prices tumbled more than 5%, its lowest in three weeks over easing concerns on global oil supplies. And, the Japanese yen strengthened slightly as traders remain alert for further intervention. Synopsis: Market Focus Daily is a closing bel
Choppy seas: Oil prices rally on Hormuz attacks as South Korea tightens curbs on risky retail bets
Market news for August 4, 2026: Asian markets remained choppy as investors balanced strong US earnings against rising oil prices fuelled by Hormuz attacks, while South Korea implemented new curbs to manage stock market volatility today. Plus, gold and oil rally. Synopsis: Market Focus Daily is a closing bell roundup by The Business Times that looks at the day’s market movements and news from
AI skepticism hits Asian equities as Middle East peace hopes propel European gains
Market news for August 3, 2026: Asian stocks struggled amid AI trade skepticism and capital spending fears, while European shares climbed on Middle East peace hopes. Oil prices fell and the yen strengthened after joint intervention. Synopsis: Market Focus Daily is a closing bell roundup by The Business Times that looks at the day’s market movements and news from Singapore and the region. Wri
Chips up, Meta down and a Fed on hold: making sense of a week that went in every direction
In this episode of Market Focus Weekly, St. James’s Place Martin Hennecke joins us to unpack the week of corporate earnings and market movements. We examine the impact of the conflicting outlooks for AI-related capital expenditure means for investors, where opportunities remain in the AI trade, and how to position portfolios amid shifting market and currency dynamics. Highlights: 04:00 Bigge
Record Samsung earnings fail to lift Kospi, Oil rallies on renewed conflict
Market news for July 30, 2026: Asian markets traded mixed today, with the South Korean Kospi falling again despite record profits from chipmaking giant Samsung Electronics. The US Federal Reserve left interest rates unchanged, while sending mixed signals on the direction of interest which disappointed investors. Oil prices also climbed as the US resumed strikes on Iran. Synopsis: Market Focus Dail
AI anxiety extends Asia chip sell-off; Oil climbs on renewed Iran tensions
Market news for July 29, 2026: Asian technology shares extended their sell-off today, taking its cue from another steep decline in US chip stocks overnight. South Korea’s Kospi led declines, triggering a trading halt for the second straight session. Oil prices rose after US Central Command said Iran had launched missile strikes targeting US bases in the Gulf. Synopsis: Market Focus Dai
Asia chip sell-off deepens as China competition fears trigger Kospi circuit breaker
Market news for July 28, 2026: Asian chip stocks tumbled today, led by a 10.84 per cent drop in South Korea's Kospi, which triggered a circuit breaker. The sell-off reflected growing concerns over elevated AI valuations and rising competition from China. At the same time, Brent crude continued to fall on hopes of easing geopolitical tensions between the US and Iran. Synopsis: Market Focus Daily is
Oil slides on Gulf pause, Chinese chip giant CXMT soars in record IPO
Market news for July 27, 2026: Asian markets rose as a temporary pause in the fighting in the Gulf pushed oil prices lower. Changxin Technology Group (CXMT) made a blockbuster market debut. Meanwhile on Wall Street, earnings season reaches a pivotal stage this week as several major US technology companies prepare to report. Synopsis: Market Focus Daily is a closing bell roundup by The Business Tim
Oil at US$100, new tariffs and a yen at a 40-year low: Barclays on what Asia faces next
Oil prices are surging, AI spending is back under the microscope, and a new round of U.S. tariffs is raising fresh concerns about global growth. Together, these forces are driving volatility across financial markets and putting renewed pressure on Asian currencies as inflation risks rise and the Federal Reserve maintains a hawkish tone. In this episode of Market Focus Weekly, Barclays' Mitul Kotec
Oil jumps on Houthi attacks, AI spending powers Asian chip stocks
Market news for July 23, 2026: Asian shares advanced today after major US technology companies unveiled robust capital spending plans. Oil prices climbed again to near record 6-week highs after Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthis claimed attacks on two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea. Synopsis: Market Focus Daily is a closing bell roundup by The Business Times that looks at the day’s market
Oil hits seven-week highs as Yen slides to forty-year low
Market news for July 22, 2026: Asian shares traded mixed today amid caution ahead of the major tech earnings this week. Yen slides to its weakest level in almost four decades. Oil extends its rally to reach seven-week highs. Synopsis: Market Focus Daily is a closing bell roundup by The Business Times that looks at the day’s market movements and news from Singapore and the region. Writt
Asian stocks bounce back, Oil slips despite escalating Houthi threats
Market news for July 21, 2026: Asian shares climbed today, led by gains in Japan and South Korea. Oil prices edged lower on hopes of diplomatic progress in the Gulf. Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen have threatened a naval blockade on Saudi Arabia. Indonesia's parliament approved generous tax incentives under a new financial centre law. Synopsis: Market Focus Daily is a closing bell roundup by T
Oil tops US$90 as conflict intensifies, South Korean chip sell-off accelerates
Market news for July 20, 2026: Asian shares traded mixed today as the conflict in the Middle East has pushed oil prices higher, reaching above US$90 a barrel for the first time in more than a month. South Korea’s Kospi fell another 4.5 per cent lower today as the semiconductor sell off extended into the new week. Synopsis: Market Focus Daily is a closing bell roundup by The Business Times th
Chip stocks falling, oil rising and India's US$30 trillion opportunity: M&G's Vikas Pershad on where to look now
Geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, coupled with growing concerns that AI spending may have become too exuberant, have fuelled volatility in stock markets globally. On a positive note, the equity fundraising boom shows little sign of slowing, with Malaysia leading the way in South-east Asia. In this episode of Market Focus Weekly, M&G Investments’ Vikas Pershad unpacks the market m
TSMC's record profit fails to lift Asian chip stocks; Oil eases amid elevated risks
Market news for July 16, 2026: Asian shares fell today, led by the sell-off in semiconductor, even as chipmaking giant TSMC announced its’ record earnings beat. Meanwhile, oil prices retreated slightly after the US completed its latest round of strikes on Iran. Synopsis: Market Focus Daily is a closing bell roundup by The Business Times that looks at the day’s market movements and news
Oil jumps on US-Iran hostilities; ASML earnings lift AI sentiment
Market news for July 15, 2026: Asian shares rally as US inflation numbers cooled interest rate hike expectations. Geopolitical tensions continue to rise as both the US and Iran continue to ramp up strikes. In tech earnings, ASML beats expectations, while IBM disappoints. Synopsis: Market Focus Daily is a closing bell roundup by The Business Times that looks at the day’s market mo
Oil hits four-week high as Asian stocks rebound
Market news for July 14, 2026: Asian markets closed mostly higher today, after a reversal and stock gains in Japan and South Korea. Possibility of US putting a 20 per cent levy on cargo ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz sends Brent crude to 4-week highs. Synopsis: Market Focus Daily is a closing bell roundup by The Business Times that looks at the day’s market movements and news from Sin
Oil surges as US-Iran strikes escalate, SK Hynix plunges after Nasdaq debut
Market news for July 13, 2026: Asian shares fell today as the escalating conflict in the Middle East led to higher oil prices and reignited global inflation concerns. South Korea's Kospi index plunged 9 per cent, dragged down by chipmaker SK Hynix, which slumped more than 15 per cent. Synopsis: Market Focus Daily is a closing bell roundup by The Business Times that looks at the day’s market
Oil, AI and a wobbly yen: JP Morgan's Raisah Rasid on what investors should consider now
Escalating military tensions between the US and Iran have renewed concerns over energy prices, while volatility in AI-linked technology stocks, particularly in East Asia continues to rise. S&P Dow Jones follows MSCI in potentially downgrading the Indonesia market to ‘frontier’ status, while traders remain alert for Japan’s yen intervention. In this episode of Market Focus Wee
Asian markets lose momentum as oil surge fuels inflation fears
Market news for July 9, 2026: Oil prices rose 1 per cent for its third consecutive session amid renewed geopolitical tensions between the US and Iran. Asia markets lose its earlier momentum, while Europe and US markets are poised for a firm open. Synopsis: Market Focus Daily is a closing bell roundup by The Business Times that looks at the day’s market movements and news from Singapore and t
Oil up as US-Iran ceasefire ends, South Korean Kospi enters bear market
Market news for July 8, 2026: US President Trump declared an end to the ceasefire with Iran, following an exchange of strikes between the two countries. South Korea’s Kospi plunged 5.35 per cent, entering bear market territory. US treasury yields and dollar strength both rose amid the heightened geopolitical risk. Synopsis: Market Focus Daily is a closing bell roundup by The Business Times t
Asian markets slide on Samsung shock; Oil advances amid renewed Middle East tensions
Market news for July 7, 2026: Asia shares fell today, following Samsung’s earning guidance failing to impress investors. Oil moved up slightly over renewed tensions in the Strait of Hormuz. US President Donald Trump is set to attend the NATO summit tomorrow. Synopsis: Market Focus Daily is a closing bell roundup by The Business Times that looks at the day’s market movements and news fr
Asia stocks mixed amidst rising AI caution, yen intervention risks remain
Market news for July 6, 2026: Asia shares traded mixed today as investors recalibrate artificial intelligence related plays. Samsung to release second quarter earnings guidance tomorrow. Brent crude falls on the resumption of shipping traffic in the Strait of Hormuz. Synopsis: Market Focus Daily is a closing bell roundup by The Business Times that looks at the day’s market movements and news
Chips, yen wobbles and a gold bull call: where Standard Chartered sees Asia markets heading
Volatility in AI-linked technology stocks, globally and across Asia, continues to rise. Indonesia faces uncertainty over a possible MSCI downgrade, and traders remain on high alert for Japan’s yen intervention. In this episode of Market Focus Weekly, Standard Chartered Bank’s Yap Fook Hien unpacks the market moves for the week – revealing their bullish views for South Korean and
South Korean stocks tumble, Japan to ‘ambush’ yen short sellers
Market news for July 2, 2026: Asian stocks fell today, following the sell off in US technology shares overnight. US President Donald Trump praised US-Iran talks in Doha. Crude prices fall to four-month lows amidst growing oil glut expectations. Synopsis: Market Focus Daily is a closing bell roundup by The Business Times that looks at the day’s market movements and news from Singapore and th
Stalled diplomacy, sinking yen: Asian markets open Q3 on edge
Market news for July 1, 2026: Asian shares opened the new quarter cautiously as stalled US-Iran diplomacy clashed with rising US bond yields. The Japanese yen sank to fresh 40-year lows, fuelling intervention jitters, while investors braced for critical labor data and Fed policy guidance ahead. Synopsis: Market Focus Daily is a closing bell roundup by The Business Times that looks at the day&rsquo
Asian stocks finish sparkling quarter at historic highs as oil war fears abate
Market news for June 30, 2026: Asian stocks closed a sparkling quarter at record highs as oil fears eased. Meanwhile, a resurgent dollar pushed the yen to four-decade lows amid shifting US rate expectations. Gold prices stumbled, marking their sharpest monthly decline since 2008. Synopsis: Market Focus Daily is a closing bell roundup by The Business Times that looks at the day’s market movem
Asian stocks stall as peace hopes collide with rate-hike realities
Market news for June 29, 2026: Asian stocks stalled as US-Iran hostilities paused, cooling war-driven oil rallies. The dollar held near one-year highs amid intensifying rate-hike bets, forcing investors to weigh fragile geopolitical stability against the prospect of persistent, elevated interest rates. Synopsis: Market Focus Daily is a closing bell roundup by The Business Times that looks at the d
Is the AI trade still intact? And why oil might be your next surprise
AI is minting billionaires and burning cash at historic scale. Chip stocks are swinging wildly. Big Tech is borrowing like never before. And oil, gold, and the yen are sending mixed signals. In this episode of Market Focus Weekly, BNY Investments' Aninda Mitra cuts through the noise — separating AI signal from hype, exposing the risks retail investors are missing, and revealing why a global
AI rally re-ignited: Chip giants add $400B in market cap as Asian stocks soar
Market news for June 25, 2026: Asian equities soared as chipmakers, buoyed by strong forecasts from Micron and Qualcomm, added $400 billion in market cap, reigniting the AI rally. Concurrently, oil prices retreated following a US-Iran ceasefire, while gold fell below the $4,000 psychological threshold. Synopsis: Market Focus Daily is a closing bell roundup by The Business Times that looks at the d
Asian stocks drift, oil slips: Markets weigh AI valuation jitters against easing Gulf tensions
Market news for June 24, 2026: Asian markets remained directionless as crude oil hovered near four-month lows. Investors are currently weighing renewed volatility from stretched AI valuations against fragile progress in US-Iran peace talks, amid a broader risk-off sentiment sweeping across global equity markets. Synopsis: Market Focus Daily is a closing bell roundup by The Business Times that look
Oil cools, tech burns: Seoul plunges 10% in Asia’s steepest sell-off
Market news for June 23, 2026: Seoul’s benchmark plunged 10 per cent in a historic tech-led rout. Elsewhere, US sanctions waivers cooled oil prices, while Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s surprise resignation cast fresh shadows over global market sentiment. Synopsis: Market Focus Daily is a closing bell roundup by The Business Times that looks at the day’s market movements and news
US-Iran peace progress fuels Asian market rally; SK Hynix overtakes Samsung in historic shift
Market news for June 22, 2026: Asian markets rallied on US-Iran peace progress, easing crude prices. Japan’s Nikkei climbed 1.9 per cent, while South Korea’s market gained 2.6 per cent as SK Hynix surpassed Samsung as the nation’s most valuable listed company. Gold also rose amid the geopolitical shift. Synopsis: Market Focus Daily is a closing bell roundup by The Business Times
A fully live Fed, historic BOJ hike and Singapore's stagflation problem
Iran signs a peace deal, the Strait of Hormuz reopens, and markets rally — but is the relief built to last? This week on Market Focus Weekly, portfolio manager Pete Tan analyses what a "fully live" Fed means for your portfolio, why Japan's BOJ is walking a tightrope, how China's export boom masks a consumer crisis, and why energy security — not green ideology — is now the definin
Japan, South Korean stocks at record highs, US-Iran deal takes effect
Market news for June 18, 2026: Major Asian stock markets hit record highs today, as the Nikkei 225 broke past 71,000, and the Kospi index crossed 9000. This comes on the back of the temporary ceasefire deal between the US and Iran that was signed into effect today. Synopsis: Market Focus Daily is a closing bell roundup by The Business Times that looks at the day’s market movements and news f
Oil plunges, Asian stocks mixed as US considers waiving Iranian oil sanctions
Market news for June 17, 2026: Asian stocks traded sideways today, as investors await the Federal Reserve’s policy meeting and for the reveal of more details on the US-Iran deal. Oil prices plunged amid growing optimism on rising oil supply. Synopsis: Market Focus Daily is a closing bell roundup by The Business Times that looks at the day’s market movements and news from Singapore and
Nikkei hits record 70,000 after historic BOJ rate hike as US-Iran peace deal remains in focus
Market news for June 16, 2026: Asian stocks rose as Japan’s Nikkei hit a record 70,000 following the Bank of Japan’s historic 1 per cent rate hike. Markets are now monitoring whether the US-Iran peace deal will curb global inflationary pressures and influence future central bank policy trajectories. Synopsis: Market Focus Daily is a closing bell roundup by The Business Times that looks
US-Iran reach tentative peace deal, sparks relief rally in Asia: Oil slips and gold rise
Market news for June 15, 2026: A preliminary agreement to end the war between US and Iran reduced geopolitical fears, resulting in an easing of oil prices and a rally in Asian markets. Major central banks, including the US and Japan are set to announce their policy decisions this week. Synopsis: Market Focus Daily is a closing bell roundup by The Business Times that looks at the day’s market
Hawkish Fed, hot inflation, fragile currencies: ASEAN's delicate balancing act explained
Peace talks lift markets, but the real story runs deeper. HSBC's senior ASEAN economist Yun Liu unpacks why Southeast Asia sits at the eye of the storm — navigating energy shocks, a hawkish Fed, dollar pressure, and an AI revolution that's reshaping trade. From Malaysia's fuel subsidies to Singapore's inflation risk and Vietnam defying tariff odds, this is the macro picture most investors ar
Strait of Hormuz shuts, oil spikes: Asian markets stumble amid renewed Iran tensions
Market news for June 11, 2026: Asian markets slumped, as a hot U.S. inflation report fuelled Wall Street selloffs. Simultaneously, renewed US strikes on Iran forced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, driving Brent crude prices higher and deepening geopolitical and economic instability. Synopsis: Market Focus Daily is a closing bell roundup by The Business Times that looks at the day’s mark
Between a war and a rate hike: Asia’s volatile Wednesday
Market news for June 10, 2026: Renewed hostilities between the US and Iran triggered a sharp Asian market rout, driving oil prices higher while tech stocks slumped. Investors, battered by geopolitical volatility, now brace for critical US inflation data to decipher the future of interest rates. Synopsis: Market Focus Daily is a closing bell roundup by The Business Times that looks at the day&rsquo
Asian markets bounce back as ceasefire hopes and tech dip-buying spark relief rally
Market news for June 9, 2026: Asian stocks rallied, as Israel-Iran ceasefire hopes fuelled relief. Investors aggressively bought semiconductor dips, while South Korea rebounded 7 per cent and strong Chinese trade data signalled resilience, despite caution over the rally's narrow base and lingering inflation concerns. Synopsis: Market Focus Daily is a closing bell roundup by The Business Times that
Market rout deepens: AI pullback and Middle East tensions drive Asian sell-off
Market news for June 8, 2026: Asian markets plummeted today as investors retreated from AI-linked stocks amid concerns of an overextended bull run. Simultaneously, escalating tensions in Iran spiked oil prices, fuelling market volatility and dampening global sentiment ahead of key upcoming IPOs and economic data. Synopsis: Market Focus Daily is a closing bell roundup by The Business Times that loo
Peace hopes, profit-taking and a Bitcoin plunge: making sense of a rollercoaster week
Oil at US$90 even after a ceasefire. A dollar no one can replace. Bitcoin cratering while IPOs loom. AI infrastructure costs that could reshape every sector — not just tech. What's really driving markets? Why are central banks frozen? And where is the smart money quietly rotating? Howie Lim finds out from Thomas Rupf of VP Bank. Highlights: 01:05 Energy prices vs. supply security 03:00 The s
Asia stocks plunge on renewed US-Iran tensions; Oil slips, SpaceX IPO prices
Market news for June 4, 2026: Renewed US-Iran fighting plunged Asian stocks, though a Lebanon-Israel ceasefire eased oil prices. Inflation fears intensified, raising Bank of Japan rate hike chances. Separately, Bitcoin dropped while SpaceX set its landmark IPO price at $135 a share. Synopsis: Market Focus Daily is a closing bell roundup by The Business Times that looks at the day’s market mo
AI bull run powers Asia stocks to record highs despite flaring Gulf hostilities and crypto tumble
Market news for June 3, 2026: A protracted US-Iran war and the Hormuz blockade unleashed a global oil shock, fuelling inflation and forcing hawkish central bank moves. Yet, the AI bull run propelled Asian tech stocks to dramatic new record highs, defying the geopolitical risk. Synopsis: Market Focus Daily is a closing bell roundup by The Business Times that looks at the day’s market movement
AI lifts Asia as markets weigh ceasefire, oil steadies
Market news for June 2, 2026: Asian stocks struggled for direction as a partial Middle East ceasefire steadied oil near $95. AI-linked shares gained on Anthropic's trillion-dollar IPO filing. Blackstone raised a record $13.1B for Asia private equity, while gold rose and cryptocurrencies slid to two-month lows. Synopsis: Market Focus Daily is a closing bell roundup by The Business Times that looks
AI-fueled stock surge meets oil’s 10% drop: Is the energy crisis over?
Is the energy crisis over? Global stocks hit record highs fueled by AI, while oil tumbles 10 per cent on potential Strait of Hormuz reopening. What about the AI hype versus real growth, the USD's "fairy tale moment," the sustainability of the East Asian rally, and the long-term risks for bonds? Howie Lim gets insights from Oriano Lizza of CMC Markets. Highlights: 01:06 AI hype vs. real growth 04:0
Hormuz tides turn: Iran deal buoys stocks, yet Strait's shadow looms
Market news for May 28, 2026: Iran conflict and US strikes drove Asian stocks lower, challenging peace optimism. Oil rebounded 2 per cent, pressuring inflation and bond yields, while AI-driven chip sales buoyed South Korean exports despite broader market risks. Synopsis: Market Focus Daily is a closing bell roundup by The Business Times that looks at the day’s market movements and news from
Iran deal hopes fade as US strikes temper risk appetite; Oil rebounds, stocks mixed
Market news for May 26, 2026: Oil prices rose today and stocks wavered as investor optimism over an imminent US-Iran peace deal was tempered by new US strikes in the Middle East. Brent futures rose over 2 per cent to over $98 a barrel, while global stocks were mixed as inflation fears persisted. Synopsis: Market Focus Daily is a closing bell roundup by The Business Times that looks at the day&rsqu
Iran deal hopes spur stock rally, oil and dollar slide; Strait clarity key
Market news for May 25, 2026: Stocks surged on Iran deal hopes, weakening the dollar and oil, but Strait of Hormuz clarity concerns tempered the rally, underscoring persistent war-driven inflation risks for global markets. Synopsis: Market Focus Daily is a closing bell roundup by The Business Times that looks at the day’s market movements and news from Singapore and the region. Written by: H
The war is three months old, stocks are at record highs and the Fed is talking hikes
The "AI Trade" demands selectivity post-Nvidia: learn the new rules focusing on free cash flow and margins, not just growth. Brent crude's new US$100+ baseline defies temporary peace, fueled by Gulf tensions and hawkish Fed signals. This week, we dive into the dollar's safe-haven supremacy, the Kospi as a global tech bellwether, and the structural debt risks shaking G7 bonds with José Torre
Nvidia, Samsung fuel Asia stock surge; global risks eased, not gone
Market news for May 21, 2026: Asian stocks surged, fuelled by Nvidia's strong forecast and a suspended Samsung strike, easing global risk fears as vessels resumed passage through the Strait of Hormuz, though inflation worries persist. Synopsis: Market Focus Daily is a closing bell roundup by The Business Times that looks at the day’s market movements and news from Singapore and the region. W
Nvidia earnings, geopolitical fears roil Asia stocks and global bonds
Market news for May 20, 2026: The AI rally faces a critical test with Nvidia earnings, overshadowed by escalating Gulf conflict driving oil prices and bond yields higher globally. Geopolitical tension fuels inflation fears, prompting central bank rate hike bets and dampening Asian stocks. Synopsis: Market Focus Daily is a closing bell roundup by The Business Times that looks at the day’s mar
Trump peace bid cools oil prices, but Nvidia earnings and inflation fears loom large
Market news for May 19, 2026: AI stocks face a pivotal test with Nvidia's earnings amid Gulf-driven oil and bond yield surges. While Trump's peace bid cooled prices, global inflation fears and looming central bank tightening cast a shadow over markets. Synopsis: Market Focus Daily is a closing bell roundup by The Business Times that looks at the day’s market movements and news from Singapore
AI euphoria faces Nvidia test as Gulf turmoil drives oil, bond yields higher
Market news for May 18, 2026: Asian markets slid on Gulf turmoil, driving oil and bond yields higher, as the AI rally faces a critical test from Nvidia's earnings this week. Synopsis: Market Focus Daily is a closing bell roundup by The Business Times that looks at the day’s market movements and news from Singapore and the region. Written by: Howie Lim (howielim@sph.com.sg) Produced and edite
Can the AI rally really ignore inflation, geopolitics and a Fed under pressure?
AI frenzy, rising inflation, and geopolitical shocks: Can the tech rally survive? Chief investment strategist Charu Chanana of Saxo breaks down the Fed's next move, the HALO trade, and the global fallout from a potential Samsung strike and the Trump-Xi summit. Highlights: 01:03 Will the Fed hike rates in 2026? 04:22 AI rally and HALO 07:42 Samsung strike threat 10:18 Trump-Xi summit 13:52 Sectors
AI darlings power Asia rally; Gold rises as Trump-Xi summit offers few surprises
Market news for May 14, 2026: An Asia-wide rally, fuelled by key AI stocks, saw SK Hynix's valuation approach $1 trillion. Meanwhile, gold prices climbed due to a weaker dollar. The Trump-Xi summit holds no major surprises so far, with ongoing concerns over Middle East oil supply continuing to affect markets. Synopsis: Market Focus Daily is a closing bell roundup by The Business Times that looks a
Global market slump on hot US Inflation, Mideast standstill; Samsung strike looms
Market news for May 13, 2026: Global markets fell as hot US inflation dampened Fed cut hopes and Middle East tensions persisted. Samsung stock rebounded despite a major labor strike threat. Synopsis: Market Focus Daily is a closing bell roundup by The Business Times that looks at the day’s market movements and news from Singapore and the region. Written by: Howie Lim (howielim@sph.com.sg) Pr
Oil up as Iran truce hopes fade; Seoul's Kospi recoils from 8k on US inflation fears
Market news for May 12, 2026: Dollar and oil rise on continuing Middle East conflict as peace talks continue to not deliver; Asian currencies suffer and markets eye President Trump’s last ditch effort in China. Synopsis: Market Focus Daily is a closing bell roundup by The Business Times that looks at the day’s market movements and news from Singapore and the region. Written by: Howie L
Safe-haven shift: Dollar gains strength while gold falters on inflation fears
Market news for May 11, 2026: Safe-haven dollar climbed as deadlocked US-Iran talks kept the Strait of Hormuz closed, choking oil supply and lifting prices, while AI stocks provided a modest lift to Asia's markets. Synopsis: Market Focus Daily is a closing bell roundup by The Business Times that looks at the day’s market movements and news from Singapore and the region. Written by: Howie Lim
AI boom, oil's 'peace premium,' and the Fed's sticky inflation dilemma
Is the AI rally a bubble or backed by real earnings? As oil prices spike and the Yen tumbles, we tackle inflation's sticky grip and the future of interest rates. Plus, are South Korea and Taiwan becoming the new undisputed tech leaders? Endowus CIO Hugh Chung joins Howie Lim for a compelling look at the markets' biggest questions this week. Highlights: 01:02 AI hype: rally or bubble? 02:36 Geopoli
AI, Iran talks lift Asia stocks to record highs; oil, dollar slip
Market news for May 7, 2026: Global stocks pause near highs as investors await US payrolls, while oil stabilises after US-Iran peace hopes drove crude lower this past week. Synopsis: Market Focus Daily is a closing bell roundup by The Business Times that looks at the day’s market movements and news from Singapore and the region. Written by: Howie Lim (howielim@sph.com.sg) Produced and edited
Oil's peace-deal plunge lifts Asia tech; Samsung tops $1T market cap
Market news for May 6, 2026: Oil peace talks boost Asia tech stocks, lifting Samsung to a $1T valuation. Crude and the dollar fall on hopes for a major US-Iran agreement. Synopsis: Market Focus Daily is a closing bell roundup by The Business Times that looks at the day’s market movements and news from Singapore and the region. Written by: Howie Lim (howielim@sph.com.sg) Produced and edited b
Mideast truce shakes Wall St. highs: Hormuz hit sends oil, safe-haven dollar soaring
Market news for May 5, 2026: Mideast peace hopes fade after Hormuz explosion, pulling Wall Street back from peak records. The resulting oil price surge on Gulf tensions boosts the safe-haven dollar. Synopsis: Market Focus Daily is a closing bell roundup by The Business Times that looks at the day’s market movements and news from Singapore and the region. Written by: Howie Lim (howielim@sph.c
AI, oil, and yen: Tech-led Asia rallies, but Mideast conflict keeps inflation in focus
Market news for May 4, 2026: AI-led Asia shares rallied despite Mideast conflict keeping oil flat and inflation risks high; Japanese yen jumped on intervention alert. Synopsis: Market Focus Daily is a closing bell roundup by The Business Times that looks at the day’s market movements and news from Singapore and the region. Written by: Howie Lim (howielim@sph.com.sg) Produced and edited by: C
AI & oil dictate markets: Tech earnings lift Asia while war shock spurs hawkish central banks
Market news for April 30, 2026: AI and oil prices dominated markets: strong tech earnings lifted Asian shares, but surging crude and hawkish central banks amplified inflation fears amid rising Mideast tensions. Synopsis: Market Focus Daily is a closing bell roundup by The Business Times that looks at the day’s market movements and news from Singapore and the region. Written by: Howie Lim (ho
UAE-OPEC split causes oil jump, Iran/AI worries loom ahead of Fed/tech earnings
Market news for April 29, 2026: UAE's OPEC exit and Iran/AI worries clouded markets ahead of the Fed and tech earnings, while Brent crude rose on stalled peace talks. Synopsis: Market Focus Daily is a closing bell roundup by The Business Times that looks at the day’s market movements and news from Singapore and the region. Written by: Howie Lim (howielim@sph.com.sg) Produced and edited by: C
Oil stalls near highs as BOJ hawkish split underlines Iran war inflation fears
Market news for April 28, 2026: Stocks held ground despite the Iran stalemate and big tech earnings test, while hawkish BOJ action on inflation fears from the conflict pushed oil prices to a three-week high. Synopsis: Market Focus Daily is a closing bell roundup by The Business Times that looks at the day’s market movements and news from Singapore and the region. Written by: Howie Lim (howie
Oil surges, chip stocks climb on AI hopes amid central bank floodgates
Market news for April 27, 2026: Oil climbed on stalled US-Iran talks, boosting inflation fears and crude to three-week highs. Chip stocks rallied amid central bank floodgates and critical tech earnings. Synopsis: Market Focus Daily is a closing bell roundup by The Business Times that looks at the day’s market movements and news from Singapore and the region. Written by: Howie Lim (howielim@s
