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Data Infrastructure Software – the control layer of the AI stackMacro Research

Data Infrastructure Software – the control layer of the AI stack

We would need to look for either a more attractive valuation entry point or clearer evidence that AI adoption is generating incremental, high-margin revenue before turning more positive.

By iFAST Research Team | 02 Sep 2026 |1062 Views
FSM SpotlightDigital EconomyData InfrastructureAIAI BubbleNewsworthySnowflakeDatabricks
Japan’s July export boom reinforces our conviction in semiconductor tradesMacro Research

Japan’s July export boom reinforces our conviction in semiconductor trades

Japan’s exports hit a record high in July, but the headline 23.2% YoY surge masks a more nuanced picture. Much of the growth was driven by higher prices and yen weakness rather than stronger shipment volumes. For investors, the key is to look beyond export value and identify sectors delivering genuine volume growth.

By Hu You | 01 Sep 2026 |989 Views
EquityGeneralExportAIEconomic GrowthLSESemiconductor#Japan
US PCE inflation stalls at 3.7%: What it means for portfolio positioningMacro Research

US PCE inflation stalls at 3.7%: What it means for portfolio positioning

US inflation remains well above the Fed’s 2% target, with several upside risks potentially keeping rates higher for longer. We assess what sticky inflation and signs of softer consumer momentum mean for portfolio positioning.

By Joel Phua | 31 Aug 2026 |3214 Views
USInflationEquityPCE
Jackson Hole takeaway: Inflation is still too high; rates are likely to stay elevatedMacro Research

Jackson Hole takeaway: Inflation is still too high; rates are likely to stay elevated

We provide our take on the Jackson Hole meeting and its implications.

By Wesley Hoon | 31 Aug 2026 |2705 Views
Fixed IncomeGeneralInterest RatesShort DurationMoney MarketThe FedJackson Hole
Building for the future: What NDR 2026 means for the Singapore marketMacro Research

Building for the future: What NDR 2026 means for the Singapore market

Singapore is meeting a more uncertain world by doubling down on infrastructure, technology and institutional resilience. NDR 2026 reinforces the case for Singapore equities, with a firmer macro backdrop and multiple structural earnings drivers extending support well beyond the near-term trade risks.

By Adeline Gao Yuanhui | 27 Aug 2026 |1310 Views
SGXEquityGeneralMacroeconomics#SingaporeNDR 20262026IndustrialSingapore MarketMacro ResearchEnergy Transition
Singapore’s inflation edged higher. Here’s why we remain constructive on Singapore equities.Macro Research

Singapore’s inflation edged higher. Here’s why we remain constructive on Singapore equities.

Headline inflation accelerated to 2.2% year-on-year (YoY) in July 2026, its fastest pace in nearly two years, while MAS Core Inflation stepped up to 2.0% YoY. Both prints came in below consensus, but the pickup was broad-based as the anticipated pass-through of the Middle East conflict's energy shock finally showed up in household electricity bills. For investors, we maintain our constructive view on Singapore equities, with an STI target of 5,987 by end-2028.

By Tan Qiuyi Charmaine | 27 Aug 2026 |1095 Views
SGXEquityGeneral
From Scale Advantage to Technology Lead: China’s Battery Supply Chain and the Case for ExposureMacro Research

From Scale Advantage to Technology Lead: China’s Battery Supply Chain and the Case for Exposure

The source of earnings in China’s new energy vehicle supply chain is shifting. Domestic passenger vehicle demand has fallen sharply, yet earnings at the battery cell and materials layers have improved rather than deteriorated. Three factors explain the divergence: the globalisation of energy storage demand, a higher export share, and share consolidation under the new national standard.

By Ian Li Qingcao,CFA | 24 Aug 2026 |665 Views
Battery Supply ChainChina BatteryNew Energy VehiclesSolid-State Batteries
The Middle East ceasefire is dead. Rates are likely to stay higher for longer.Macro Research

The Middle East ceasefire is dead. Rates are likely to stay higher for longer.

The Middle East ceasefire has collapsed with no clear path back. Sticky inflation and a bond market already pricing in persistent pressure — regardless of what the Fed does next — are pushing yields to multi-decade highs.

By You Weiren, CFA | 24 Aug 2026 |2009 Views
SGXOilFixed IncomeHKEXChinaEquityGeneralNASDAQEnergySingaporeDigital EconomyShort Duration BondAsia SemiconductorChina TechSZSEShort DurationInternetAsia Ex-JapanMiddle EastIran
Singapore’s July NODX holds above 20%: Structural upcycle gains staying powerMacro Research

Singapore’s July NODX holds above 20%: Structural upcycle gains staying power

Four consecutive months of NODX growth above 20% point to a semiconductor-led export cycle with stronger structural foundations than reflected in the original full-year forecast. With Singapore benefiting from sustained AI infrastructure investment and a growing semiconductor capacity pipeline, the upcycle retains room to run despite eventual base effects.

By Adeline Gao Yuanhui | 21 Aug 2026 |547 Views
SGXEquityGeneralMacroeconomicsSingaporeSemiconductorsElectronic NODXNODXSingapore EquitiesMacro ResearchGDPJuly 2026
Japan’s 2Q GDP disappoints, but the equity story still has legsMacro Research

Japan’s 2Q GDP disappoints, but the equity story still has legs

Japan’s 2Q26 GDP growth came in below expectations, highlighting a growing divergence between softer domestic demand and resilient AI demand. Is Japan’s economy losing steam, and what does this mean for its equity story? Read on to find out.

By Hu You | 21 Aug 2026 |623 Views
EquityGeneralSmall to Medium CompaniesJapanBOJAILSEGDP