Fed's Warsh rebuked by investors craving a real inflation fight

Investors are questioning Federal Reserve chairman Kevin Warsh after his July 29 press conference failed to clarify his inflation strategy. Stocks fell as markets doubted his commitment to rate hikes. "The press conference damaged his credibility to some extent," said Stephanie Roth. Officials now face pressure to act on inflation.

Microsoft says cash will keep flowing from AI, shares rise

Microsoft shares rose over 8 per cent after the company said it expects to keep generating cash through its fiscal 2027. Revenue at its Azure cloud business grew 43 per cent in the quarter ended June 30. CEO Satya Nadella said, "We ourselves are using it," regarding new efficiency gains.

Gold advances after Federal Reserve keeps interest rates on hold

Gold rose after the US Federal Reserve kept interest rates unchanged on Wednesday, July 29. Bullion climbed to US$4,100 an ounce as investors bought the dip. Fed chairman Kevin Warsh said, "If inflation continues to be elevated through the forecast period, interest rates could well be part of that solution."

US semiconductor company Ambiq Micro makes SGX debut via secondary listing

US semiconductor company Ambiq Micro started trading on the Singapore Exchange on Thursday, July 30. This secondary listing allows investors to trade shares in Singapore dollars. Pol de Win said, "Ambiq's debut makes it the first sizeable global fabless semiconductor design company on SGX." The firm also has a local R&D hub.

Oil prices slip as tankers continue to ply Middle East conflict zones

Oil prices fell on Thursday as tankers continued to move through Middle East conflict zones. Brent futures fell US$1.29 to US$89.45 a barrel. Analyst Tony Sycamore said, "Oil continues to leak out of the region through multiple channels." Many ships used alternative routes, easing worries about global oil supply chains.

Eastspring launches EQDP fund targeting income and growth with all-cap strategy

Eastspring Investments launched the Singapore Income and Growth Equity Fund on Thursday, July 30. Part of the MAS Equity Market Development Programme, this fund targets both income and growth. It invests in large, small, and mid-cap stocks. Portfolio manager Bryan Yeong said, "This is our target minimal allocation for SMID stocks."