F. Yap Securities / 2TradeAsia

Movements might be range-bound, as investors revisit corporate stories, specifically expansion plans & other M&A angles.

Sentiment might glide to US equities’ ascent, as slower inflation in April support hopes for the Fed’s rate cut.

Sessions might glide to Wall Street’s incline, given indications from Fed chief Powell on interest rates.

Sessions might move sideways, possibly with an upward bias, as investors sift through select shares with attractive valuation.

The week’s attention would be on the local central bank’s policy meeting, specifically on officials’ outlook on interest rates given the latest April inflation & 1Q24 GDP data.

Slower year-on-year (YoY) GDP growth comparison is expected, with high base effect for 1Q23.

After April’s latest CPI, participants will be heeding for the release of 1Q24 GDP data (coming from 1Q23 GDP of +6.4%, 4Q23 GDP of +5.6%).

April’s inflation print (3.8% vs. March’s 3.7%), would bring the four-month average to 3.425%, compared to prior year’s 7.875%.

Expect choppy sessions, ahead of April’s inflation announcement as well as latest headlines in the Middle East ceasefire talks.

Sentiment might take its cue from Wall Street’s incline Friday (DJIA +1.18%, Nasdaq Comp. +2%), as Fed rate cut prospect resurfaces.

Higher but volatile sessions are seen with end-April’s portfolio repositioning.

Sentiment might take its cue from Wall Street’s ascent, as participants assess select batches of 1Q results from select listed shares.

Participants would monitor reception to slower-than-expected 1Q US GDP, as well as higher inflation print.

Local gauges may continue its positive trend, as sentiment takes its cue from Wall Street’s strength.

Local equities might take its cue from Wall Street’s upbeat trend, as participants await the release of more 1Q earnings report.