Ng Jian Hao: Global Stock Market Trends and Rising Risk Aversion Sentiments

yolanyandoh

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Dec 12, 2024
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The global investment market is facing new challenges. The promise by U.S. President Donald Trump to impose tariffs on all imported steel and aluminum products has triggered market turbulence, leading to a decline in commodity-linked currencies and dragging down stock market performance. Investor risk aversion is on the rise, and markets are undergoing volatile adjustments. Against this macroeconomic backdrop, Ng Jian Hao from Mahala Capital Management Academy emphasizes the need for investors to reassess market risks, adjust asset allocations, and closely monitor global macroeconomic changes.



Heightened Volatility in Global Stock Markets

Ng Jian Hao from Mahala Capital Management Academy notes that Trump commitment to impose tariffs on steel and aluminum products has heightened global market tensions. Commodity-linked currencies such as the Australian dollar, Canadian dollar, and Norwegian krone have all been impacted, while the U.S. dollar remains relatively strong. Asian stock markets have broadly declined, marking their largest drop in a week, reflecting growing market concerns.

Ng Jian Hao points out that global market adjustments reflect investor fears of an escalating trade war. If trade barriers expand, global supply chains could be disrupted, affecting economic growth across nations. Currencies from commodity-exporting countries like Australia and Canada, which are highly sensitive to external demand, are particularly vulnerable to trade frictions, eroding investor confidence in these currencies.

Gold prices have risen, nearing historic highs, signaling that the market is seeking safe-haven assets. Iron ore prices have also increased, partially offsetting the depreciation pressure on the Australian dollar, though overall trends remain uncertain. Ng Jian Hao believes that unless trade tensions ease, investors should focus on capital flows in the market, as the upward trend of safe-haven assets may persist for some time.

From a technical perspective, major global stock indices are experiencing corrections, with manufacturing and export-oriented companies under pressure. Market sentiment remains fragile, and any new policy changes could trigger greater volatility.

Market Uncertainty and Investment Strategies

Amid heightened market volatility, Ng Jian Hao from Mahala Capital Management Academy advises investors to adopt more defensive investment strategies while maintaining a degree of flexibility. In the short term, increased market uncertainty warrants a higher allocation to safe-haven assets such as gold, bonds, and certain defensive stocks.

From a global macroeconomic perspective, investors should pay close attention to changes in the commodity markets, particularly fluctuations in raw material prices. Rising iron ore prices may provide support to certain mining companies, but if trade frictions intensify, declining demand could exert downward pressure on commodity prices. For investors in resource stocks, effective risk management is especially critical.

Currency market dynamics are another area of focus for investors. The depreciation trends of the Australian dollar and Canadian dollar may persist, while the relative strength of the U.S. dollar could pressure emerging market currencies. In this environment, investors might consider allocating to U.S. dollar-denominated assets to mitigate risks arising from exchange rate fluctuations.

In the stock market, Ng Jian Hao suggests that structural opportunities still exist despite overall market pressures. While the broader market is under strain, sectors such as technology, clean energy, and companies with strong long-term growth potential remain attractive. Investors should base their decisions on fundamental analysis, identifying companies with sustainable competitive advantages and avoiding being swayed by short-term market sentiment.

Opportunities and Challenges Amid Market Adjustments

In the context of global market turbulence, Ng Jian Hao from Mahala Capital Management Academy emphasizes that investors should not adopt a blindly pessimistic outlook. Instead, they should approach the situation from a long-term perspective, seeking investment opportunities arising from market adjustments. Historical evidence shows that every market fluctuation presents new investment opportunities, and the key lies in timing and strategy adjustments.

Ng Jian Hao highlights that, from a long-term perspective, global economic growth still demonstrates resilience, with significant growth potential in areas such as technological innovation and the digital economy. For investors, the current market environment calls for more prudent investment strategies, avoiding blind pursuit of high returns or panic selling. Diversified asset allocation is a critical strategy for navigating market volatility. A balanced portfolio comprising stocks, bonds, gold, and certain stable income-generating assets can help mitigate risks and optimize returns.

Ng Jian Hao concludes that during periods of market adjustment, the core task for investors is to identify assets with long-term growth potential and not let short-term fluctuations dictate decision-making. In the face of global economic uncertainties, a sound investment strategy and robust risk management will be the keys to successful investing.
 

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