Broker: CGS International
Date of Report: August 21, 2025

Singapore Market Trendspotter: Key Insights on Vibrant Group and Marco Polo Marine Amid Retail Uncertainty

Market Overview: Retail Sector Faces Fresh Uncertainty Amid Tariffs and Inflation

The global retail landscape is experiencing heightened volatility as mixed sales and profit forecasts from major U.S. retailers such as Target and Home Depot have sparked caution among investors. Rising costs, largely attributed to President Donald Trump’s import tariffs, are pressuring margins and tempering consumer sentiment. Executives from these retail giants have adopted a cautious outlook for the remainder of the year, citing ongoing uncertainty and volatility in consumer spending. Tariffs have heavily impacted retail and consumer sectors, and the unpredictable nature of U.S. trade policy is leading to a decline in consumer sentiment. With inflation trending higher and a recent spike in wholesale-level prices, economists warn of further impacts on consumer purchasing power as the holiday season approaches.

Company Spotlight: Marco Polo Marine – Fleet Expansion and Upbeat CSOV Performance

Marco Polo Marine is navigating the maritime sector’s evolving landscape with optimism, driven by strategic fleet expansion and positive vessel performance:

• At its latest analyst briefing, Marco Polo Marine reported that its Commissioning Service Operation Vessel (CSOV) is performing well, encountering minimal setup issues.
• The company may soon announce a second CSOV, signaling ongoing commitment to fleet growth.
• Industry conditions are improving, especially with bank financing becoming more accessible for Offshore Support Vessel (OSV) players, which is expected to facilitate further fleet additions for Marco Polo Marine.
• Management observed an increase in shipyard enquiries for repair services, but cautioned that revenue from this segment could remain subdued due to a lack of visibility around newbuild orders.
• CGS International reiterates an “Add” rating on Marco Polo Marine, raising its target price to S\$0.08 in anticipation of an upward industry re-rating.

Technical Analysis: Vibrant Group Ltd – Riding a Robust Bullish Trend

Vibrant Group Ltd is capturing attention with a robust and steady bullish trend, supported by strong technical indicators and positive price action. The stock is well-positioned for continued upside, making it a compelling watch for investors seeking growth within the logistics and integrated services space.

About Vibrant Group Ltd

Vibrant Group Limited is a diversified investment holding company operating internationally, with core businesses in:

• Integrated logistics (freight forwarding and logistics services)
• Financial services
• Real estate (including property investment and management)

The company’s operations span Singapore, Malaysia, China, the rest of Asia, the United States, Oceania, Europe, and the Middle East.

Technical Indicators Supporting Bullish Momentum

Vibrant Group’s technical outlook is distinctly positive, with multiple signals reinforcing the case for continued upward momentum:

• The stock remains securely above its major and secondary uptrend lines.
• A bullish breakout above a falling wedge pattern indicates the potential for further gains.
• A strong bullish candle closed above the 9-period Ichimoku conversion line, confirming the continuation of the uptrend.
• All five Ichimoku indicators are sloping upwards, further strengthening the bullish case.
• MACD signals are positive, with both the MACD and signal lines trending steadily above zero and a positive histogram.
• The 23-period Rate of Change (ROC) is positive, reflecting strong momentum.
• The Directional Movement Index signals continued buying strength.
• Trading volume is expanding healthily, supporting the bullish narrative.

Singapore Retail and Consumer Sector: Navigating Tariffs, Inflation, and Weak Sentiment

Singapore’s retail and consumer sectors are not immune to global headwinds, with rising costs and trade-driven inflation posing significant challenges. Tariffs have hit consumer companies hard, and subdued spending is prompting corporate leaders to brace for a potentially lackluster year-end shopping season. Economists remain concerned about the inflation outlook, particularly after spikes in wholesale prices, which could translate into higher costs for end consumers.

Sector Ratings and Stock Recommendations Explained

CGS International employs a clear rating system to guide investor decisions:

Sector and country weightings are also clearly defined:

• Overweight: Above-market weight recommendation
• Neutral: Market weight recommendation
• Underweight: Below-market weight recommendation

As of June 30, 2025, 70.6% of stocks under coverage are rated “Add,” 20.5% “Hold,” and 8.9% “Reduce.”

Key Takeaways for Investors

• Retail and consumer sectors are facing a cautious outlook due to tariffs and rising inflation, making stock selection more critical than ever.
• Marco Polo Marine is well-positioned for continued growth, with fleet expansion plans and a strong CSOV performance.
• Vibrant Group Ltd presents a compelling technical setup for bullish investors, with multiple indicators pointing to sustained upside potential.
• CGS International’s clear rating system and detailed technical analysis provide valuable guidance for navigating the current market environment.

About CGS International

CGS International is a leading financial services provider in Asia, offering in-depth research, technical analysis, and investment recommendations across regional markets. The firm operates under stringent regulatory frameworks in each jurisdiction and maintains robust disclosures to ensure transparency and investor protection.
This article provides a comprehensive, data-driven outlook for sophisticated investors seeking actionable insights into Singapore’s retail and logistics sectors, with a spotlight on Vibrant Group Ltd and Marco Polo Marine’s evolving strategies amidst global market uncertainty.