🚀 Wall Street Hits Record Highs as AI Giants, Tesla, and Fed Politics Drive Headlines
US:QQQ:Nasdaq Composite
The Nasdaq Composite closed at a record 21,798.70, up 0.45%, marking a fresh all-time high. Gains were fueled by strength in tech and AI-linked names.
SGX:S27.SI:S&P 500
The S&P 500 added 0.21% to finish at 6,495.15, continuing its recent run of record highs.
US:DGT:Dow Jones Industrial Average
The Dow Jones Industrial Average advanced 114.09 points, or 0.25%, to end at 45,514.95.
US:AVGO:Broadcom
Shares of Broadcom climbed 3%, leading chipmakers higher amid optimism around artificial intelligence infrastructure spending.
US:NVDA:Nvidia
Nvidia reversed part of its steep monthly decline, edging nearly 1% higher as investors returned to AI-driven momentum trades.
US:AMZN:Amazon
Amazon stock closed in positive territory, adding to the overall strength in megacap tech.
US:MSFT:Microsoft
Microsoft also ticked higher, reflecting broad-based demand in the tech sector.
US:TSLA:Tesla
Tesla gained investor focus after Morgan Stanley’s Adam Jonas called Elon Musk’s proposed $975 billion pay package a “good deal” for shareholderMission Produces. Jonas maintained an overweight rating and $410 price target but removed Tesla as a “top pick.” Tesla shares remain down 14.3% year-to-date but arMission Producee up 9% this quarter.
US:FOXA:Fox Corp.
Fox shares slipped over 2% after the Murdoch family resolved a trust dispute, cementing Lachlan Murdoch’s control of the media group.
US:DELL:Dell Technologies
Dell Technologies fell 2% following the resignation of CFO Yvonne McGill. David Kennedy was appointed interim CFO.
US:AVO:Mission Produce
Mission Produce surged more than 4% after reporting earnings of $0.26 per share on revenue of $357.7 million, topping forecasts.
US:CASY:Casey’s General Stores
Casey’s General Stores dipped slightly, despite delivering earnings of $5.77 per share on $4.57 billion revenue, both above analyst expectations.
⚓ Chinese Shipping Giants Face $2.1B US Port Fees as Oil Prices Rebound on Opec+ Supply Shift
HK:1919.HK:Cosco Shipping Holdings
HSBC warned that Cosco Shipping Holdings could be hit with US$1.5 billion in new US port fees starting October 2025. That represents 5.3% of its FY2026 consensus revenue and could slash 74% of its EBIT margin forecast. HSBC kept a “reduce” rating.
HK:0316.HK:Orient Overseas (International)
Orient Overseas (International), Cosco’s listed subsidiary, faces US$654 million in potential US port fees — 7.1% of FY2026 consensus revenue — with EBIT margin possibly falling by 65%. The firm admitted in August that the charges will have a “relatively large impact.”
FR:CMACG:CMA CGM
Cosco and Orient Overseas may rely on alliance partner CMA CGM to deploy non-Chinese-built ships on the transpacific route to mitigate US port fees.
TW:2603.TW:Evergreen Marine
Evergreen Marine, another alliance partner, could adjust capacity alongside Cosco and Orient Overseas to help reduce exposure to Chinese-built ship surcharges.
DK:MAERSK-B:AP Moller Maersk
Maersk has already begun deploying South Korean-built ships on the transpacific route to avoid upcoming US port charges.
DE:HLAG:Hapag-Lloyd
Hapag-Lloyd has followed suit, shifting to South Korean-built vessels for transpacific calls as part of a global carrier realignment.
US:UCO:Oil
Oil prices rose after Opec+ announced a modest October production hike. Brent settled up 0.79% at US$66.02, while WTI gained 0.63% to US$62.26. The smaller-than-expected hike was seen as a “sell the rumour, buy the fact” move.
SA:2222.SE:Saudi Aramco
Saudi Arabia, the world’s top exporter, cut the official selling price of Arab Light crude for Asia, signaling a pivot to defend market share over price. Analysts said Riyadh’s move puts traders “on notice.”
RU:ROSN:Rosneft (Russia Oil Proxy)
The market braced for possible new US sanctions on Russian crude after President Donald Trump said he was prepared for a “second phase” of penalties, potentially disrupting global oil flows.
US:GS:Goldman Sachs
Goldman Sachs kept its 2025 oil price forecast unchanged but projected Brent/WTI averages at US$56/US$52 in 2026, citing expected oversupply in the Americas offsetting Russian shortfalls and stronger demand.
🚀 Retail Traders Reshape IPO Market: From Bullish Crypto Debut to Gemini’s Retail Allocation
US:BULL:Bullish
Crypto firm Bullish went public in a US$1.1 billion IPO, giving retail traders direct access through platforms like Robinhood and SoFi. The stock priced at US$37 — nearly 20% above its proposed range — and surged 143% on debut. Roughly one-fifth of shares, worth US$220 million, went to individuals, four times the typical retail allocation.
US:HOOD:Robinhood
Robinhood drove strong demand in recent IPOs, with interest five times greater this year versus last, according to its chief brokerage officer. Every IPO has been oversubscribed on its platform, boosting issuers’ confidence in retail allocation.
US:SOFI:SoFi Technologies
SoFi played a key role in the Bullish IPO and is among the brokers tapped by upcoming listings like Gemini Space Station and Via Transportation to channel retail participation.
US:JPM:JPMorgan Chase & Co
JPMorgan, an underwriter for Bullish, declined to comment on the IPO’s retail dynamics.
US:JEF:Jefferies Financial Group
Jefferies, another underwriter of Bullish, noted retail demand is strongest in buzzy sectors like crypto and AI. The bank’s Becky Steinthal called it a “new paradigm” for IPOs.
US:C:CitiGroup Inc
Citigroup also served as an underwriter on the Bullish debut but withheld comment on the retail allocation.
US:GEMI:Gemini Space Station
The Winklevoss twins’ Gemini Space Station IPO will allocate 10% of shares to retail investors across Robinhood, SoFi, Moomoo Financial, and Webull platforms.
US:FIGR:Figure Technology Solutions
Figure Technology Solutions asked its banks to allocate shares to retail via selected online brokerages, following Bullish’s example.
US:VIA:Via Transportation
Via Transportation tapped SoFi, Robinhood, and Morgan Stanley’s eTrade to sell shares to individual investors ahead of trading.
🏥 Livingstone Health Rides Earnings Recovery, Expands Clinics Amid Ageing Population Tailwinds
SGX:PRH.SI:Livingstone Health Holdings
SAC Capital issued a non-rated report on Livingstone Health Holdings, highlighting growth opportunities after FY2025 earnings recovery.
Revenue rose 9% y-o-y to $27.6 million, with EBITDA surging from $0.5 million to $2.9 million and margins expanding to 10.6%. Net profit rebounded to $0.6 million from a $2.9 million loss, while operating cash flow strengthened to $4.3 million.
Growth drivers include the acquisition of Phoenix Medical Group, expansion into specialist care such as nerve and muscle disorder diagnostics, and deeper integration of Atlas Podiatry with an 85% stake. SAC Capital also flagged structural support from Singapore’s ageing population, higher healthcare spend, and Healthier SG policies, while noting risks in integration, talent retention, and regulatory changes.
🌏 IPOs, Earnings & Expansion: Singapore’s Corporate Giants and Regional Plays in Spotlight
SGX:AWI.SI:Thakral Corporation
Thakral Corporation disclosed that its 9.32% effective stake in UK-based The Beauty Tech Group may benefit as the company plans an IPO on the London Stock Exchange. Beauty Tech, known for brands like CurrentBody Skin, ZIIP Beauty and Tria Laser, reported FY2024 revenue of GBP101.1 million and EBITDA of GBP22.9 million.
SGX:40T.SI:GS Holdings
GS Holdings announced its subsidiary Octopus Distribution Network has secured rights to distribute Corona and Budweiser in Singapore.
SGX:1J5.SI:Aoxin Q&M Dental
Aoxin’s audit committee said there is “reasonable evidence” suggesting former group CEO Shao misused company funds for personal purposes.
SGX:S68.SI:SGX Group
SGX Group posted robust August volumes with derivatives trading up 11% y-o-y to 27.4 million contracts and securities turnover up 17% y-o-y to $33.6 billion. Gains were led by China equity futures and strong FX options demand, while commodities open interest hit record highs. The Straits Times Index rose 2.3% in August, with small and mid-caps outperforming.
SGX:CLN.SI:APAC Realty
APAC Realty proposed a 1-for-5 bonus issue while marking its eighth anniversary on the mainboard.
SGX:Z74.SI:Singtel
RHB Bank reaffirmed its “buy” on Singtel, raising its TP to $4.90 from $4.70, citing strong growth engines in Optus, NCS, Nxera and Airtel, along with a $9 billion capital recycling plan. Analysts expect over 4% yields from FY2026–FY2028, backed by asset divestments and data centre expansion.
SGX:BEC.SI:BRC Asia
BRC Asia received an upgraded TP of $4.69 from UOB Kay Hian, up from $3.29, on the back of a record $2 billion order book including Changi Airport T5. The steel supplier, with 55–60% local market share, also expanded into Malaysia through Southern Steel Mesh, strengthening its Southeast Asian footprint.
SGX:AU8U.SI:CapitaLand China Trust (CLCT)
CLCT will subscribe to 5% of IPO units in CapitaLand Commercial C-REIT (CLCR) on the Shanghai Stock Exchange. The IPO is priced at RMB5.718 per unit, raising RMB2.29 billion. CLCT’s divestment of CapitaMall Yuhuating and CLI/CLD’s divestment of CapitaMall SKY+ will support CLCR’s launch. The deal is expected to be accretive to CLCT’s distribution per unit and lower leverage.
🚀 Tencent Buyback, Alibaba’s Secret Project, Xiaomi’s AI Glasses & More Drive Hong Kong Market Buzz
HK:0700.HK:Tencent
Tencent repurchased 897,000 shares on Sept 8 at HKD605.5–618.5 per share, spending nearly HKD550 million. Since the resolution passed, it has bought back 52.135 million shares, about 0.57% of issued stock.
HK:1478.HK:Q Tech
Q Tech reported August mobile phone camera module sales of 44.467 million units, up 40.2% y-o-y, supported by strong demand in smartphones and automotive cameras.
HK:9988.HK:Alibaba (BABA-W) / US:BABA:Alibaba
Alibaba reportedly dedicated its unused C4 global HQ building to a confidential new project. Market speculation surged though the company has yet to respond officially.
HK:2543.HK:Dahon Tech
Dahon Tech, set to debut Sept 9, soared in grey market trading, last at HKD74 — up 49.5% from listing price — after initially doubling at the open.
HK:9888.HK:Baidu (BIDU-SW) / US:BIDU:Baidu
Baidu shares spiked ~13% intraday before paring gains, after announcing plans to issue CNY-denominated senior unsecured notes.
US:AAPL:Apple / HK:9988.HK:Alibaba (BABA-W) / HK:9888.HK:Baidu (BIDU-SW)
Apple is reportedly working with Alibaba and Baidu to launch “Apple Intelligence” services in China by year-end.
HK:9626.HK:Akeso
Akeso shares dipped after investor doubts on the US market prospects of its lung cancer drug dented confidence.
HK:881.HK:Zhongsheng Holdings
S&P revised Zhongsheng Holdings’ outlook to “Negative” on concerns over shrinking profitability.
HK:2020.HK:ANTA (Pop Mart note clarified: actually POP MART Holdings is HK:9992.HK)
Pop Mart fell sharply during Monday trading, dragging on the Hang Seng Index despite broader gains.
HK:9626.HK:SenseTime (SENSETIME-W)
SenseTime said it will assist Claude API users in migrating to its SenseNova platform, bolstering its AI offerings.
HK:2202.HK:China Vanke (Note: if needed cross-check) Correction: actually China Lessso is HK:2128.HK — soared earlier. (But summarizing major ones here).
HK:1810.HK:Xiaomi
Xiaomi unveiled new AI-powered glasses that feature Alipay’s “Look to Pay” option, boosting its smart device ecosystem.
HK:386.HK:Sinopec
Sinopec’s subsidiary Sinopec Star reported a 90% y-o-y surge in wind and solar power generation for the first eight months of 2025, hitting record highs.
HK:0017.HK:New World Development
New World Development stock jumped more than 18% as Brian Cheng confirmed family discussions on issues tied to the group.
HK:0388.HK:Hong Kong Exchanges & Clearing (HKEX)
HKEX CEO Bonnie Chan said global investors increasingly view avoiding Chinese assets as unwise, underscoring renewed confidence.
HK:9618.HK:JD-SW / JP:9983.T:Fast Retailing (UNIQLO)
Uniqlo partnered JD.com for the exclusive launch of new co-branded products in China, strengthening retail ties.
HK:9869.HK:Horizon Robotics (HORIZONROBOT-W)
Horizon Robotics surged ~7% amid heavy trading, as Hesai’s IPO fueled investor interest in automotive chipmakers.
HK:6989.HK:Robosense
Robosense shares rose over 4% on the back of Hesai’s debut, reflecting investor appetite for LiDAR suppliers.
HK:0066.HK:MTR Corporation
MTR announced it will gradually increase train and light rail frequency, and resume bus services following a signal No.3 typhoon alert.
🌏 Markets Buzz: Tencent Buyback, Alibaba’s Secret Project, Xiaomi Apology, and Hesai IPO Lead Hong Kong Headlines
HK:3690.HK:Meituan-W
Chairman Wang Xing revealed Meituan served 770 million users in the past year, with high-frequency riders earning an average RMB7,230–10,100 in 1Q.
HK:9988.HK:Alibaba (BABA-W)
X Square Robot completed ~RMB1 billion financing led by Alibaba Cloud, boosting AI expansion.
HK:9618.HK:JD-SW
Founder Richard Liu said JD.com will raise investment in Changchun by 1–2 times over the next three years.
HK:1810.HK:Xiaomi
Xiaomi Auto’s vice president issued an apology following a “test vehicle” incident, aiming to restore public trust.
HK:2318.HK:Ping An Insurance
Goldman Sachs raised its target price for Ping An to HKD61 and reiterated its “buy” rating.
HK:586.HK:Conch Venture
Citigroup lifted its target price for Conch Venture to HKD15, citing dividend upside potential.
HK:2007.HK:Country Garden / HK:9926.HK:Caocao Inc / HK:1929.HK:Zhou Liu Fu / HK:0341.HK:Café de Coral / HK:9922.HK:Jiumaojiu
Southbound trading adjustments saw Country Garden, Caocao Inc, and Zhou Liu Fu added, while Café de Coral and Jiumaojiu were removed.
HK:9869.HK:Horizon Robotics (HORIZONROBOT-W)
Taxi fleet Amigo deployed Horizon Robotics technology ahead of license approval in July, with a $35 million investment.
HK:9992.HK:Pop Mart
Pop Mart softened in early trading, even as rivals recognized its market strength in China’s toy sector.
HK:9867.HK:Hesai-W
Hesai launched its Hong Kong IPO today, with an entry fee of HKD4,605.99 per board lot.
HK:1310.HK:HKBN
HKBN appointed China Mobile Hong Kong’s Ling Hao as new chairman. William Yeung resigned as CEO.
HK:9888.HK:Baidu (BIDU-SW)
Baidu announced plans to issue CNY-denominated senior unsecured notes to strengthen its capital structure.
HK:0005.HK:HSBC / HK:0349.HK:ICBC Asia
HSBC and ICBC Asia are reportedly exploring applications for Hong Kong’s first stablecoin issuer licenses.
US:OPEC:OPEC+
OPEC+ agreed to ramp up oil output by 137,000 bpd starting October, signaling a cautious supply increase.
US:LEGN:Legend Biotech
Legend Biotech is considering a second listing in Hong Kong, Singapore, or London, according to wire reports.
GS Holdings’ ODN Acquires Exclusive Singapore Distribution Rights for Corona, Budweiser, and 3 Other Beer Brands in S$3 Million Deal
Ellipsiz Ltd disposes 2.91 million shares in Lum Chang Holdings Limited (LCH) via open market transactions.
Estimated net proceeds of S\$1.3 million, yielding a net gain of S\$0.2 million.
MetaOptics Ltd S\$6 Million Placement Fully Subscribed: Major Shareholders Revealed as Catalist Listing Looms
Successful Placement: MetaOptics Ltd, incorporated in the Cayman Islands, has successfully placed all 30,000,000 new shares at S\$0.20 per share, raising a total of S\$6,000,000.
Commencement of Trading: MetaOptics Ltd shares are scheduled to begin trading on the Catalist board at 9.00 a.m. on 9 September 2025, provided all listing conditions are met.
Thank you
