Key News Asian equities had a good day as fewer tariffs meant markets were up. India had a strong day following yesterday’s market holiday, Vietnam was off, and Thailand remained closed for the Songkran Festival. Hong Kong and Mainland China bounced around the room, posting small gains, though expected US tariffs on semiconductors and pharmaceuticals weighed heavily on those subsectors along with technology hardware. Bloomberg News reported that China has stopped importing Boeing airplanes, according to “people familiar with the matter.” I’ve not seen this confirmed, but with China’s reciprocal tariffs, taking delivery and paying 2X makes no sense. I…

Undervalued and thriving, PDD Holdings’ relentless growth and profitability make it an opportunity worth seizing By Nabeel Bukhari Summary PDD Holdings is expanding globally, with Temu in 40+ countries, leveraging low prices and strategic partnerships to boost its e-commerce presence. Its Q4 revenue grew 24% YOY to $15.15B, with net income up 18% to $3.76B, despite rising costs impacting margins. The company holds immense cash, maintaining strong profitability while trading at a deep discount, making it an attractive opportunity for investors. Regulatory risks, competition, and cost pressures pose challenges, but institutional investors remain confident in PDD Holdings’ long-term potential. Every…

Shares in B&M European Value Retail sprang higher on Tuesday after releasing a rare set of reassuring financials for the last financial year. At 310.5p per share, the discount retailer was up 3.8% in daily trading, making it the third-biggest gainer on the FTSE 250. Sales for the 52 weeks to March 29 came in at £5.6 billion, B&M said. This was up 3.7% on a reported basis, and 4% at constant currencies. At B&M UK — a unit responsible for around 80% of group turnover — like-for-like sales dropped 3.1% year on year. But at B&M France they increased…

Over the past decade, the United States continued to distinguished itself with superior economic growth, technological innovation, and abundant energy resources that outpaced virtually all other developed economies. This economic dominance, often referred to as “American exceptionalism,” attracted global investors seeking strong returns in a stable environment. However, recent policy shifts have altered this perception. While America’s economic fundamentals remain robust, increasing unpredictability in trade policies, a more confrontational diplomatic stance, and growing economic isolationism have eroded investor confidence in U.S. markets as a safe haven. The S&P 500 peaked on February 19 and then began slipping as President Donald…

Key News Asian equities had a good start to the week, except for Taiwan, as Hong Kong outperformed following Friday night’s electronics tariff exemptions, though markets seemed to ignore the fact that the reprieve could be temporary. A distinct pattern is occurring: fewer tariffs and markets up, but more tariffs and markets down. Let’s hope folks in DC notice. Thailand was closed for the Songkran Festival, which is also known as the Thai New Year, while India was closed for Ambedkar Jayanti, observed annually on April 14, commemorates the birth anniversary of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, one of India’s most influential…

As market volatility reigns, there’s no better time than now to share the Zombie Stocks. I’ve decided to release this model portfolio to the public to help more investors. Successful investing is as much about avoiding zombie stocks as it is finding good stocks. Just one blowup could upend years of winners. I launched this list of Zombie Stocks in June 2022. Of the 33 stocks added to the list, only 12 remain. These stocks could legitimately go to $0/share because they have flawed business models that will likely never generate enough cash pay equity investors a penny. The damage…

Investors are stupefied by a week of whipsawing markets, with little relief in sight. The seemingly inexorable losses hurt, but it’s the infuriating uncertainty that most worries Wall Street and the C-suite. Many investors and business leaders have no idea what’s coming next — or what they should do. “The economic policy of the Trump administration is difficult to decipher through the noise of chainsaws and crashing of markets,” Forbes senior contributor and investment management expert Mike O’Sullivan writes. When so much is uncertain, investors usually take a “wait-and-see” approach to most everything, O’Sullivan says. Untradable Markets That strategy seems…

In today’s tumultuous market climate, it’s hard to know what stocks to hold. But the stocks of outstanding companies always deserve a look. Consider the members of my 30-30 Club. In baseball, the 30-30 Club includes players who hit 30 home runs and steal 30 bases in a year. My 30-30 club is for companies that score a return on equity of 30% or more and grow profits at a 30% annual clip for five years. This year, 21 stocks made the roster, the fewest in several years. I admire all of these companies, and recommend four of the stocks.…

Fixed income markets still project a handful of interest rate cuts from the Federal Open Market Committee in 2025 according to the CME FedWatch Tool. Those expectations have been relatively steady despite recent market volatility. Even though short-term rate expectations have not changed much, rates on longer term bonds have increased and the FOMC may alter their plan for rates as data comes in. Already policymakers’ forecasts for the U.S. economy in 2025 are evolving. John Williams’ Policy Speech There is now the expectation from FOMC officials and other economists that slower growth and higher inflation are likely, due in,…

Speaking at a National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) dinner on April 8, President Donald Trump didn’t hold back in defending his aggressive tariff policy. Trump proudly mocked foreign leaders by saying, “These countries are calling us up, kissing my a**. They are dying to make a deal.” Classic Trump bravado. Even if you’re a MAGA die-hard, it’s important to recognize that many living overseas aren’t happy with President Trump. Global sentiment toward America appears to be shifting. Read a few opinion columns in international publications and you’ll see what I mean. In January net purchases of US equities by foreign…