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Macroeconomic AnalysisMost Asia-Pacific Indexes Gain as Markets Wait for Powell
Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index recovered today after five straight losses.
Macroeconomic AnalysisAsia-Pacific Update: Most Indexes Fall—with a Few Exceptions
Australia’s S&P ASX 200 was the best-performing index in the Asia-Pacific region on July 3. The index gained 0.59% on the day to end near its 12-year high at 6,685.5.
Macroeconomic AnalysisHow NZ50, ASX, Singapore, KOSPI Indexes Fared Today
Australia’s ASX200 lost marginally today. Although the index was trading higher until noon, it erased those gains afterward. 70 stocks gained, while 118 fell. BHP Group (BHP) outperformed the index with marginal gains, while Rio Tinto (RIO) gained 0.64%.
Macroeconomic AnalysisASX Recovers, KOSPI Is Flat, and Singapore Index Retreats
Australia’s ASX200 recovered today after a loss on Friday. After losing 0.55% on Friday, the index rose 0.22% today. Out of 200 stocks in the index, 83 advanced, while 103 retreated. 14 stayed unchanged today. BHP Group (BHP) and Rio Tinto (RIO) were among the gainers, while News Corp (NWSA) lost 1.29% on the Australian Stock Exchange today.
Company & Industry OverviewsAustralian Equities Rose on Boost to Chinese Infrastructure
Australia’s market was back in business today after yesterday’s holiday for the Queen’s birthday.
Macroeconomic AnalysisNikkei 225 Gains despite Underwhelming Economic Data
The Nikkei 225 gained today after losing marginally yesterday.
Macroeconomic AnalysisJapanese Equities Rose from a Five-Month Low
South Korea’s KOSPI gained 0.1% on June 5 after ending almost flat the previous day. EWY rose 0.71% on June 4.
Macroeconomic AnalysisKOSPI, ASX, and NZ50 Fell, while Singapore Index Held Steady
South Korea’s KOSPI, which gained yesterday, retreated today.
MiscellaneousHang Seng and KOSPI Recover while Taiwanese Index Falls
Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index followed China’s lead today.
Macroeconomic AnalysisKOSPI and ASX Break Winning Streak, and Singapore Index Falls Too
South Korea’s KOSPI, which gained in the last two sessions, fell today.
Macroeconomic AnalysisKOSPI, ASX 200, NZ 50 Gain, Singapore STI Is Flat
South Korea’s KOSPI gained 0.18% on May 22 to end the day at 2,061.25. It was the index’s second consecutive gain.
Macroeconomic AnalysisASX Gains on Surprise Election Results, KOSPI Stays Flat
Australia’s benchmark S&P/ASX 200 Index has continued its dream run while most other Asia-Pacific stocks seem to be under pressure.
Macroeconomic AnalysisSouth Korea, Singapore Indexes Lose, ASX 200 Gains
South Korea’s KOSPI continued to fall for the second straight day on May 17. The index, which fell 1.2% on May 16, extended its losses by another 0.58%.
Macroeconomic AnalysisKOSPI Trails as the ASX 200 Posts Gains
KOSPI, the benchmark index in South Korea, fell 1.2% on May 16 to end up at 2,067.69.
Macroeconomic AnalysisKOSPI, ASX 200, and NZ 50 Gain, Singapore Index Is in the Red
South Korea’s KOSPI remained in the green on May 15. The index gained 0.53% on the day to end at 2,092.78.
MiscellaneousHang Seng Falls 2.4%, KOSPI over 3%, NIKKEI ~1%
Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index, which generally follows the mainland’s lead, closed 2.39% lower at 28,311,07 on May 9.
Company & Industry OverviewsQualcomm to Pay $200 Million Fine to Korea after Ten-Year Appeal
Qualcomm’s (QCOM) business practices have come under regulatory scrutiny in various countries including China, South Korea (EWY), Europe, and the United States.
Earnings ReportXilinx’s Stock Jumps 18% as 5G Drives Earnings in Q3
Today, Xilinx (XLNX) stock is beating the charts with an increase of over 18%, and it’s still growing as its third quarter of fiscal 2019 earnings and guidance beat analysts estimate by a huge margin.
Company & Industry OverviewsApple’s Older iPhone Models in Patent Battles
A few iPhone models face the risk of an import ban under Apple’s ongoing patent infringement lawsuit with Qualcomm and South Korea.
Tech & Comm ServicesChina and South Korea Are Important Semiconductor Markets
The semiconductor industry has been at the center of the US-China (FXI) trade war as the two countries together account for the majority of worldwide semiconductor sales.
Company & Industry OverviewsHere’s What Triggered China’s Price Probe into Micron and Others
Over the last two years, DRAM prices have more than doubled due to growing demand for high-performance devices.
Earnings ReportChina: One of Applied Materials’ Key Revenue Drivers
Applied Materials (AMAT) supplies SME (semiconductor manufacturing equipment) to chip makers all over the world.
Company & Industry OverviewsFab Equipment Industry Outlook: What It Says about Lam Research
Lam Research (LRCX) expects its shipments to fall $100 million sequentially to $3 billion in the June quarter.
Company & Industry OverviewsWhat Lam Research’s Fiscal 3Q18 Earnings Say about Memory Market
Lam Research (LRCX) was among the first semiconductor companies to release its fiscal 3Q18 earnings for the quarter that ended on March 25.
Tech & Comm ServicesWould China Buying More Semiconductors from US Reduce Trade Deficit?
Given that global semiconductor revenues reached $400 billion in 2017, China’s (FXI) proposal to increase semiconductor imports from the US appears positive.
Company & Industry OverviewsHow Could a Memory Collaboration with Intel Benefit China?
Whereas China (FXI) is the largest consumer of semiconductors in the world, it meets most of its needs through semiconductor imports.
Earnings ReportWhen Is BlackBerry Expected to Return to Revenue Growth?
As we observed in the previous part of this series, Wall Street analysts expect a revenue decline of 27% YoY (year-over-year) for BlackBerry (BB) in fiscal 4Q18 with revenue of $216.8 million.
Company & Industry OverviewsWestern Digital Remains Optimistic about NAND
At the end of 3Q17, Statista estimated Western Digital (WDC) to have a share of 17.5% in the NAND (negative AND) Flash memory market.
Company & Industry OverviewsEA’s Mobile Gaming Revenue: Key Drivers
In the chart below, we can see that net bookings for Electronic Arts’ (EA) Mobile platform rose 5% YoY (year-over-year) to $183 million in fiscal 3Q18.
Company & Industry OverviewsA Look at Electronic Arts’ Huge Player Base across Verticals
EA’s FIFA franchise remains one of the leading games worldwide. It has approximately 42 million players on console platforms PlayStation (SNE) and Xbox (MSFT).
Earnings ReportWhat Fitbit Is Focusing On in Fiscal 2018
Fitbit in a transition phase During Fitbit’s (FIT) 4Q17 earnings call, CEO James Park stated that Fitbit is in a multiyear transition process. The company aims to leverage its core brand assets, data, and large customer community. Fitbit needs to focus on product innovation to beat competition from Apple Watch and peers Garmin (GRMN), Korea’s (EWY) Samsung […]
MiscellaneousNorth Korea Could Be a Major Political Risk
While North Korea and South Korea (EWY) have initiated talks recently, North Korea’s nuclear ambitions mean that tensions will always remain in the region despite temporary overtures of peace from both sides.
Tech & Comm ServicesBroadcom’s Response to Qualcomm’s Statements against the Takeover
Qualcomm opposes a takeover bid by Broadcom (AVGO) because it feels the latter’s management may not give justice to its transformative 5G opportunity.
MiscellaneousCryptocurrencies Recover from the Rout: What’s Next?
The cryptocurrency market has had a rebound. As of February 7, 2018, in the early morning hours, all digital currencies had rebounded from their previous day’s close. Bitcoin rose 22.8%.
Real InsightsThings to Know Before You Buy Bitcoin
The sharp rise and fall in the price of bitcoin are mainly because ownership of the currency is heavily concentrated in just a few hands.
MiscellaneousSouth Korea to Implement New Cryptocurrency Regulations
Ripple struggled on Monday and couldn’t manage to post significant gains.
MiscellaneousCryptocurrency Market Cap: Details on Ethereum and Ripple
About $200 billion was wiped off the total market capitalization of the cryptocurrency market due to the recent fall in cryptocurrency prices.
Earnings ReportHow US Dollar Affected Oracle’s Fiscal 2Q18 Earnings
North America and Latin America continued to be the largest market for Oracle (ORCL). The Americas region accounted for 56% of the company’s total revenues in fiscal 2Q18.
Macroeconomic AnalysisWhy Asian Markets Grabbed Investors’ Attention in 2017
Stock markets around the world rallied in 2017. Asian equities, in particular, grabbed investors’ attention in 2017, as they have been outperforming other markets.
Earnings ReportCan Qualcomm Maintain Its Profit Margins in Fiscal 2017?
Apple (APPL) withheld $1 billion in royalty payments to Qualcomm (QCOM) in fiscal 3Q17, which slashed $1 billion directly from Qualcomm’s profits.
Earnings ReportWhat Qualcomm’s Licensing Business Is Doing about Legal Headwinds
Over the past two years, Qualcomm has paid ~$2.7 billion in fines to regulators in China and South Korea and is now facing a $774-million fine from Taiwan.
Macroeconomic AnalysisWhy US Companies Have Concerns about the Corporate Tax Structure
Among the 35 OECD countries, the US has the highest corporate tax rate of 35%. This tax rate puts US companies at a disadvantage compared to their foreign rivals.
Macroeconomic AnalysisSamsung Leads the Global Smartphone Market
Samsung (SSNLF) shipped 311.4 million smartphones in 2016, a fall of 3% year-over-year compared to shipments of 320.9 million units in 2015. Samsung is the world’s leading smartphone manufacturer.
Company & Industry OverviewsSamsung, SK Hynix, and Micron Invest in Technology Shift
In this series, we’ll look at Micron’s end markets and its investments in each of these end markets.
Earnings ReportCould AMAT Achieve New Revenue Milestones in Fiscal 2017?
Applied Materials’ revenues rose 45% year-over-year to $3.5 billion in fiscal 2Q17, as its foundry and display equipment sales rose in triple digits.
Macroeconomic AnalysisWhat’s behind Malaysia’s Large Trade Surplus in June 2017?
Malaysia’s trade surplus jumped to 9.9 billion Malaysian ringgit (MYR) (about $2.3 billion as of August 11, 2017) in June 2017—an 80% rise YoY.
Macroeconomic AnalysisSouth Korean Exports’ Impact on Manufacturing Activity
Manufacturing activity in July 2017 South Korean (EWY) manufacturing activity dropped in the July 2017, with a sharp reduction in output. The Nikkei South Korea (EEM) manufacturing PMI decreased to 49.1 from 50.1 in June, according to an IHS Markit report. Manufacturing activity in South Korea returned to contraction, with reduced orders for its key export markets, […]
Macroeconomic AnalysisIndonesia’s Exports Fell in June 2017
Exports from Indonesia (EIDO) in June 2017 stood at $11.6 billion, a fall of 11.8% on a year-over-year basis and 19% on a month-over-month basis.
Macroeconomic AnalysisSouth Korea’s Business Confidence Remains Steady in July 2017
Business confidence in the manufacturing sector in South Korea (EWY) has remained stable at 78 in July 2017.
Macroeconomic AnalysisWhy South Korean Manufacturing Activity Rose in June 2017
The South Korean (EWY) Manufacturing PMI (Purchasing Managers’ Index) rose to 50.1 in June 2017 compared to 49.2 in May 2017.
Macroeconomic AnalysisRising Unemployment Continues to Plague South Korea in June 2017
South Korea’s (EWY) unemployment rate rose to 3.8% in June 2017 compared to a four-month low of 3.6% in the previous month.
Macroeconomic AnalysisA Look at Consumer Confidence in South Korea in July 2017
South Korea’s (EWY) consumer confidence continued to remain steady at 111.2 in July 2017 compared to 111.1 in the previous month.
Macroeconomic AnalysisWhy the South Korean Economy Expanded More Slowly in 2Q17
Slower growth in exports, manufacturing, and investments impacted economic activity in South Korea (EWY) in 2Q17.
Macroeconomic AnalysisEquities in South Korea Rise with Tech Rally in July 2017
South Korean equities are soaring in 2017, with the Korea Composite Stock Price Index (or KOSPI), its benchmark index, reaching an all-time high of 2,451.5 in July 2017.
Real InsightsAre Asian Economies Stabilizing or Not?
While the weak global economic recovery has weighed heavily on Asian exports, domestic weakness has also played a role in the region’s economic slowdown.
Real InsightsWill North Korea Undermine Broader Asian Markets?
Under Kim Jong-Un, North Korea has adopted a more aggressive stance toward its regional adversaries, fueling unprecedented tension in the region.
Macroeconomic AnalysisDid China’s Imports Rise on Its Structural Shift in June 2017?
China’s (FXI) imports rose to $153.8 billion in June 2017, a 17.2% rise year-over-year (or YoY) and a 2% rise month-over-month.
Macroeconomic AnalysisChinese Exports Rose in June 2017 on Improving Global Demand
Chinese (FXI) exports stood at $196.6 billion in June 2017, a rise of 11.3% year-over-year basis and a rise of 8.7% month-over-month.
Earnings ReportWhere Does Apple Stand in the Global Smartphone Market?
Apple (AAPL) had a market share of 14.9% in the global Smartphone market at the end of 1Q17. Apple’s market share in 1Q16 was 15.4%.
Macroeconomic AnalysisSouth Korean Manufacturing Activity Accelerates in June 2017
After a year of contraction, the Nikkei South Korea (EWY) Manufacturing PMI increased to 50.1 in June 2017 compared to 49.2 in May.
Macroeconomic AnalysisImproved Global Trade Supports Indonesia’s Economy
Several external factors are expected to impact Indonesia’s economy in 2017. The US government’s protectionist stance is expected to influence global trade.
Company & Industry OverviewsThe Role of the US Dollar in Oracle’s Performance
Oracle, like its peers IBM (IBM) and Microsoft (MSFT), generates a significant portion of its revenues from outside the United States.
Macroeconomic AnalysisWhy South Korean Manufacturing PMI Slipped in May
Manufacturing PMI for South Korea (EWY) fell to 49.2 in May 2017 as compared to 49.4 in April 2017.
Macroeconomic AnalysisWill President Moon’s Efforts Improve Employment in South Korea?
South Korea, Asia’s (AAXJ) fourth-largest economy, posted a decline in its unemployment rate to 3.6% in May 2017 as compared to 4% in April of 2017.
Macroeconomic AnalysisSlower Rise in Trade Surplus for South Korea in May 2017
South Korea’s trade surplus saw a large drop to $6.0 billion in May 2017 as compared to $13.0 billion in the previous month.
Macroeconomic AnalysisSouth Korea Reaches Target Inflation Rate in May 2017
South Korea’s (EWY) inflation rate rose to 2% in May 2017 as compared 1.9% in the previous month.
Macroeconomic AnalysisCan South Korean Equities Rise in July 2017 on Tax Reforms?
South Korean (EWY) stocks continued to surge in June 2017, gaining about 2% as of June 29.
Macroeconomic AnalysisA Look at Business Confidence in South Korea
Improved economic conditions Measures of business confidence in South Korea (EWY) show that manufacturers have become slightly optimistic about business and economic conditions. Exports continued to grow in April 2017, supporting an improved outlook. Business confidence saw the largest rise since March 2015, due to domestic and global economies’ (ACWI) (VT) recovery from the financial […]
Macroeconomic AnalysisIs South Korean Manufacturing Activity Slowing Down?
Manufacturing activity in South Korea Although South Korea’s (EWY) manufacturing activity increased in April 2017, its pace of growth slowed amid tensions with its important trading partner, China (FXI). Currently, relations between China (MCHI) and South Korea (KOR) are under pressure due to the United States’ deployment of the THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defense) […]
Macroeconomic AnalysisShould South Korea’s Rising Unemployment Rate Be a Concern?
South Korean economy The South Korean (EWY) (KOR) economy, an emerging market (EEM) participant, picked up the pace in 1Q17, despite geopolitical tensions. GDP growth in 1Q17 exceeded expectations, rising 0.9% quarter-over-quarter. Performance in 1Q17 was majorly driven by exports, which were supported by higher facility investments. However, the unemployment rate continues to rise, and is […]
Macroeconomic AnalysisSouth Korea Records Trade Surplus amid Geopolitical Uncertainty
Reliance on external sector The South Korean (EWY) economy is heavily reliant on the external sector. In 2015, it was the fifth-largest export economy (DBKO) in the world, according to the ECI (economic complexity index). China (FXI) is its largest trading partner, as the countries share a sea border. In April 2017, South Korea recorded a larger trade […]
Macroeconomic AnalysisSouth Korea Maintains Interest Rate, Inflation Nears Target Rate
South Korea’s economy in 2017 Asia’s (VPL) (EPP) fourth-largest economy, South Korea’s (EWY), showed some moderate signs of recovery in 1Q17. Improved global (ACWI) (VT) economic conditions have boosted the country’s exports and investments in the last two quarters. South Korea’s central bank has kept the key interest rate steady, and inflation has remained close […]
Macroeconomic AnalysisSouth Korea’s Economic Growth amid Geopolitical Tensions
South Korean economy The South Korean (EWY) economy is currently affected by security threats from North Korea and several chaebols, or family-controlled companies. Samsung Electronics (SSNLF) (HYMLF), a chaebol, has been involved in a corruption scandal, like companies in many other emerging markets. However, on a positive note, most macroeconomic factors look promising thanks to new […]
Macroeconomic AnalysisA Look at Consumer Confidence in South Korea in 2017
Consumer confidence in South Korea South Korea’s (EWY) newly elected president aims to bring about economic and structural reforms. Consumer confidence in South Korea (DBKO) has jumped to the highest level in last three years. Let’s look at consumer confidence in South Korea over the last year. Rising consumer confidence in South Korea South Korea’s […]
Macroeconomic AnalysisSouth Korean Stock Market Surges despite Geopolitical Tensions
South Korea’s (EWY) stock market soared to a new high recently, posting large gains across the Asia-Pacific region (VPL)(EPP). In this series, we’ll discuss what we can expect from South Korea for the rest of the year.
Real InsightsSubstantial Asia Exposure Could Improve Risk-Adjusted Returns
A higher allocation to Asia could certainly provide diversification benefits to investors while enhancing their risk-adjusted returns.
Real InsightsWhy Investors Should Consider Core Asian Funds
The EAFE Index provides exposure to slow-growing developed markets while disregarding Asia’s fast-growing markets (FXI) (INDA).
Real InsightsUS Investors Persistently Underweight on Asia
Although American investors have focused on domestic markets in the past, investors seeking long-term capital appreciation need to focus on Asia as well.
Real InsightsWhat’s Driving Asia’s Growth?
For the last three decades, Asia has posted higher economic growth than any other region of the world.
Company & Industry OverviewsWill the Qualcomm-BlackBerry Case Start a Ripple Effect?
In April 2017, a binding arbitration ruling had Qualcomm pay BlackBerry (BBRY) $815 million plus interest and attorneys’ fees over licensing disputes.
MiscellaneousA Look at Apple’s and Qualcomm’s Argument over Licensing
Apple has acknowledged that Qualcomm should be paid for its SEP (standard essential patent), but it argues that the latter is charging an unreasonably high price for the license.
Company & Industry OverviewsLegal and Regulatory Issues Challenge Qualcomm’s Business Model
Qualcomm (QCOM) has been and continues to be the preferred choice of dividend-seeking investors because of its strong balance sheet and rich cash flows.
Company & Industry OverviewsApple Is Focused on Profitability, Not Market Share
In 2016, US-based (SPY) Apple (AAPL) accounted for over 83% of operating profits in the smartphone space.
Company & Industry OverviewsChina Is AMAT’s Next Key Market
Applied Materials (AMAT) supplies semiconductor manufacturing equipment globally.
Company & Industry OverviewsWhat Financial Fallout Could QCOM and NXP Face if the Deal Falls Apart?
Qualcomm (QCOM) is a cash-rich company with $30 billion of cash reserves, $7.4 billion of annual operating cash flows, and $18.9 billion of net cash balance.
Earnings ReportHow Could Nokia’s Primary Business Segments Perform in 4Q16?
Net sales in the Nokia Technologies segment rose 109.0% year-over-year, driven by Nokia’s expanded licensing agreement with Samsung (SSNLF).
Earnings ReportHow Could High Leverage Impact Qualcomm’s Shareholders?
In fiscal 1Q17, Qualcomm’s (QCOM) operating cash flow fell 50% year-over-year to $1.4 billion.
MiscellaneousUS, Korea, Apple Attack Qualcomm’s Patent Licensing Practices
In December 2016, the KFTC (Korea Fair Trade Commission) imposed a fine of $853 million on Qualcomm as it found the chip supplier’s licensing practices to be monopolistic.
Earnings ReportHow Will Apple’s iPhone Perform in Fiscal 1Q17?
Smartphone shipments to grow The iPhone, Apple’s (AAPL) flagship product, accounts for approximately 58% of the company’s total revenue. Any impact on revenue in this segment could significantly impact overall revenue. Research company IDC (International Data Corporation) estimates that global smartphone shipment growth slowed to less than 1% in 2016, compared with ~10% in 2015, […]
Earnings ReportWhy Western Digital and Seagate Benefit from a Broader Portfolio
In terms of revenue, Western Digital (WDC) leads its peer storage companies with $17.7 billion, followed by EMC’s $15.9 billion.
MiscellaneousHow the US Dollar’s Rise Could Impact Oracle’s Growth in 2017
The strengthening US dollar (UUP) has been pressuring the entire technology sector, and growth in Oracle’s (ORCL) top line is vulnerable to fluctuations in the dollar.
MiscellaneousCould Trump’s Trade Policies Put US in a Trade War with China?
According to the 2015 trade statistics, China exported $483 billion worth of goods to the US, while the US exported just $116 billion worth of goods to China.
Company & Industry OverviewsWhich Business Segments Look Promising for Activision Blizzard?
The rise in digital revenues for Activision Blizzard (ATVI) was one of the company’s major highlights in 3Q16. Driven by digital performance, the operating margin for Activision rose to 37% in 3Q16 from 26% in 3Q15.
Earnings ReportWhat Drove Revenue in the Nokia Technologies Segment?
Net sales in the Nokia Technologies segment rose 109.0% YoY, driven by Nokia’s expanded licensing agreement with Samsung.
Earnings ReportFitbit’s Active User Count Continues to Drive Its Revenue
Fitbit has increased its revenue significantly over the last five years. The company’s revenue rose from $76 million in 2012 to $745 million in 2014 and $1.9 billion in 2015.
Company & Industry OverviewsWill Sales Rise for Nokia Technologies in 3Q16 and Beyond?
In July 2016, the Europe-based (EFA) Nokia (NOK) and Korea’s (EWY) Samsung (SSNLF) agreed to expand their patent cross license agreement.
Company & Industry OverviewsActivision’s MAU Continues to Register Impressive Growth
In 1Q16, Activision Blizzard (ATVI) completed its acquisition of King Digital. This acquisition has helped Activision’s MAU growth reach impressive levels.
Macroeconomic AnalysisTaiwan’s Economy Expands, Bank Indonesia Keeps Rates Unchanged
Taiwan’s economy rose by 0.7% on an annual basis in 2Q16—compared to a contraction of 0.29% in the previous quarter and slightly above estimated forecasts.
Company & Industry OverviewsWhat Were EA’s Important Gaming Metrics in Fiscal 1Q17?
The GAAP digital revenues for Electronic Arts (EA) in fiscal 1Q17 rose by 11% year-over-year to $689 million.
Macroeconomic AnalysisBank of Korea Keeps Rates Unchanged, Asian ETFs Trade Positive
South Korea’s monetary policy committee kept the benchmark interest rate unchanged at a record low of 1.3%—in line with expectations.