1. Global Markets React to Tariff Delays
- U.S. stock futures rallied sharply after President Trump postponed a 50% tariff on EU imports until July 9, easing trade tensions. Dow, S&P 500, and Nasdaq futures rose 1.26%, 1.47%, and 1.65%, respectively, driven by gains in megacaps like Apple (+1.9%) and Nvidia (+2.8%) .
- European markets also gained, with the Euro STOXX 600 up 0.4%, supported by defense stocks and improved risk sentiment .
- However, Asian markets were mixed: Japan’s Nikkei rose 0.51%, while India’s Sensex fell 0.76% due to profit-taking in banking and IT sectors ahead of GDP data .
2. S&P 500 Outlook: Historical Rebound Signals Potential Upside
- The S&P 500 surged 19.6% between April 8 and May 16, marking its 15th-largest 27-day rally. Historical patterns suggest a potential 21% gain over the next six months, targeting 7,209 by November 2025 .
- Key drivers include easing trade concerns and tame inflation data, though risks remain from unresolved U.S.-EU negotiations and fiscal deficits .
3. Key Events Driving Volatility
- Nvidia Earnings (May 28): Investors await results from the AI leader, expected to report a 66% revenue jump. Strong performance could reignite tech momentum .
- Fed Policy & Inflation Data: Speeches from Fed officials and the May PCE report (Friday) will shape rate-cut expectations. Minneapolis Fed President Kashkari advocates holding rates steady amid tariff uncertainties .
- Bond Markets: 30-year U.S. Treasury yields fell to 4.95%, reflecting demand for safe assets despite lingering debt sustainability concerns .
#WTC Projects & Updates
1. #WCT Holdings Berhad (Construction & Property Development)
- Financial Performance:
- Q4 2024 revenue rose to RM543 million (vs. RM402 million in Q4 2023), with a profit of RM57 million (vs. a RM246 million loss previously). Annual revenue reached RM1.8 billion, driven by property sales (e.g., Pavilion Mont’ Kiara) and retail investments .
- Engineering projects like the Pan Borneo Highway and Sultan Ismail Petra Airport contributed 57% of revenue, despite margin pressures from rising material costs .
- Sustainability & Awards:
- WCT won the 2025 Satellites for Biodiversity Award for using satellite imagery and AI to protect endangered crocodilians and turtles in India’s Gangetic Basin .
2. WalletConnect Token (WCT – Cryptocurrency)
- Binance Launchpool Listing (April 15, 2025):
- WCT (WalletConnect Token) debuted on Binance, allowing users to farm tokens by staking BNB, FDUSD, or USDC. The protocol enhances interoperability between dApps and wallets .
- Solana Integration:
- WCT’s launch on Solana leverages its high throughput and low fees, boosting liquidity. SOL price rose 3.2% post-announcement, with trading volume spiking 18% .
Key Takeaways
- Market Risks: Trade policy volatility and Fed decisions remain critical. Monitor Nvidia’s earnings and Friday’s PCE data for directional cues.
- WCT Opportunities:
- WCT Holdings benefits from infrastructure projects and property demand in Malaysia.
- WalletConnect Token offers growth potential in decentralized finance (DeFi), though regulatory risks persist .
