Author: Daniel Chang

Bernstein analysts have projected a strong growth trajectory for Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), the world’s leading chip manufacturer, driven by surging demand in AI data centers and premium smartphones. According to Bernstein analysts, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (NYSE: TSM), the largest chipmaker globally and a pivotal player in the booming AI sector, is positioned for substantial growth. The investment firm forecasts a 26% revenue increase and a 29% rise in earnings per share (EPS) for TSMC this year, with this upward trend expected to continue through 2025 and beyond. The anticipated growth is largely attributed to the high demand…

Evercore ISI analysts predict that Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell will outline a flexible approach to potential rate cuts in his upcoming Jackson Hole speech, indicating that the Fed is prepared for significant reductions if necessary. In anticipation of Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell’s speech at the Jackson Hole Economic Symposium, analysts from Evercore ISI suggest that Powell will outline a flexible stance on future rate cuts. The Friday morning address is expected to reveal the Fed’s readiness to implement substantial cuts if the economic situation warrants it. Evercore ISI’s note indicates that Powell will likely communicate a reassuring approach,…

Citi analysts have expressed a positive outlook on Udemy, an EdTech company, stating that the stock could see a potential upside of more than 100% from its current valuation. In a recent investor note, Citi highlighted Udemy’s impressive growth in its Udemy Business (UB) segment, even as the broader Enterprise Learning & Development (L&D) sector faces difficulties. The analysts noted that while the company has experienced challenges, the growth prospects for UB remain solid, with a projected exit rate comfortably exceeding 10%. Citi acknowledged the tough times that Udemy and its investors have endured but emphasized that the current stock…

As Nvidia (NASDAQ: NVDA) prepares to release its second-quarter earnings for fiscal 2025 on August 28, investor attention is likely to be centered on management’s comments about potential delays in the launch of the next-generation Blackwell (BW) chip. While the company’s guidance figures will still be important, the outlook for the BW chip could overshadow these numbers. According to Stifel analysts, recent discussions with industry insiders suggest that any delays in the Blackwell chip’s release are expected to be measured in months rather than quarters. In the meantime, demand for Nvidia’s H-Series chips remains robust, which bodes well for the…

Bank of America CEO Brian Moynihan cautioned on Sunday that U.S. consumers could become disheartened if the Federal Reserve doesn’t begin lowering interest rates soon. The Federal Reserve kept its policy rate steady in the 5.25%-5.50% range at the end of July, where it has remained for over a year. However, the Fed hinted that a rate cut might be possible as early as September if inflation continues to ease. “They’ve indicated that rates are unlikely to rise further, but if they don’t start bringing them down soon, there’s a risk that the American consumer could become discouraged,” Moynihan said…

Asian stock markets began the week on a calm note, as a public holiday in Japan minimized some of the recent market fluctuations. Investors are now focusing on upcoming significant economic reports from the U.S. and China, which could provide new insights into the global economic outlook. The Federal Reserve will closely watch U.S. consumer price data, set for release on Wednesday. Economists are predicting a 0.2% rise in both the overall and core inflation rates, with the annual core rate expected to slow slightly to 3.2%. Analysts at Barclays noted in a recent report, “A modest increase in inflation…

The U.S. dollar remained steady on Tuesday as investors eagerly awaited upcoming economic data to assess the likelihood of significant interest rate cuts. Meanwhile, a surge in Japanese stock markets provided some relief for yen carry trades, which had been under pressure. The dollar was trading at 147.17 yen, after briefly reaching a one-week high of 148.23 overnight before retreating due to profit-taking. The euro edged up to $1.0931, approaching resistance levels at $1.0944 and $1.0963. The dollar index held steady at 103.08. Upcoming producer price index (PPI) data, expected later in the day, will serve as a precursor to…

Australian consumer sentiment saw a notable increase in August as concerns over interest rate hikes eased and government tax cuts, along with other cost-of-living measures, began to positively impact household finances, according to a survey released on Tuesday. The Westpac-Melbourne Institute consumer sentiment index climbed 2.8% in August, reversing the 1.1% decline seen in July. Despite the improvement, the index remains subdued at 85, indicating that pessimism still outweighs optimism among consumers. “August brought a small but welcome reprieve for consumers, as the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) kept interest rates steady and the benefits of tax cuts and other…

The U.S. dollar remained under pressure on Wednesday after a significant drop against major currencies overnight. This decline followed a softer-than-expected U.S. producer price index (PPI) report, which bolstered expectations of interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve later this year. Currencies that are sensitive to market risk held strong as the easing inflation data lifted equity markets. This was despite the anticipation of key U.S. consumer price index (CPI) data, which was due later in the day. The Australian dollar hit its highest point in over three weeks, while the British pound hovered near a two-week high, following its…

Kamala Harris, Democratic presidential candidate and current U.S. Vice President, will focus her economic strategy on reducing the costs of essential goods like groceries, housing, and healthcare, as well as expanding the child tax credit, according to her advisers. This agenda is designed to draw a clear distinction from former President Donald Trump’s policies on tariffs and taxes. In a speech scheduled for Friday in North Carolina, Harris is expected to outline her plans for curbing high prices, which remain a significant issue for voters despite a recent drop in inflation. The speech will also address corporate practices in pricing,…