This article was written in collaboration with FSMOne. All views expressed in this article are the independent opinion of DollarsAndSense.sg based on our research, and is purely for informational purposes and should not be relied upon as financial advice. DollarsAndSense.sg is not liable for any financial losses that may arise from any transactions and readers are encouraged to do their own due diligence. You can view our full editorial policy here.
The past two years have been remarkable for global equities. After a challenging 2022, investors enjoyed back-to-back years of double-digit gains in 2023 and 2024. The MSCI All Country World Index (ACWI), a widely followed benchmark for global equity performance, delivered a stellar return of 18.0% in 2024. This followed an impressive 22.8% gain in 2023.
These results have many questions: Can this upward momentum in global markets continue into 2025, or is the market due for a bear run?
As we enter the new year, several critical themes will shape the investment landscape. The incoming Trump administration, ongoing trade tariffs, and escalating geopolitical tensions between the US and China are just a few challenges investors must navigate.
Fortunately, opportunities to gain deeper insights into these issues abound. One such event is the FSM Invest Expo 2025, happening on Saturday, 18 January 2025, from 10 AM to 5 PM at the Suntec Convention Centre.
This highly anticipated event will feature a lineup of renowned speakers and industry experts, ready to provide valuable perspectives on what lies ahead. To give you a head start, we identify six key investment themes that will take center stage at the Expo, and how they could shape your strategies for 2025.
#1 Trump 2.0
Uncertainty is the lifeblood of market volatility, and a second-term President Trump promises to keep investors on their toes.
Trump’s (decisive) victory in the November 2024 US presidential election has sent shockwaves through global markets, forcing investors to reassess what his return to the White House means for the global economic and investing landscape.
Will his administration double down on widespread trade tariffs, or are they merely strategic bargaining tools? And while his promises of further tax cuts might seem business-friendly, could they be enough to counterbalance the headwinds of potential trade conflicts? These are the pressing questions investors must grapple with when Trump begins his second term as the 47th President of the United States on 20 January 2025.
Meanwhile, the US stock market continues to shatter records, buoyed by strong earnings and investor optimism. But can this momentum persist in 2025 under the shadow of a possible global trade war and heightened geopolitical tensions? For many, the answers remain murky, but one thing is clear: the stakes have never been higher.
To navigate what appears to be a tumultuous year, investors must prepare for a range of outcomes.
This first session at the FSM Invest Expo 2025 – titled, Market outlook for 2025 – Welcome to Trump 2.0! Here’s what to expect for the year ahead, will dive deep into the potential impacts of Trump’s second term, offering actionable insights and strategies to weather the uncertainty. With expert perspectives on hand, attendees will be able to equip themselves on how to approach the year ahead with confidence and clarity.
Read Also: Donald Trump Is US President (Again). Here Are 5 Things That Singapore Investors Should Take Note Of
#2 Will Interest Rates Be Cut?
The US Federal Reserve has long been known for its data-driven approach to interest rate decisions, but economic data often takes unexpected turns.
While the consensus expects more rate cuts this year, the landscape could shift dramatically under a second Trump administration (see point 1). Higher tariffs and increased government spending could reignite inflation, complicating the Fed’s goal of achieving a “soft landing” for the economy.
Despite these uncertainties, one thing remains constant: income-generating opportunities will always exist for savvy investors. The key lies in knowing where to look.
At the FSM Invest Expo 2025, join industry experts Dylan Ngai (Client Portfolio Manager, Fixed Income), Derrick Heng (Portfolio Manager, Asia Pacific ex-Japan REIT), and Leanne Li (Client Portfolio Manager, Multi-Asset Solutions Team) in their chat – Finding Income Opportunities in a Rate Cut Cycle – as they unpack the tools and strategies investors can use to uncover the best income solutions.
Whether it’s through fixed income, REITs, or multi-asset portfolios, this session will equip you with actionable insights to add stability and income potential to your portfolio in an unpredictable market environment.
#3 Chips, AI, and Geopolitics: Is the Semiconductor Boom Built to Last?
The Artificial Intelligence (AI) revolution owes its meteoric rise to semiconductors, the backbone of every advanced AI application. Unsurprisingly, chip stocks are now trading near all-time highs – led by none other than Nvidia, which has seen its share price go up by more than 20x over the past 5 years.
While there is no question that the industry is riding the wave of unprecedented demand and innovation, the more critical question looms: Are these stocks still worth investing in, or are we witnessing the formation of an AI-driven bubble?
Adding to the complexity are geopolitical factors that could reshape the industry. US sanctions on China and growing tensions between the two superpowers are poised to influence not only the semiconductor sector’s growth but also its global supply chains and technological advancements.
To answer these questions, you can join the talk – What lies ahead for semiconductor stocks by Tan De Jun (Portfolio Manager, Research and Portfolio Management) who will be sharing more on whether the chip industry’s dazzling run can sustain itself in 2025. Gain invaluable insights into the opportunities and risks shaping the semiconductor landscape and discover what lies ahead for this pivotal sector in the age of AI.
#4 Big Tech’s Bet On Artificial Intelligence: Will It Pay Off?
In the past two years, two letters—“AI”—have transformed global stock markets. Just as the Internet revolutionised the early 2000s and smartphones defined the 2010s, Artificial Intelligence is now positioned as Big Tech’s next major growth engine.
But can US tech giants truly capitalise on AI’s potential and turn it into the defining theme of the 2020s? Or are we in the midst of yet another hype cycle, where skyrocketing valuations outpace the tangible value AI can deliver?
In this insightful presentation, Joel Phua, Research Analyst at iFAST Singapore, will delve into whether Big Tech’s aggressive push into AI will ultimately pay off. He’ll also examine if the current market valuations are justified by the promise of AI—or if investors should brace for a reality check.
#5 The Resurgence Of Japan
Japan’s comeback story continues to gather momentum. In 2024, the country experienced a rollercoaster year: a surging stock market in the first half, followed by heightened volatility in the second half.
Investors must stay alert to several transformative changes shaping Japan’s economic landscape. A fast-evolving political environment, rising wage growth, and creeping inflation are reshaping Japanese households and influencing market dynamics.
What does 2025 hold for this Asian powerhouse, and which catalysts should investors keep an eye on? Kikuko Mori, Product Specialist from Nikko Asset Management, will offer invaluable insights into the Japanese stock market and highlight the wealth of opportunities it presents for discerning investors.
#6 Navigating China’s Economic Revival
China has been working overtime to reignite growth, with policymakers implementing both monetary and fiscal easing to lift the economy out of a bear market. Measures rolled out since late September 2024 aim to tackle deeply rooted challenges, such as local government debt and the ongoing property sector crisis, while injecting fresh “animal spirits” into the economy.
While these strategies open new growth opportunities, China’s equity markets remain vulnerable to risks, including potential trade tariffs from the incoming Trump administration. The geopolitical landscape adds another layer of complexity to investing in the world’s second-largest economy.
How can investors effectively position themselves in this rapidly changing environment? Join our expert speakers as they dissect China’s economic revival and provide actionable strategies to stay agile and adaptable in 2025.
FSM Invest Expo 2025: Your Gateway to Smarter Investing
Mark your calendars for 18 January 2025, as the FSM Invest Expo 2025 takes place at the Suntec Convention Centre from 10 AM to 5 PM. This one-day event is the perfect opportunity for investors—whether seasoned or just starting out—to gain fresh insights into the latest investment themes and explore opportunities across important sectors and regions.
Beyond the presentations, the Expo offers interactive zones where you can dive into hands-on investment lessons, engage with experts, and even win exciting prizes. It’s not just about learning—it’s about making investing fun and accessible!
DollarsAndSense will also be there, bringing you exclusive conversations with some of the day’s most prominent speakers for our DollarsAndSense Podcast. If you’re attending, make sure to swing by our booth to say hello, share your thoughts, and be part of the conversation.
Registration for the FSM Invest Expo 2025 is free. You can sign up here.
The post 6 Important Themes To Watch For When You Invest In 2025 appeared first on DollarsAndSense.sg.
