In this episode, host Thilan Wickramasinghe previews a cautious start to markets, with Asian sentiment weighed down by hawkish weekend comments from Fed Chair Kevin Warsh that have lifted bets on a rate hike next month, alongside fresh Middle East tensions after new US strikes on Iran. Singapore bucks the trend, however, with the STI in the green; softer manufacturing numbers mask underlying strength, as the AI complex and domestic construction spending keep momentum going, a trend increasingly visible in corporate earnings.Meanwhile, our telecom analyst, Hussaini, reports back from SingTel's investor corporate day last week, coming away more convinced in his BUY rating, and explains what surprised him and why he sees this as the right entry point for investors.In addition, REITs analyst Krishna wraps up the June-quarter results season for Singapore REITs, highlighting the sector's key earnings trends and the team's top stock picks for the quarter.Lastly, our Head of Regional Equity Research, Anand Pathmakanthan, unveils a new regional investment theme built around a forecast "Godzilla" El Niño, with over 80% odds of a Strong to Very Strong event by 4Q26 threatening water security, food inflation, and energy security across ASEAN. His actionable basket spans plantations (Genting Plantations, Sarawak Oil Palms), water infrastructure (Gamuda, EngTex), power and utilities (Mega First, CK Power, Maynilad), food and beverage names (Olam, Universal Robina, Mayora Indah, Muangthai Capital, Osotspa), and defensive retailers like Sheng Siong and Puregold.Wishing you a profitable trading week ahead!

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“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.

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