Key Takeaways
- Goldman Sachs raised its 12-month target for the FTSE 100 to 10,800, up from 10,400, reflecting increased optimism for UK blue-chip equities.
- TSMC (TSM) saw its target price hiked to NT$2,200 from NT$1,800 by Bernstein, driven by massive demand for AI-related hardware.
- China’s Lunar New Year retail and catering sales grew 8.6% year-on-year, exceeding expectations even as per-trip consumer spending remains cautious.
- MSCI Emerging Markets index targets were trimmed by Goldman Sachs to 1520 (3-month) and 1580 (6-month) due to shifting regional risks.
- India’s 10-year benchmark government bond yield climbed to 6.6943%, up from a previous close of 6.6798%, amid global energy price volatility.
Equities and Analyst Ratings
Goldman Sachs has significantly adjusted its outlook for global indices, showing a clear preference for developed markets over emerging peers. The bank lifted its 12-month target for the FTSE 100 to 10,800, citing a favorable environment for the UK’s heavy concentration of commodity and financial stocks. Conversely, the firm lowered its MSCI Emerging Markets Index targets to 1520 and 1580 for the 3- and 6-month periods, respectively, down from previous estimates of 1570 and 1600.
In the semiconductor sector, Bernstein issued a highly bullish note on TSMC (TSM), raising its target price to NT$2,200. Analysts noted that AI-related revenue is expected to exceed 20% of the company’s total income by 2026. This surge is supported by robust demand for high-bandwidth memory (HBM) base dies and a resilient market for high-end smartphones.
Meanwhile, Jefferies took a more cautious stance on the aerospace sector, trimming its price target for Airbus SE (AIR) to EUR 190 from EUR 195. The revision follows a slower-than-expected production ramp-up and a more gradual improvement in margins. The firm maintained a Hold rating, noting a lack of immediate catalysts for the stock.
Macroeconomic and Regional Developments
China’s consumer market provided a mixed signal following the Lunar New Year period. While total sales at major retail and catering firms rose 8.6%, beating initial forecasts, broader consumer spending remains subdued. Early data indicated a slight 0.2% dip in average spending per trip, suggesting that while travel volume reached record highs, households remain budget-conscious.
In Myanmar, the political landscape saw a significant consolidation of power as the head of the military-backed USDP party, Khin Yi, was chosen as the speaker of the lower house. The move occurred as the new parliament convened for the first time in five years following recent elections. This development is seen as a key step in the military's efforts to formalize its governance structure.
Operational Disruptions and Geopolitics
Singapore’s leading telecommunications provider, Singtel (Z74), reported widespread mobile service disruptions on Monday morning. Over 5,000 users reported issues on Downdetector, with many unable to access mobile data or complete digital payments. The company confirmed it is investigating the cause and advised affected customers to restart their devices to restore connectivity.
In Iran, the nation is in a state of mourning following the death of Red Crescent staff members in Isfahan. The incident has sparked tributes across the country, highlighting the ongoing risks faced by humanitarian workers in the region.
Fixed Income and Currency
India’s 10-year benchmark government bond yield rose to 6.6943%, reflecting a marginal uptick from the previous close. The rise in yields comes as market participants weigh the impact of higher global oil prices on domestic inflation. Analysts noted that while the Reserve Bank of India has intervened to stabilize the market, external pressures from rising U.S. Treasury yields continue to weigh on Indian sovereign debt.
Ed Liston is a senior contributing editor at TheStockMarketWatch.com. An active market watcher and investor, Ed guides an independent team of experienced analysts and writes for multiple stock trader publications.