Shams Afzal

Shams Afzal, Managing Director at Carnegie Investment Counsel, shares insights on the current U.S. equity market amidst rising trade talk optimism. With key negotiations looming, he discusses the effects of tariffs on global economies, inflation, and the implications for future trade deals. As central bankers gather in Portugal, he highlights the interconnected challenges facing Asian economies and delves into China's economic outlook, particularly its stability amidst uncertainty and influence on global trade.

Shams Afzal, Managing Director at Carnegie Investment Counsel, shares insights on how Federal Reserve rate cuts have propelled U.S. stocks to historic highs. He discusses bond-market signals and the implications of escalating AI spending on corporate investments. Afzal also highlights the Russell 2000's impressive rally and suggests tactical investment opportunities in banking and tech. Additionally, Shuli Ren touches on the potential weakening of the dollar and how tariffs may affect global currency dynamics.

Stephen Dyer, Head of the Asia Automotive Practice at AlixPartners, and Shams Afzal, Managing Director at Carnegie Investment Counsel, dive into the seismic effects of U.S. tariffs on the global auto industry. They discuss Ford's potential price hikes if tariff relief isn’t granted and how Chinese EV maker Xpeng is expanding despite trade tensions. The duo also addresses how tariffs could influence Federal Reserve policies and market stability, creating volatility in Wall Street as investors react to the changing landscape.