Bloomberg Daybreak: Asia Edition

Kunjan Sabani, a senior semiconductor analyst, provides insights on NVIDIA's earnings and the challenges of balancing supply and demand amid shifting China relations. Jen Bartaschus discusses Target's adaptive strategies in a tough retail environment, while elaborating on Walmart's competitive edge. Suzanne Lynch analyzes the European Business Summit's focus on regulatory issues and EU competitiveness. Paul Jackson highlights Japan's anticipated GDP contraction and the impacts of tariffs and a weak yen on the economy.

In this discussion, Jane Fraser, CEO of Citi, shares insights on the bank's growth in China, emphasizing their strategy of innovation and client navigation amid US-China tensions. Michael Green, Chief Strategist at Simplify Asset Management, analyzes the recent tech stock sell-off and inflation dynamics, cautioning about risks in private credit and AI financing. They delve into the importance of a strong balance sheet and the impact of Federal Reserve policies, while exploring the future potential of AI in financial services.

Yifan Hu, Chief Investment Officer at UBS Wealth Management, shares insights on China's projected 2025 GDP growth and the impact of AI on jobs and industries. He notes that while industrial output and AI-driven sectors may lead the recovery, property challenges persist. Mike Dixon from Horizon Investments analyzes U.S. market trends post-government shutdown, highlighting Cisco's AI momentum and the importance of upcoming economic data for Fed decisions. He recommends small and mid-cap investments and emphasizes global exposure, particularly in China.

Xi Qiao, a UBS managing director, discusses the remarkable surge in China's Singles Day sales, driven by consumer demand despite deflation worries. He predicts that a potential U.S. government reopening and Fed cuts could positively impact Asian markets. Meanwhile, Dean Smith from Folio Beyond analyzes market rotation towards drug stocks and the risks tied to AI valuations and debt financing. They both highlight emerging markets as attractive investment opportunities amid shifting global dynamics.

Kurt Campbell, co-founder of The Asia Group and former U.S. deputy assistant secretary of state, discusses the potential thaw in U.S.-India trade relations, revealing that negotiators are close to a substantial deal. Chuck Cumello, President of Essex Financial, provides insights into the recent stock rally driven by optimism surrounding the U.S. government shutdown and the resurgence of tech stocks. They explore macroeconomic implications, the balancing act of U.S. diplomacy in South Asia, and investment strategies in a changing financial landscape.

Paul Dobson, Bloomberg's Executive Editor for Asia Markets, shares insights from Singapore on market reactions to the nearing end of the US government shutdown. He discusses tech stock volatility, the impacts of AI narratives on Asian markets, and the concentration risks involved. Chris Carey from Carnegie Investment Counsel highlights the economic ramifications of the shutdown, emphasizing delays in crucial job and inflation data, and suggests strategies like diversification amidst uncertainties. Both delve into the ongoing challenges facing the Federal Reserve's decision-making.

Geetha Ranganathan, a media analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence, teams up with Paul Sweeney, a veteran media sector reporter, to dissect Disney's earnings and the streaming landscape. They dive into ESPN's challenge of balancing linear and streaming audiences. Meanwhile, Sofia Orta e Costa shares insights on Portugal's Web Summit, highlighting the nation's tech strategy and the impact of massive data center investments. Catherine Lim analyzes China Singles’ Day, discussing consumer trends and the effect of government support on retail dynamics.

Pruksa Iamthongthong, Head of Equities at Aberdeen Investments, dives into AI valuations, semiconductor supply chain dynamics, and emerging Asian investment opportunities, emphasizing a brighter 2026 outlook despite current fluctuations. Clark Geranen, Chief Market Strategist at CalBay Investments, discusses the recent market pullback and investor concerns over high valuations and concentrated voting power in Tesla’s $1 trillion pay package for Elon Musk. They also analyze the resilience of the U.S. consumer amid shifting Fed policies and economic risks.

Mark Cranfield, a Bloomberg Markets Live strategist in Singapore, delves into the Supreme Court's skepticism about Trump's tariffs and their limited impact on Asia. He explores Japan's stock rally driven by weak yen and government stimulus. Robert Schein, Chief Investment Officer at Blanke Schein Wealth Management, discusses the recovery of US tech and semiconductor sectors, advising on stock selection in the AI space. Both guests highlight market implications of Fed policies and the importance of strategic cash positioning in a volatile environment.

Anna Wu, a cross-asset investment specialist at VanEck, discusses the struggles of Asian tech valuations and highlights opportunities in energy and nuclear sectors amid rising AI demand. Sandeep Malhotra, Executive VP at Mastercard, dives into how AI and tokenization are transforming payments in Asia, emphasizing fraud prevention and real-time transaction capabilities. He also reveals the importance of partnerships and adapting to evolving consumer behaviors in shaping the future of payments across the region.