AI-fueled stock surge meets oil’s 10% drop: Is the energy crisis over?

The global market currently presents a study in contrasts: global equity markets have climbed to all-time peaks, largely driven by AI momentum in the semiconductor sector, yet oil futures are on track for their sharpest weekly decline in nearly two months. Market participants are left to wonder if the energy crisis is truly ending and if the stock market surge is sustainable. This episode of Market Focus Weekly, a podcast by The Business Times featuring Oriano Lizza of CMC Markets, cuts through the confusion to provide actionable insights.

Why listen

• Decoding the global market paradoxes The discussion tackles the core conflict driving equity performance: AI hype vs. real growth. And how persistent global inflation is preventing central banks from cutting rates, capping broader economic growth.

• Oil tumble and the lagging consumer The recent 10 per cent weekly contraction in Brent crude futures signals a possible end to high energy prices, driven by hopes of reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Lizza forecasts oil could drop to US$70 – US$75 a barrel once a reopening is confirmed.

• Critical investment signals The East Asian rally is assessed for sustainability, noting Japan and South Korea’s dependence on the AI cycle and vulnerability to central bank intervention.

Finally, the experts analyse the long-term risks for bonds, detailing why 30-year yields at 5 per cent are attracting investor capital and how sticky inflation is keeping bond prices at heightened levels. Get the details of other market paradoxes as well. Listen now.

Discover more episodes at bt.sg/podcasts. Got feedback? Email us at btpodcasts@sph.com.sg.

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Written and hosted by: Howie Lim (howielim@sph.com.sg)

THE BUSINESS TIMES INSIGHTS

Powering Asean's Future 2026

Find out how enterprises are navigating power constraints and sustainability targets

ACCESS THE INSIGHTS

With Oriano Lizza, sales trader, CMC Markets

Edited by: Howie Lim & Claressa Monteiro

Produced by: Howie Lim & Chai Pei Chieh

SEE ALSO

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A podcast by BT Podcasts, The Business Times, SPH Media

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