Media OutReach
Financial market predictions for 2025 by global broker Octa
‘If you were to ask me what will be the key driving theme of 2025, I would say it will be the after-effects of the U.S. presidential elections’, says Kar Yong Ang, a financial market analyst at Octa broker, adding that Donald Trump’s proposed policies provide more uncertainties than opportunities. Indeed, it is the risk of rising inflation induced by new trade tariffs and immigration policies that separates an optimistic 2025 scenario from a pessimistic one. Before we start analysing the likely scenarios for 2025, let’s first look at the current economic conditions.
Current situation
Interest rates in most industrialised economies are currently 75-100 basis points (bps) below their recent peaks. However, real interest rates (adjusted for inflation) are still positive. As Kar Yong Ang explains: ‘If history is any guidance, interest rates are still relatively high. In fact, I think they are more restrictive than stimulative and will most likely continue to go down in 2025’. In fact, at the time of writing, the fixed income market (interest rate swaps) was implying a further 50 bps of cuts from the Federal Reserve (Fed), 100 bps from the European Central Bank (ECB), 50 bps from the Bank of Canada (BoC) and 50 bps from the Bank of England (BoE). As a result, the monetary policy divergence between the Fed and the rest of the world has pulled the U.S. Dollar Index (DXY) to a multi-month high.
U.S. stocks have performed very well over the past two years. However, the bullish trend in the S&P 500 and NASDAQ is beginning to show signs of exhaustion, especially after the Fed indicated that it intends to slow the pace of future rate cuts.
Gold (XAU) was moving in a very well-defined bullish trend for most of 2024 and set a new all-time high at the end of October. However, the volatility in gold started to increase after the U.S. presidential election brought policy uncertainty. Currently, XAUUSD finds itself in a sideways market, trading range-bound between 2,550 and 2,720, indicating a lack of a clear trend.
Bitcoin (BTC) made headlines in 2024 when its price jumped above $100,000 per coin. A major impulse came in November after Donald Trump’s victory in the U.S. presidential election fuelled hopes of crypto industry deregulation. However, these hopes have not yet been fulfilled, leaving Bitcoin and other crypto coins at risk of a sharp downward correction.
2025 outlook
Macro and the U.S. dollar
Declining interest rates mean that returns on cash (bank deposits) in most industrialised economies will continue to go down, prompting investors and traders to put their money into riskier assets like equities and cryptocurrencies. ‘Another important feature of the current monetary policy outlook is that the Fed’s easing cycle will slow relative to the rest of the world. It means that the U.S. Dollar Index [DXY] will likely remain well-supported in 2025’, argues Kar Yong Ang. However, a lot of bullish factors for the U.S. dollar are already priced in, and the greenback has actually started to look somewhat overvalued. ‘I’m sceptical about further dollar gains’, says Kar Yong Ang, adding that dollar bulls should be very cautious.
If the U.S. plays hardball and implements blanket tariffs, inflation and even recession risks will rise. In this scenario, investors will rush into safe-haven assets like the U.S. dollar, the Japanese yen, and gold and sell stocks and crypto assets.
Equities
Betting on broad-based growth in U.S. equities is dangerous. Instead, traders should focus on specific industries and sectors. The main theme here is the adoption and commercialisation of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Companies that integrate AI into their core operations and invest in AI talent and infrastructure will gain a competitive edge. Therefore, tech companies are likely to perform well in 2025. By the same token, the increased use of AI and data centres is boosting energy demand, so energy companies and utilities are also likely to shine in 2025.
Gold
‘I expect gold to set a new all-time high in 2025. $3,000 per ounce is not impossible. There are too many risks heading our way in 2025, so there will be plenty of demand for safe-haven assets’, says Kar Yong Ang, a financial market analyst at Octa broker. Indeed, gold will continue to remain an effective hedge against key political concerns, including government debt levels, inflation, and geopolitical tensions. Furthermore, central banks’ demand for gold has already supported gold prices in 2024, and there are no reasons to expect this trend to reverse.
Crypto
The latest rally in crypto looks overextended. It has been driven by sentiment and embedded in forward-looking hopes. ‘There is just too much optimism in Bitcoin right now. I think there is a risk of a significant pullback in 2025. But rather than betting on a bearish correction, I would advise using it as a buying opportunity’, says Kar Yong Ang.
Wrap-up
Overall, 2025 will be a year of reckoning as the impact of the U.S. presidential elections unfolds, determining the course of future policy. In the worst-case scenario of an all-out trade war, global supply chains would be severely disrupted, leading to significant price increases for consumers, decreased business investment, and a sharp contraction in international trade. Under this scenario, U.S. equities and most other commodity prices would drop. However, should we avoid the worst-case scenario, global central banks will likely continue to cut interest rates, pulling stocks and crypto assets higher.
Our base case scenario is somewhere in the middle. We expect to see a lot of volatility and uncertainty enter the marketplace, but we also expect key players to sort out their differences and find common ground. The AI transformation trend is likely to continue benefiting tech and energy companies. It is highly probable that XAUUSD will establish a new all-time high in 2025, given the likely continued gold purchases by investors and central banks in response to low interest rates, geopolitical risks, and dollar diversification efforts. The greenback will likely reach a major mid-term peak in 2025, so betting on its continuing appreciation is risky.
In case the regulatory outlook for the crypto industry starts to brighten (as seems likely) and the reshuffling of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) yields productive results, Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana will probably hit new all-time highs—particularly in the second half of the year. Kar Yong Ang, a financial market analyst at Octa broker, concludes: ‘Fundamentally, the outlook for the global economy is actually positive, but it’s rife with uncertainties and riddled with challenges. I bet Forex volatility in 2025 will be higher than it was in 2024, so there will be plenty of short-term trade opportunities for swing and intraday traders alike’.
Hashtag: #Octa
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Octa
Octa is an international broker that has been providing online trading services worldwide since 2011. It offers commission-free access to financial markets and various services used by clients from 180 countries who have opened more than 52 million trading accounts. To help its clients reach their investment goals, Octa offers free educational webinars, articles, and analytical tools.
The company is involved in a comprehensive network of charitable and humanitarian initiatives, including the improvement of educational infrastructure and short-notice relief projects supporting local communities.
In the APAC region, Octa received the ‘Best Trading Platform Malaysia 2024’ and the ‘Most Reliable Broker Asia 2023’ awards from Brands and Business Magazine and International Global Forex Awards, respectively.
Media OutReach
Galaxy Macau Collaborates with “Luzhou Laojiao · Guojiao 1573” Spring Festival Tasting Pop-Up Store Debuts
Experience Exclusive 2025 Yisi Snake Year Baijiu at Galaxy Macau Until March 31, 2025
MACAU SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 18 January 2025 – In the spirit of the Lunar New Year, the world-class integrated resort, Galaxy Macau™ has partnered with the renowned Guojiao 1573, one of China’s most prestigious baijiu brands, to present the first-ever “Auspicious Snake · Guojiao 1573 Tasting Festival” pop-up store in Macau.
The Guojiao 1573 Tasting Festival pop-up store officially opened on January 17 with a ceremony attended by distinguished guests and senior management, including senior management from Mr. Nelson Chan, Executive Vice President of Customer Development of Galaxy Entertainment Group and Mr. Xiang Ye, the General Manager of the Comprehensive Management Department at Luzhou Laojiao International Development (Hong Kong) Co., Ltd., along with Ms. Lucy Siu, Senior Regional Sales Manager and Ms. Shirley Ieong, General Manager of Wai Ming Hong, who gathered to witness this precious moment.
Macao’s First National Liquor Launch
From January 17 to March 31, 2025, two Chinese New Year gift liquors – “Guojiao 1573 · Auspicious Spirit Snake” and “Luzhou Laojiao · 2025 Year of the Yi Si Lunar New Year Gift Baijiu,” will debut at the pop-up store for the first time in Macau.
The design of both exclusive offerings features fine porcelain bottles crafted by Yongfengyuan Guoci. The Guojiao 1573 · Auspicious Spirit Snake, limited to 2025 bottles, is adorned with golden yellow glaze and a spirit snake symbolizing wealth and blessings, with a tail embracing a copper coin. The Luzhou Laojiao · 2025 Year of the Yi Si Lunar New Year Gift Baijiu, features a gold-ingot-topped lid symbolizing fortune. Both baijiu deliver a rich and layered aroma, smooth and soft palate, leaving a lasting impression. They are of great collection value with limited edition for sales. Guests can enjoy tastings of Luzhou Laojiao · Antique Edition and Guojiao 1573 · Classic in the pop-up store, alongside exclusive privileges and limited-time pairing menus.
Exquisite Pairings of Fine Baijiu and Cuisine
From now until March 31, five Chinese restaurants at Galaxy Macau and StarWorld Hotel are collaborating with Guojiao 1573 to present a limited-time baijiu pairing menu. Notable restaurants include Michelin two-star restaurant Feng Wei Ju, Shang Pin Seafood Hotpot Restaurant, Pang’s Kitchen, Putien, and Bei Shan Lou, featuring signature dishes such as Signature Roost Goose, Pan-fried Dalian Abalone, Simmered Softshell Turtle, Crystal Duck with Ginseng Herbal Soup, Braised Soft-Shelled Turtle with Goose. Guests can savor the perfect harmony of Luzhou Laojiao · Antique Edition with various gourmet delicacies. These dishes are paired with specially crafted Guojiao 1573 liquors and Luzhou Laojiao · Zisha Daqu, welcoming the spring with rich flavors and festive spirit, allowing guests to savor the harmonious beauty of strong-aroma baijiu and exquisite Cantonese and Fujian delicacies.
Hashtag: #GalaxyMacau
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
ABOUT GALAXY MACAU INTEGRATED RESORT
Galaxy Macau™, The World-class Luxury Integrated Resort delivers the “Most Spectacular Entertainment and Leisure Destination in the World”. Developed at an investment of HK$43 billion, the property covers 1.1 million-square-meter of unique entertainment and leisure attractions that are unlike anything else in Macau. Eight award-winning world-class luxury hotels provide close to 5,000 rooms, suites and villas. They include Banyan Tree Macau, Galaxy Hotel™, Hotel Okura Macau, JW Marriott Hotel Macau, The Ritz-Carlton, Macau, Broadway Hotel, Raffles at Galaxy Macau, Andaz Macau. Unique to Galaxy Macau, the 75,000-square-meter Grand Resort Deck features the world’s longest Skytop Adventure Rapids at 575-meters, the largest Skytop Wave Pool with waves up to 1.5-meters high and 150-meters pristine white sand beach. Two five-star spas from Banyan Tree Spa Macau and The Ritz- Carlton Spa, Macau help guests relax and rejuvenate.
As the dining destination in Asia, Galaxy Macau offers a wide variety of gastronomic delights, exquisite experiences and ingredients of the finest quality with over 120 dining options from Michelin dining to authentic delicacies.
Embark on a delightful and rewarding journey at Galaxy Promenade, the one-stop shopping destination boasting some of the world’s most iconic luxury brands. Be the first to get the latest limited-edition items; explore fascinating pop-ups by coveted labels and revel in fabulous shopping rewards and privileges. Our VIPs are entitled to a highly-curated experience with dedicated personal shoppers at guests’ service, and be invited to exclusive luxury brand events. A different caliber of privileges and rewards also await. Discover the joys of fashion and stand at the forefront of style and sophistication—Galaxy Promenade has everything guests need to stay ahead of the style game.
Galaxy Cinemas, immersive thrills and luxurious comfort go hand in hand at Galaxy Cinemas. All 10 theaters are equipped with the latest audio-visual technology; CHINA ROUGE, one-of-a-kind deluxe lounge that evokes the glitz and glamor of Shanghai’s golden era with entertainment in luxury and style; and Foot Hub presents the traditional art of reflexology to make you feel more relaxed and revitalized. For Authentic Macau Flavours & Vibrant Asian Experiences, Broadway Macau – just a 90-second walk via a bridge from Galaxy Macau, has over 35 Authentic Macau & Asian Flavours at its Broadway Food Street. The 2,500-seat Broadway Theatre plays host to world-class entertainers and a diverse array of cultural events.
Meeting, incentive and banquet groups are also well looked after with a portfolio of unique venues in Galaxy Macau and a professional service staff. Galaxy International Convention Center (GICC) is the latest addition to the Group’s ever-expanding integrated resort precinct and will usher in a new era for the MICE industry in Macau. GICC is a world- class event venue featuring 40,000-square-meter of total flexible MICE, and a 16,000-seat Galaxy Arena – the largest indoor arena in Macau.
For more details, please visit www.galaxymacau.com,
www.broadwaymacau.com.mo and www.galaxyicc.com.
- Prize money of one million euros higher than the prize money for the Nobel Prize for Medicine
- Award honors researchers worldwide who have done pioneering work in medicine, biotechnology, or related fields
GIEßEN, GERMANY – Newsaktuell – 17 January 2025 – The nomination period for the Broermann Medical Innovation Award has started. The prize, which will be awarded for the first time this year, is aimed at scientists worldwide who have carried out pioneering work in medicine, biotechnology, or related fields with their research.
The nomination portal (www.broermann-award.org/nomination/) is open until March 1, 2025. At one million euros, the prize is more valuable than the Nobel Prize for Medicine, making it one of the most highly endowed awards for medical research worldwide.
The international Broermann Medical Innovation Award recognizes research results that demonstrate a high level of innovation for clinical application and thus have the potential to improve the lives and health of millions of people worldwide. The prize is aimed at scientists whose research has been pioneering in the fields of medicine, biotechnology, or related sciences.
The Broermann Medical Innovation Award was established in 2024 to honor the vision and commitment of Dr. Bernard große Broermann, the founder of the Asklepios Kliniken. The Broermann gemeinnützige GmbH sponsors the award, and the University Hospital Giessen and Marburg (UKGM) manages the organization. “With this award, we want to honor groundbreaking medical discoveries and highlight those whose research brings real improvements in the prevention or treatment of diseases,” says Prof. Werner Seeger, Chairman of the Award Committee. For the Medical Director of the UKGM, Prof. Friedrich Grimminger, the unique prize reflects the clear conviction of the company founder: “Scientific excellence in medicine is always an international team effort, but without the genius of individual researchers, networks are limited in their impact. These key players and drivers of medical innovation should be promoted and recognized worldwide.”
Nomination process and deadlines
Nominations for the Broermann Medical Innovation Award can be submitted until March 1, 2025. The incumbent Hessian Minister President will present the award in December 2025 at the Hessian State Chancellery in Wiesbaden.
Further information on the award, the nomination criteria, and the selection process can be found at www.broermann-award.org.
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Media OutReach
1st APAC Intelligent Finance Forum and “Embarking on Prosperity Journey Together” Partnership Convention Concluded Successfully in Hong Kong
The Era of Intelligent Finance: Innovation Driving the Future
The forum focused on the deep integration of financial technology and artificial intelligence, exploring the transformation and opportunities within the financial sector amidst a new wave of technological advancements. Core topics included:
- Trends in the Development of the Hong Kong Financial Market
- The Integration of AI Trends and Traditional Finance
- Hong Kong Finance in the AI Era
- Global Financial Landscape and Changes in the APAC Financial Market
The forum aimed to promote innovation in financial technology, enhance the Asia-Pacific region’s competitiveness in the financial market, and create a high-level platform for industry professionals to share experiences and explore cooperation.
Prominent Guests Discuss the Future of Finance
The forum invited a number of distinguished guests in the industry, including:
- Prof. David K Ho: Chairman, Global Corporate Scale Management Association
- Dr. Tang Sing Hing: Chairman, Association of Stock Analysts
- Mr. Kwok Sze Chi: Director, Hong Kong Securities Professionals Association
- Mr. Kenny Kit: Renowned Hong Kong Financial Commentator
- Mr. Lam Ka Kei: Director, Meta Securities
- Mr. Qin Liangliang: Director, Fund Services Business Development, CLSA Asia
- Mr. Leo Wong Ka Chun: CEO, Koala Securities
- Prof. Lau, Francis Chi Moon: Honorary Professor, Department of Computer Science, University of Hong Kong
The panel discussions delved into topics such as how AI is disrupting traditional financial models, enhancing capital market efficiency through financial technology, and capitalizing on global economic transformation opportunities in the Asia-Pacific region. The exchange of ideas sparked thought-provoking insights.
Raymond Wong, Market Development Director of OAM Global, remarked, “This forum has elevated the conversation about the future of artificial intelligence and the financial market. We look forward to collaborating with more industry leaders on platforms like this to unlock the unlimited potential of finance.”
“Embarking on Prosperity Journey Together” Partnership Convention: Forging Cooperations for the Future
Following the forum, OAM Global hosted the “Embarking on Prosperity Journey Together” Partnership Convention at 4 PM, co-organized by Grand Koala SPC. Three key MOUs were signed during this event between leading companies:
1. OAM Global & Smart City Development Holdings (HKEX: 8268)
- Combining OAM Global’s expertise in AI algorithmic trading with Smart City Development’s resources in smart city infrastructure, the partnership aims to advance AI-powered computational labs and AI assistants to accelerate the digitization and intelligent transformation of urban infrastructure.
2. OAM Global & Grand Koala SPC
- Collaborating to establish a scalable and efficient investment ecosystem, the two entities aim to achieve sustainable asset growth through innovative financial products and enhanced investor participation, further strengthening the international competitiveness of the Asia-Pacific capital markets.
3. Grand Koala SPC & Koala Financial Group (HKEX: 8226)
- By integrating fund management and securities trading services, the partnership seeks to build a seamless financial ecosystem that enhances asset management efficiency, ensures compliance, and safeguards investor funds, providing robust and efficient services to capital market participants.
Looking Ahead: Creating a New Era of Intelligent Finance
The success of the 1st APAC Intelligent Finance Forum marked an unprecedented integration of AI and fintech in the Asia-Pacific region, opening new opportunities for multilateral cooperation. The event organizers plan to transform this forum into an annual flagship event, further promoting fintech innovation across the Asia-Pacific and expanding its influence to more countries and regions globally, injecting fresh momentum into international capital markets.
Prof. David K Ho, Chairman of the Global Corporate Scale Management Association, commented, “The future financial market will not be defined by competition alone but by the comprehensive integration of technology, services, and resources. We look forward to working together with industry peers to create a new era of intelligent finance.”
The forum’s conclusion represents a milestone in the industry’s evolution, and the journey of intelligent finance has only just begun.
Hashtag: #APACIntelligentFinanceForum
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
-
Feature/OPED5 years agoDavos was Different this year
-
Travel/Tourism8 years ago
Lagos Seals Western Lodge Hotel In Ikorodu
-
Showbiz2 years agoEstranged Lover Releases Videos of Empress Njamah Bathing
-
Banking7 years agoSort Codes of GTBank Branches in Nigeria
-
Economy2 years agoSubsidy Removal: CNG at N130 Per Litre Cheaper Than Petrol—IPMAN
-
Banking2 years agoFirst Bank Announces Planned Downtime
-
Sports2 years agoHighest Paid Nigerian Footballer – How Much Do Nigerian Footballers Earn
-
Technology4 years agoHow To Link Your MTN, Airtel, Glo, 9mobile Lines to NIN