Brokerage Account
A brokerage account is a simple investment vehicle for whoever wishes to invest in financial markets. It is managed by a brokerage firm that buys and sells on behalf of the investors. Unlike retirement accounts, brokerage accounts are not restricted, and investors can deposit or withdraw funds. Whether you’re a novice or seasoned investor, you should know about brokerage accounts and their workings, types, risks involved, and charges. The article is a guide about brokerage accounts to help you take wise investment choices and maximise your financial growth.
Table of Contents
What are Brokerage Accounts?
A brokerage account is a type of investment account where one can purchase and sell financial securities such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), and others. These accounts are operated by registered brokerage firms that serve as intermediaries between investors and the market.
In contrast to retirement accounts (e.g., IRAs in the United States), brokerage accounts have flexibility. Investors can deposit or withdraw money at will without any penalties. They are suited for both short-term trading and long-term investment plans.
How Does a Brokerage Account Work?
A brokerage account allows investors to buy, sell, and hold financial securities through a licensed brokerage firm. Once your account is opened and funded, you can access the broker’s trading platform to place investment orders.
The process generally involves the following steps:
- Choose a brokerage firm : Select a brokerage provider based on factors such as trading fees, available investment products, research tools, customer support, and platform features.
- Open your brokerage account :Complete the online application by submitting your identity documents, financial information, and investment objectives as required by the broker.
- Fund your account :Transfer money from your linked bank account using the available payment methods. The deposited funds become available for investing once processed.
- Start investing : Use the brokerage platform to buy or sell investments such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds, ETFs, or other securities. Orders are executed based on current market prices or the order type you choose.
- Monitor your portfolio :Track your investments regularly, review performance, receive dividends (where applicable), and make portfolio adjustments according to your financial goals and market conditions.
Understanding Brokerage Accounts
Brokerage accounts are flexible financial instruments that allow access to the world’s capital markets. Brokerage accounts give investors the opportunity to:
- Invest across asset types such as stocks, bonds (fixed income), and commodities.
- Access research materials and data analytics to make knowledge-based decisions.
- Portfolio management with capabilities such as performance monitoring and tax reporting.
Key Features
- Flexibility: No limits on contributions or redemptions.
- Range of Investments: Includes stocks, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), mutual funds, real estate investment trusts (REITs), etc.
- Tax Implications: Any investment income or gains must be reported as taxable.
Types of Brokerage Accounts
Investors have several options when choosing a brokerage account. Each is appropriate to different needs:
a) Cash Accounts
- The simplest form of account where cash deposits pay for trades.
- No borrowing is permitted; thus, they are less risky.
b) Margin Accounts
- Permit investors to borrow funds from the broker to buy securities.
- Provide greater purchasing power but involve greater risk through leverage.
- Call for interest on borrowed money and margin requirements.
c) Retirement Accounts
- For long-term saving with tax benefits (e.g., 401(k) or IRA in the U.S.).
- Contributions are tax-deferred until retirement withdrawal.
d) Joint Accounts
- Shared between two or more (e.g., spouses or business partners).
- Both have equal access to the assets in the account.
e)Education Savings Accounts
- Special saving accounts for funding educational costs such as school fees.
- Typically enjoy tax advantages.
Risk Management in Brokerage Accounts
Investing always carries risks. Good risk management means that possible losses are minimal when seeking financial objectives.
a) Types of Risks
- Market Risk: Movement in asset prices due to economic factors or political developments.
- Credit Risk: Risk of default by counterparty in debt instrument transactions.
- Operational Risk: Mistakes or breakdowns in trading systems or processes.
Risk Mitigation Strategies
Diversification:
- Disperse investments over asset classes (e.g., equities, bonds) and sectors (e.g., technology, healthcare).
- Geographical diversification minimises exposure to country risks.
Setting Risk Limits:
- Establish maximum exposure by sector or asset class according to risk tolerance.
- Place stop-loss orders to restrict potential losses in unstable market conditions.
Monitoring & Adjustments
- Periodically monitor portfolio performance and rebalance the portfolio holdings accordingly.
- Perform stress testing under presumed circumstances such as market crashes.
Costs & Fees Associated with Brokerage Accounts
It is essential to understand the costs of brokerage accounts to manage investments well.
Common Fees
| Fee Type | Typical Cost | How to Minimise It |
| Annual Maintenance Fees | $50–$75 per year | Choose brokers that waive annual fees |
| Inactivity Fees | $50–$200 annually | Opt for brokers without inactivity charges |
| Trading Platform Fees | $50–$200 per month | Use brokers offering free platforms |
| Paper Statement Fees | $1–$2 per statement | Switch to electronic statements |
| Account Transfer Fees | $50–$75 | Look for brokers reimbursing transfer fees |
Frequently Asked Questions
A brokerage account is an investment vehicle that allows people to purchase and sell securities using authorised firms. Once an account is opened and funded, investors can trade securities such as stocks or ETFs directly through the broker’s platform.
A cash account demands payment in full at the time of trades and involves less risk.
A margin account permits borrowing from the broker to make leveraged trades but carries greater risk because of interest payments and possible losses that are more significant than those of initial investments.
Take into account:
- Investment goals (e.g., short-term trading versus long-term saving).
- Fee arrangements (e.g., trading commissions, yearly fees).
- Tools available (e.g., research reports, analytics).
Compare brokers on these factors before making a choice.
Yes, there is no cap on the number of brokerage accounts you can have from different firms. Having multiple brokerage accounts can further diversify investments by taking advantage of each platform’s specialties.
Options trading involves contracts that entitle buyers to the right (though not the obligation) to buy/sell an asset at a fixed price prior to expiration. Because of its complexity and the risks involved, options are highly specialised items in most brokerage accounts.
Related Terms
- Variable Annuity
- Asset Swaps
- Anchoring Bias
- Alpha Capture
- Bond Convexity
- Compound Yield
- Discretionary Accounts
- Industry Groups
- Growth Rate
- Green Bond Principles
- Gamma Scalping
- Funding Ratio
- Free-Float Methodology
- Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)
- Floating Dividend Rate
- Variable Annuity
- Asset Swaps
- Anchoring Bias
- Alpha Capture
- Bond Convexity
- Compound Yield
- Discretionary Accounts
- Industry Groups
- Growth Rate
- Green Bond Principles
- Gamma Scalping
- Funding Ratio
- Free-Float Methodology
- Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)
- Floating Dividend Rate
- Flight to Quality
- Real Return
- Protective Put
- Perpetual Bond
- Option Adjusted Spread (OAS)
- Non-Diversifiable Risk
- Merger Arbitrage
- Liability-Driven Investment (LDI)
- Income Bonds
- Guaranteed Investment Contract (GIC)
- Flash Crash
- Equity Carve-Outs
- Cost of Equity
- Cost Basis
- Deferred Annuity
- Cash-on-Cash Return
- Earning Surprise
- Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR)
- Bubble
- Beta Risk
- Bear Spread
- Asset Play
- Accrued Market Discount
- Ladder Strategy
- Junk Status
- Intrinsic Value of Stock
- Interest-Only Bonds (IO)
- Interest Coverage Ratio
- Inflation Hedge
- Industry Groups
- Incremental Yield
- Industrial Bonds
- Income Statement
- Holding Period Return
- Historical Volatility (HV)
- Hedge Effectiveness
- Flat Yield Curve
- Fallen Angel
- Exotic Options
- Execution Risk
- Exchange-Traded Notes
- Event-Driven Strategy
- Eurodollar Bonds
- Enhanced Index Fund
- Embedded Options
- EBITDA Margin
- Dynamic Asset Allocation
- Dual-Currency Bond
- Downside Capture Ratio
- Dollar Rolls
- Dividend Declaration Date
- Dividend Capture Strategy
- Distribution Yield
- Depositary Receipts
- Delta Neutral
- Derivative Security
- Deferment Payment Option
- Dark Pools
- Death Cross
- Debt-to-Equity Ratio
- Fixed-to-floating rate bonds
- First Call Date
- Financial Futures
- Firm Order
- Fiduciary
- Current Yield
- Credit Default Swap (CDS)
- Covered Straddle
- Core Position
- Contingent Capital
- Conduit Issuers
- Company Fundamentals
- Commodities Index
- Chart Patterns
- Cash Dividend
- Candlestick Chart
- Callable Preferred Stock
- Calendar Spread
- Buy And Hold Strategy
- Buy The Dip
- Broken Date
- Growth Stocks
- Devaluation
- Withdrawal Plan
- No-Load Fund
- Share Classes
- Valuation Point
- Grading Certificates
- After-Hours Trading
- Agency Bonds
- Breadth Thrust Indicator
- Book-Entry Security
- Speculative Trading
- Bearish Engulfing
- Distributable Net Income
- Market maker
- Cover Order
- Tracking Index
- Core inflation
- Basis Risk
- Barbell Strategy
- Back-End Load Funds
- Baby Bonds
- Average Daily Trading Volume (ADTV)
- Average Directional Index (ADX)
- Authorized Stock
- Auction Rate Securities
- Arbitrage-Free Pricing
- Net Profits Interest
- Borrowing Limit
- Approvеd Invеstmеnts
- Allotment
- Annual Earnings Growth
- Appreciation Funds
- Risk budgeting
- Investment adviser public disclosure
- Algorithmic Trading
- Swing trading
- Dividend Discount Model
- Stock Shifts
- Bullish Descending Wedge
- Price-to-Book Ratio
- Solvency
- International Value Funds
- Small-Cap Value Funds
- Remaining Term
- Callable Corporate Bonds
- Corporate Action
- Trading Strategy
- Spillover Effect
- Registered Bonds
- Government Callable Bond
- Economic Forecasting
- Seasoned Equity Offering
- Investment adviser registration depository
- Sector-Specific Basket
- Treynor Ratio
- Impersonators
- High-Yield Investment Programs
- Debt Funds
- Hammer Candlestick
- Reinvestment date
- Risk Appetite
- Pension Funds
- Price to Book
- DuPont Analysis
- Broad Market Index Funds
- Volatile Market
- Regional Basket
- Stock Price
- Mid-cap value funds
- Large Cap Value Funds
- Portfolio Diversification
- Bond warrant
- Intermediate bond fund
- Moneyness
- Consumer Stock
- Closing Transaction
- Sector Specific Value Funds
- Undervalued Stocks
- Ultra-Short Bond Funds
- Trustee
- Tracking Stock
- Sub-Advised Fund
- Provident Fund
- Sovereign Wealth Funds
- Sum-of-the-Parts Valuation (SOTP)
- Replication Strategy
- Putable Bonds
- Proxy Voting
- Passive Income
- Net Profit Margin
- Diversifying Portfolio
- Gearing Ratio
- Management Fees
- Law of One Price
- Open-ended scheme
- Clone Funds
- Net asset value per unit
- Closed-End Funds
- Capital Gains Distribution
- Coupon Payment Frequency
- Correlation Coefficient
- Crack Spreads
- Annual Value
- Rollover option
- Investment Insights
- Income stocks
- Hang Seng Index
- Fixed Maturity Plans
- Financial Analysis
- Currency Hedging
- Discounted Cash Flow (DCF)
- Currency hedge
- Lump sum payment
- Listing standards
- Proxy voting
- Block Trades
- Automatic Investment Plan
- Automatic Reinvestment
- Portfolio manager
- Net assets
- Bond Rating
- Nominal Return
- Annual Percentage Yield (APY)
- Systematic Investment Plan
- Bearer Bond
- Dead Cat Bounce
- Exchangeable bond
- Issuer Risk
- Inflation Linked Bonds
- Indenture
- Lottery bonds
- Nominal Yiеld
- Sovereign Bonds
- Strip Bond
- Fundamental Analysis
- Bar Chart
- Rally
- Indеx ETFs
- Undеrmargin
- Buying Powеr
- Account Equity
- Whipsaw
- Withdrawal
- Realised Profit/Loss
- Index CFD
- Initial Margin
- Risk Management
- Slippage
- Take-Profit Order
- Open Position
- Trading Platform
- Unrealised Profit/Loss
- Debit Balance
- Excess Equity
- Negotiable Certificates of Deposit
- Prime Money Market Fund
- High-Quality Securities
- Shareholder Yield
- Conversion Privilege
- Tax-Exempt Money Market Fund
- Variable Rate Demand Note
- Cash Reserve
- Factor Investing
- Core-Satellite Strategy
- Fiduciary Duty
- Overlay Strategy
- Long/Short Strategy
- Strategic Asset Allocation
- Tactical Asset Allocation
- Open-Ended Investment Company
- Value Fund
- Load Fund
- Front-End Load
- Fund Family
- Tracking Error
- Short ETF
- Sector ETF
- Replication
- Passive ETF
- Active ETF
- Unsecured Bond
- Real Yield
- Government Bond
- Floating Rate Bond
- Exotic Currency Pair
- Commodity ETF
- Gearing
- Variable Rate Bond
- Treasury Bond
- Scalping
- Subordinated Bond
- Stop-Loss Order
- Ticker Symbol
- Extrinsic Value
- Defensive stock
- Cum dividend
- Cash Secured Put
- DSPP
- Naked Put
- Call Options
- American Options
- Capped Indices
- Bought-deal underwriting
- Bought Deal
- Bulletin Board System
- Board Lot
- Anonymous Trading
- Demand index
- Daily Range
- Debit Spread
- Contingent deferred sales charges
- Closed Trades
- Fair Market Value
- Venture Capital Fund
- Blue Chip Fund
- Callable Bonds
- Back-end loading
- Fixed Income Securities
- Net asset value (NAV)
- Portfolio turnover rate
- Redemption fee
- Reinvestment privilege
- Initial purchase
- Advance payment guarantee/bond
- Income fund
- Subsequent Purchase
- Fund Manager
- Stock Fund
- Floating rate debt
- Specialty Fund
- Dividend stripping
- Series fund
- Credit Quality
- Sector fund
- Acid Test Ratio
- Prime rate fund
- Accumulating Shares
- Resistance level
- CFTC
- Deliverable grades
- First notice day
- Resting Order
- Target Price
- Bid Ask price
- Open Contract
- CAGR
- Passive Management
- Top Holdings
- Leveraged ETF
- Inverse ETF
- Liquidity Provider
- Finance Charge
- Liquidation
- Earnings Guidance
- Spot price
- Trade Execution
- Spot Commodities
- Open interest
- Futures
- Basis grades
- Cash commodity
- Buy to opening
- Short Covering
- Wire house broker
- Volume of trading
- Visible Supply
- Transferable notice
- Open order
- Intangibles expenses
- Buy to Close
- Stock Connect
- Margin call
- Bid-ask spread
- Direct market access
- Deficit interest
- Strong order book
- Economic calendar
- EPS forecast
- Fiat money
- Options expiry
- Adjusted distributed income
- International securities exchanges
- Settlement currency
- Federal funds rate
- Active Tranche
- Convertible Securities
- Synthetic ETF
- Physical ETF
- Initial Public Offering
- Buyback
- Secondary Sharing
- Bookrunner
- Notional amount
- Negative convexity
- Jumbo pools
- Inverse floater
- Forward Swap
- Underwriting risk
- Reinvestment risk
- Final Maturity Date
- Payment Date
- Secondary Market
- Margin Requirement
- Mark-to-market
- Pledged Asset
- Yield Pickup
- Subordinated Debt
- Trailing Stops
- Treasury Stock Method
- Stochastic Oscillator
- Bullet Bonds
- Basket Trade
- Contrarian Strategy
- Exchange Control
- Notional Value
- Relevant Cost
- Dow Theory
- Speculation
- Stub
- Trading Volume
- Going Long
- Pink sheet stocks
- Rand cost averaging
- Sustainable investment
- Stop-limit sell order
- Economic Bubble
- Ask Price
- Constant prepayment rate
- Covenants
- Stock symbol
- Companion tranche
- Synthetic replication
- Bourse
- Beneficiary
- Witching Hour
- Widow and Orphan stock
- Public Float
- Closing Price
- Reverse stock splits
- Quiet period
- Prepayment risk
- Interpolation
- Homemade leverage
- Hyperdeflation
- Hope Credit
- Prime bank investments
- Purchasing power
- Futures contracts
- ESG
- Capitulation
- Intrapreneur
- Savings bond calculator
- Shareholder service fees
- Ticker
- Hyperledger composer
- Insurable Interest
- Human capital
- Sovereign Wealth Fund
- Interest rates
- Horizontal Integration
- Equities
- Subrogation
- Qualifying Annuity
- Strategic Alliance
- Queueing Theory
- Probate Court
- New fund offer
- Procurement
- Minority Interest
- Passive Investing
- Homestead exemption
- Plan participant
- Performance appraisal
- Market cycle
- Progressive tax
- Restricted strict unit
- Correlation
- Commingled funds
- Holding company
- Anaume pattern
- Harmonic mean
- Gordon growth model
- NFT
- Income protection insurance
- Carbon credits
- Commodities trading
- Hyperinflation
- Hostile takeover
- Recession
- Travel insurance
- Federal Open Market Committee
- The barbell strategy
- Savings Ratios
- Money market
- Pump and dump
- Dividend investing
- Digital Assets
- Total Debt Servicing Ratio
- FIRE
- Debt to Asset Ratio
- Liquid Assets to Net Worth Ratio
- Liquidity Ratio
- Personal financial ratios
- Retirement Planning
- Credit spreads
- Coupon yield
- Counterparty
- Taft-Hartley funds
- Stress test
- Sharpe ratio
- Alpha and beta
- Investment advisory
- Stock quotes
- Wealth management
- Variable annuity
- Applicable federal rate
- Asset management
- Automated teller machine
- Payroll deduction plan
- Operating expenses
- Demand elasticity
- Interest rate risk
- Short Call
- Rho
- Put Option
- Premium
- Out of the money
- Option Chain
- Long Put
- Long Call
- In the money
- Implied volatility
- Bull Put Spread
- Gamma
- Expiration date
- Exercise
- European Option
- Delta
- Covered Put
- Covered Call
- Call Option
- Bear Put Spread
- Bear Call Spread
- American Option
- Safe-Haven Currencies
- Lot
- Strangle
- Liquidity
- Pip
- Commodity Currencies
- Short Put
- Volume
- Uptrend
- Vega
- Underlying
- Time Value
- Time Decay
- Theta
- Support
- Risk-Reward Ratio
- Reversal
- Retracement
- Currency Crosses
- Resistance
- Relative Strength Index (RSI)
- Price Action
- Position Sizing
- Overbought
- MACD
- Oversold
- On Balance Volume (OBV)
- Trendline
- Mean Reversion
- Moving Average (MA)
- Inverse Heads & Shoulders
- Heads & Shoulders
- Flag
- Drawdown
- Strike Price
- Straddle
- Double Top
- Double Bottom
- Distribution
- Descending Triangle
- Cup & Handle
- Consolidation
- Candlestick
- Breakout
- Breakdown
- Bollinger Bands
- Bearish Divergence
- Bullish Divergence
- Backtesting
- Ascending Triangle
- Accumulation
- Deferred compensation
- Conflict theory
- Central limit theorem
- Balanced scorecard
- Acid-test ratio
- Variable-Interest Bonds
- Value of Land
- Accrual accounting
- Warrant Bonds
- Withholding Tax
- Analysis of variance
- Umbrella Funds
- Benchmark index
- Annual Percentage rate
- Double Taxation Agreement
- Late-stage funding
- Double Taxation Relief
- Growth options
- Short-term fund
- Debtor Risk
- Investment Policy
- Securitization
- Investment Horizon
- Regional Fund
- In-house Funds
- Intrinsic Value
- Redemption Price
- Yield on Distribution
- Currency Swap
- Index Fund
- Overcollateralization
- Fund Domicile
- Net Fund Assets
- Forward Pricing
- Forward Contracts
- Floating Rate Notes
- Eurobonds
- Equity Hedging
- Encumbrance
- Emerging Market Bonds
- Efficient Frontier
- Listing Rules
- Equity Trading
- Money Market Instruments
- Green Shoe Options
- Share Market
- Growth Plan
- Adverse Excursion
- Accrued Interest
- Market Order
- Accrued Expenses
- Advance Decline Line
- Accumulation Distribution Line
- Target Leverage Ratio
- Acceptance Credit
- Booked Orders
- Box Spread
- Bracket Order
- Balloon Interest
- Charting
- Bullion
- Shadow Stock
- Abridged Prospectus
- Data Tagging
- Serial bonds
- Perpetuity
- Opening price
- Equivalent Taxable Yield
- Optimal portfolio
- Margin stock
- Equivalent Bond Yield
- Performance bond
- Dedicated Capital
- Whisper stock
- Death-Backed Bonds
- Voting Stock
- Deal Stock
- Microcap stock
- Capital Surplus
- Hybrid annuity
- Trading Indicators
- Transfer of Shares
- Investor fallout
- Intermediated market
- Mutual Funds Distributor
- International fund
- Average True Range (ATR)
- Balanced Mutual Fund
- Information-less trades
- Back Months
- Joint bond
- Obligation bond
- Adjusted Futures Price
- Bond year
- Value stock fund
- Overhanging bonds
- Constant maturity treasury
- Expected maturity date
- Excess spread
- Bond swap
- Quantitative tightening
- Employee stock option
- Alternative investments
- Grey market
- Concession bonds
- Accreted Value
- Adjustable-rate mortgage
- Equity Clawback
- Soft Dollar Broker
- Bondholder
- Stagnation
- Replenishment
- Decoupling
- Multi-bagger Stocks
- Lumpsum
- Liquid funds
- Intraday trading
- Holding period
- Focused Fund
- Futures trading
- Dynamic bond funds
- Yen bond
- Broker
- Shopped stock
- Derivatives market
- Secondary stocks
- Screen stocks
- Liberty bonds
- Quarter stock
- Premium bond
- Orphan stock
- Operating assets
- One-decision stock
- Gold bond
- Global fund
- Hypothecation
- Reset bonds
- Repurchase of stock
- Regression analysis
- Refunded bond
- Hysteresis
- Wealth manager
- RevPAR
- REITS
- General and administrative expenses
- OPEX
- ARPU
- WACC
- DCF
- Financial plan
- NPL
- Additional bonds test
- Adequacy of coverage
- Actual market
- Accumulated dividend
- Credit risk
- Close-ended schemes
- Assets under management
- Corporate bonds
- Coupon payments
- Endowment
- Insurance
- Financial independence
- Return on investment
- Annual report
- Investments
- Financial management
- Stock market crash
- Advance refunding
- Accelerated depreciation
- Acceleration clause
- Authority bond
- Heat maps
- Ageing schedule
- Head-fake trade
- Half stock
- Capital expenditure (Capex)
- Global indices
- Balance of trade (BOT)
- Clean price
- Feeder funds
- Passive funds
- Lock-in period
- Gilt funds
- Folio number
- Balanced funds
- Demat account
- Amortisation
- Accrual basis
- Secured bonds
- Revenue bonds
- Price priority
- Perpetual bonds
- Liquidity risk
- Tranches
- Municipal bonds
- Stock Keeping Unit
- Real Estate Investment Trusts
- Prospectus
- Quick Ratio
- Unearned Income
- Turnover
- Sustainability
- Tangible assets
- Value at Risk
- Vertical Financial Analysis
- Retail price index (RPI)
- Preference Shares
- Open-ended investment company
- Ordinary Shares
- Residual maturity
- Quote-Driven Market
- Operating Margin
- Trust deed
- Leverage
- Profit and Loss Statement
- Junior Market
- Affinity fraud
- Base currency
- Working capital
- Standard deviation
- Unit investment trust (UIT)
- Tracker fund
- Independent financial adviser
- Individual Savings Account
- ESG investing
- Day trader
- Actively managed fund
- SPAC
- Redemption yield
- GAAP
- Net profit margin
- GDPR
- GATT
- Fringe benefits
- Fiscal policy
- Escrow
- Externality
- Multi-level marketing
- Joint tenancy
- Liquidity coverage ratio
- Irrevocable Trust
- Line of credit
- Endowment Fund
- Hurdle rate
- Kiddie tax
- Giffen Goods
- Keynesian economics
- EBITA
- Risk Tolerance
- Stock options
- Target-date fund
- Coefficient of Variation (CV)
- Earnest Money
- Disbursement
- Primary market
- Lifecycle funds
- Debenture
- Creative Destruction (CD)
- Bayes’ Theorem
- Amalgamation
- Leveraged Loan
- Adverse selection
- Transferring assets
- Contribution Margin
- Threshold securities
- Accounting Equation
- Hedge Funds
- Stock split
- Fixed-rate bond
- Shares
- Online trading
- Foreign exchange markets
- Fixed annuity
- Trust fund
- Underlying asset
- Quantitative trading
- Stock Market
- Quick asset
- Recovering funds
- Value chain
- Portfolio
- Gross Income
- FAANG stocks
- Net present value
- Mutual fund
- Xenocurrency
- Letter of credits (LC)
- Liability
- Leverage ratio
- Inventory turnover
- Gross margin
- Collateral
- Blockchain
- Bitcoin Mining
- Option contract
- Depreciation
- Inflation
- Cryptocurrency
- Options
- Fixed income
- Being Bearish
- Being Bullish
- Asset
- Commodity
- Exchange rate
- Unborrowable stock
- Reinvestment option
- Insider trading
- Sector funds
- Capital appreciation
- Basis point
- Accrual strategy
- Statement of additional information
- Inception date
- Open-ended funds
- Joint-stock company
- Arbitrage funds
- Riskometer
- Style Box
- Top-down Investing
- Trail commission
- Unit holder
- Year to date
- Zero-coupon bond
- Convexity
- Compounding
- Certificate of deposit
- Trigger Option
- Yield curve
- Price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio
- Zeta model
- Rebalancing
- Individual retirement account (IRA)
- Vesting
- Racketeering
- Private equity
- Market Indexes
- Over-the-counter stocks
- Watered stock
- Bull Market
- Zero-dividend preferred stock
- Term Fed funds
- Value-style funds
- Short Selling
- Thematic funds
- Absolute Return
- Parallel bonds
- Quantitative easing
- Quartile rank
- Leaseback
- Impact investing
- Venture Capital
- Junk bonds
- Hedged Tender
- Buy limit
- Bid price
- Authorised shares
- Defeasance
- Asset stripper
- Auction markets
- Growth-style funds
- Yield to maturity
- Volatility
- Investment objective
- Green bonds
- Cut-off-time
- Business-to-Consumer
- Bankruptcy
- Annuity
- Acquisition
- Turnover Ratio
- Sustainable investing
- Market capitalisation
- Indexation
- Fiduciary responsibility
- Benchmark
- Arbitrage
- Value investing
- Pegging
- Market capitalisation rate
- Face-amount certificate
- Illiquidity
- Garbatrage
- Backwardation
- Backup Withholding
- Lipper ratings
- Investment stewardship
- Equity fund
- Autoregressive
- Average accounting return
- Capital preservation fund
- Buyout
- Average maturity
- Asset class
- Beneficial owner
- Active management
- Weighted average maturity
- Rights of accumulation (ROA)
- Breakpoint
- Expense ratio
- Contingent deferred sales charge
- Exchange privilege
- Bear market
- Asset allocation
- Net asset value per share
- Maturity distribution
- Long-term investment strategy
- Letter of Intent
- Investment grade bonds
- Distribution schedule
- Stockholder
- Return on Invested Capital (ROIC)
- Return on Equity (ROE)
- Return on Assets (ROA)
- Hedging
- Equity options
- Penny stock
- Noncyclical Stocks
- Moving Average Indicator
- Hybrid Stocks
- Equity Volume
- Emerging Markets
- Consensus Estimate
- Cash Settlement
- Cash Flow
- Carry Trade
- Capital Lease Obligations
- Large Cap Stocks
- Mid Cap Stocks
- Common Stock
- Preferred Stock
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iX Biopharma Ltd – Gaining altitude with significant approvals
Brief Overview The US Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) has declared an Emergency Use Authorisation for drugs to treat moderate-to-severe acute pain in military injuries, following a military emergency determination by the US Secretary of War in July 2026. This declaration represents a significant step towards FDA approval and commercialisation for iX Biopharma's Wafermine product. Phillip Securities Research maintains its BUY recommendation with an unchanged target price of S$1.00. Investment Positives The HHS declaration creates a substantial positive development for iX Biopharma's prospects. The company now benefits from inherent endorsement by two US government departments - HHS and DOW - that Wafermine is suitable for Emergency Use Authorisation approval. This dual departmental support significantly strengthens the regulatory pathway for the drug. The Emergency Use Authorisation pathway offers compelling commercial advantages. If granted, EUA will allow Wafermine to be deployed for authorised use by US military personnel before receiving full FDA approval. Crucially, commercialisation via EUA will generate income for iX Biopharma while the Phase 3 clinical programme continues, providing revenue streams during the lengthy approval process. The financial foundation for development remains solid, with iX Biopharma having received a sole-source US$41 million award from the Department of War (DOW) in February 2026 specifically to develop Wafermine for treating moderate-to-severe acute pain. Additionally, the Phase 3 trials will be fully funded by the DOW, removing significant financial burden from the company. Production capabilities are set to expand systematically, with the US production line expected to commence in 1Q27, followed by three additional production lines in 2Q27, positioning the company for scaled commercialisation. Outlook The regulatory timeline remains clearly defined with major milestones unchanged. The company expects to complete the Wafermine EUA submission by 4Q26, with EUA approval anticipated in 1Q27 and EUA production beginning in 2Q27. Phase 3 trial approval is also expected in 2Q27, maintaining the structured development pathway. Recommendation & Target Price Phillip Securities Research maintains a BUY recommendation for iX Biopharma Ltd with an unchanged DCF SOTP target price of S$1.00. The recommendation and forecast remain unchanged despite the positive regulatory developments. Frequently Asked Questions [market_journal_faq] This article has been auto-generated using PhillipGPT. It is based on a report by a Phillip Securities Research analyst. Disclaimer These commentaries are intended for general circulation and do not have regard to the specific investment objectives, financial situation and particular needs of any person. Accordingly, no warranty whatsoever is given and no liability whatsoever is accepted for any loss arising whether directly or indirectly as a result of any person acting based on this information. You should seek advice from a financial adviser regarding the suitability of any investment product(s) mentioned herein, taking into account your specific investment objectives, financial situation or particular needs, before making a commitment to invest in such products. Opinions expressed in these commentaries are subject to change without notice. Investments are subject to investment risks including the possible loss of the principal amount invested. The value of units in any fund and the income from them may fall as well as rise. Past performance figures as well as any projection or forecast used in these commentaries are not necessarily indicative of future or likely performance. Phillip Securities Pte Ltd (PSPL), its directors, connected persons or employees may from time to time have an interest in the financial instruments mentioned in these commentaries. The information contained in these commentaries has been obtained from public sources which PSPL has no reason to believe are unreliable and any analysis, forecasts, projections, expectations and opinions (collectively the “Research”) contained in these commentaries are based on such information and are expressions of belief only. PSPL has not verified this information and no representation or warranty, express or implied, is made that such information or Research is accurate, complete or verified or should be relied upon as such. Any such information or Research contained in these commentaries are subject to change, and PSPL shall not have any responsibility to maintain the information or Research made available or to supply any corrections, updates or releases in connection therewith. In no event will PSPL be liable for any special, indirect, incidental or consequential damages which may be incurred from the use of the information or Research made available, even if it has been advised of the possibility of such damages. The companies and their employees mentioned in these commentaries cannot be held liable for any errors, inaccuracies and/or omissions howsoever caused. Any opinion or advice herein is made on a general basis and is subject to change without notice. The information provided in these commentaries may contain optimistic statements regarding future events or future financial performance of countries, markets or companies. You must make your own financial assessment of the relevance, accuracy and adequacy of the information provided in these commentaries. Views and any strategies described in these commentaries may not be suitable for all investors. Opinions expressed herein may differ from the opinions expressed by other units of PSPL or its connected persons and associates. Any reference to or discussion of investment products or commodities in these commentaries is purely for illustrative purposes only and must not be construed as a recommendation, an offer or solicitation for the subscription, purchase or sale of the investment products or commodities mentioned. This advertisement has not been reviewed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore.

Palo Alto Networks Inc – Highest Sales Growth in 9 Years
Brief Overview Palo Alto Networks delivered 4Q26 revenue and PATMI results that met expectations, with FY26 results at 101% of forecasts. The company achieved 34% year-on-year revenue growth, driven by platformisation and rising demand for AI-driven security solutions. Future growth is expected to be supported by platformisation, AI infrastructure buildout, and AI security adoption through various offerings. Investment Positives Strong organic growth represents a key investment highlight. The company achieved 4Q26 revenue growth of 34.4% year-on-year, marking the strongest performance since 1Q17. This robust growth was underpinned by two primary factors: platformisation, as customers consolidated security spending onto PANW's platform to reduce costs and complexity, and rising demand for AI-driven security solutions such as Prisma AIRS and Cortex XSIAM (AgentiX) amid escalating AI-related threats. Platformisation has driven significant upsell and cross-sell opportunities, supporting strong wallet share expansion and sustaining a net retention rate above 120%. The strategy has proven particularly effective among large enterprises, with deals exceeding US$10mn in NGS ARR growing 50% year-on-year in customer count terms. Top deal wins included telecommunications and payment platform companies. NGS refers to PANW's newest AI- and ML-powered security offerings. Inorganic growth from acquisitions provides additional momentum. PANW has integrated the financials of two recent acquisitions: CyberArk (Idira), which provides identity security for human, machine, and AI identities, and Chronosphere, which enhances observability across applications, infrastructure, and cloud workloads. Idira contributed US$336mn (10% of 4Q26 revenue) and US$1.5bn (13% of FY26 revenue on a pro forma basis), whilst accelerating 4Q bookings growth. The company also acquired Embrace and Console, though these were immaterial to FY27e guidance. Challenges The acquisitions, primarily CyberArk, required funding through a mix of cash and stock, resulting in increased debt levels and higher interest expense. The financing structure also increased shares outstanding in FY27e, which impacts dilution for existing shareholders. Outlook Future growth is expected to remain supported by platformisation and AI infrastructure buildout, with over 65% of NGS ARR from platformised customers and over 120% net retention rate supporting upsell and cross-sell activities. Rising AI capital expenditure is driving more infrastructure to secure and traffic to inspect. Additionally, AI security adoption through Prisma AIRS, Cortex, and CyberArk should benefit from autonomous agents increasing demand for governance, identity security and real-time cyber defence. Recommendation & Target Price Phillip Securities Research has downgraded its recommendation to NEUTRAL from ACCUMULATE, with a higher DCF-based target price of US$346 (previously US$320). The downgrade follows recent share price performance, with PANW rallying approximately 160% from its February low to an August peak of US$396. Frequently Asked Questions [market_journal_faq] This article has been auto-generated using PhillipGPT. It is based on a report by a Phillip Securities Research analyst. Disclaimer These commentaries are intended for general circulation and do not have regard to the specific investment objectives, financial situation and particular needs of any person. Accordingly, no warranty whatsoever is given and no liability whatsoever is accepted for any loss arising whether directly or indirectly as a result of any person acting based on this information. You should seek advice from a financial adviser regarding the suitability of any investment product(s) mentioned herein, taking into account your specific investment objectives, financial situation or particular needs, before making a commitment to invest in such products. Opinions expressed in these commentaries are subject to change without notice. Investments are subject to investment risks including the possible loss of the principal amount invested. The value of units in any fund and the income from them may fall as well as rise. Past performance figures as well as any projection or forecast used in these commentaries are not necessarily indicative of future or likely performance. Phillip Securities Pte Ltd (PSPL), its directors, connected persons or employees may from time to time have an interest in the financial instruments mentioned in these commentaries. The information contained in these commentaries has been obtained from public sources which PSPL has no reason to believe are unreliable and any analysis, forecasts, projections, expectations and opinions (collectively the “Research”) contained in these commentaries are based on such information and are expressions of belief only. PSPL has not verified this information and no representation or warranty, express or implied, is made that such information or Research is accurate, complete or verified or should be relied upon as such. Any such information or Research contained in these commentaries are subject to change, and PSPL shall not have any responsibility to maintain the information or Research made available or to supply any corrections, updates or releases in connection therewith. In no event will PSPL be liable for any special, indirect, incidental or consequential damages which may be incurred from the use of the information or Research made available, even if it has been advised of the possibility of such damages. The companies and their employees mentioned in these commentaries cannot be held liable for any errors, inaccuracies and/or omissions howsoever caused. Any opinion or advice herein is made on a general basis and is subject to change without notice. The information provided in these commentaries may contain optimistic statements regarding future events or future financial performance of countries, markets or companies. You must make your own financial assessment of the relevance, accuracy and adequacy of the information provided in these commentaries. Views and any strategies described in these commentaries may not be suitable for all investors. Opinions expressed herein may differ from the opinions expressed by other units of PSPL or its connected persons and associates. Any reference to or discussion of investment products or commodities in these commentaries is purely for illustrative purposes only and must not be construed as a recommendation, an offer or solicitation for the subscription, purchase or sale of the investment products or commodities mentioned. This advertisement has not been reviewed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore.

Phillip Singapore Monthly: August 2026 – Trading at a Justified Premium
Brief Overview Singapore equities delivered another strong month in August, rising 2.3% for the fifth consecutive month of gains. Banks and industrials led the advance, with bank earnings climbing 13% year-on-year driven by a 40% surge in wealth management fees. Global bond yields are reaching multi-year highs whilst Singapore yields have remained sideways, and market valuations are becoming rich at 17x forward P/E, though momentum continues supported by robust earnings drivers. Investment Positives Multiple sectors are benefiting from strong earnings momentum that justifies the market's premium valuation. Banking stocks show particularly robust fundamentals with loan growth surging 10% year-on-year and deposit flows rising substantially, with CASA deposits up 12%. Capital market activity remains vibrant with SDAV exceeding 30%. DBS and OCBC results beat expectations, demonstrating the sector's underlying strength. Industrials are capitalising on the AI-driven boom in electronic exports, whilst shipyards are seeing improved outlooks as container freight rates jump. The power sector is enjoying rising electricity spreads as LNG prices pick up, and defence companies benefit from ongoing global conflicts and increasing national security requirements. The analyst notes that inflation expectations remain muted with 5-year and 10-year breakeven inflation expectations stable despite rising bond yields. Liquidity remains ample, reflected in US$8 trillion held in money market funds, suggesting sufficient market support. Challenges Several sectors face challenging conditions. Transportation companies are suffering from the reignited Middle East conflict, with the sector declining 11.8%. REITs remain lacklustre amid concerns about a hawkish Federal Reserve, posting modest returns of 0.5% to negative 1.3%. Healthcare faces pressure from payers and currency headwinds, whilst telecommunications confronts ongoing price competition. The REIT sector specifically faces headwinds from expectations of higher interest rates and growing supply of new issues. The pending AirTrunk IPO could absorb US$1.5 billion in liquidity from the REIT sector. Mid-cap stocks have been de-rated following poor IPO performance and the sell-down in UltraGreen.ai, indicating selective weakness in certain market segments. Outlook Despite rich valuations, the analyst believes the premium is justified by growing earnings momentum across multiple sectors. Global bond yield rises are attributed to reversed Federal Reserve rate expectations, stronger global growth, and hyperscaler bond issuance totalling US$250 billion for data centres. The expectation has shifted from two rate cuts to one rate hike. However, the analyst does not expect a bond rout that would derail equities given muted inflation and ample liquidity. Recommendation & Target Price The report does not specify a formal recommendation or target price, but suggests the current 17x P/E premium above the historical 15x average is justified by strong earnings drivers across banking, industrials, power, and defence sectors. Frequently Asked Questions [market_journal_faq] This article has been auto-generated using PhillipGPT. It is based on a report by a Phillip Securities Research analyst. Disclaimer These commentaries are intended for general circulation and do not have regard to the specific investment objectives, financial situation and particular needs of any person. Accordingly, no warranty whatsoever is given and no liability whatsoever is accepted for any loss arising whether directly or indirectly as a result of any person acting based on this information. You should seek advice from a financial adviser regarding the suitability of any investment product(s) mentioned herein, taking into account your specific investment objectives, financial situation or particular needs, before making a commitment to invest in such products. Opinions expressed in these commentaries are subject to change without notice. Investments are subject to investment risks including the possible loss of the principal amount invested. The value of units in any fund and the income from them may fall as well as rise. Past performance figures as well as any projection or forecast used in these commentaries are not necessarily indicative of future or likely performance. Phillip Securities Pte Ltd (PSPL), its directors, connected persons or employees may from time to time have an interest in the financial instruments mentioned in these commentaries. The information contained in these commentaries has been obtained from public sources which PSPL has no reason to believe are unreliable and any analysis, forecasts, projections, expectations and opinions (collectively the “Research”) contained in these commentaries are based on such information and are expressions of belief only. PSPL has not verified this information and no representation or warranty, express or implied, is made that such information or Research is accurate, complete or verified or should be relied upon as such. Any such information or Research contained in these commentaries are subject to change, and PSPL shall not have any responsibility to maintain the information or Research made available or to supply any corrections, updates or releases in connection therewith. In no event will PSPL be liable for any special, indirect, incidental or consequential damages which may be incurred from the use of the information or Research made available, even if it has been advised of the possibility of such damages. The companies and their employees mentioned in these commentaries cannot be held liable for any errors, inaccuracies and/or omissions howsoever caused. Any opinion or advice herein is made on a general basis and is subject to change without notice. The information provided in these commentaries may contain optimistic statements regarding future events or future financial performance of countries, markets or companies. You must make your own financial assessment of the relevance, accuracy and adequacy of the information provided in these commentaries. Views and any strategies described in these commentaries may not be suitable for all investors. Opinions expressed herein may differ from the opinions expressed by other units of PSPL or its connected persons and associates. Any reference to or discussion of investment products or commodities in these commentaries is purely for illustrative purposes only and must not be construed as a recommendation, an offer or solicitation for the subscription, purchase or sale of the investment products or commodities mentioned. This advertisement has not been reviewed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore.

Q & M Dental Group Awaits Inorganic Growth Amid Challenging Operating Environment
Brief Overview Q & M Dental Group's 1H26 results fell short of expectations, with revenue and adjusted profit after tax representing just 45% and 25% of full-year forecasts respectively. The company faced softer-than-expected performance in Singapore and China, whilst higher finance costs from pending acquisitions have weighed on earnings. Despite these challenges, the analyst maintains a BUY recommendation with expectations of seasonal recovery and inorganic growth opportunities. Investment Positives The primary investment case centres on significant pending acquisitions that are expected to drive future growth. Q & M Dental has S$146 million in pending acquisitions of dental clinics across Australia (S$107 million) and Thailand (S$39 million). The acquisition structure involves S$92 million in cash payments and 86.7 million shares valued at S$0.70 each. According to the analyst, these acquisitions will boost earnings per share by at least one cent following the new share issuance. The analyst has incorporated profit-guaranteed earnings from both Australia and Thailand acquisitions into their forward valuations, albeit at a 50% discount to reflect execution risk. Looking ahead, the analyst expects a seasonal recovery in Singapore during the second half of FY26, coupled with improving revenue intensity as the company pursues initiatives to elevate the complexity of dental care services. In China, Q & M Dental plans to launch a new hospital in 2H26, which should support the division's performance. Challenges The company faces significant operational headwinds across its key markets. Whilst reported revenue grew 12.5% to S$99.5 million, this growth was primarily driven by the consolidation of Aoxin Q&M Dental from associate status into China's revenue figures. Underlying performance was weaker, with Singapore revenue declining 1.3% and revenue per clinic in Singapore falling 5.3% due to weak consumer demand. The China operations face particular challenges from government-imposed price controls and subdued demand stemming from the broader economic environment. Aoxin specifically recorded a 21% revenue decline in 1H26, highlighting the pressures facing the Chinese dental market. Discretionary demand for dental services in Singapore proved particularly weak during the first quarter, though some recovery was evident in the second quarter. Outlook The analyst has lowered FY26 adjusted earnings expectations by 30% to S$12.7 million, reflecting the challenging operating environment. However, expectations remain for improvement driven by seasonal factors in Singapore and the launch of new facilities in China during the second half of the financial year. Recommendation & Target Price Phillip Securities Research maintains a BUY recommendation with an unchanged target price of S$0.71. The analyst has rolled forward valuations to FY27 to incorporate the expected profit-guaranteed earnings from the Australian and Thailand acquisitions. Frequently Asked Questions [market_journal_faq] This article has been auto-generated using PhillipGPT. It is based on a report by a Phillip Securities Research analyst. Disclaimer These commentaries are intended for general circulation and do not have regard to the specific investment objectives, financial situation and particular needs of any person. Accordingly, no warranty whatsoever is given and no liability whatsoever is accepted for any loss arising whether directly or indirectly as a result of any person acting based on this information. You should seek advice from a financial adviser regarding the suitability of any investment product(s) mentioned herein, taking into account your specific investment objectives, financial situation or particular needs, before making a commitment to invest in such products. Opinions expressed in these commentaries are subject to change without notice. Investments are subject to investment risks including the possible loss of the principal amount invested. The value of units in any fund and the income from them may fall as well as rise. Past performance figures as well as any projection or forecast used in these commentaries are not necessarily indicative of future or likely performance. Phillip Securities Pte Ltd (PSPL), its directors, connected persons or employees may from time to time have an interest in the financial instruments mentioned in these commentaries. The information contained in these commentaries has been obtained from public sources which PSPL has no reason to believe are unreliable and any analysis, forecasts, projections, expectations and opinions (collectively the “Research”) contained in these commentaries are based on such information and are expressions of belief only. PSPL has not verified this information and no representation or warranty, express or implied, is made that such information or Research is accurate, complete or verified or should be relied upon as such. Any such information or Research contained in these commentaries are subject to change, and PSPL shall not have any responsibility to maintain the information or Research made available or to supply any corrections, updates or releases in connection therewith. In no event will PSPL be liable for any special, indirect, incidental or consequential damages which may be incurred from the use of the information or Research made available, even if it has been advised of the possibility of such damages. The companies and their employees mentioned in these commentaries cannot be held liable for any errors, inaccuracies and/or omissions howsoever caused. Any opinion or advice herein is made on a general basis and is subject to change without notice. The information provided in these commentaries may contain optimistic statements regarding future events or future financial performance of countries, markets or companies. You must make your own financial assessment of the relevance, accuracy and adequacy of the information provided in these commentaries. Views and any strategies described in these commentaries may not be suitable for all investors. Opinions expressed herein may differ from the opinions expressed by other units of PSPL or its connected persons and associates. Any reference to or discussion of investment products or commodities in these commentaries is purely for illustrative purposes only and must not be construed as a recommendation, an offer or solicitation for the subscription, purchase or sale of the investment products or commodities mentioned. This advertisement has not been reviewed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore.

Singapore Aviation Sector Faces Fuel Price Surge and Margin Pressure
Brief Overview In August 2026, Singapore's aviation sector experienced significant declines, with SATS dropping 18.5%, CAO falling 16.1%, SIA declining 11.8%, and SIA Engineering decreasing 1.3%. The sector faces renewed margin pressure as jet fuel prices surged above US$160 per barrel due to escalating Middle East tensions. Despite these challenges, APAC carriers' net margins are forecast to compress from 3.5% in 2025 to 2.1% in 2026, whilst the previously supportive cargo yield tailwind is expected to fade as capacity normalises. Investment Positives Singapore Airlines demonstrated remarkable resilience compared to industry peers, posting a net margin of -1.33% in 2Q26 versus the broader full-service carrier average of -6.78%. This outperformance underscores the relative benefits of SIA's strong fuel-hedging position and diversified network mix, even as the broader sector became loss-making. SIA Engineering benefits from underlying MRO demand, which helped limit its decline to just 1.3%. The company's largest customer, Singapore Airlines, continues working through its order pipeline and receiving aircraft deliveries despite industry-wide OEM backlogs. SIA's fleet is aging, with average fleet age reaching 7 years 9 months as of FY26, whilst the 777-300ER and 747-400F fleets are the oldest, likely requiring increased heavy checks and maintenance work going forward. Air cargo markets present mixed opportunities, with APAC-to-US volumes growing at double digits driven by AI-related demand. Export volumes from the Middle East and South Asia continue growing year-on-year, indicating resilient underlying demand, whilst pricing remains sticky with global blended rates holding in the $2.95-2.97/kg range. Challenges The primary concern is the renewed jet fuel price shock, with Singapore jet fuel climbing back above US$160 per barrel and crack spreads widening dramatically from around US$35 to over US$60 per barrel. This widening has eroded the value of Brent-based fuel hedges, leaving Brent-hedged carriers less protected than previously anticipated. Currency impacts vary significantly across markets, with Japan experiencing a 173% increase in local-currency fuel costs due to yen weakness, whilst China saw costs rise 132% despite renminbi strength. Air cargo rates face normalisation pressure as airlines restore capacity, threatening the cargo yield tailwind that previously cushioned earnings. The EU's removal of de minimis exemptions continues dragging cargo volumes, with Hong Kong-to-Europe volumes down approximately 35% year-on-year and China-to-Europe volumes declining 5-8%. Middle East capacity disruptions, whilst benefiting some routes, highlight ongoing geopolitical risks. Outlook Global passenger traffic growth remains modest at 0.2% year-on-year, affected by US-Iran tensions. Air cargo rates are expected to normalise as capacity is restored, particularly as Middle East carriers' networks, which account for around 80% of India-to-Europe capacity, remain disrupted. The combined Boeing and Airbus backlog reached 16,038 aircraft as of 2Q26, up 6% year-on-year. Recommendation & Target Price Phillip Securities Research maintains a NEUTRAL stance on air transportation amid the renewal of the US-Iran conflict. The report indicates that near-term stabilisation of jet fuel prices and crack spreads is unlikely given ongoing Middle East tensions. Frequently Asked Questions [market_journal_faq] This article has been auto-generated using PhillipGPT. It is based on a report by a Phillip Securities Research analyst. Disclaimer These commentaries are intended for general circulation and do not have regard to the specific investment objectives, financial situation and particular needs of any person. Accordingly, no warranty whatsoever is given and no liability whatsoever is accepted for any loss arising whether directly or indirectly as a result of any person acting based on this information. You should seek advice from a financial adviser regarding the suitability of any investment product(s) mentioned herein, taking into account your specific investment objectives, financial situation or particular needs, before making a commitment to invest in such products. Opinions expressed in these commentaries are subject to change without notice. Investments are subject to investment risks including the possible loss of the principal amount invested. The value of units in any fund and the income from them may fall as well as rise. Past performance figures as well as any projection or forecast used in these commentaries are not necessarily indicative of future or likely performance. Phillip Securities Pte Ltd (PSPL), its directors, connected persons or employees may from time to time have an interest in the financial instruments mentioned in these commentaries. The information contained in these commentaries has been obtained from public sources which PSPL has no reason to believe are unreliable and any analysis, forecasts, projections, expectations and opinions (collectively the “Research”) contained in these commentaries are based on such information and are expressions of belief only. PSPL has not verified this information and no representation or warranty, express or implied, is made that such information or Research is accurate, complete or verified or should be relied upon as such. Any such information or Research contained in these commentaries are subject to change, and PSPL shall not have any responsibility to maintain the information or Research made available or to supply any corrections, updates or releases in connection therewith. In no event will PSPL be liable for any special, indirect, incidental or consequential damages which may be incurred from the use of the information or Research made available, even if it has been advised of the possibility of such damages. The companies and their employees mentioned in these commentaries cannot be held liable for any errors, inaccuracies and/or omissions howsoever caused. Any opinion or advice herein is made on a general basis and is subject to change without notice. The information provided in these commentaries may contain optimistic statements regarding future events or future financial performance of countries, markets or companies. You must make your own financial assessment of the relevance, accuracy and adequacy of the information provided in these commentaries. Views and any strategies described in these commentaries may not be suitable for all investors. Opinions expressed herein may differ from the opinions expressed by other units of PSPL or its connected persons and associates. Any reference to or discussion of investment products or commodities in these commentaries is purely for illustrative purposes only and must not be construed as a recommendation, an offer or solicitation for the subscription, purchase or sale of the investment products or commodities mentioned. This advertisement has not been reviewed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore.

Singapore Banks See Loan Growth Hit 10% as Volume Replaces Margin
Brief Overview Singapore banking shows encouraging momentum with interest rates rising for the fourth consecutive month and loan growth reaching 10% year-on-year for the first time since COVID. Phillip Securities Research maintains an ACCUMULATE recommendation on the sector, highlighting that volume growth is now compensating for what interest margins cannot deliver. The firm has raised target prices for DBS to S$85.00 and OCBC to S$33.20. Investment Positives The strongest positive driver is Singapore loan growth reaching 10% year-on-year for the first time since COVID, with July 2026 showing 9.96% year-on-year growth. This volume expansion is becoming the key growth engine for banks, effectively replacing the contribution that interest margins previously provided. OCBC is demonstrating confidence in this trend by raising its loan growth guidance, signalling management's optimism about sustained lending momentum. The current account savings account (CASA) segment shows robust growth at 12% year-on-year, providing banks with a stable funding base. Interest rate trends are stabilising favourably, with 3-month SORA rising for four consecutive months to 1.14% in August. Whilst this represents only a 1 basis point month-on-month increase, it marks the smallest year-on-year decline in 21 months at 58 basis points below the previous year's level. The analyst has raised profit after tax and minority interest estimates by 1% and increased return on equity projections by 0.7%, reflecting improved operational performance expectations. Banks' financial year 2026 estimated dividend yields remain attractive at 3.9%, with buybacks and capital return dividends supporting return on equity. Challenges The key limitation is that net interest margins are stabilising rather than recovering meaningfully. Whilst SORA has risen for four consecutive months, it remains 58 basis points below year-ago levels, constraining margin expansion potential. The CASA ratio has eased to 20.4% of deposits despite absolute growth, indicating some pressure on the funding mix. Additionally, deposit pricing pressures persist, evidenced by UOB raising its 12-month promotional rate by 10 basis points to 1.40% in August, suggesting that deposit pricing has stopped falling and competitive dynamics remain challenging. Outlook The analyst expects 3-month SORA to hold around current levels through the second half of 2026 estimated, providing stability for planning purposes. The sector outlook centres on volume-driven growth compensating for margin constraints, with banks positioned to benefit from sustained loan demand whilst managing funding costs. Recommendation & Target Price Phillip Securities Research maintains an ACCUMULATE recommendation on Singapore banks. The firm has raised target prices, setting DBS at S$85.00 (previously S$79.00) and OCBC at S$33.20 (previously S$31.70), based on higher loan growth expectations and improved profit estimates. The analyst prefers DBS for its fixed dividend per share policy and raised financial year 2026 estimated guidance, and OCBC for its wealth momentum and remaining capital return potential. Frequently Asked Questions [market_journal_faq] This article has been auto-generated using PhillipGPT. It is based on a report by a Phillip Securities Research analyst. Disclaimer These commentaries are intended for general circulation and do not have regard to the specific investment objectives, financial situation and particular needs of any person. Accordingly, no warranty whatsoever is given and no liability whatsoever is accepted for any loss arising whether directly or indirectly as a result of any person acting based on this information. You should seek advice from a financial adviser regarding the suitability of any investment product(s) mentioned herein, taking into account your specific investment objectives, financial situation or particular needs, before making a commitment to invest in such products. Opinions expressed in these commentaries are subject to change without notice. Investments are subject to investment risks including the possible loss of the principal amount invested. The value of units in any fund and the income from them may fall as well as rise. Past performance figures as well as any projection or forecast used in these commentaries are not necessarily indicative of future or likely performance. Phillip Securities Pte Ltd (PSPL), its directors, connected persons or employees may from time to time have an interest in the financial instruments mentioned in these commentaries. The information contained in these commentaries has been obtained from public sources which PSPL has no reason to believe are unreliable and any analysis, forecasts, projections, expectations and opinions (collectively the “Research”) contained in these commentaries are based on such information and are expressions of belief only. PSPL has not verified this information and no representation or warranty, express or implied, is made that such information or Research is accurate, complete or verified or should be relied upon as such. Any such information or Research contained in these commentaries are subject to change, and PSPL shall not have any responsibility to maintain the information or Research made available or to supply any corrections, updates or releases in connection therewith. In no event will PSPL be liable for any special, indirect, incidental or consequential damages which may be incurred from the use of the information or Research made available, even if it has been advised of the possibility of such damages. The companies and their employees mentioned in these commentaries cannot be held liable for any errors, inaccuracies and/or omissions howsoever caused. Any opinion or advice herein is made on a general basis and is subject to change without notice. The information provided in these commentaries may contain optimistic statements regarding future events or future financial performance of countries, markets or companies. You must make your own financial assessment of the relevance, accuracy and adequacy of the information provided in these commentaries. Views and any strategies described in these commentaries may not be suitable for all investors. Opinions expressed herein may differ from the opinions expressed by other units of PSPL or its connected persons and associates. Any reference to or discussion of investment products or commodities in these commentaries is purely for illustrative purposes only and must not be construed as a recommendation, an offer or solicitation for the subscription, purchase or sale of the investment products or commodities mentioned. This advertisement has not been reviewed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore.

Apple Launches First Foldable iPhone Amid Pricing and AI Challenges
Brief Overview Apple held its "Surprise and Shine" event on 9 September, launching several new products including its first foldable smartphone, the iPhone Duo. The iPhone Duo starts at US$1,999, whilst the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max received US$100 price increases to US$1,199 and US$1,299 respectively. Phillip Securities Research maintains a REDUCE recommendation with a raised target price of US$300, citing concerns over demand sustainability and AI execution despite expecting strong initial demand. Investment Positives The introduction of the iPhone Duo creates an entirely new price tier above the Pro Max, which should provide further support to iPhone average selling prices (ASPs). The analyst expects the new product lineup to generate strong initial demand, particularly for the iPhone Duo due to its novelty factor as Apple's first foldable smartphone. The pricing strategy across the range, including US$100 price increases for the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max models, is expected to strengthen the overall product mix. This has prompted the analyst to raise FY27e revenue and PATMI estimates by 1% and 2% respectively, reflecting the anticipated benefits of higher iPhone ASPs and an improved product mix following the iPhone Duo launch and Pro lineup price increases. Challenges The sustainability of demand at these increasingly premium price points remains untested and represents a key concern for the investment outlook. The analyst notes that AI remains the weaker component of Apple's investment story, with execution and adoption likely to determine whether Apple Intelligence becomes a meaningful driver of replacement cycles. Several near-term headwinds weigh on the company's prospects, including supply constraints, rising memory costs, and AI regulations. Significantly, there is currently no clear evidence that Apple Intelligence is meaningfully driving product upgrades, which undermines a key potential growth catalyst. Outlook The outlook remains complicated despite the exciting new foldable product launch. Whilst strong initial demand is expected, particularly for the innovative iPhone Duo, the combination of unproven demand sustainability at premium price points and weak AI positioning creates uncertainty. The success of the product launches will likely depend on consumer acceptance of higher pricing and the eventual effectiveness of Apple Intelligence in driving upgrade cycles. Recommendation & Target Price Phillip Securities Research maintains a REDUCE recommendation on Apple Inc. The DCF target price has been increased to US$300 from the previous US$290, based on higher expected iPhone ASPs and stronger product mix. The WACC of 6.5% and terminal growth rate of 3.5% remain unchanged. Frequently Asked Questions [market_journal_faq] This article has been auto-generated using PhillipGPT. It is based on a report by a Phillip Securities Research analyst. Disclaimer These commentaries are intended for general circulation and do not have regard to the specific investment objectives, financial situation and particular needs of any person. Accordingly, no warranty whatsoever is given and no liability whatsoever is accepted for any loss arising whether directly or indirectly as a result of any person acting based on this information. You should seek advice from a financial adviser regarding the suitability of any investment product(s) mentioned herein, taking into account your specific investment objectives, financial situation or particular needs, before making a commitment to invest in such products. Opinions expressed in these commentaries are subject to change without notice. Investments are subject to investment risks including the possible loss of the principal amount invested. The value of units in any fund and the income from them may fall as well as rise. Past performance figures as well as any projection or forecast used in these commentaries are not necessarily indicative of future or likely performance. Phillip Securities Pte Ltd (PSPL), its directors, connected persons or employees may from time to time have an interest in the financial instruments mentioned in these commentaries. The information contained in these commentaries has been obtained from public sources which PSPL has no reason to believe are unreliable and any analysis, forecasts, projections, expectations and opinions (collectively the “Research”) contained in these commentaries are based on such information and are expressions of belief only. PSPL has not verified this information and no representation or warranty, express or implied, is made that such information or Research is accurate, complete or verified or should be relied upon as such. Any such information or Research contained in these commentaries are subject to change, and PSPL shall not have any responsibility to maintain the information or Research made available or to supply any corrections, updates or releases in connection therewith. In no event will PSPL be liable for any special, indirect, incidental or consequential damages which may be incurred from the use of the information or Research made available, even if it has been advised of the possibility of such damages. The companies and their employees mentioned in these commentaries cannot be held liable for any errors, inaccuracies and/or omissions howsoever caused. Any opinion or advice herein is made on a general basis and is subject to change without notice. The information provided in these commentaries may contain optimistic statements regarding future events or future financial performance of countries, markets or companies. You must make your own financial assessment of the relevance, accuracy and adequacy of the information provided in these commentaries. Views and any strategies described in these commentaries may not be suitable for all investors. Opinions expressed herein may differ from the opinions expressed by other units of PSPL or its connected persons and associates. Any reference to or discussion of investment products or commodities in these commentaries is purely for illustrative purposes only and must not be construed as a recommendation, an offer or solicitation for the subscription, purchase or sale of the investment products or commodities mentioned. This advertisement has not been reviewed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore.

Beyond The Usual Markets: Discover Kazakhstan
A Closer Look At Kazakhstan As Kazakhstan gains popularity as a travel destination across Central Asia, attention is slowly shifting from tourism to opportunity. What many don’t realise is that the same country attracting visitors today is also offering high-yield, under-owned investment opportunities that global markets have yet to fully price in. Most investors today are crowded into the same trades — US tech, India growth, or China recovery. But some of the most compelling opportunities are often found where few are looking. Kazakhstan is one of those markets. It is not a headline market. It is not widely covered. But that’s exactly where its opportunity lies. This article breaks down why Kazakhstan deserves a place in your portfolio — and how you can actually invest in it. Why Kazakhstan, And Why Now? Kazakhstan is the world's ninth-largest country by area, the world's largest uranium producer, and a top-ten oil exporter. Its stock exchange, Kazakhstan Stock Exchange (KASE), has quietly delivered 40% returns over the past 12 months, beating most developed and emerging markets. Yet non-residents account for just 8.3% of trading volume. The institutional wave has not arrived yet. We believe this represents a genuine early-mover window. The Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC), modelled on Dubai's DIFC and backed by a 2026–2028 strategy to attract sovereign wealth funds and global pension capital, has already channelled $21.5 billion in structured investment since inception, including $7.2 billion in 2025 alone. The infrastructure is being built to handle institutional money at scale. The question is whether your portfolio is positioned before that happens. Four Reasons This Market Stands Out Exceptional Income Yield Halyk Bank, Kazakhstan's largest lender, offers a dividend yield of 11–13% — ranking in the top 1% of banks globally. Other KASE names offer 6–10%. At a P/E of ~4×, income investors are being paid to wait. Tax-Efficient By Design Dividends and capital gains from actively-traded KASE-listed shares can attract 0% withholding tax (WHT) for foreign investors — a structure that is genuinely rare among emerging or frontier markets. Real Economic Growth GDP grew 6.5% in 2025 — the fastest pace since 2011 — driven by record oil output, infrastructure investment, and the expansion of trade corridor logistics linking China to Europe. Critical Minerals Optionality Kazakhstan holds 12% of global uranium reserves and is a major copper and rare earth producer. As supply chains diversify away from single-country concentration, this positions KZ as the critical minerals hub of the next decade. The Tax Advantage: Plain And Simple Kazakhstan's tax regime for foreign investors in listed equities is one of the most favourable we have seen in any comparable market. Here is what matters most when investing through our platform. Dividends — 0% Withholding Tax (WHT) Shares that are actively traded on KASE (meeting monthly volume and transaction thresholds) qualify for a full withholding tax exemption on dividends for foreign investors. You may confirm your status with our Global Markets Desk before each position. Capital Gains — 0% For Individuals Non-resident individuals pay zero tax on capital gains from shares traded on the open market via KASE. For legal entities, gains are exempt after a 3-year holding period in non-subsoil-user companies. 53 Double-Tax Treaties Kazakhstan's double tax treaty (DTT) network covers Singapore, the US, UK, Germany, and most EU states. Investors from treaty countries benefit from further protection and potential rate reductions on non-exempt income. Tax-related information provided is for general guidance only. Please consult your tax advisor for confirmation and clarification. Five Stocks To Start With These five names represent the most liquid, transparent, and well-covered companies on KASE across five distinct sectors. Each was chosen for accessibility and suitability for investors new to the market. Risks To Keep In Mind Tenge Depreciation KZT forecast at 600–610 per USD by end-2026. At HSBK's 13% yield, the income more than offsets expected FX drag. For capital-focused positions (AIRA, KMGZ), the buffer is thinner. Oil Price Sensitivity Kazakhstan remains highly sensitive to oil prices, with crude strength supporting fiscal revenues, the tenge and KMGZ earnings. With Brent currently above USD 100/barrel, the oil-price backdrop is supportive of Kazakhstan’s macro outlook and energy sector profitability. However, a sustained reversal in crude prices would remain a key downside risk given the economy’s continued reliance on hydrocarbons. Liquidity And Order Depth Outside HSBK and KMGZ, order books can be thin. Always use limit orders on KZTO, KCEL, AIRA, and ASBN. Do not place market orders on mid-cap names — you risk moving the price against yourself before the order fills. Trade Kazakhstan With POEMS Kazakhstan-listed shares are now available for online trading through POEMS. Trading Hours (SGT) Pre-Opening Session 2:20PM – 2:30PM Main Continuous Session 2:30PM – 8:30PM For more information, visit POEMS or contact our Global Markets Desk at talktoglobalmarkets@phillip.com.sg. Make Kazakhstan Part Of Your Global Market View Explore Kazakhstan on POEMS and discover opportunities across KASE. Trade Kazakhstan ↗ Open An Account Now! DisclaimerDisclaimer These commentaries are intended for general circulation and do not have regard to the specific investment objectives, financial situation and particular needs of any person. Accordingly, no warranty whatsoever is given and no liability whatsoever is accepted for any loss arising whether directly or indirectly as a result of any person acting based on this information. You should seek advice from a financial adviser regarding the suitability of any investment product(s) mentioned herein, taking into account your specific investment objectives, financial situation or particular needs, before making a commitment to invest in such products. Opinions expressed in these commentaries are subject to change without notice. Investments are subject to investment risks including the possible loss of the principal amount invested. The value of units in any fund and the income from them may fall as well as rise. Past performance figures as well as any projection or forecast used in these commentaries are not necessarily indicative of future or likely performance. Phillip Securities Pte Ltd (PSPL), its directors, connected persons or employees may from time to time have an interest in the financial instruments mentioned in these commentaries. The information contained in these commentaries has been obtained from public sources which PSPL has no reason to believe are unreliable and any analysis, forecasts, projections, expectations and opinions (collectively the “Research”) contained in these commentaries are based on such information and are expressions of belief only. PSPL has not verified this information and no representation or warranty, express or implied, is made that such information or Research is accurate, complete or verified or should be relied upon as such. Any such information or Research contained in these commentaries are subject to change, and PSPL shall not have any responsibility to maintain the information or Research made available or to supply any corrections, updates or releases in connection therewith. In no event will PSPL be liable for any special, indirect, incidental or consequential damages which may be incurred from the use of the information or Research made available, even if it has been advised of the possibility of such damages. The companies and their employees mentioned in these commentaries cannot be held liable for any errors, inaccuracies and/or omissions howsoever caused. Any opinion or advice herein is made on a general basis and is subject to change without notice. The information provided in these commentaries may contain optimistic statements regarding future events or future financial performance of countries, markets or companies. You must make your own financial assessment of the relevance, accuracy and adequacy of the information provided in these commentaries. Views and any strategies described in these commentaries may not be suitable for all investors. Opinions expressed herein may differ from the opinions expressed by other units of PSPL or its connected persons and associates. Any reference to or discussion of investment products or commodities in these commentaries is purely for illustrative purposes only and must not be construed as a recommendation, an offer or solicitation for the subscription, purchase or sale of the investment products or commodities mentioned. This advertisement has not been reviewed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore.












