Lucas Cheah : With just seven days before the president takes office, I believe Tesla breaking 460 is the scenario to watch. Tesla has been a standout performer, and its ability to consistently innovate and capture market attention makes this milestone feel within reach.
Tesla’s recent developments, from expanding production capabilities in key markets like China and Germany to ramping up deliveries of its next-gen vehicles, have been significant drivers for investor confidence. In addition to this, there is optimism about a more EV-friendly administration, and it is clear why Tesla's momentum could push it past this level.
The company's fundamentals are improving, too. With increasing profitability, strong delivery numbers, and a widening moat in battery technology and software, Tesla is not just riding on hype – it is delivering results. Investors also seem to be pricing in Tesla's potential to dominate the energy and autonomous vehicle spaces, which makes breaking 460 feel like a natural progression rather than a stretch.
Markets are often forward-looking, and as Tesla continues to capture the narrative of being more than "just a car company," this could be the perfect catalyst to propel it past that mark. Whether it’s renewed optimism in green energy policies, excitement over Tesla’s next big announcement, or the sheer force of its loyal investor base, Tesla breaking 460 feels like the most probable – and exciting – scenario.

Lucas Cheah : I foresee $JPMorgan (JPM.US)$ performing exceptionally well in the coming year, and here's why.
First, JPMorgan is a leader in the financial services sector with a diversified business model spanning consumer banking, corporate lending, wealth management, and investment banking. This diversity not only insulates the company during periods of economic volatility but also allows it to capitalize on multiple growth opportunities.
From a fundamentals perspective, JPMorgan's solid balance sheet and consistent revenue streams are impressive. For example, its return on equity (ROE) consistently outperforms peers, reflecting strong profitability. Even with challenges in the broader economy, the bank's focus on maintaining robust capital reserves and managing credit risk has positioned it as a fortress in the industry.
In terms of market position, JPMorgan has a significant edge. Its investment in technology has made it a frontrunner in digital banking, attracting younger, tech-savvy customers. Their scale also gives them access to deal flow and market share in investment banking that many competitors struggle to match.
Lastly, looking at growth prospects, JPMorgan is poised to benefit from rising interest rates, which tend to boost net interest income – a key revenue driver for the bank. Additionally, its global reach and expansion into emerging markets position it to capture growth in regions with high economic potential. The company's ongoing investments in AI and fintech also highlight its forward-thinking approach to maintaining leadership in an increasingly digitalized financial landscape.
With its strong fundamentals, dominant market position, and strategic growth initiatives, I believe JPMorgan is well-positioned to navigate the challenges ahead while delivering solid returns for shareholders.

Lucas Cheah : $JPMorgan (JPM.US)$  Earnings Prospects
1. Key Revenue Drivers
a) Net Interest Income (NII)
While the Federal Reserve's monetary policy has shifted to a lower-rate environment in late 2024, JPM’s NII can still grow due to increased loan volumes in a recovering economy. Lower rates may boost borrowing across mortgages, consumer loans, and corporate credit.
In Q3 2024, JPM reported a 12% year-over-year increase in loan balances, driven by strong demand in commercial lending and consumer loans. If this trend continues, JPM's NII should rise, offsetting the effects of slightly narrower interest margins.
b) Investment Banking
A resurgence in mergers and acquisitions (M&A) is expected as corporations gain confidence in the economic recovery. JPM, as a top-tier investment bank, benefits from advisory fees. For example, JPM advised on several multi-billion-dollar deals in 2024, including tech and energy sector transactions.
c) Wealth Management
JPM’s wealth management division, which caters to high-net-worth individuals and institutional clients, has seen significant growth. In 2024, assets under management (AUM) increased by 8% to over $3.2 trillion, driven by equity market gains and inflows into its managed accounts. Continued growth in this segment could provide a steady stream of fee-based income.
2. Strategic Initiatives
a) AI and Digital Banking
JPM has heavily invested in artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance its services. For example, in 2024, JPM launched an AI-driven platform for wealth management clients, enabling personalized portfolio strategies. AI and automation are expected to reduce operational expenses, potentially boosting the bank’s operating margin.
b) International Expansion
JPM continues to expand its footprint in Asia and Europe, capitalizing on growing demand for corporate banking and wealth management. Its partnership with prominent financial institutions in these regions is expected to drive international revenue growth.
3. Risks and Challenges
a) Economic Slowdown
While the global economy is recovering, any unexpected recession or slowdown could increase credit losses and dampen loan demand. JPM’s provision for credit losses in 2024 was higher than expected due to concerns about a potential economic downturn.
b) Regulatory Environment
Increased regulatory scrutiny could impact profitability, especially in areas like stress testing, capital requirements, and ESG disclosures. For example, heightened stress-test requirements in 2024 forced JPM to set aside additional capital, reducing its flexibility.
4. Industry Comparisons
JPM’s diversified business model gives it an edge over competitors like Goldman Sachs, which relies more on investment banking, or Citigroup, which is heavily focused on international markets. JPM's broad revenue base, encompassing consumer banking, investment banking, and wealth management, makes it more resilient to economic downturns.
In conclusion, JPM is well-positioned for earnings growth in 2025, backed by its diversified revenue streams, strategic investments in AI and digital banking, and strong foothold in global markets. While economic uncertainty and regulatory changes remain, its robust balance sheet and adaptability make it a compelling investment option for those seeking stability and long-term growth in the financial sector.

Lucas Cheah : 1. $JPMorgan (JPM.US)$
JPMorgan, one of the largest banks in the U.S., is poised for steady earnings growth in 2025 due to rising net interest income and strong trading activity. The Federal Reserve's interest rate cuts in 2024 may lead to higher lending volumes, especially in consumer and corporate loans. JPMorgan’s robust wealth management and investment banking divisions will also benefit from a possible uptick in mergers and acquisitions activity.
For example, in Q3 2024, JPMorgan reported strong growth in net interest income, driven by its dominant position in the U.S. credit market. Continued focus on technology investments, such as its AI-powered wealth management tools, could further enhance earnings. However, risks include higher credit defaults if the global economy slows unexpectedly.
2. $Blackrock (BLK.US)$
BlackRock, the world’s largest asset manager, has a strong earnings outlook due to its dominance in the ETF market and increasing demand for sustainable investing products. The global monetary easing cycle could increase equity inflows, benefiting BlackRock’s AUM (assets under management). Moreover, its Aladdin platform, a market-leading risk management tool, provides a steady revenue stream.
For example, BlackRock’s iShares ETF platform has consistently attracted strong inflows, with its sustainable funds growing rapidly year-over-year. A potential rebound in global equity markets in 2025 would likely boost its earnings. However, fee compression remains a challenge as competition in the asset management space increases.
3. $Taiwan Semiconductor (TSM.US)$
TSMC is positioned for significant earnings growth in 2025 due to its leadership in advanced semiconductor manufacturing. As global demand for AI chips and 5G infrastructure grows, TSMC remains a crucial supplier for companies like Nvidia and Apple. Its expertise in producing 3nm and upcoming 2nm technology gives it a competitive edge.
For instance, in 2024, TSMC reported strong demand for chips used in AI and automotive sectors, driving double-digit revenue growth in these categories. Looking ahead, increased investments in data centers and consumer electronics should support earnings. However, geopolitical risks, particularly U.S.-China tensions, could disrupt supply chains or demand.

Lucas Cheah : I am definitely bullish on the robotics and wearable devices industries in 2025! Both sectors are positioned for strong growth due to increasing adoption across multiple fields like healthcare and consumer technology.
In robotics, I am watching companies like ABB for their automation solutions in manufacturing. On the wearable side, companies like Apple, with their advancements in health-monitoring features on the Apple Watch, are exciting to watch as they integrate health data with AI.
What excites me most is how these industries can transform our daily lives—from improving productivity with automated systems to enabling better health monitoring through smart wearables. These trends make them long-term investment opportunities worth exploring.

Lucas Cheah : If this year takes an unexpected turn and breaks away from historical trends, I will count on sticking to blue-chip stocks with a reputation for weathering uncertainty. For example, companies like $Apple (AAPL.US)$ or $Coca-Cola (KO.US)$  have consistently delivered value, even in volatile markets. I will also closely monitor sectors like renewable energy or AI technology, which could see growth regardless of broader trends.
Finally, I will diversify my portfolio further, perhaps by adding ETFs or funds like the $Maybank Retail Money Market-I Fund (MYU0100A2266.MF)$  which I already trust for its low-risk, consistent performance. By focusing on quality and diversification, I am prepared to navigate a year that might not follow the usual playbook.

Lucas Cheah OP mooLIYA : yeah it is in monetary term and not %. I invested around RM 13.6K. Definitely a higher return as compared to leaving it idle in a normal bank current account

Lucas Cheah OP Peter J : I am scheduled to receive the cash dividend tomorrow

Lucas Cheah : Looking ahead to 2025, I am focused on building on what already works for me. One fund on my wishlist is the Maybank Retail Money Market-I Fund, which I started to invest in December 2024. I have had a great experience with it this year—it is risk-free and offers steady returns, which fits perfectly with my investment style. I plan to allocate more to this fund as I prioritize stability and consistent growth in my portfolio. For me, it is about sticking to what aligns with my long-term goals while exploring other opportunities that complement this strategy