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Free Malaysia Today
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Free Malaysia Today
Superheroes, slashers and little blue men: what to watch in July
Which of these are you looking forward to watching this month? PETALING JAYA : July is shaping up to be a packed month at the cinema. From long-awaited superhero returns to reboots and sequels – and even a standout local title – here are seven upcoming films to look out for. 1. 'Jurassic World Rebirth' (release date in Malaysia: July 3) Just when you thought the dinosaurs were gone for good, 'Jurassic World Rebirth' brings the franchise back from extinction. This soft reboot is set five years after the events of 'Jurassic World Dominion', and follows a team to the island where Jurassic Park once stood to extract dinosaur DNA, believed to hold the key to major medical breakthroughs. Scarlett Johansson stars as Zora Bennett, a covert operations expert leading the team. Their mission takes an unexpected turn when they come across a civilian family stranded on the island – now revealed to have once housed a secret research facility. 2. '3 BHK' (July 4) Directed by Sri Ganesh and starring Siddarth, this Tamil-language family drama follows an ordinary middle-class family's emotional journey to own a three-bedroom flat, capturing the everyday sacrifices and dreams shared by many households. The film also marks a nostalgic reunion for actors Sarath Kumar and Devayani, who appeared in several popular films together in the 1990s. It's a heartfelt, grounded story amidst this month's bigger blockbusters. 3. 'Superman' (July 10) The Man of Steel is ready to take flight once again – this time under the direction of James Gunn. Known for 'Guardians of the Galaxy' and 'The Suicide Squad', the director and co-CEO of DC Studios has promised a mix of action, heart, and humour. Central to the story is the iconic rivalry – Superman's clash with Lex Luthor, whose intellect and ambition make him one of the most dangerous threats the hero has ever faced. With this film also setting the tone for the new DC Universe, expectations are sky-high. David Corenswet stars as Clark Kent/Superman, with Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor, and appearances from Nathan Fillion as Green Lantern, Edi Gathegi as Mister Terrific, and even Superman's loyal dog, Krypto. 4. 'The Smurfs' (July 17) The Smurfs are back, this time in an animated musical adventure! Rihanna voices Smurfette, who leads the little blue men into the human world to rescue Papa Smurf from the villainous Gargamel and newcomer Rasamel. With the help of new friends, the Smurfs must discover what defines their destiny to save the universe. Directed by Chris Miller ('Shrek the Third', 'Puss in Boots'), the film features a solid ensemble voice cast including John Goodman, Sandra Oh, Natasha Lyonne and James Corden. Kids will love this one! 5. 'I Know What You Did Last Summer' (July 17) Twenty-eight years after the original slasher hit terrified audiences, 'I Know What You Did Last Summer' returns as a direct sequel, with Jennifer Love Hewitt and Freddie Prinze, Jr reprising their roles as Julie James and Ray Bronson. The story follows a new group of friends who, after covering up a hit-and-run, begin receiving threatening messages from someone who clearly knows what they have done. As the situation turns deadly, they reach out to Julie and Ray – survivors of the original Southport massacre – for help to escape the same fate. 6. 'The Fantastic Four: First Steps' (July 24) After one infamous flop in 2015, Marvel's first family is getting a fresh introduction to its cinematic universe. Directed by Matt Shakman ('WandaVision'), 'First Steps' is set in an alternate, retro-futuristic 1960s New York. Find out how Mr Fantastic (Pedro Pascal), Invisible Woman (Vanessa Kirby), Human Torch (Joseph Quinn) and The Thing (Ebon Moss-Bachrach) balance family dynamics with world-saving responsibility. Their primary threat? Galactus, a cosmic force that consumes entire planets, with the Silver Surfer appearing as his herald. Fans will recall that a post-credits scene in 'Thunderbolts' teased the team's arrival, suggesting they may be escaping from a collapsing universe, and hinting at bigger multiversal events to come. 7. 'Macai' (July 24) Malaysian filmmaker Sun-J (Shanjhey) Perumal, of 'Jagat' fame, returns with this Tamil-language crime drama set in the fictional Southeast Asian country of Lingapura. Siam (Karnan Kanapathy) is a drug dealer who loses a stash belonging to a violent kingpin. With no choice but to recover the loss, he ropes in a friend – sparking a chaotic journey that tests their survival and fate. 'Macai' premiered at the International Film Festival Rotterdam earlier this year and was the only Malaysian title in the Big Screen Competition.
Economic Times
02-05-2025
- Business
- Economic Times
Can markets defy historical trends and thrive in May amid global challenges?
Mumbai: Among the oldest Wall Street adages is "Sell in May and go away," although stocks haven't really stuck to that predictably dystopian script lately. Instead, risk assets have often advanced in value through the month. ADVERTISEMENT This time, however, investors are unwilling to brush aside the old jungle proverb entirely amid the ebb and flow on tariffs, their impact on the US economy, and the simmering summer of discontent in the Kashmir Valley. As the month kicks off, the positive mood seen in April hasn't changed. Foreigners have pumped over ₹38,150 crore in the second half of April after remaining sellers in the first part, helping the Sensex and Nifty gain 5% in April. Also, there has been no adverse tariff related news flow the past few days. On Wednesday night, Wall Street indices eked out gains, erasing early gains after the US GDP in the first quarter contracted by 0.3% - the first drip since 2022 - raising hopes the US Federal Reserve might cut interest rates sooner. The S&P 500 and the Dow fell over 2% earlier in the day. Indian markets were shut for trading on Thursday for Maharashtra Day. Against this setting, the market seems poised to be starting trading in May on Friday on a positive note. Moreover, historical data show May hasn't typically been a weak month for Indian markets and have delivered average returns of over 2.5%.But, analysts warn that a runaway rally may be unlikely. ADVERTISEMENT "I don't see a significant upside at the broader index level in the immediate term," Siddarth, Bhamre, Head - institutional research, Asit C Mehta. "At the index level, we might see some trimming, but recent trends don't necessarily support a major correction. In fact, the pattern in recent years shows that May has been delivering positive returns more often than not," he added. ADVERTISEMENT From 2013 to 2021, BSE's Sensex logged a nearly nine-year streak of positive returns in the month of May."I believe we might now see the market range between 22,000-22,500 on the lower side and 24,500-25,500 on the higher side," he said. ADVERTISEMENT With several earnings already out and more to come, investors are closely tracking how companies are projecting growth in the coming quarters. At the same time, global developments particularly around tariffs and geopolitical tensions are adding another layer of uncertainty. 'Going forward, market movement will largely depend on how corporate earnings shape up and how the tariff situation unfolds,' said Gautam Duggad, head of research — institutional equities at Motilal Oswal Financial Services. ADVERTISEMENT 'Geopolitical tensions, especially any escalation between India and Pakistan, could also impact sentiment, depending on developments at the border. At the same time, expectations around the monsoon will begin to take shape as we approach May,' he added. Suresh Soni, CEO of Baroda BNP Paribas Mutual Fund, said, aid the results have been muted and the guidance cautious so far; but the monsoons are expected to be normal. SECTORS Bhamre recommends investors to park their money in large private banks such as ICICI Bank and HDFC. He also recommends investing in life insurance firms and paint companies. With some of the tariff concerns easing, Duggad suggests considering IT stocks and banks. He also feels, consumer discretionary and industrial appear more attractive now, as there are signs of rising discretionary and consumption spending. Duggad sees stocks such as Indian Hotels, ICICI Bank, Titan and Trent faring well going to Soni, with uncertainty around US tariffs investors should bet on domestic sectors like BFSI, consumer goods, healthcare (like hospitals), and industries such as power, cement, and telecom. In contrast, sectors like IT and metals, which are more exposed to global risks, are seen as riskier bets. INVESTMENT STRATEGY Soni noted that the recent market rebound followed an unusual stretch of five consecutive months of negative returns for the Nifty. He said patience will be the key to navigate this market. 'As Charlie Munger said: 'Big money is not in the buying or selling, but in the waiting. Stay invested for the long-term and let the compounding work for you,' said Soni. (You can now subscribe to our ETMarkets WhatsApp channel)
Time of India
02-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Can markets defy historical trends and thrive in May amid global challenges?
Agencies Live Events (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our ETMarkets WhatsApp channel Mumbai: Among the oldest Wall Street adages is "Sell in May and go away," although stocks haven't really stuck to that predictably dystopian script lately. Instead, risk assets have often advanced in value through the time, however, investors are unwilling to brush aside the old jungle proverb entirely amid the ebb and flow on tariffs, their impact on the US economy, and the simmering summer of discontent in the Kashmir the month kicks off, the positive mood seen in April hasn't changed. Foreigners have pumped over ₹38,150 crore in the second half of April after remaining sellers in the first part, helping the Sensex and Nifty gain 5% in April. Also, there has been no adverse tariff related news flow the past few Wednesday night, Wall Street indices eked out gains, erasing early gains after the US GDP in the first quarter contracted by 0.3% - the first drip since 2022 - raising hopes the US Federal Reserve might cut interest rates sooner. The S&P 500 and the Dow fell over 2% earlier in the day. Indian markets were shut for trading on Thursday for Maharashtra this setting, the market seems poised to be starting trading in May on Friday on a positive note. Moreover, historical data show May hasn't typically been a weak month for Indian markets and have delivered average returns of over 2.5%.But, analysts warn that a runaway rally may be unlikely."I don't see a significant upside at the broader index level in the immediate term," Siddarth, Bhamre, Head - institutional research, Asit C Mehta "At the index level, we might see some trimming, but recent trends don't necessarily support a major correction. In fact, the pattern in recent years shows that May has been delivering positive returns more often than not," he 2013 to 2021, BSE's Sensex logged a nearly nine-year streak of positive returns in the month of May."I believe we might now see the market range between 22,000-22,500 on the lower side and 24,500-25,500 on the higher side," he several earnings already out and more to come, investors are closely tracking how companies are projecting growth in the coming quarters. At the same time, global developments particularly around tariffs and geopolitical tensions are adding another layer of uncertainty.'Going forward, market movement will largely depend on how corporate earnings shape up and how the tariff situation unfolds,' said Gautam Duggad, head of research — institutional equities at Motilal Oswal Financial Services 'Geopolitical tensions, especially any escalation between India and Pakistan, could also impact sentiment, depending on developments at the border. At the same time, expectations around the monsoon will begin to take shape as we approach May,' he added. Suresh Soni, CEO of Baroda BNP Paribas Mutual Fund, said, aid the results have been muted and the guidance cautious so far; but the monsoons are expected to be normal. SECTORS Bhamre recommends investors to park their money in large private banks such as ICICI Bank and HDFC. He also recommends investing in life insurance firms and paint companies. With some of the tariff concerns easing, Duggad suggests considering IT stocks and banks. He also feels, consumer discretionary and industrial appear more attractive now, as there are signs of rising discretionary and consumption spending. Duggad sees stocks such as Indian Hotels, ICICI Bank, Titan and Trent faring well going to Soni, with uncertainty around US tariffs investors should bet on domestic sectors like BFSI, consumer goods, healthcare (like hospitals), and industries such as power, cement, and telecom. In contrast, sectors like IT and metals, which are more exposed to global risks, are seen as riskier noted that the recent market rebound followed an unusual stretch of five consecutive months of negative returns for the Nifty. He said patience will be the key to navigate this market. 'As Charlie Munger said: 'Big money is not in the buying or selling, but in the waiting. Stay invested for the long-term and let the compounding work for you,' said Soni.
