US Tech Stocks: Still Worth Buying in 2025?

 

Introduction: Is the Tech Hype Over — Or Just Beginning?

It’s 2025, and US tech stocks are back in the spotlight.

After a volatile few years marked by rate hikes, AI disruption, and macro uncertainty — the Nasdaq has rebounded strongly. Some big names even hit new all-time highs.

But is it still worth investing in tech?
Or have we already missed the boat?

For Malaysians watching from the sidelines (or holding a few US stock positions already), this post unpacks the current tech landscape — the upside, the risks, and how to get started smartly in 2025.

1. Tech Stocks: Quick Recap of Recent Years

Here’s how things have unfolded:

Year	Major Events	Market Impact
2021	Tech boom continues post-COVID	Nasdaq +21%
2022	Inflation + rate hikes hit valuations	Nasdaq -33%
2023	Recovery begins, AI narrative builds	Nasdaq +43%
2024	Generative AI explodes, chipmakers rally	Big tech leads recovery
2025	AI productivity starts delivering results	Selective tech outperforms S&P 500

Big winners like Nvidia, Microsoft, Meta, and AMD have driven much of the gains — but even less hyped companies like ServiceNow, Snowflake, and Arm are growing fast.

2. Why US Tech Still Has Room to Run in 2025

🚀 1. AI Adoption Moving from Hype to Productivity

AI was last year’s buzzword — but in 2025, it’s becoming mainstream in business ops.

• Enterprises are integrating AI to reduce costs, streamline hiring, and boost output

• Companies building foundational models (OpenAI, Anthropic) are getting big investments

• Hardware (GPUs, data center chips) continues to be in hot demand

Malaysia’s own tech firms are riding this demand via the semiconductor supply chain.

🌍 2. Global Demand for US Tech Products Still Strong

Despite geopolitical tensions and some reshoring, US firms dominate:

• Cloud services (Amazon, Google, Microsoft)

• AI tools and platforms

• Software-as-a-Service (SaaS)

Their global customer base ensures resilience even when local economies slow.

💡 3. Innovation Keeps Flowing

The US tech sector remains a magnet for talent and capital.
Trends worth watching:

• AI + robotics (Boston Dynamics, Tesla)

• Quantum computing (IBM, IonQ)

• AR/VR (Apple Vision Pro rollout)

• Renewable tech + smart grid (Tesla, Enphase)

Investing in tech is a bet on future productivity, not just short-term earnings.

3. What Malaysians Should Consider Before Investing

🔁 Currency Risk

US investments are in USD — if the Ringgit weakens further, your returns in MYR improve.
But if USD drops, your gains may shrink.

✅ Tip: Use platforms like StashAway, Syfe, Wahed to invest in USD-denominated ETFs. These platforms help manage FX conversion and fees automatically.

🧠 Knowledge & Emotional Readiness

Tech stocks are volatile.

If you panic during a 10% dip — tech may not be for you.
But if you understand the long-term thesis and ride the waves — tech can be hugely rewarding.

4. How to Get Exposure to US Tech Stocks

🔹 Direct Stocks (via brokers like IBKR, Moomoo, Rakuten US)

You can buy:

• Individual companies (Apple, Nvidia, Meta)

• But you must do your own analysis

🔹 Tech-Focused ETFs

ETF Name	Exposure	Ticker	Annual Return (5Y Avg)
Invesco QQQ	Top 100 Nasdaq stocks	QQQ	~16%
Vanguard Info Tech	Broad tech industry	VGT	~18%
Global X Robotics	Automation + AI	BOTZ	~12%
ARK Innovation	Disruptive tech (high risk)	ARKK	~10% (high volatility)

✅ ETFs are great for diversification and hands-off investing.

5. Case Study: Investing with RM1,000 Monthly

Let’s say you start now, investing RM1,000/month into a tech ETF like QQQ.

At an average return of 10%:

Time Horizon	Total Invested	Portfolio Value
5 years	RM60,000	~RM77,000
10 years	RM120,000	~RM190,000
20 years	RM240,000	~RM590,000

💡 Investing in tech is less about “timing” and more about time in the market.

6. But What About the Risks?

Tech investing isn’t risk-free.

🔻 Valuation Risk

Some stocks still trade at high P/E ratios — any slowdown may hit them hard.

🌐 Geopolitical Risk

US-China tensions, export restrictions, or cybersecurity regulations could impact global operations.

🧮 Regulatory Risk

Antitrust pressure is building on big tech (especially Meta, Google, Apple) from US and EU regulators.

✅ Don’t go “all-in” on a single name. Diversify with ETFs or across sectors.

7. Should You Still Buy Now — or Wait?

Yes, valuations have risen — but waiting forever for a “crash” often means missing the gains.

✅ Best approach?

• Start small

• DCA monthly

• Rebalance your portfolio every 6–12 months

Don’t try to guess the top or bottom. Ride the trend with discipline.

8. Should Malaysians Worry About Withholding Tax?

Yes, US dividends are subject to 30% withholding tax.

Example:

• Apple pays $1 dividend/share → You receive $0.70/share

• Malaysian tax-residents cannot offset this unless via treaty (not applicable directly)

✅ Solution: Focus on growth tech stocks or accumulation ETFs that don’t pay out dividends (e.g. QQQ, VGT)

Final Thoughts: Stay Smart, Stay Global

The world is getting smaller.
Malaysians no longer need to limit investing to local stocks and fixed deposits.

The US tech sector remains a powerhouse of innovation, profitability, and global impact.

If you're ready to embrace long-term investing — and can stomach some short-term volatility — tech remains a smart play in your portfolio.

✅ Start small
✅ Automate your contributions
✅ Keep learning

Because while trends come and go, technology isn't going away.

Why Most Malaysians Stay "Average" with Their Money (And How You Can Break Free)

 

Introduction: Escaping the Average Money Trap

Walk into any mamak at night, and you’ll hear the same stories:

• “Gaji tak cukup…”

• “Kereta baru beli, installment mahal...”

• “Takde saving, susah nak kahwin…”

The truth?
Most Malaysians stay financially average not because of fate — but because of habits.

Today, we’ll break down why many people stay stuck, and more importantly, how you can break free and build real wealth.

The “Cashflow = Survival” Mentality

In Malaysia, many live paycheck to paycheck:

• Salary comes in.

• Expenses eat up 90%–100%.

• Maybe RM50–100 left by month-end.

This cycle feels normal because everyone else is doing it.
But normal ≠ good.

Reality Check:
If you save nothing today, you're borrowing from your future self.

Key Reasons Most Stay Average

✅ 1. No Budgeting Habit

"Tak cukup duit" is often because there’s no plan, not because income is too low.

✅ 2. Lifestyle Inflation

Every time income goes up, spending goes up faster. New car, new iPhone, bigger house.

✅ 3. Zero Investing

Savings die slowly under 2–3% bank interest, while inflation eats away purchasing power.

✅ 4. Fear of Taking (Smart) Risks

Many avoid investing, side hustles, or entrepreneurship due to fear.

✅ 5. Following the Crowd

Investing because "kawan suruh" or spending because "semua orang buat" leads to disaster.

How You Can Break Free

1. Build Emergency Fund First

• 6 months of expenses minimum.

• Tabung Haji, Maybank MAE, Touch n' Go Go+ for short-term.

2. Invest Systematically

• Start with unit trusts, robo-advisors like StashAway, REITs, EPF voluntary top-ups.

3. Increase Financial Literacy

• Read one finance book a month (start with The Psychology of Money).

• Follow reputable Malaysian finance blogs.

4. Mind Your Circle

• Spend time with people who talk about investments, businesses, growth — not just gossip.

5. Set Financial Goals

• RM100k savings by 30?

• Passive RM2,000 income monthly by 40?

Write it down, break it into steps, and track monthly progress.

Malaysian Real-Life Example

Average Joe

• RM5,000 salary

• RM4,800 expenses

• RM200 "savings"

• Net worth growth: almost none

Smart Sam

• RM5,000 salary

• RM2,500 expenses

• RM2,000 savings/investments monthly

• Net worth at RM100,000+ by 30 years old

Small differences in daily habits = Big differences in life outcomes.

Conclusion: Dare to Be Different

It’s easy to stay average — blame the government, inflation, bad bosses.

It’s harder but far more rewarding to be different — to take ownership, save aggressively, invest wisely, and focus on your own growth.

Because in 10 years, you'll either be someone complaining at the mamak table — or someone financially free ordering the roti tisu without checking the price.

Which one will you choose?

Why “Pay Yourself First” Is Still the Best Money Advice for 2025

 

Introduction: The Oldest Financial Rule Still Wins

"Pay yourself first."

You’ve probably heard it. Maybe even brushed it off.

But in a world of TikTok finance hacks and crypto memes, this one classic rule remains king — and it’s more relevant than ever in 2025.

Today, let’s understand what "paying yourself first" really means, why it works so effectively, and how Malaysians can apply it to build lasting wealth.

What Does It Mean to Pay Yourself First?

It means prioritizing your savings and investments before you spend on anything else.

When you receive your salary, the first action is saving a portion, investing a portion, and then living on the rest.

✅ Not the leftovers.
✅ Not "after all expenses are paid."
✅ Right at the start.

Example:
If you earn RM4,000 a month, immediately allocate:

• RM600 to savings/investments (15%)

• RM3,400 for bills, rent, groceries, lifestyle

No matter what happens that month, you have secured your financial future first.

Why It Works: The Psychological Power

• Automates Discipline
  You never "feel" the missing amount because you never had a chance to spend it.

• Builds Habitual Wealth
  Just like brushing your teeth, saving becomes automatic over time.

• Prevents Lifestyle Inflation
  You adapt your spending to what’s available after savings, not the other way around.

How Malaysians Can Apply Pay Yourself First

✅ 1. Automate Transfers
Set up auto-debits to savings/investment accounts (e.g., ASB, StashAway, Tabung Haji) right after salary day.

✅ 2. Start Small, Grow Big
If 20% feels overwhelming, start at 5% or 10%, then increase gradually.

✅ 3. Separate Accounts
Maintain separate "Spending" and "Saving" accounts to avoid temptation.

✅ 4. Prioritize Retirement Accounts
Max out EPF voluntary contributions or invest into PRS for additional tax relief.

✅ 5. Budget Backwards
Base your lifestyle budget after deducting savings — not before.

Malaysian-Specific Example

If you consistently save RM500/month into an account earning 5% returns:

Year	Total Savings (RM)
5	34,000
10	78,000
20	205,000

Small amounts, saved consistently, turn into big freedom over time.

Bonus Tip: Pay Yourself First Even with Side Income

If you’re freelancing, earning Shopee sales, or cash bonuses — apply the same rule:

• 20% to investments

• 10% to emergency savings

• Spend the rest guilt-free

This ensures every income stream grows your wealth, not just your expenses.

Conclusion: Secure Yourself First

The simple act of paying yourself first is a game-changer.

It’s not sexy. It’s not "viral." But it works — always.

In Malaysia’s ever-evolving financial landscape, the one who saves and invests consistently will always have the upper hand, regardless of salary size.

So next time your salary hits — remember: your future self comes first.

The Real Meaning of Financial Freedom (And How Malaysians Can Achieve It)

Introduction: Freedom is More Than Money

When you hear the term "financial freedom," what comes to mind?
Lavish holidays? Fancy cars? Mansion living?

Maybe.
But at its heart, financial freedom simply means control over your time, energy, and choices—without constantly stressing about money.

In Malaysia, where living costs are rising and financial scams are rampant, understanding and pursuing true financial freedom is now more important than ever.

The Common Myths About Financial Freedom

Before we talk about building it, let’s clear some air.

✅ Myth #1: You Need to Be a Millionaire

Reality: You just need enough to cover your living expenses sustainably.

✅ Myth #2: It’s Only for Rich Kids

Reality: Anyone—regardless of background—can build financial freedom with planning and discipline.

✅ Myth #3: You Need to Retire Early

Reality: It’s about choice, not retirement. Financial freedom gives you the option to work or not, but it doesn’t force you to stop working.

The 5 Stages of Financial Freedom

1. Financial Stability
   ➔ You cover basic expenses without stress (bills, food, transport).

2. Debt Freedom
   ➔ You clear all bad debts (credit cards, personal loans).

3. Financial Security
   ➔ Passive income from dividends, rental, etc. covers essential expenses.

4. Financial Independence
   ➔ Passive income covers lifestyle expenses like vacations, hobbies.

5. Financial Abundance
   ➔ You have more than enough to support yourself and others (philanthropy, legacy planning).

How Much Do You Need in Malaysia?

Here’s a simple estimation:

Lifestyle	Monthly Expenses (RM)	Target Retirement Fund (5% Yield)
Basic	2,000	480,000
Comfortable	5,000	1,200,000
Luxurious	10,000	2,400,000

(Assuming a 5% net withdrawal rate from investments like REITs, EPF dividends, or balanced portfolios)

Practical Steps Malaysians Can Take

✅ 1. Build Emergency Savings First

• 6 months' living expenses in Tabung Haji, ASNB, or high-interest savings accounts.

✅ 2. Maximize Your EPF and PRS Contributions

• Aim for 30%–40% savings rate if possible.

• Consider voluntary top-ups to EPF for 6%–6.5% returns.

✅ 3. Invest for Passive Income

• M-REITs for dividend income (~5–6% yield).

• StashAway for diversified ETF exposure.

• ASNB fixed funds for low-risk growth.

✅ 4. Control Lifestyle Inflation

• Just because you earn more doesn't mean you need a new car every 5 years.

✅ 5. Increase Your Income

• Freelancing (Fiverr, Upwork)

• Part-time e-commerce (Shopee, Etsy)

• Monetize skills: copywriting, tutoring, digital marketing.

✅ 6. Protect Your Wealth

• Life insurance

• Critical illness coverage

• Basic estate planning (simple will)

Psychological Traps to Watch Out For

Even if you save and invest wisely, mindset matters.

Beware of:

• Keeping up with peers' lifestyles ("Everyone's buying a Mercedes, so should I")

• Overspending on weddings, houses, vacations

• Falling for get-rich-quick scams (unlicensed "forex", crypto promises)

Freedom is about discipline, not reckless spending.

Example Malaysian Case Studies

Case A (Success Story):

• Started saving 30% of salary from age 25

• Invested mainly in REITs and EPF

• Reached financial independence by 45

Case B (Struggler):

• High salary (RM12,000/month)

• No savings discipline, heavy car loans, lavish lifestyle

• Financial stress at 40 despite good income

Moral of the story?
Financial freedom is about habits, not income size.

Conclusion: Your Freedom, Your Rules

Financial freedom doesn’t mean living without working—it means working on your terms.
It’s waking up on Monday morning because you want to, not because you have to.

In Malaysia, where inflation is creeping higher and traditional job security is weakening, achieving financial independence is no longer optional—it’s essential.

Start small.
Stay patient.
And remember, every ringgit you save today buys you freedom tomorrow. 

How to Calculate How Rich You Really Are (And Why It’s Not Just About Income)

 

Introduction: Income vs Wealth — Don't Be Fooled

Many people equate a high salary with wealth.

But in truth, wealth isn’t how much you earn—it’s how long you can survive without working.

This idea is simple, but life-changing once you internalize it.

Let's explore why calculating your true wealth matters more than boasting about your monthly paycheck.

Defining True Wealth: It's About Time, Not Salary

Wealth = How long you can maintain your current lifestyle if you stop working today.

If your expenses are RM5,000 per month and your savings are RM100,000, your wealth is roughly 20 months.

Meanwhile, someone earning RM20,000 per month but spending RM19,500 monthly has only a few weeks’ worth of true wealth if they lose their job.

This perspective shifts how you manage money—from chasing high incomes to building durable assets.

How to Calculate Your Real Wealth (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Calculate Your Net Worth

• Assets: Cash, investments, property (current value)

• Liabilities: Debts like car loans, mortgages, PTPTN loans

Net Worth = Total Assets – Total Liabilities

Step 2: Calculate Monthly Expenses

• Housing

• Utilities

• Food

• Transportation

• Lifestyle

Step 3: Divide Net Worth by Monthly Expenses

This will give you the number of months you can survive without income.

Examples

Person	Monthly Income (RM)	Monthly Expenses (RM)	Net Worth (RM)	Months of Survival
A (Doctor)	15,000	14,000	30,000	~2 months
B (Accountant)	5,000	2,000	100,000	~50 months
C (Blogger)	3,500	1,500	80,000	~53 months

Notice that Person C is wealthier in real terms than Person A, even though Person A earns 4x more!

Conclusion: Focus on Building Wealth, Not Chasing Salaries

Ultimately, the goal is not just earning a lot—it's owning your time.

Financial freedom begins when your passive income and savings cover your living expenses, freeing you from dependency on active income.

Let’s start measuring wealth properly from now onward!