KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, Aug. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — JustMarkets, a multi-asset CFD broker, today released market insights analyzing how volatility in the US100 and S&P 500 index CFDs may create broader CFD trading opportunities. Recognizing that large movements in US equities frequently impact the forex market, gold prices, and overall market sentiment, the company aims to help CFD traders consider more than one instrument when assessing market conditions.

The US100 index may be influenced by attitudes to technology and growth stocks, while the S&P 500 provides a bigger picture of the US equities market. In case of substantial fluctuations of these index CFDs, traders tend to reevaluate their risks.

The role of VIX

Also referred to as the market’s “fear gauge,” the VIX index measures the level of anticipated volatility in the S&P 500.

An increase in VIX values is commonly an indicator of growing market uncertainty, which may fuel the demand for safe-haven assets like the US dollar, Japanese yen, or gold. On the other hand, a decrease in VIX values would normally point to growing investor confidence.

Why forex traders watch US indices

It is common for index volatility to extend to the foreign exchange market; however, the effect will usually depend on the cause of the volatility. In the case of stocks falling due to investor risk aversion, the US dollar could rally as capital moves to liquidity, which may in turn affect the EUR/USD and GBP/USD CFDs.

Alternatively, if the stocks fall because of expectations of slower economic growth in the US or an accommodative policy from the Federal Reserve, the dollar could weaken instead. In high volatility conditions, the Japanese yen may also warrant attention, as investors tend to move towards safe-haven assets when selling riskier ones.

Gold and changing risk sentiment

Gold may attract demand during times of increased uncertainty, but its correlation with equity markets is not always consistent.

Aside from fluctuations in the stock markets, gold is affected by the US dollar, interest rates, inflation expectations, and central bank policies. That is why many investors may use both technical and macroeconomic analysis together rather than depending solely on correlation.

Managing volatility

Higher volatility may create opportunities, but it also adds execution risk. In times leading up to important releases like inflation figures, Fed meetings, quarterly earnings, or other geopolitical events, markets may see increased spreads, volatility, and false breakouts.

Risk management practices commonly discussed in this context include position sizing, stop-loss placement, and confirming setups before entering a trade, as well as avoiding concentration in highly correlated positions.

Looking beyond a single market

Many CFD traders may look beyond a single asset class. Observing US100 and S&P 500 CFDs in connection with the VIX index, the dollar and yen, as well as gold, may give a wider picture of the market and help identify opportunities overlooked on a single chart.

Platforms such as JustMarkets, which offer an opportunity to trade CFDs across several asset classes, may make this easier. It is possible to observe and trade CFDs on stock indices, currency pairs, commodities, stocks, and cryptos in one platform.

About JustMarkets

JustMarkets is a global financial CFD trading platform designed to eliminate technical “noise,” enabling investors to focus on what matters most: making accurate decisions. With modern infrastructure and professional services, JustMarkets serves as a reliable partner for CFD traders seeking to master the financial arena.

Risk Warning: Trading Forex and CFDs involves significant risk and can result in the loss of your invested capital. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice.

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SOURCE JustMarkets

HONG KONG, Aug. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute (ASTRI) and Saint Francis University (SFU) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a strategic partnership focused on advancing research and development in AI-enabled biomaterials and digital health technologies. The collaboration aims to accelerate innovation, facilitate technology transfer, and nurture the next generation of talent in applied sciences.

The MoU was signed by Ir Dr Ted Suen, Chief Executive Officer of ASTRI, and Professor Stephen Cheung Yan-leung, President of Saint Francis University.

Ir Dr Ted Suen said, “We are delighted to partner with Saint Francis University to advance innovation in AI-enabled biomaterials and digital health. This collaboration exemplifies both institutions’ shared commitment to applied research that translates into tangible solutions addressing real-world societal challenges. By combining ASTRI’s R&D capabilities with SFU’s academic strengths, we can drive innovation across healthcare, smart city applications, education technology, elderly care, and more, whilst nurturing the diverse talent pipeline essential for Hong Kong’s development as an international innovation and technology hub.”

Professor Stephen Cheung Yan-leung said, “This partnership between SFU and ASTRI will leverage their respective strengths in applied research, artificial intelligence, and health sciences. As Hong Kong’s largest tertiary institution for registered nurse training, SFU offers not only nursing programmes but also programmes in physiotherapy, pharmaceutical studies, and community health. This collaboration will further drive the integration and application of AI in health sciences and related professional services. SFU is also committed to advancing AI education and research. Through this partnership, we aim to explore AI applications in digital health, elderly care, medical support, and special educational needs, uniting technology with professional expertise to meet the changing demands of society.”

Under the agreement, the two institutions will collaborate across three key pillars: joint research and development, technology transfer and commercialisation, and talent development.

Joint R&D in AI-Enabled Biomaterials & Digital Health
The partnership will focus on co-developing AI-driven biomaterial design platforms that integrate machine learning with material science to accelerate the discovery and optimisation of biocompatible materials for medical applications. Research initiatives will include nano-biomaterial-based diagnostic and therapeutic solutions, such as targeted drug delivery systems, bio-sensing platforms, and biodegradable implants, paired with AI algorithms for real-time patient monitoring and personalised treatment adjustment.

The collaboration will also extend to AI-powered solutions for digital health, elderly care, special educational needs (SEN) support, smart city applications, and educational technology. Both parties will jointly submit research proposals to government funding schemes, industry sponsorship programmes, and regional innovation grants.

Technology Transfer & Commercialisation
ASTRI and SFU will jointly explore commercialisation pathways including technology licensing, industry partnerships, and spin-off opportunities, with particular focus on the Greater Bay Area healthcare market and the emerging Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) health tech sector. ASTRI will provide professional technical support to facilitate SFU’s research advancement and real-world commercialisation, leveraging complementary strengths to advance the commercial translation and practical deployment of research outcomes.

Talent Development & Knowledge Exchange
The partnership will establish student internship and attachment programmes, with ASTRI hosting SFU students for research internships in AI-related R&D teams. The institutions will co-organise AI-themed academic and industry events, including the expansion of ASTRI’s “AI Empowerment” seminar series, to foster knowledge exchange between academia, industry, and the public sector. Visiting scholar arrangements will facilitate the exchange of researchers and faculty members for collaborative research and teaching activities.

This partnership paves the way for collaboration in course development, internships, joint research, and specialised labs. Together, ASTRI and SFU aim to foster innovation, advance IT and digital health education, and cultivate diverse talent with expertise and industry insights to support Hong Kong’s innovation ecosystem.

Photos Download: bit.ly/4znxbCy

About ASTRI
Founded in 2000 by the HKSAR Government, Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute (ASTRI) is the city’s largest government-funded R&D centre. Committed to transforming high-impact research into practical innovations, ASTRI drives market-driven, interdisciplinary advancements across sectors, including Smart City, FinTech, Digital Health and Life Sciences, New Industrialisation and Intelligent Manufacturing, Application-Specific Integrated Circuits (ASIC) and Advanced Electronics, New Energy and Energy Storage, and Green and ESG Technologies. Following its merger with the Nano and Advanced Materials Institute, ASTRI has further strengthened its capabilities, with over 1,500 patents and 2,200 successful cases of technology transfer. Recognised with numerous international awards, ASTRI continues to nurture top I&T talent and foster collaborations among the I&T ecosystem, contributing to Hong Kong’s high-value economic development. For more information, please visit: https://www.astri.org 

About Saint Francis University
Saint Francis University (SFU), formerly known as Caritas Institute of Higher Education, has a history of over four decades, with its origin tracing back to Caritas Francis Hsu College established in 1985. SFU was officially granted the university title in 2024 and became an applied science university in the same year.

As a pioneering applied science university, SFU integrates theory and practice, offering over 40 programmes at various levels, including undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, covering academic areas including Health Sciences, Social Sciences, Humanities & Languages, Technology, and Business Management. SFU is committed to nurturing a new generation of talent equipped with solid professional knowledge and the spirit of lifelong learning. For details, please visit: https://www.sfu.edu.hk/

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SOURCE Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute (ASTRI)

Taking place from 2–4 September, OGA 2026 will bring together more than 30,000 industry professionals, 2,000 participating brands and companies, and representatives from over 80 countries to unlock business opportunities, accelerate innovation and shape Southeast Asia’s energy future.

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, Aug. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Southeast Asia is strengthening its position as one of the world’s fastest-growing energy markets, driven by rising demand, evolving supply dynamics and the need for secure, reliable and increasingly sustainable energy systems. The International Energy Agency (IEA) projects that the region will account for nearly one-fifth of global energy demand growth by 2035, reinforcing its strategic importance in the global energy landscape.

As governments and businesses balance energy security, affordability and sustainability, greater collaboration across the energy ecosystem will be critical to unlocking investment, accelerating innovation and supporting long-term regional growth.

As Southeast Asia’s energy ambitions accelerate, Oil & Gas Asia (OGA) 2026, organised by Informa Markets Malaysia, returns to the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre from 2 – 4 September 2026, bringing together policymakers, energy companies, engineering firms, technology providers, investors and solution partners on one platform to connect, exchange market intelligence and turn opportunities into business.

Held under the theme “Powering Progress, Shaping Tomorrow,” the 22nd edition of OGA puts meaningful connections at the heart of the experience. This year’s enhanced networking campaign will make every interaction more rewarding, creating more ways for the energy community to engage, exchange insights and build valuable industry relationships.

Beyond making connections, OGA delivers business impact. The previous edition facilitated more than USD42 million in business deals, demonstrating how conversations at OGA translate into tangible commercial outcomes that extend well beyond the exhibition floor.

“Southeast Asia’s energy sector is entering a pivotal period of growth and transformation. Meeting the region’s future energy needs will require closer collaboration across the entire value chain – from policymakers and producers to technology providers, investors and innovators. OGA has long been where these connections are forged, bringing together the people, technologies and expertise that turn industry conversations into partnerships, investments and long-term business opportunities,” said Mr Gerard Leeuwenburgh, Country General Manager of Informa Markets Malaysia.

Once again, OGA proudly welcomes PETRONAS back as Corporate Partner for the fifth consecutive edition – a partnership driven by shared ambition and a commitment to moving the energy industry forward.

“PETRONAS works alongside partners across the value chain to deliver energy safely, reliably and sustainably while advancing energy transition. Our integrated portfolio, from upstream to new energy, gives us the reach to support energy security and lower-carbon solutions in parallel, not as competing priorities.

Visit the PETRONAS booth at Hall 1 to meet our team, explore licensing opportunities, and discuss how partnership and technology translate into value across the ecosystem.” said PETRONAS representative.

Reflecting the importance of collaboration and market access to Malaysia’s OGSE sector, Malaysia Petroleum Resources Corporation (MPRC) highlighted OGA’s role in supporting the industry’s regional ambitions.

“OGA brings together key energy industry players under one roof, creating meaningful opportunities for collaboration, innovation and business growth. As the National OGSE Development Partner, MPRC is proud to be part of the journey as Malaysia’s OGSE companies take their place on the regional stage,” said Mohd Yazid Ja’afar, President/CEO of MPRC.

Despite volatile market conditions, the continued expansion of OGA reinforces the importance of B2B platforms in connecting businesses to new markets. Country pavilions from Australia, China, Germany, India, Italy, Singapore, South Korea and the United Kingdom will showcase technologies, engineering expertise and solutions spanning upstream, midstream and downstream operations, digitalisation and emerging energy technologies.

Beyond the exhibition, OGA is where some of the industry’s most important conversations take place. A comprehensive knowledge programme anchored by SPEAK OGA, EIC Connect OGA and MOGSEC will connect policy, leadership, technology and commercial opportunity.

SPEAK OGA, the event’s flagship free-to-attend knowledge-sharing platform, will bring industry experts and decision-makers together to explore the trends, technologies and priorities shaping the future of energy. Its C-Suite Series will put leadership stories centre stage, with senior industry figures sharing the defining moments, challenges and lessons that have shaped their journeys – and the leaders they are today.

Organised in partnership with the Energy Industries Council (EIC), EIC Connect OGA will bring a global business perspective through market intelligence, project insights and emerging opportunities, while creating connections between companies and key decision-makers across the international energy supply chain.

Co-located with OGA and held in partnership with Malaysian Oil, Gas & Energy Services Council (MOGSC), MOGSEC will champion Malaysia’s OGSE sector, bringing the industry together to overcome evolving challenges, unlock growth, strengthen capabilities and excel in an increasingly competitive energy landscape.

Together, these platforms position OGA beyond an exhibition – it is a meeting point where business, policy, technology, knowledge and cross-border collaboration converge, connecting the right people, ideas and opportunities to move the energy industry forward.

With OGA 2026 fast approaching, Kuala Lumpur is set to become the region’s meeting point for the people, partnerships, technologies and investments driving Southeast Asia’s energy growth. For companies looking to enter new markets, strengthen supply chains, discover new solutions or build their next partnership, OGA is where the business of energy moves forward.

Visitor registration is now open. Industry professionals are encouraged to secure their participation and join the conversations shaping the region’s energy future.

For more information and to register, visit www.oilandgas-asia.com.

Notes to Editors

About Oil & Gas Asia (OGA)

Oil & Gas Asia (OGA) is one of Southeast Asia’s premier platforms for the oil, gas and energy sector. Organised by Informa Markets Malaysia, the exhibition and conference convene policymakers, national and international energy companies, engineering and technology providers, investors and solution partners to explore emerging opportunities, showcase innovation and drive business growth across the energy value chain. As the industry’s leading meeting place for knowledge exchange, investment and technology advancement, OGA supports the development of a resilient, competitive and sustainable energy ecosystem by facilitating market access, strategic partnerships and industry insights that shape the future of energy in Southeast Asia. For more information, visit www.oilandgas-asia.com.

About Informa Markets

Informa Markets creates platforms for industries and specialist markets to trade, innovate, and grow. Our portfolio comprises more than 450 international B2B events and brands across markets, including Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals, Infrastructure, Construction & Real Estate, Fashion & Apparel, Hospitality, Food & Beverage, and Health & Nutrition. We provide customers and partners around the globe with opportunities to engage, experience, and do business through face-to-face exhibitions, specialist digital content, and actionable data solutions. As the world’s leading exhibition organiser, we bring a diverse range of specialist markets to life, unlocking opportunities and helping them thrive 365 days a year. For more information, please visit www.informamarkets.com.

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SOURCE Informa Markets Malaysia