To The Moon

The latest edition of World’s Top 50 companies (based on market capitalization) has just been published. (see below)

What do you make of it ?

The world’s most valuable companies hold immense sway over the global economy, shaping everything from technology to consumer trends.

As of May 2025, US listed companies like giants like Apple, Microsoft, & Nvidia are worth trillions of dollars, reflecting America’s long-standing leadership in innovation and capital markets.

The #1 and #2.

The two largest companies, MSFT & AAPL, have regularly swapped places as the world’s most valuable company over the past decade.

Both companies are integrating AI into their product offerings and that has helped fuel their market cap growth in recent years.

However with a US-initiated worldwide tariffs that is still a work-in-progress, many analysts have began to factor in a possible recession hitting the US anytime as early as Q2 2025 onwards.

Yes, yes there is an ongoing de-escalation trade talk between the world’s two largest economies - US & China.

And Mr big mouth already is trying to jump the gun and claim credit for it. (see below)

All I can say is do not get caught up in the whirlwind of publicity PR; not unless the “total reset” trade agreement between US & China is signed on the dotted line.

Should that day arrive, only then will it be “hallelujah”, agree !

In the meantime, are there any non-US stocks where we could park our hard-earned monies in ?

Key Considerations.

Before jumping into invest in any stocks now, here are some factors that every investor should seriously consider first:

• Business Prospect: Is the company’s core business model resilient and innovative?

• Economic Stability: How exposed is the company to US-specific risks (tariffs, political gridlock, debt, inflation)? This question becomes so pertinent now & more so than ever.

• Intangible Factors: Does the company benefit from unique global positioning, brand, or essential technology?

• Diversification: Is it wise to look beyond the US, given its dominance but also its vulnerabilities?

In no particular order - Top 3!

Applying the above key considerations, below are possible considerations - away from US listed stocks.

(1) $Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing(TSM)$.

• Global Essentiality: TSMC is the world’s largest chip foundry, manufacturing for Apple, Nvidia, AMD, and others. Semiconductors are the backbone of AI, cloud, automotive, and consumer electronics.

• Geopolitical Hedge: While based in Taiwan (with its own geopolitical risks), TSMC is investing in global expansion (US, Japan, Europe), reducing concentration risk.

• Secular Growth: Demand for advanced chips is only accelerating with AI, 5G, IoT, and automotive tech.

• Economic Stability: Taiwan’s economy is export-driven but relatively stable, and TSMC’s strategic importance gives it some protection from global trade shocks.

• Intangible Edge: TSMC’s technological leadership (3nm/2nm process nodes) and deep client relationships are nearly impossible to replicate.

Will above key factors change (for TSMC) in the coming years as remaining 4 more plants currently under construction in Arizona, USA becomes operational ?

Future challenges.

TSMC’s US expansion faces a significant skilled labour gap. Although training programs and partnerships are underway to address this, it is uncertain whether they will be sufficient to meet the needs of all five plants in the near future.

Topping it off, we have not even touched on trade unionization of workers and how it may affect operations too.

(2) $Novo-Nordisk A/S(NVO)$.

• Healthcare Megatrends: The Danish pharma giant dominates the global diabetes and obesity drug market (Ozempic, Wegovy), that is seeing explosive, durable demand.

• Resilience: Healthcare is less cyclical than tech or consumer discretionary, providing stability during economic turbulence.

• Non-US Anchor: Denmark is politically stable, and Novo’s business is global, reducing US-centric risk.

• R&D Leadership: Continuous innovation in metabolic and chronic disease treatments ensures a long runway for growth.

• Intangible Edge: Brand trust, regulatory expertise, and first-mover advantage in GLP-1 drugs.

(3) $ASML Holding NV(ASML)$.

• Monopoly Power: ASML is the only company in the world producing extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography machines-vital for advanced chip manufacturing.

• Picks-and-Shovels Play: As chip demand surges (AI, data centers, EVs), every major foundry (TSMC, Samsung, Intel) relies on ASML’s machines.

• European Stability: Netherlands offers a stable, innovation-friendly environment, less exposed to US-China tensions.

• Supply Chain Control: ASML’s tech is so advanced that export restrictions make it a geopolitical linchpin.

• Intangible Edge: Technological moat, irreplaceable in the global semiconductor supply chain.

What do you think of these 3 non-American stocks ? Interested ?

Must Read: Click on below titles to access. Repost to share, Like as encouragement ok. Thanks.

• AAPL Bond 'better' than AAPL Stock ?

• US Market & WMT end on a Friday Low ?

• NIO on the cusp of a Rally, Really ?

• Do you think now’s the time to diversify one’s portfolio with some non-US stocks for peace of mind’?

• Do you think investors should bail from the 3 affected sectors for now?

If you find this post interesting, give it wings! ️ Repost and share the insights ?

Do consider “Follow me” and get firsthand read of my daily new post. Thank you.

@Daily_Discussion

@TigerPM

@TigerStars

@Tiger_SG

@TigerEvents