KUALA LUMPUR (Feb 2): After a difficult year for equity markets last year, 2019 is still expected to be plagued with volatility as various risks remain on the external and domestic fronts.

Global headwinds seen late last year are expected to build up and risks to global economic growth are only just beginning to bite amidst tighter monetary conditions and ongoing trade talks between the US and China.

Just last month, the International Monetary Fund downgraded its global growth forecast for 2019 to 3.5% from its projection of 3.7% just four months ago. The downward revision was attributed to rising trade tensions, tight financial conditions, Brexit and an economic slowdown in China.

Back home, certain policies of the Pakatan Harapan government had spooked the market and worries over impending changes when Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad steps down continue to weigh on investors’ mind.

Having said that, with stocks sold down, buying opportunities have emerged among the bashed-down counters.

For investors with an appetite for risks, this issue presents eight stocks picks that could surprise on the upside.

What are these eight stocks and what their potential catalysts and risks? Find out in the latest issue of The Edge.

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