The Business Times Podcasts
The Business Times Podcast Channel delivers diverse perspectives, in-depth analysis, and news on career, business, markets, investing, current affairs, and tech. Powered by the journalism of The Business Times and Tech in Asia, it is available on all major audio and video platforms. Produced by BT Audio, thrive, and Tech in Asia, part of SPH Media.
Episodes
S2E308: Hormuz Talks Delayed, Indonesia Shipwreck Search Underway, True Fitness Closure Fallout
Headline news for September 14, 2026: Oman says talks between Iran and Gulf countries on the Strait of Hormuz have been postponed. Search and rescue teams in Indonesia look for the 129 people still missing after a passenger ship sank in the Java Sea. The BRICS summit ended yesterday, with Chinese President Xi Jinping unveiling new initiatives centering around artificial intelligence and trade. Sin
S1E286: Strategy over sentiment: why the old property playbook no longer works
Is your dream home a financial trap? Singapore's cooling measures and shifting interest rates have upended the old playbook—Build-to-Orders (BTOs), resale flats, and executive condos (ECs) no longer play by the rules you think you know. Howie Lim and Eugene Lim, president of the Singapore Estate Agents Association, unearths the hidden costs, minimum occupation period (MOP) traps, and stress-
S2E58: What oil, yields, and AI capex boom are really telling us
Oil prices just broke US$110 a barrel, bond yields are hitting multi-decade highs, and the yen carry trade is unwinding fast — this week's markets are a powder keg. In this episode of Market Focus Weekly, correspondent Howie Lim sits down with HSBC's Herald van der Linde to unpack the Strait of Hormuz shock, why AI capex — not fear — is now driving bond yields, Korea's staggering
S2E307: PM Wong Defends Political Pay, Weighs More Disclosure, Grab Mulls Atome Deal, Oil Tops US$109 After Houthis Seize Yemen Port
Headline news for September 11, 2026: Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong says higher pay is not about attracting people into politics. Houthi militants seized control of Yemen's port city, further threatening global energy supplies. Oil prices surged overnight, with Brent crude topping US$109 a barrel. Synopsis: A round up of global headlines to start your day by The Business Times. Writ
S2E572: Global markets brace for central bank wave as oil nears $101 a barrel
Market news for September 10, 2026: Asian markets slid as escalating Middle East shipping attacks pushed oil above $100 a barrel, spooking investors ahead of US inflation data. Treasury yields held near multi-year highs, while Wall Street, Europe, and Asia all retreated amid mounting bets on further central bank rate hikes. Synopsis: Market Focus Daily is a closing bell roundup by The Business Tim
S2E306: DBS Rejects 1MDB Claim, Singapore Air Quality Hits Unhealthy 105
Headline news for September 10, 2026: Iran attacked 10 ships near the Strait of Hormuz, after the US sank five Iranian oil tankers. DBS has rejected a lawsuit filed by four 1MDB-linked entities under liquidation. Air quality in central Singapore remains in the unhealthy range this morning at 105. Synopsis: A round up of global headlines to start your day by The Business Times. Written
S2E571: Crude shock - Brent’s climb to $100, Asian markets rattled
Market news for September 9, 2026: Brent crude surged near $100 as Middle East conflict escalated, subduing Asian stocks amid inflation jitters before US CPI data. Conversely, chip stocks rebounded, and Alphabet announced a record €13 billion AI infrastructure investment in Finland. Synopsis: Market Focus Daily is a closing bell roundup by The Business Times that looks at the day’s mark
S2E305: SIA Backs India Investment, Singapore Leaders’ Pay Rise, Houthis Strike Saudi Arabia
Headline news for September 9, 2026: Yemen’s Houthis launched attacks on Saudi Arabia yesterday, setting oil facilities on fire and wounding more than 70 people. Singapore Airlines says its India investments continue to be funded through internal resources. Singapore’s political leaders are set for a significant pay increase starting October 15. Synopsis: A round up of global headlines
S2E570: Yen strength, copper record and oil surge
Market news for September 8, 2026: The yen surges to a seven-month high as carry trades unwind, while Iranian threats to Gulf energy infrastructure push oil and bond yields higher. Asian markets trade mixed, copper hits a record, and Singapore Airlines' Air India stake faces new scrutiny. Synopsis: Market Focus Daily is a closing bell roundup by The Business Times that looks at the day’s mar
S2E304: Jakarta Airport Reopens, Nepal Searches for Missing Workers, Singapore Political Salaries in Focus
Headline news for September 8, 2026: 5 airports in Indonesia, including its main Jakarta airport, reopen today. Nepali rescuers search for more than 100 missing hydropower workers, feared trapped in tunnels following the devastating floods. And Singapore’s parliament is set to debate proposed changes to political salaries this Thursday. Synopsis: A round up of global headlines to start your
S1E66: Investing in an era of AI, techflation and higher bond yields
Bond yields are spiking, the AI trade is wobbling, and the dollar's dominance is under threat — is your portfolio ready? In this episode of WealthBT, wealth editor Genevieve Cua sits down with Kelvin Tay, CIO for Asia at Pictet Wealth Management, to unpack the bank's 10-year market outlook: from the multipolar tech race and emerging-market currencies to fiscal dominance and where AI investme
S2E569: Between the Fed and earnings: Markets search for direction
Market news for September 7, 2026: Asian tech shares rallied on a robust US jobs report signaling growth, though rate hike odds narrowed. Meanwhile, oil prices edged higher following renewed US-Iran ship attacks in the Gulf, as traders monitor inflation and energy risks. Synopsis: Market Focus Daily is a closing bell roundup by The Business Times that looks at the day’s market movements
S2E303: Mount Anak Krakatau Eruption: Jakarta Airport Closure Extended And SIA, Scoot Cancel Services
Headline news for September 7, 2026: 8 airports across Indonesia remain closed today, following Mount Anak Krakatau’s eruption. US peace envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy in Kyiv and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow over the weekend, with little breakthrough. Iran says it will intensify efforts to deal with the economic fallout from
S1E285: The $70,000 question: how to master your family's new financial tailwind
Singapore just pledged nearly S$70,000 per child over 16 years — but is that windfall building your family's future, or quietly funding lifestyle creep? Correspondent Howie Lim sits down with SingSaver's Ayush Goyal to dissect how to split, invest, and protect this new child credit stream — from emergency funds to retirement trade-offs — so parents don't waste a single dollar. Sy
S2E568: Asian markets rally on Fed relief as investors brace for payroll showdown
Market news for September 4, 2026: Asian shares surged today, buoyed by cooling Fed rate hike fears that weakened the dollar and ignited a relief rally. Investors now hold their breath for the looming US payroll showdown while Middle East tensions keep oil prices elevated. Synopsis: Market Focus Daily is a closing bell roundup by The Business Times that looks at the day’s market movements an
S2E302: Singapore Haze Hits Unhealthy Levels, Volkswagen To Cut More Jobs and Wall Street Rallies on Rate Relief
Headline news for September 4, 2026: Singapore's air quality enters the unhealthy range this morning with central PSI hitting 104. Volkswagen unanimously approves its most extensive restructuring in eighty-nine years; fifty thousand additional cuts bringing the total to one hundred thousand, with four German plants facing potential closure. Wall Street rallies as a Fed governor signals support for
S2E567: Relief rally in Asian markets as investors turn attention to crucial U.S. jobs data
Market news for September 3, 2026: Asian shares and bonds rallied as the yen climbed, with investors cautiously awaiting critical U.S. payroll data. Markets weighed central bank policy signals against ongoing U.S.-Iran tensions, as oil prices slipped following recent volatile spikes in global borrowing costs. Synopsis: Market Focus Daily is a closing bell roundup by The Business Times that looks a
S2E301: Trump Says Iran Campaign Won’t Last, Kyiv Attacks Continue, Singapore Factory Growth Picks Up
Headline news for September 3, 2026: Nine people were wounded after Russian drones struck central Kyiv yesterday, as the capital endured a seventh straight day of attacks.Rescue teams are racing against time to find workers believed to be trapped inside hydropower tunnels in Nepal's mountains. And Singapore’s manufacturing sector picked up slightly in August, helped by strong demand fo
S2E566: Iran strikes ignite oil rally, trigger global bond market panic
Market news for September 2, 2026: Asian markets tumbled as a global bond sell-off collided with fresh US strikes on Iran, sending oil surging and yields to multi-decade highs. The dollar strengthened, gold and crypto slipped, while traders priced strong odds of a Fed rate hike this month. Synopsis: Market Focus Daily is a closing bell roundup by The Business Times that looks at the day&rsquo
S2E300: US-Iran Strikes Escalate, Nepal Flood Deaths Top 1,000, Putin-Xi-Trump Summit Possible in November
Headline news for September 2, 2026: The United States and Iran have engaged in their most intense exchange of attacks in weeks. Nepal’s floods have killed 1,003 people, with around 4,000 still missing, including 590 foreign nationals from 39 countries. And Kyiv faces intense strikes for its sixth straight day, after Russian air attacks killed 12 people and wounded many more. Synopsis: A rou
S2E565: Bond rout meets Middle East chaos: Oil tops $90 as global yields hit decade highs
Market news for September 1, 2026: Bond yields soared to decade highs as Middle East conflict pushed oil above $90, fuelling inflation fears. Despite the geopolitical pressure and Federal Reserve anxiety, resilient Asian factory activity driven by persistent global demand for AI hardware provided critical support. Synopsis: Market Focus Daily is a closing bell roundup by The Business Times that lo
S2E299: Iran Strikes US Bases in Jordan and the UAE, Hormuz Traffic Collapses and Fed Signals Rate Hikes
Headline news for September 1, 2026: Iran launches Operation Punishment of the Aggressor, hitting US bases in Jordan and the UAE as a supertanker catches fire on naval mines in the Strait of Hormuz and crossings collapse to five vessels. Fed chair Warsh signals rate hikes at Jackson Hole, with markets now pricing more than fifty per cent odds of two hikes by year end. Synopsis: A round up of
S1E71: Rising bond yields and the Singapore market
DBS, OCBC and UOB have soared this year while the real estate investment trusts have struggled. Will rising bond yields reinforce this divergence? Or, are the banks getting too expensive? Why are bond yields rising in the first place? BT senior correspondent Ben Paul explains what’s happening. Highlights of the podcast: 00:55 Big trends driving long term bond yields 04:51 Struggling Reits ma
S2E564: Geopolitical turmoil meets inflation anxiety
Market news for August 31, 2026: Geopolitical fire and inflation ice collided today - US-Iran skirmishes fuelled an oil rally, while rising September rate-hike odds pressured Asian equities. Investors face a double-barreled threat as the Fed’s inflation mandate keeps bond yields high and stock markets trembling. Synopsis: Market Focus Daily is a closing bell roundup by The Business Times tha
S2E298: US and Iran Trade Strikes Over Hormuz, ComfortDelGro Lands Copenhagen Deal and Iceland Stays Out of the EU
Headline news for August 31, 2026: US forces strike Larak Island after observing Iran preparing to launch sea mines into the Strait of Hormuz. Iran retaliates with ballistic missiles and drones against US forces in Jordan in the most significant escalation since late July. ComfortDelGro wins a US$2.7 billion contract to run the Copenhagen Metro. Iceland votes to stay out of the EU. Synopsis:
S1E284: The raise paradox: why earning more never feels like enough
You just got a raise. So why does your bank account still feel broke? It’s the lifestyle creep — the sneaky force turning your bigger paycheck into the same old savings. From $8 lattes to subscription traps to the psychology behind "keeping up with the Tans," find out why more income rarely equals more wealth, and what to actually do about it. Warning: may cause spontaneous budgeting.
S2E57: Why Asia's inflation scare may be overstated: a Morgan Stanley economist explains
Rising inflation and recent rate hikes in the Philippines and South Korea have reignited concerns about price pressures across Asia. But is there really cause for alarm? Nicole Teo speaks with Morgan Stanley Asia Economist Derrick Kam about the region’s inflation outlook, what is driving monetary policy, and why a broader capex supercycle beyond AI could fuel investment. Highlights: 01:41 As
S2E297: Nepal Flood Toll Hits 392, Nvidia Doubles Revenue and Warsh Speaks at Jackson Hole Today
Headline news for August 28, 2026: The Nepal-Tibet flood death toll rises to at least three hundred and ninety-two with nearly one thousand five hundred missing, as authorities warn barrier lakes could burst by September 1. Nvidia surges nine per cent after reporting revenue up one hundred and six per cent. Fed chair Kevin Warsh speaks at Jackson Hole today. Synopsis: A round up of global he
S2E563: Nvidia earnings beat fuels Asian rally as inflation fears persist
Market news for August 27, 2026: Asian markets rallied as Nvidia’s earnings beat exceeded forecasts, lifting tech sentiment. Yet, gains were constrained by persistent U.S. inflation concerns, keeping investors cautious ahead of Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh’s pivotal Jackson Hole speech regarding future interest rate paths. Synopsis: Market Focus Daily is a closing bell roundup by
S2E296: Meta to Pay US$18B, Nvidia Beats on Every Measure and Nepal Flooding Kills 157
Headline news for August 27, 2026: Meta agrees to pay up to eighteen billion US dollars to settle child harm claims from twenty-nine US states without admitting wrongdoing, limiting teens to two hours daily on Facebook and Instagram. Nvidia reports revenue up one hundred and six per cent to ninety-six-point-two billion US dollars as CEO Jensen Huang says AI has reached its inflection point. At lea
S3E9: Technology doesn't replace the human touch. It should create more room for it
Digital transformation is not the destination, but the foundation for delivering better care. In this episode of Lens on Singapore, Claressa Monteiro speaks with Johnson Poh, assistant chief executive at IMDA, Dr Melvin Heng, group CEO of Thomson Medical Group, and Mokaneswary A/P Mogan, nurse manager at Thomson Medical, about how technology and AI are reshaping healthcare. From rebuilding hospita
S2E562: Asian markets rally as oil slides; Investors brace for pivotal Nvidia earnings
Market news for August 26, 2026: Asian stocks surged as crude’s retreat dampened bond yields, stoking optimism that the Strait of Hormuz might soon reopen. Markets now hold their collective breath, pinning high-stakes expectations on Nvidia’s looming, make-or-break quarterly earnings report. Synopsis: Market Focus Daily is a closing bell roundup by The Business Times that looks at the
S2E295: Canada Retaliates With 20 Billion in Tariffs, Iran Restarts Hormuz Talks and Nvidia Reports Today
Headline news for August 26, 2026: Canada announces twenty billion US dollars in retaliatory tariffs on US goods effective September eighth matching Washington dollar for dollar across seven hundred products as trade talks collapse. Iran restarts Hormuz talks with Oman, sending oil down two per cent. Nvidia reports quarterly results today in a closely watched test of the AI trade. Synopsis:
S2E561: Asian markets rangebound ahead of Nvidia results; Bitcoin crosses $80K
Market news for August 25, 2026: Asian markets remained rangebound as oil prices dipped, ignoring Iran sanction threats. Bitcoin crossed $80,000 for the first time since May. Investors now pivot to Nvidia’s highly anticipated earnings and Shein’s $1.8 billion IPO launch amid a cautious trading session. Synopsis: Market Focus Daily is a closing bell roundup by The Business Times that lo
S2E294: Operation Economic Outcast Targets Iran, Singapore Named in Transhipment Report and UK Backs Ukraine
Headline news for August 25, 2026: The US launches Operation Economic Outcast sweeping new Iran sanctions targeting sixty entities across shipping, oil, gold, aviation and digital assets, with a cure period before the toughest measures on major trading partners take effect. Singapore is named in a US report on transhipment fraud as an AI border detection tool is deployed. Synopsis: A round u
S1E58: Lifting the hood on changing needs of home buyers and tenants
Get insights on what matters when people look for a home and PropertyGuru’s value proposition. How do people search for homes? What do buyers and tenants want? Learn about how AI impacts agents, buyers and tenants. Understand the love that Singaporeans have for housing. Leslie Yee is in conversation with Yao Lu of PropertyGuru. Synopsis: Hosted by senior correspondent Leslie Yee, PropertyBT
S2E560: Oil, Asian stocks fall as Bessent’s Iran sanctions loom
Market news for August 24, 2026: Asian markets fell in the red today amid rising global bond yields, and investor caution ahead of Nvidia’s earnings. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to hold a press conference tonight. Singapore’s core inflation rose to 2 per cent in July, up from 1.6 per cent in June. Shein’s valuation shrinks 70 per cent to US$27 billion in its upcoming Hon
S2E293: PM Wong Shifts Singapore's Family Support, US Declares Economic D-Day on Iran and Haze Hits Region
Headline news for August 24, 2026: Singapore’s PM Wong announces a fundamental shift in family support at the National Day Rally with more childcare leave, lower preschool fees and greater financial support throughout the child-raising years. US Treasury Secretary Bessent writes of an economic D-Day for Iran in the Financial Times, with a sweeping sanctions package due to be announced.
S1E283: Singapore stocks aren't boring anymore — here's the proof
Your parents' "boring" Singapore dividend stocks only portfolio just had an upgrade nobody told you about. While everyone's obsessing over US tech, Singapore's equity market has quietly doubled its research coverage, attracted real institutional capital, and uncovered small-cap opportunities most investors haven't even heard of. Correspondent Howie Lim sits down with East Spring's Daniel Lau to fi
S2E56: Stress cracks in bonds are reshaping the AI and EM story
Bond markets are cracking, oil is spiking, and Japan's rates are hitting decade highs — so where should investors actually put their money? Correspondent Howie Lim sits down with Gary Tan of Allspring Global Investments to discuss why US Treasury buybacks won't fix America's debt problem, why AI valuations hinge on bond yields rather than headlines, and why emerging markets (EM) are quietly
S2E292: Russia Strikes Kyiv And Kills 16, China’s Evergrande Founder Sentenced to Life In Prison
Headline news for August 21, 2026: Large-scale Russian airstrike killed 16 people and wounded more than 40 in Kyiv. US President Donald Trump has threatened economic penalties against countries that provide any support to Iran. China Evergrande Group’s founder Hui Ka Yen sentenced to life in prison. Singapore and India strengthen cooperation in multiple areas. Synopsis: A round up of global
S2E559: Treasury lifeline sparks global rally as bond rout recedes
Market news for August 20, 2026: Global markets rallied as the US Treasury’s increased debt buybacks eased bond market stress, boosting stocks. Despite persistent Fed inflation concerns and shipping delays in the Strait of Hormuz, investor sentiment improved as yields retreated from multi-decade highs. Synopsis: Market Focus Daily is a closing bell roundup by The Business Times that looks at
S2E291: US Debt Tops US$40T, Ukraine Names New Defence Chief, US-South Korea Joint Drills Scaled Back
Headline news for August 20, 2026: United States total debt crossed a historic 40 trillion US dollar threshold. Ukraine’s lawmakers have approved Yevhenii Khmara as the country’s new defence minister. South Korea and the United States will cut short annual joint military drills to five days from eleven. Synopsis: A round up of global headlines to start your day by The Business Times.&
S2E558: Decade-high bond yields and Middle East volatility deepen tech rout
Market news for August 19, 2026: Global markets slumped as bond yields hit decade highs; oil topped $90 amid Middle East volatility; tech stocks took a heavy hit, echoing Wall Street’s slide; and investors braced for persistent inflation and elusive policy guidance from Fed minutes. Synopsis: Market Focus Daily is a closing bell roundup by The Business Times that looks at the day’s mar
S2E290: Trump Says Hormuz Open As Iran Disagrees, US-South Korea Weigh Scaling Back Drills
Headline news for August 19, 2026: US President Donald Trump insists the Strait of Hormuz remains open, while Iran says the strategic waterway is still closed to shipping. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi will be visiting South Korea today and tomorrow. Facebook, Instagram and TikTok will face tougher advertiser checks under new Singapore rules. Synopsis: A round up of global headlines to start y
S2E557: Geopolitical storm: Asian markets stumble as bond yields and oil hit decade highs
Market news for August 18, 2026: Bond yields hit decade-highs as oil rose; Asian stocks faltered following a US-Iran truce expiration; Anthropic’s revenue run rate hit $65 billion, and Milky Mist Dairy jumped 30 per cent in its successful Indian trading debut. Synopsis: Market Focus Daily is a closing bell roundup by The Business Times that looks at the day’s market movements and news
S2E289: Iran Warns Of Offensive As Ceasefire Expires, RTS Link Immigration Said To Take Seconds
Headline news for August 18, 2026: Iran says it is moving fully offensive as negotiations with the United States to end the conflict reach a stalemate. The US-Iran 60-day ceasefire deal, agreed on June 17, expires today as Washington has ruled out extending the agreement. In Singapore, late-night liquor sales in Boat Quay and Clarke Quay, as well as the weekend car-free zone at Circular Road, will
S2E556: War, tariffs, and AI? Emerging markets aren’t flinching
Market news for August 17, 2026: Defying war, tariffs, and AI volatility, emerging markets showed surprising strength. Investor demand for EM debt reached two-decade highs as Asian stocks rose and US dollar weakness dampened expectations for an imminent Federal Reserve rate hike. Synopsis: Market Focus Daily is a closing bell roundup by The Business Times that looks at the day’s market movem
S2E288: Trump piles pressure on Iran, Berkshire bets big on Alphabet, and Indonesia reels from quake
Headline news for August 17, 2026: US President Trump intensifies economic pressure on Iran while scaling back South Korean military drills; a devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake strikes Indonesia, displacing thousands and Berkshire Hathaway aggressively expands its stake in Alphabet, becoming its third-largest stock holding. Synopsis: A round up of global headlines to start your day by The Busin
S1E282: Behind the institutional veil: what your bank doesn't want you to know about asset allocation
If you think your bank’s “diversified” portfolio is built for your future, think again. In this episode of Money Hacks, we pull back the curtain on the institutional world with Arki Finance founder David Ng. We’re dissecting the "product-first" myths, exposing why your “tick-box” diversification might be failing you, and revealing why your obsession with benchma
S1E1: The rules of investing have changed. Has your portfolio?
How does one navigate fixed-income markets amid geopolitical uncertainty, inflation and diverging global economies? And how should we manage risk, preserve our purchasing power and balance defensive positioning with opportunities in today’s market? François Collet, chief investment officer of DNCA Finance explains how rising inflation has changed the traditional relationship between e
S2E55: Records, rate cuts and the yen’s reckoning
Records are being broken, currencies are wobbling, and everyone's arguing about AI — but which signals actually matter? On this week's Market Focus Weekly, Howie Lim presses Pictet's Arun Sai on the Fed's next move, whether the Bank of Japan (BOJ) can save the yen, and why AI's boom is splitting into winners and losers. From Seoul's wild swings to oil's war premium, Arun cuts through the noi
S2E287: Iran-US Standoff over Hormuz; Middle East Conflict Pushes India’s Trade Deficit Higher
Headline news for August 14, 2026: The United States said it could keep its naval blockade of Iran in place indefinitely, as ceasefire talks stall and tensions across the region continue to rise. India’s trade deficit widened more than expected in July, as the Middle East conflict pushed up oil and freight costs, increasing the country’s import bill. Workers’ Party chief Pritam S
S1E4: Politics that matter: reading Malaysia's stability through the lens of Johor's economic zone
How much does political stability matter for business and investment in Malaysia? On Simon Tay’s Political Cafe, Simon Tay, Chairman of the Singapore Institute of International Affairs and Maybank Singapore country CEO Alvin Lee discuss the outlook for Malaysia following a recent few state elections, and what it means for the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ). They explore the z
S2E555: Asian markets rally on tame inflation; oil stays buoyant amid Gulf war deadlock
Market news for August 13, 2026: Asian stocks climbed as tame US inflation data dampened near-term Federal Reserve rate hike expectations. Meanwhile, oil prices held near $80 a barrel, remaining elevated due to the ongoing US-Iran deadlock over a permanent end to the Gulf war. Synopsis: Market Focus Daily is a closing bell roundup by The Business Times that looks at the day’s market movement
S2E286: Trump says US has full control of Strait of Hormuz; Tata Sons chairman to resign
Headline news for August 13, 2026: US President Donald Trump said the United States is in full control of the Strait of Hormuz, while Iran says no progress in talks to revive the interim agreement. Tata Sons’ Chairman N. Chandrasekaran to step down in February next year. US inflation data remained unchanged, increasing 0.1% largely contained in July. Synopsis: A round up of global headlines
S1E1: Sold your business? Here's how to think about your money next
A liquidity event marks a pivotal shift from business owner to wealth allocator. But why are so many entrepreneurs unprepared for what comes next? What are the most common mistakes made after an exit, and how can entrepreneurs protect, diversify and grow their wealth? Barclays Private Bank’s Stephen Zhu shares the strategies and institutional-grade solutions that can help entrepreneurs navig
S2E554: Defying missile jitters: Asian markets rally on AI profits ahead of critical US inflation data
Market news for August 12, 2026: Geopolitical tensions boosted oil and gold, Asian shares gained, driven by South Korean strength and Foxconn’s 35 per cent profit jump. Investors await critical US inflation data following a North Korean missile launch. Synopsis: Market Focus Daily is a closing bell roundup by The Business Times that looks at the day’s market movements and news from Sin
S2E285: North Korea Fires Missile, 4 Crew Killed in Bab el-Mandeb Attack and SGX Eyes ETF Expansion
Headline news for August 12, 2026: North Korea fires its 11 ballistic missile of the year from Wonsan at six this morning Singapore time days ahead of joint US-South Korea military drills. Four crew members are killed in a Houthi attack on a cargo ship in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait as attacks on two shipping chokepoints intensify simultaneously. Synopsis: A round up of global headlines to star
S2E553: European stocks climb on energy boost as Middle East tensions keep Asia on edge
Market news for August 11, 2026: European markets edged higher, bolstered by energy stocks, while Asian indices remained cautious amid persistent Middle East uncertainty. As investors monitor global inflation and interest rate trajectories, oil and gold prices climbed, reflecting the ongoing, fragile risk sentiment. Synopsis: Market Focus Daily is a closing bell roundup by The Business Times that
S2E284: Singapore Upgrades Its GDP Forecast, Adani Charges Dropped and Iran Rejects Compensation Demands
Headline news for August 11, 2026: Singapore upgrades its 2026 GDP growth forecast to 4.5 to 5.5 per cent, driven by stronger-than-expected first-half growth on the back of the global AI investment boom. A US court dismisses fraud and bribery charges against Gautam Adani, though the judge calls the Justice Department's decision concerning. Iran rejects US compensation demands. Synopsis: A ro
S1E65: Are lower private hospital Shield claims on the cards?
Private hospital bills and Integrated Shield Plan (IP) premiums have been climbing steadily, raising concerns about affordability for Singaporeans. Genevieve Cua sits down with Jeffrey Law, chief commercial officer of IHH Healthcare Singapore, to discuss the hospital group's partnerships with insurers to better manage healthcare costs and claims. The conversation also explores the efforts made to
S1E281: The mass affluent trap: too rich for retail, too small for private banking
Your cash isn't safe just because it's sitting still — it's quietly losing to inflation while you wait for "the right time" to invest. Howie Lim gets StashAway's chief investment officer (CIO) Stephanie Leung to explain why the mass affluent get the worst of both worlds, why gold just earned a permanent seat in your portfolio, and why timing the market is a fool's errand professionals gave u
S2E54: Greed is bad, patience is good: Walter de Oude's case for tuning out the noise
Is the market caught in a volatility trap, or witnessing a fundamental pivot? Howie Lim and Chocolate Finance founder Walter de Oude get down to brass tacks: From the geopolitical tug-of-war at the Strait of Hormuz and AI investment anxiety to the Federal Reserve’s next move. What’s really driving these market swings and how can investors maintain a long-term perspective amidst today's
S2E283: OCBC and UOB Beat Estimates, US Hits Polysilicon With 15% Tariff and Houthis Strike Saudi Arabia
Headline news for August 7, 2026: OCBC's Q2 profit surges 22 per cent to S$2.22 billion, declaring a $0.47 interim dividend. UOB's profit rises 10 per cent. The US imposes a 15 per cent tariff on polysilicon targeting Chinese semiconductor and solar supply chains. Houthis wound eleven civilians in southern Saudi Arabia as further attacks are warned imminent. Synopsis: A round up of glo
S1E1: Why here, why now? Ambiq Micro's Global CEO Humi Esaka on listing in Singapore
Why did Ambiq choose to dual-list in Singapore, and what does it signal about the future of AI in Asia? In this BT Podcasts feature special, Claressa Monteiro sits down with Fumihide "Humi" Esaka, global CEO of Ambiq Micro, to discuss the rise of Edge AI, how Ambiq's ultra-low-power chips enable AI to run directly on devices without relying on the cloud, and why the company expects rapid expansion
S2E552: Asian markets retreat as AI rally fades; focus shifts to US labour data
Market news for August 6, 2026: Asian shares retreated, snapping AI-driven gains as tech sector weakness mirrored Wall Street’s pullback. Amidst cautious sentiment and stable oil, investors are now pivoting focus to critical US labor data, weighing recessionary risks against the prospect of September rate hikes. Synopsis: Market Focus Daily is a closing bell roundup by The Business Times tha
S2E282: Hormuz Coordinates Agreed, DBS Declares 81 Cents Dividend and South Korea Eyes 3% Growth
Headline news for August 6, 2026: Iran and Oman agree the geographical coordinates of a proposed Hormuz shipping route but the waterway stays closed as long as the US naval blockade holds and a fee dispute remains unresolved. DBS declares eighty-one cents in dividends per share as net profit grows nine per cent on record wealth management income. Synopsis: A round up of global headlines to s
S3E8: NTUC's Deputy Secretary-General Desmond Tan on jobs, AI and layoffs
Singapore's retrenchments have risen to their highest level since 2020, with degree holders and mid-career professionals among the hardest hit. In this episode of Lens on Singapore, Claressa Monteiro sits down with Desmond Tan, Deputy Secretary-General of NTUC and Senior Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office, to discuss the factors driving job losses, how AI is reshaping the workf
S2E551: Oil tumbles on Iran diplomacy hopes, Kospi soars on AI optimism
Market news for August 5, 2026: Asian shares climbed sharply today, following Wall Street's record-breaking rally, with technology shares leading the gains. Oil prices tumbled more than 5%, its lowest in three weeks over easing concerns on global oil supplies. And, the Japanese yen strengthened slightly as traders remain alert for further intervention. Synopsis: Market Focus Daily is a closing bel
S2E281: Iran Seeks Hormuz Control, Oil Falls 5 Per Cent and Wall Street Hits Records
Headline news for August 5, 2026: Iran wants full control of inbound shipping through the Strait of Hormuz under a framework being negotiated with Oman and its position is unlikely to change. Oil falls more than five per cent and Wall Street closes at record highs as hopes grow for a diplomatic resolution to the Iran war. Synopsis: A round up of global headlines to start your day by The Busi
S2E550: Choppy seas: Oil prices rally on Hormuz attacks as South Korea tightens curbs on risky retail bets
Market news for August 4, 2026: Asian markets remained choppy as investors balanced strong US earnings against rising oil prices fuelled by Hormuz attacks, while South Korea implemented new curbs to manage stock market volatility today. Plus, gold and oil rally. Synopsis: Market Focus Daily is a closing bell roundup by The Business Times that looks at the day’s market movements and news from
S2E280: US-Iran Diplomatic Confusion, Singapore's Manufacturing Extends AI-Led Growth
Headline news for August 4, 2026: President Donald Trump said the US is engaged in talks with Iran, while Tehran has flatly denied that any negotiations are underway or scheduled. Aung San Suu Kyi, Myanmar's detained former leader, met with an International Committee of the Red Cross representative yesterday. Singapore's manufacturing sector expanded at a slightly faster pace in July, buoyed by th
S1E70: Frasers Property’s hospitality revamp
Frasers Property Ltd (FPL) is working with its controlling shareholder to lighten its balance sheet after taking its hospitality Reit private. Its chief financial officer (CFO) Loo Choo Leong talks to BT’s Ben Paul about the deal, the group’s capital recycling strategy, and its plans to lift its ROE and share price. Highlights of the podcast: 03:26 Should investors support the revamp?
S2E549: AI skepticism hits Asian equities as Middle East peace hopes propel European gains
Market news for August 3, 2026: Asian stocks struggled amid AI trade skepticism and capital spending fears, while European shares climbed on Middle East peace hopes. Oil prices fell and the yen strengthened after joint intervention. Synopsis: Market Focus Daily is a closing bell roundup by The Business Times that looks at the day’s market movements and news from Singapore and the region. Wri
S2E279: US and Japan Intervene in Yen Markets, Iran Talks Resume and Oil Tumbles Six Per Cent
Headline news for August 3, 2026: The US and Japan conduct their first coordinated yen intervention since 1998 with Tokyo estimated to have spent US$53.7 billion to halt the yen's slide. US-Iran talks resume today but reports of a cruise missile strike on a US oil tanker in the Strait cast fresh doubt on prospects. Synopsis: A round up of global headlines to start your day by The Business Ti
S1E280: Market noise vs real signal: are you investing or just guessing?
We obsess over what to buy, but when it’s time to sell—or hold—we often freeze. Market volatility shouldn't trigger a panic-induced sell-off, yet emotion frequently overrides strategy. In this episode of Money Hacks, Howie Lim, Ritesh Ganeriwal, and Kenneth Chan dissect the crucial "portfolio check-in." Learn how to filter signal from noise, why "doing nothing" is a strategic sup
S2E53: Chips up, Meta down and a Fed on hold: making sense of a week that went in every direction
In this episode of Market Focus Weekly, St. James’s Place Martin Hennecke joins us to unpack the week of corporate earnings and market movements. We examine the impact of the conflicting outlooks for AI-related capital expenditure means for investors, where opportunities remain in the AI trade, and how to position portfolios amid shifting market and currency dynamics. Highlights: 04:00 Bigge
S2E278: UEFA Boycotts the World Cup, Microsoft Surges and the BOJ Holds at One Per Cent
Headline news for July 31, 2026: UEFA and all fifty-five European member nations vote unanimously to boycott the World Cup unless FIFA abandons its plan to sell private stakes in its tournaments. Microsoft surges fifteen per cent: its biggest single-day gain in eighteen years, adding US$450 billion dollars in market value. The Bank of Japan holds rates at one per cent and upgrades its GDP forecast
S2E548: Record Samsung earnings fail to lift Kospi, Oil rallies on renewed conflict
Market news for July 30, 2026: Asian markets traded mixed today, with the South Korean Kospi falling again despite record profits from chipmaking giant Samsung Electronics. The US Federal Reserve left interest rates unchanged, while sending mixed signals on the direction of interest which disappointed investors. Oil prices also climbed as the US resumed strikes on Iran. Synopsis: Market Focus Dail
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