The Business Times Podcasts
The Business Times Podcast Channel offers diverse perspectives, in-depth analysis, and news covering 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
S2E521: US-Iran reach tentative peace deal, sparks relief rally in Asia: Oil slips and gold rise
Market news for June 15, 2026: A preliminary agreement to end the war between US and Iran reduced geopolitical fears, resulting in an easing of oil prices and a rally in Asian markets. Major central banks, including the US and Japan are set to announce their policy decisions this week. Synopsis: Market Focus Daily is a closing bell roundup by The Business Times that looks at the day’s market
S2E245: US-Iran Peace Deal Sends Oil to a March Low and Asian Markets Surging
Headline news for June 15, 2026: The U.S. and Iran announce a peace deal to end their war. President Trump says it is "complete," ordering the naval blockade lifted and the Strait of Hormuz reopened, with signing set for June 19, in Switzerland. Oil falls to its lowest since March, gold rises two per cent, and Asian markets surge. Synopsis: A round up of global headlines to start your day by
S1E273: Mid-year reality check: the "ETF and chill" era is over
Your "ETF and chill" strategy just got a reality check. Halfway through 2026, the S&P 500 is no longer the only game in town — and the smartest investors are quietly restructuring. Chips, crypto, Singapore blue chips, UCITS ETFs — what's hype and what's genuinely worth owning? Oriano Lizza from CMC Markets and Ritesh Ganeriwal from Syfe cut through the noise. Less FOMO, more discip
S2E46: Hawkish Fed, hot inflation, fragile currencies: ASEAN's delicate balancing act explained
Peace talks lift markets, but the real story runs deeper. HSBC's senior ASEAN economist Yun Liu unpacks why Southeast Asia sits at the eye of the storm — navigating energy shocks, a hawkish Fed, dollar pressure, and an AI revolution that's reshaping trade. From Malaysia's fuel subsidies to Singapore's inflation risk and Vietnam defying tariff odds, this is the macro picture most investors ar
S2E244: Trump Signals an Iran Deal, SpaceX Prices History's Largest IPO and Asian Markets Rally
Headline news for June 12, 2026: President Trump says a "great settlement" with Iran could see the Strait of Hormuz reopen this weekend, though Tehran has not confirmed. SpaceX prices the largest IPO in history, putting Elon Musk on the verge of becoming the world's first trillionaire. Asian markets rally and oil falls to two-month lows. Synopsis: A round up of global headlines to start your
S2E520: Strait of Hormuz shuts, oil spikes: Asian markets stumble amid renewed Iran tensions
Market news for June 11, 2026: Asian markets slumped, as a hot U.S. inflation report fuelled Wall Street selloffs. Simultaneously, renewed US strikes on Iran forced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, driving Brent crude prices higher and deepening geopolitical and economic instability. Synopsis: Market Focus Daily is a closing bell roundup by The Business Times that looks at the day’s mark
S2E243: SpaceX Prices History's Largest IPO, Iran Closes the Strait and Asian Markets Fall
Headline news for June 11, 2026: SpaceX prices the largest IPO in stock market history today with trading on Nasdaq beginning Friday evening Singapore time under the ticker SPCX. Iran declares the Strait of Hormuz closed until further notice after a second consecutive day of U.S. strikes. Asian stocks fall and gold hits a six-month low. Synopsis: A round up of global headlines to start your
S3E4: My job, my skills, my future
Artificial intelligence is changing the way we work, but what does that actually mean for jobs in Singapore? In this episode of Lens on Singapore, Claressa Monteiro speaks with Dean Tong, head of group human resources at UOB, and Victor Chua, deputy CEO of NUS-ISS. From workforce redesign and reskilling to hiring priorities and the rise of "AI bilinguals", they discuss how organisations are a
S2E519: Between a war and a rate hike: Asia’s volatile Wednesday
Market news for June 10, 2026: Renewed hostilities between the US and Iran triggered a sharp Asian market rout, driving oil prices higher while tech stocks slumped. Investors, battered by geopolitical volatility, now brace for critical US inflation data to decipher the future of interest rates. Synopsis: Market Focus Daily is a closing bell roundup by The Business Times that looks at the day&rsquo
S2E242: Japan's Banks Launch Stablecoins, Singapore Deepens Indonesia Ties, US and Iran Trade Strikes
Headline news for June 10, 2026: The US strikes Iranian air defences after Iran downs a US Apache helicopter near the Strait of Hormuz. Iran retaliates with drone attacks on US bases in Bahrain and Kuwait. Japan's three biggest banks announce joint stablecoin issuance. Singapore and Indonesia launch a joint technology study for the Batam-Bintan-Karimun region. Synopsis: A round up of global
S2E518: Asian markets bounce back as ceasefire hopes and tech dip-buying spark relief rally
Market news for June 9, 2026: Asian stocks rallied, as Israel-Iran ceasefire hopes fuelled relief. Investors aggressively bought semiconductor dips, while South Korea rebounded 7 per cent and strong Chinese trade data signalled resilience, despite caution over the rally's narrow base and lingering inflation concerns. Synopsis: Market Focus Daily is a closing bell roundup by The Business Times that
S2E241: Iran and Israel Stand Down, Kim Meet Xi in Pyongyang and Singapore Hiring Hits Five-Year Low
Headline news for June 9, 2026: Iran and Israel halt direct attacks on each other after President Trump intervenes but Israel says strikes on Hezbollah in Lebanon will continue in full force and Iran warns of crushing retaliation if provoked. Kim Jong Un and Xi Jinping meet in Pyongyang pledging to expand cooperation into a new chapter. Synopsis: A round up of global headlines to start your
S1E63: CPF Life vs ILP: a false choice?
Are financial advisors steering you wrong on retirement? In this eye-opening episode of WealthBT, host Genevieve Cua and financial expert Christopher Tan of Providend expose a common, yet risky, sales pitch that pits CPF Life against investment-linked policies (ILPs). Learn why phrases like "capital guaranteed on death" are being challenged, and how some agents use misleading comparisons to clinch
S2E517: Market rout deepens: AI pullback and Middle East tensions drive Asian sell-off
Market news for June 8, 2026: Asian markets plummeted today as investors retreated from AI-linked stocks amid concerns of an overextended bull run. Simultaneously, escalating tensions in Iran spiked oil prices, fuelling market volatility and dampening global sentiment ahead of key upcoming IPOs and economic data. Synopsis: Market Focus Daily is a closing bell roundup by The Business Times that loo
S2E240: Earthquake Hits Mindanao Tsunami Warnings Across the Region, Kospi Tumbles
Headline news for June 8, 2026: A powerful earthquake strikes off Mindanao this morning with tsunami warnings issued across the Philippines, Indonesia and Malaysia with coastal residents ordered to evacuate. Israel launches fresh strikes on Beirut despite the ceasefire as Trump says he will tell Netanyahu to stand down. South Korea's Kospi tumbles nearly seven per cent. Synopsis: A round up
S1E272: Credit score myths debunked: what banks really look for
Your credit score impacts everything. Experts from Credit Bureau Singapore and MoneyHero Group bust the biggest myths, from "clean" profiles to unused cards. Are you managing your financial reputation correctly? Synopsis: Every Monday, The Business Times breaks down useful financial tips. Highlights: 01:23 Top credit score myths 05:13 Why NOT having a credit score hurts 07:01 How to build credit w
S2E45: Peace hopes, profit-taking and a Bitcoin plunge: making sense of a rollercoaster week
Oil at US$90 even after a ceasefire. A dollar no one can replace. Bitcoin cratering while IPOs loom. AI infrastructure costs that could reshape every sector — not just tech. What's really driving markets? Why are central banks frozen? And where is the smart money quietly rotating? Howie Lim finds out from Thomas Rupf of VP Bank. Highlights: 01:05 Energy prices vs. supply security 03:00 The s
S2E239: Indonesia's Market Rout, Hezbollah Blocks Lebanon Peace and Singapore Faces New US Tariff
Headline news for June 5, 2026: Indonesia's stock market has tumbled thirty-six per cent from its record high as the rupiah hits an all-time low past eighteen thousand to the dollar. Hezbollah rejects a Lebanon ceasefire and Israel refuses to withdraw troops, undermining President Trump's push to link Lebanon peace to an Iran deal. Synopsis: A round up of global headlines to start your day b
S1E3: AI adoption: pain points, payoffs and where to start
In this episode of Ask PwC Singapore, Claressa Monteiro sits down with Tan Kiat How, Senior Minister of State for Digital Development and Information & Ministry of Health, Dr Ng Chin Siau, founder and CEO of Q & M Dental Group, and Kwek So Cheer, partner for Digital Solutions at PwC Singapore, to talk about what AI adoption actually looks like on the ground. Not ambition. The reality. Dr N
S2E516: Asia stocks plunge on renewed US-Iran tensions; Oil slips, SpaceX IPO prices
Market news for June 4, 2026: Renewed US-Iran fighting plunged Asian stocks, though a Lebanon-Israel ceasefire eased oil prices. Inflation fears intensified, raising Bank of Japan rate hike chances. Separately, Bitcoin dropped while SpaceX set its landmark IPO price at $135 a share. Synopsis: Market Focus Daily is a closing bell roundup by The Business Times that looks at the day’s market mo
S2E238: Singapore Faces US Tariff Threat, Lebanon Ceasefire and the House Rebukes Trump on Iran
Headline news for June 4, 2026: South Korea's ruling Democrats sweep local elections but face a narrow defeat in the Seoul mayoralty. Lebanon and Israel agree to implement a ceasefire contingent on Hezbollah withdrawing from southern Lebanon. The US House passes a war powers resolution directing Trump to end the Iran war but it carries no binding legal force. Synopsis: A round up of global h
S2E515: AI bull run powers Asia stocks to record highs despite flaring Gulf hostilities and crypto tumble
Market news for June 3, 2026: A protracted US-Iran war and the Hormuz blockade unleashed a global oil shock, fuelling inflation and forcing hawkish central bank moves. Yet, the AI bull run propelled Asian tech stocks to dramatic new record highs, defying the geopolitical risk. Synopsis: Market Focus Daily is a closing bell roundup by The Business Times that looks at the day’s market movement
S2E237: Iran Strikes Kuwait and Bahrain, US Hits Qeshm Island and Japan Passes Emergency Budget
Headline news for June 3, 2026: Iran fires ballistic missiles at Kuwait and Bahrain but all fail or are intercepted as the US strikes Qeshm Island in response and Iran's Revolutionary Guards warn of a much stronger retaliation to come. Russia kills twenty-three people in an overnight assault on Ukraine. Japan passes an emergency energy budget. Synopsis: A round up of global headlines to star
S2E514: AI lifts Asia as markets weigh ceasefire, oil steadies
Market news for June 2, 2026: Asian stocks struggled for direction as a partial Middle East ceasefire steadied oil near $95. AI-linked shares gained on Anthropic's trillion-dollar IPO filing. Blackstone raised a record $13.1B for Asia private equity, while gold rose and cryptocurrencies slid to two-month lows. Synopsis: Market Focus Daily is a closing bell roundup by The Business Times that looks
S2E236: Lebanon Declares Ceasefire, Anthropic Files for IPO and Johor to Head to Polls
Headline news for June 2, 2026: Lebanon announces a partial ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel — but Netanyahu says military operations in the south will continue. Anthropic confidentially files for a U.S. IPO at a valuation approaching one trillion U.S. dollars. And Malaysia's Johor state assembly is dissolved with an election due by July 31. Synopsis: A round up of global headlin
S1E68: Marco Polo Marine powers on: A conversation with its CEO
Marco Polo Marine has the wind in its sails as investor attention in the Singapore market turns to smaller cap stocks. Its CEO Sean Lee answers questions from BT’s Ben Paul about how he is steering the group into North Asia, why separate listings for its wind energy platform and shipyard have been proposed, and what the group will look like in 10 years. Highlights of the podcast: 03:23 New m
S1E271: Liquidity: the anxiety antidote
Is your emergency fund ready for the real financial crisis: stacked, non-stop inflation? A budget is not enough. The rising cost of living demands a new kind of preparation. We dismantle the "inflation illusion" and reveal the critical difference between looking financially stable and being genuinely, liquidly prepared. Are there specific cash structures you need to survive volatility without pani
S2E44: AI-fueled stock surge meets oil’s 10% drop: Is the energy crisis over?
Is the energy crisis over? Global stocks hit record highs fueled by AI, while oil tumbles 10 per cent on potential Strait of Hormuz reopening. What about the AI hype versus real growth, the USD's "fairy tale moment," the sustainability of the East Asian rally, and the long-term risks for bonds? Howie Lim gets insights from Oriano Lizza of CMC Markets. Highlights: 01:06 AI hype vs. real growth 04:0
S2E235: Asia’s largest security summit begins in Singapore, amidst US-Iran deal
Headline news for May 29, 2026: Asia’s largest security conference, Shangri-La Dialogue kicks off its twenty-third session in Singapore today. The US and Iran reach a deal to extend the ceasefire, pending President Trump’s approval. Oil prices mixed amidst conflicting reports on the US-Iran agreement to end the war. Synopsis: A round up of global headlines to start your day by The Busi
S1E1: How solid, connected financial tech helps SMEs turn into truly global players
The global business landscape is borderless, yet full of financial friction. How are high-growth, multi-entity SMEs navigating shifting supply chains, cross-border payments, and complex compliance without the deep pockets of MNCs? Why does resilience trump efficiency? How can you unlock a "hidden competitive edge" with smarter treasury practices? And why is Singapore a key hub for global expansion
S2E513: Hormuz tides turn: Iran deal buoys stocks, yet Strait's shadow looms
Market news for May 28, 2026: Iran conflict and US strikes drove Asian stocks lower, challenging peace optimism. Oil rebounded 2 per cent, pressuring inflation and bond yields, while AI-driven chip sales buoyed South Korean exports despite broader market risks. Synopsis: Market Focus Daily is a closing bell roundup by The Business Times that looks at the day’s market movements and news from
S2E234: Trump says no one gets to control the Strait of Hormuz, as US launches new strikes on Iran
Headline news for May 28, 2026: US launches new strikes on an Iranian military site, complicating an already uncertain US-Iran draft framework deal. The RBNZ holds rates steady as New Zealand reveals its’ budget today. More discounts on groceries for lower-income Singaporeans. Synopsis: A round up of global headlines to start your day by The Business Times. Written by: Nicole Teo (nico
S3E3: Is Singapore losing the world we relied on? An intelligence chief's candid take
Are we seeing a fragmentation in the rules-based global order? And if so, what does this mean for Singapore? In this episode of Lens on Singapore, Claressa Monteiro speaks to Henry Wilkinson, chief intelligence officer at Dragonfly Intelligence from Dow Jones for his expert take on the biggest geopolitical flashpoints, from the war in the Middle East, to the Taiwan question. With two decades of ex
S2E512: Iran deal hopes fade as US strikes temper risk appetite; Oil rebounds, stocks mixed
Market news for May 26, 2026: Oil prices rose today and stocks wavered as investor optimism over an imminent US-Iran peace deal was tempered by new US strikes in the Middle East. Brent futures rose over 2 per cent to over $98 a barrel, while global stocks were mixed as inflation fears persisted. Synopsis: Market Focus Daily is a closing bell roundup by The Business Times that looks at the day&rsqu
S2E233: Singapore and China Call for Ceasefire, U.S. Strikes Iran, Russia Threatens Kyiv
Headline news for May 26, 2026: Singapore and China jointly call for an immediate Middle East ceasefire as Iran's top negotiator heads to Doha for talks even as U.S. forces strike Iranian missile sites and mine-laying boats. Russia warns of systematic strikes on Kyiv and urges foreigners to leave the city. Synopsis: A round up of global headlines to start your day by The Business Times
S1E55: Who are buying private homes and how do agents stay relevant? With PropNex’s CEO Kelvin Fong
Get insights on what is driving home buyers to buy pricey condos despite mounting economic uncertainties. In this episode of PropertyBT, host Leslie Yee chats with PropNex’s CEO Kelvin Fong. What is driving buyers in the new sale and resale private housing markets? Will Singaporeans continue to aspire for private homes? Learn about how AI is impacting real estate agents. Also, approaching on
S2E511: Iran deal hopes spur stock rally, oil and dollar slide; Strait clarity key
Market news for May 25, 2026: Stocks surged on Iran deal hopes, weakening the dollar and oil, but Strait of Hormuz clarity concerns tempered the rally, underscoring persistent war-driven inflation risks for global markets. 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. Written by: H
S2E232: Russia Pounds Kyiv, Trump Slows Iran Talks and Oil Falls Below $100
Headline news for May 25, 2026: Russia launches its largest assault on Kyiv in years with six hundred drones, ninety missiles and a nuclear-capable hypersonic weapon then strikes again overnight killing twelve more. President Trump tells his Iran negotiators not to rush a deal as its outlines take shape. Oil falls below one hundred dollars on deal optimism. Synopsis: A round up of global hea
S1E270: Yield without fear: Navigating credit markets in a high-rate era
Are you missing out on serious returns? With a massive $12 trillion sitting in money markets, it's time to look at fixed income again. But success in this market depends on knowing which bonds to buy. Join Howie Lim, Erik Keller from Robeco and Kylie Soh of Fullerton Fund Management as they cut through the noise. They'll reveal where the true opportunities lie, demystify the risks of high-yield bo
S2E43: The war is three months old, stocks are at record highs and the Fed is talking hikes
The "AI Trade" demands selectivity post-Nvidia: learn the new rules focusing on free cash flow and margins, not just growth. Brent crude's new US$100+ baseline defies temporary peace, fueled by Gulf tensions and hawkish Fed signals. This week, we dive into the dollar's safe-haven supremacy, the Kospi as a global tech bellwether, and the structural debt risks shaking G7 bonds with José Torre
S2E231: M1-Simba Merger Dies and Rubio Calls Iran's Hormuz Toll Plan Unfeasible
Headline news for May 22, 2026: The M1-Simba merger is officially dead as Tuas Limited terminates its sale agreement following the IMDA's suspension of the review. US-Iran talks remain deadlocked over uranium and Strait of Hormuz tolls with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio warning a deal is unfeasible if Iran pursues toll charges on the waterway. Synopsis: A round up of global headlines to
S2E510: Nvidia, Samsung fuel Asia stock surge; global risks eased, not gone
Market news for May 21, 2026: Asian stocks surged, fuelled by Nvidia's strong forecast and a suspended Samsung strike, easing global risk fears as vessels resumed passage through the Strait of Hormuz, though inflation worries persist. 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. W
S2E230: OpenAI announces $300M investment in Singapore, Xi and Putin denounce Trump’s Golden Dome
Headline news for May 21, 2026: US President Donald Trump says he was “right on the borderline” between a deal and resuming the war on Iran. OpenAI announces it will open its first Applied AI Lab outside of the US in Singapore. The China-Russia meeting concludes with no significant deals. Synopsis: A round up of global headlines to start your day by The Business Times. Written by
S2E509: Nvidia earnings, geopolitical fears roil Asia stocks and global bonds
Market news for May 20, 2026: The AI rally faces a critical test with Nvidia earnings, overshadowed by escalating Gulf conflict driving oil prices and bond yields higher globally. Geopolitical tension fuels inflation fears, prompting central bank rate hike bets and dampening Asian stocks. Synopsis: Market Focus Daily is a closing bell roundup by The Business Times that looks at the day’s mar
S2E229: Singapore Faces IAEA Nuclear Assessment and Trump Sets a New Iran Deadline
Headline news for May 20, 2026: Singapore will undergo an IAEA nuclear readiness assessment in 2027 as it considers whether to deploy nuclear energy. President Trump says he was one hour from striking Iran before Gulf leaders intervened, setting next week as the new deadline for a deal. US 30 year bond yields hit an eighteen-year high. Synopsis: A round up of global headlines to start your d
S2E508: Trump peace bid cools oil prices, but Nvidia earnings and inflation fears loom large
Market news for May 19, 2026: AI stocks face a pivotal test with Nvidia's earnings amid Gulf-driven oil and bond yield surges. While Trump's peace bid cooled prices, global inflation fears and looming central bank tightening cast a shadow over markets. 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
S2E228: Trump Pauses Iran Strike, Putin Flies to Beijing and Oil Falls
Headline news for May 19, 2026: President Trump says he paused a planned strike on Iran at the personal request of the leaders of Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE as a new Iranian peace proposal arrives in Washington. Russia’s President flies to Beijing for talks with Xi Jinping. Oil falls more than two per cent on eased escalation fears. Synopsis: A round up of global headlines to star
S2E507: AI euphoria faces Nvidia test as Gulf turmoil drives oil, bond yields higher
Market news for May 18, 2026: Asian markets slid on Gulf turmoil, driving oil and bond yields higher, as the AI rally faces a critical test from Nvidia's earnings this week. 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. Written by: Howie Lim (howielim@sph.com.sg) Produced and edite
S2E227: Taiwan Vows It Won't Be Sacrificed, Ukraine Strikes Moscow, Singapore Surges
Headline news for May 18, 2026: Taiwan President Lai Ching-te responds to President Trump’s silence on Taiwan during the Beijing summit. Ukraine launches its largest drone strikes on Moscow in over a year in retaliation. Singapore’s non-oil domestic exports rose twenty four point five per cent year on year in April, exceeding forecasts. Synopsis: A round up of global headlines to start
S1E269: The great yield shift: why banks are gaining altitude as Reits seek grounding
The high-yield trade is fracturing. As higher-for-longer rates lift banks' fortunes, Reits face a triple threat: narrowing yield spreads, soaring debt costs, and depressed valuations. Is your income portfolio resilient? Howie Lim speaks to RHB experts to discuss this growing divergence, revealing the crucial metrics (beyond yield) and tactical moves you need now to navigate uncertainty and secure
S2E42: Can the AI rally really ignore inflation, geopolitics and a Fed under pressure?
AI frenzy, rising inflation, and geopolitical shocks: Can the tech rally survive? Chief investment strategist Charu Chanana of Saxo breaks down the Fed's next move, the HALO trade, and the global fallout from a potential Samsung strike and the Trump-Xi summit. Highlights: 01:03 Will the Fed hike rates in 2026? 04:22 AI rally and HALO 07:42 Samsung strike threat 10:18 Trump-Xi summit 13:52 Sectors
S2E226: Xi Warns Trump: Mishandle Taiwan and the Two Countries Risk Collision
Headline news for May 15, 2026: President Trump and President Xi wrap up their Beijing summit with a stark warning from Mr Xi that mishandling Taiwan risks collision between the two powers. Both agree the Strait of Hormuz must stay open. Russia launches its largest drone assault of the Ukraine war. And Singapore's Circle Line completes its loop on July twelfth. Synopsis: A round up of global
S2E506: AI darlings power Asia rally; Gold rises as Trump-Xi summit offers few surprises
Market news for May 14, 2026: An Asia-wide rally, fuelled by key AI stocks, saw SK Hynix's valuation approach $1 trillion. Meanwhile, gold prices climbed due to a weaker dollar. The Trump-Xi summit holds no major surprises so far, with ongoing concerns over Middle East oil supply continuing to affect markets. Synopsis: Market Focus Daily is a closing bell roundup by The Business Times that looks a
S2E225: Trump Meets Xi in China, Warsh Takes the Fed and Gunshots in Philippine Senate
Headline news for May 14, 2026: President Trump sits down with President Xi in Beijing today with trade, Taiwan, AI and Iran on the table and the CEOs of Apple, Tesla and Nvidia in tow. Kevin Warsh is confirmed as Fed chair in the most partisan confirmation vote in US history. Synopsis: A round up of global headlines to start your day by The Business Times. Written by: Claressa Monteir
S3E2: Iran: Not Our Fight, Still Our Problem
Professor Joseph Liow, chairman of the Middle East Institute, joins Lens on Singapore’s Claressa Monteiro to cut through the noise around the Iran conflict and bring it into the Singapore context. Two Singaporeans in conversation about energy exposure, diplomatic tightropes, social cohesion and what it really means to be a small open economy in an increasingly volatile world. This is not a l
S2E505: Global market slump on hot US Inflation, Mideast standstill; Samsung strike looms
Market news for May 13, 2026: Global markets fell as hot US inflation dampened Fed cut hopes and Middle East tensions persisted. Samsung stock rebounded despite a major labor strike threat. 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. Written by: Howie Lim (howielim@sph.com.sg) Pr
S2E224: Trump Flies to Beijing for Xi Summit as Bessent Holds Trade Talks in Seoul
Headline news for May 13, 2026: President Trump declares Americans' financial pain is not even a little bit of a factor in his Iran negotiations — as U.S. inflation hits a three-year high and he flies to Beijing for a two-day summit with Xi Jinping. Asian stocks slip as hot inflation data and the Iran deadlock sour sentiment. Synopsis: A round up of global headlines to start your day b
S2E504: Oil up as Iran truce hopes fade; Seoul's Kospi recoils from 8k on US inflation fears
Market news for May 12, 2026: Dollar and oil rise on continuing Middle East conflict as peace talks continue to not deliver; Asian currencies suffer and markets eye President Trump’s last ditch effort in China. 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. Written by: Howie L
S2E223: Japan Bonds Hit a Twenty-Nine Year High as Iran Ceasefire Hanging by a Thread
Headline news for May 12, 2026: President Trump calls the Iran ceasefire on life support and dismisses Tehran's peace proposal as a piece of garbage as the two sides remain deadlocked. Japan's bond yields hit their highest level since nineteen-ninety-seven as the Bank of Japan faces growing pressure to raise rates. Synopsis: A round up of global headlines to start your day by The Business Ti
S1E62: High-net-worth insurance as a multi-generational wealth planning tool
The US$6 Trillion Wealth Transfer is here. Are you ready? High-net-worth families are adding Indexed Universal Life (IUL) insurance to their toolkit. Discover how this tool fits into multi-generational wealth planning, what separates a good policy from a bad one, and the risks of policies lapsing. Synopsis: Learn to protect and grow your wealth in this monthly Business Times podcast series for aff
S2E503: Safe-haven shift: Dollar gains strength while gold falters on inflation fears
Market news for May 11, 2026: Safe-haven dollar climbed as deadlocked US-Iran talks kept the Strait of Hormuz closed, choking oil supply and lifting prices, while AI stocks provided a modest lift to Asia's markets. 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. Written by: Howie Lim
S2E222: Trump Rejects Iran's Peace Offer, Drones Strike Gulf States and Thaksin Freed
Headline news for May 11, 2026: President Trump calls Iran's latest peace proposal totally unacceptable as the UAE, Qatar and Kuwait all report Iranian drone strikes over the weekend. Two Singaporean hikers are confirmed dead in the Mount Dukono eruption. And Thailand's Thaksin Shinawatra walks free this morning on parole after eight months in prison. Synopsis: A round up of global headlines
S1E268: Risk reset: differentiating a flash sale from a fundamental flaw
Is "buying the dip" dead? The market is volatile, interest rates are up, and the old rules are breaking. Don't be fooled by a flash sale that's actually a fundamental flaw. What are systematic, disciplined strategies for spotting a true bargain—or a bottomless pit? Howie Lim finds out from the experts. Synopsis: Every Monday, The Business Times breaks down useful financial tips. Highlights:
S2E41: AI boom, oil's 'peace premium,' and the Fed's sticky inflation dilemma
Is the AI rally a bubble or backed by real earnings? As oil prices spike and the Yen tumbles, we tackle inflation's sticky grip and the future of interest rates. Plus, are South Korea and Taiwan becoming the new undisputed tech leaders? Endowus CIO Hugh Chung joins Howie Lim for a compelling look at the markets' biggest questions this week. Highlights: 01:02 AI hype: rally or bubble? 02:36 Geopoli
S2E502: AI, Iran talks lift Asia stocks to record highs; oil, dollar slip
Market news for May 7, 2026: Global stocks pause near highs as investors await US payrolls, while oil stabilises after US-Iran peace hopes drove crude lower this past week. 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. Written by: Howie Lim (howielim@sph.com.sg) Produced and edited
S2E221: Iran and the US Close In on a Deal, Wall Street Hits Records and Oil Falls
Episode Title: Iran and the U.S. Close In on a War-Ending Deal, Wall Street Hits Records and Oil Falls Headline news for May 7, 2026: Iran reviews a U.S. peace proposal as reports emerge that Washington and Tehran are closing in on a one-page deal to end the war including a moratorium on nuclear enrichment. Wall Street hits record highs, AMD surges seventeen per cent on AI chip demand
S2E501: Oil's peace-deal plunge lifts Asia tech; Samsung tops $1T market cap
Market news for May 6, 2026: Oil peace talks boost Asia tech stocks, lifting Samsung to a $1T valuation. Crude and the dollar fall on hopes for a major US-Iran agreement. 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. Written by: Howie Lim (howielim@sph.com.sg) Produced and edited b
S2E220: Project Freedom Paused, Epic Fury Declared Over and Oil Falls as Hope Grows
Headline news for May 6, 2026: President Trump pauses Project Freedom citing great progress toward a final Iran deal but the naval blockade holds as another ship was struck in the Strait overnight. Secretary of State Rubio confirms Operation Epic Fury is formally over. Oil falls for a second day and gold extends its recovery on deal optimism. Synopsis: A round up of global headlines to start
S2E500: Mideast truce shakes Wall St. highs: Hormuz hit sends oil, safe-haven dollar soaring
Market news for May 5, 2026: Mideast peace hopes fade after Hormuz explosion, pulling Wall Street back from peak records. The resulting oil price surge on Gulf tensions boosts the safe-haven dollar. 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. Written by: Howie Lim (howielim@sph.c
S2E219: Project Freedom Backfires, Iran Strikes the UAE, ADB Cuts Asia Growth Forecast
Headline news for May 5, 2026: Project Freedom triggers a sharp escalation as the U.S. sinks six Iranian boats and Iran fires missiles at a UAE port with the ceasefire hanging by a thread. In Singapore, Parliament opens today with a landmark motion on AI and job disruption as labour chief Ng Chee Meng calls for a guarantee of no jobless growth. Synopsis: A round up of global headlines to sta
S1E67: Can SGX draw both Reits and tech stocks?
CICT’s acquisition of Paragon demonstrates the strength of the Reit sector, while Addvalue Tech’s value unlocking plan highlights the local market’s weakness in the growth space. Senior correspondent Ben Paul looks at how the Singapore market could be strengthened as a hub for both yield and growth. Highlights of the podcast: 03:30 Big Singapore Reits drive sector liquidity 05:43
S2E499: AI, oil, and yen: Tech-led Asia rallies, but Mideast conflict keeps inflation in focus
Market news for May 4, 2026: AI-led Asia shares rallied despite Mideast conflict keeping oil flat and inflation risks high; Japanese yen jumped on intervention alert. 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. Written by: Howie Lim (howielim@sph.com.sg) Produced and edited by: C
S2E218: Trump Launches Project Freedom and Singapore Signs an Essential Supplies Deal
Headline news for May 4, 2026: President Trump launches Project Freedom to escort stranded ships out of the Strait of Hormuz, even as a tanker is struck by unknown projectiles this morning. In Singapore, Prime Minister Wong meets New Zealand counterpart Christopher Luxon today to sign a landmark Agreement on Trade in Essential Supplies. Synopsis: A round up of global headlines to start your
S1E267: To risk or not to risk your risk-free 4% CPF return?
Your CPF Special Account (SA) has been your financial security blanket for decades — a rock-solid 4 per cent return, no questions asked. But Singapore's about to shake things up. By 2028, a new life-cycle portfolio scheme changes the game. Is it a long-overdue upgrade or a risk not worth taking? Howie Lim finds out from Christopher Tan, CEO of Providend and Genevieve Cua, wealth editor of Th
S2E498: AI & oil dictate markets: Tech earnings lift Asia while war shock spurs hawkish central banks
Market news for April 30, 2026: AI and oil prices dominated markets: strong tech earnings lifted Asian shares, but surging crude and hawkish central banks amplified inflation fears amid rising Mideast tensions. 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. Written by: Howie Lim (ho
S2E217: Oil Back Up, Powell Exits and Trump Says the Iran Blockade Could Last Months
Headline news for April 30, 2026: Oil closes at its highest level since 2022 as President Trump says the Iran blockade could last months with no nuclear deal in sight. Jerome Powell ends eight years as Fed chair with four dissents and a defiant pledge to stay on, handing a divided central bank to successor Kevin Warsh. Synopsis: A round up of global headlines to start your day by The Busines
S3E1: The Economy Is Changing. Will We Still Have Work?
Minister for Manpower, Tan See Leng and Minister of State for Digital Development and Information, Jasmin Lau join Claressa Monteiro on Lens on Singapore to tackle the question many Singaporeans are quietly asking: as the economy transforms, will there still be a place for me? Growth is getting harder, jobs are no longer guaranteed and AI is reshaping work faster than most people feel re
S2E497: UAE-OPEC split causes oil jump, Iran/AI worries loom ahead of Fed/tech earnings
Market news for April 29, 2026: UAE's OPEC exit and Iran/AI worries clouded markets ahead of the Fed and tech earnings, while Brent crude rose on stalled peace talks. 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. Written by: Howie Lim (howielim@sph.com.sg) Produced and edited by: C
S2E216: UAE Quits OPEC After Sixty Years as Iran War Fractures the Gulf's Energy Order
Headline news for April 29, 2026: The UAE quits OPEC after nearly sixty years, effective Friday, as the Iran war fractures the Gulf's energy order and oil surges back above a hundred dollars a barrel. Iran is preparing a revised peace proposal, but President Trump has already signalled the current terms are unacceptable. Synopsis: A round up of global headlines to start your day by The Busin
S2E496: Oil stalls near highs as BOJ hawkish split underlines Iran war inflation fears
Market news for April 28, 2026: Stocks held ground despite the Iran stalemate and big tech earnings test, while hawkish BOJ action on inflation fears from the conflict pushed oil prices to a three-week high. 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. Written by: Howie Lim (howie
Recommended
In Your Opinion
JIA CMNV with Stephen Prado
Joseph Prince FR
LOVE 972 周公讲鬼 | Mr Zhou's Ghost Stories
Money Talks
News Headlines from The Straits Times presented by MONEY FM 89.3
NO ORDINARY JOE - PODCAST SERIES
OKLETSGO
The Financial Coconut Podcast
The Forties Formula
The Straits Times Podcasts
Work It
