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
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
S2E277: U.S. Launches Fresh Strikes on Iran; Singapore Rolls Out S$900M Support Package
Headline news for July 30, 2026: U.S. Central Command announces fresh strikes on Iran, following a drone strike on an Egypt tanker, and Iran’s attack on a U.S. military base in Jordan. Japan’s rescue teams race against time in their search for survivors after a 7.1-magnitude earthquake on Tuesday. Taiwan’s United Microelectronics Corp announces expansion of cleanroom capacity in
S2E547: AI anxiety extends Asia chip sell-off; Oil climbs on renewed Iran tensions
Market news for July 29, 2026: Asian technology shares extended their sell-off today, taking its cue from another steep decline in US chip stocks overnight. South Korea’s Kospi led declines, triggering a trading halt for the second straight session. Oil prices rose after US Central Command said Iran had launched missile strikes targeting US bases in the Gulf. Synopsis: Market Focus Dai
S2E276: Japan Earthquake Kills 13, US & Saudi Forces Strike Iraq and Malaysia's F1 Return
Headline news for July 29, 2026: A magnitude 7.1 earthquake strikes Kumamoto in southwestern Japan with at least thirteen confirmed dead, an Aeon Mall partially collapses and three hundred thousand people are ordered to evacuate. US and Saudi forces conduct joint strikes in Iraq against Iran-aligned militant groups. Malaysia's surprise Formula One return triggers a one-hundred-and-six per ce
S2E546: Asia chip sell-off deepens as China competition fears trigger Kospi circuit breaker
Market news for July 28, 2026: Asian chip stocks tumbled today, led by a 10.84 per cent drop in South Korea's Kospi, which triggered a circuit breaker. The sell-off reflected growing concerns over elevated AI valuations and rising competition from China. At the same time, Brent crude continued to fall on hopes of easing geopolitical tensions between the US and Iran. Synopsis: Market Focus Daily is
S2E275: Iran Talks Resume Amid Fresh Drone Strikes and China Confirms a 20% Tariff Cap
Headline news for July 28, 2026: US-Iran diplomatic contacts resume but Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Iraq report fresh drone attacks overnight. China confirms for the first time that the US has committed to cap replacement tariffs on Chinese goods at twenty per cent. Synopsis: A round up of global headlines to start your day by The Business Times. Written by: Claressa Monteiro (clare
S1E57: Prospects and challenges for Singapore's hotel industry: the impact of AI and robots
Get insights on latest developments, trends and challenges in the vital hospitality sector. How does a homegrown hospitality management group compete? Will more locals be drawn to hospitality careers? Learn about how the hotel sector can leverage the growth in AI and robotics. Discover hidden travel gems. Leslie Yee is in conversation with Mark Rohner of Far East Hospitality. Synopsis: Hosted by s
S2E545: Oil slides on Gulf pause, Chinese chip giant CXMT soars in record IPO
Market news for July 27, 2026: Asian markets rose as a temporary pause in the fighting in the Gulf pushed oil prices lower. Changxin Technology Group (CXMT) made a blockbuster market debut. Meanwhile on Wall Street, earnings season reaches a pivotal stage this week as several major US technology companies prepare to report. Synopsis: Market Focus Daily is a closing bell roundup by The Business Tim
S2E274: US and Iran Pause Strikes, MAS Tightens Again and Oil Tumbles Five Per Cent
Headline news for July 27, 2026: Both U.S. and Iranian forces hold fire for a second consecutive day as a regional mediator calls the pause a positive signal for de-escalation. The MAS tightens monetary policy for the second consecutive time as Iran war inflation persists. Oil tumbles five per cent and Asian markets rally on ceasefire hopes. Synopsis: A round up of global headlines to
S1E279: Artificial sycophant or financial genius? When to trust AI
Speed is everything in investing—but is it actually the enemy of wealth? We’re conditioned to trust human advisors, but what if your portfolio manager, tax expert, and risk officer was a cold, calculating AI? Howie Lim speaks with 8FIGURES founder Andrew Izyumov to ask: can AI truly cure emotional trading habits, or is it just an "artificial sycophant"? Should we let an algorithm manag
S2E52: Oil at US$100, new tariffs and a yen at a 40-year low: Barclays on what Asia faces next
Oil prices are surging, AI spending is back under the microscope, and a new round of U.S. tariffs is raising fresh concerns about global growth. Together, these forces are driving volatility across financial markets and putting renewed pressure on Asian currencies as inflation risks rise and the Federal Reserve maintains a hawkish tone. In this episode of Market Focus Weekly, Barclays' Mitul Kotec
S2E273: US Tariffs Hit Sixty Countries, Brent Tops US$100 and Singapore Seeks Tariff Clarity
Headline news for July 24, 2026: New US tariffs of ten to twelve-point-five per cent take effect today on sixty trading partners covering ninety-nine per cent of US imports by value. Brent crude holds above one hundred US dollars a barrel as Houthi strikes on Saudi tankers deepen twin chokepoint fears. Singapore tells Washington it is not a tariff target. Synopsis: A round up of global
S2E544: Oil jumps on Houthi attacks, AI spending powers Asian chip stocks
Market news for July 23, 2026: Asian shares advanced today after major US technology companies unveiled robust capital spending plans. Oil prices climbed again to near record 6-week highs after Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthis claimed attacks on two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea. Synopsis: Market Focus Daily is a closing bell roundup by The Business Times that looks at the day’s market
S2E272: Houthis Strike Saudi Tankers in Red Sea, and South Korea Beats Growth Forecasts
Headline news for July 23, 2026: Yemen's Houthis strike two Saudi oil tankers: the Encelia and the Layla in the Red Sea early this morning Singapore time, as both the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab al-Mandeb face simultaneous disruption for the first time. Brent crude rises above US$96 a barrel. South Korea's economy beats second-quarter growth forecasts on chip exports. Synopsis: A roun
S3E7: Tyres and treasure: Stamford Tyres' Dawn Wee talks about the soul of business
Some businesses are built on strategy. Legacies, however, are built on something deeper. In this episode of Lens on Singapore, Claressa Monteiro sits down with Dawn Wee, executive chairman of Stamford Tyres, to reflect on the lessons learnt from building a family business of four decades, and why purpose lies at the heart of every enduring company. She also shares her personal journey building res
S2E543: Oil hits seven-week highs as Yen slides to forty-year low
Market news for July 22, 2026: Asian shares traded mixed today amid caution ahead of the major tech earnings this week. Yen slides to its weakest level in almost four decades. Oil extends its rally to reach seven-week highs. 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. Writt
S2E271: Iran War Costs Tops US$37.5B, Houthis Threaten Red Sea Shipping , SGX Debuts First U.S. SDRs
Headline news for July 22, 2026: Oil prices surged to a five-week high today, as two oil tankers carrying Saudi crude to Asia reversed course in the Red Sea. U.S. President Donald Trump announced that U.S. imported generic drugs will face a 100% tariff in August 2028. SGX will launch 3 SDRs for U.S.-listed companies, Grab, Sea and SpaceX today. Synopsis: A round up of global headlines to sta
S2E542: Asian stocks bounce back, Oil slips despite escalating Houthi threats
Market news for July 21, 2026: Asian shares climbed today, led by gains in Japan and South Korea. Oil prices edged lower on hopes of diplomatic progress in the Gulf. Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen have threatened a naval blockade on Saudi Arabia. Indonesia's parliament approved generous tax incentives under a new financial centre law. Synopsis: Market Focus Daily is a closing bell roundup by T
S2E270: Houthis Blockade Saudi Arabia, Mediators Propose a Ten-Day Iran Ceasefire and Burnham Takes Power in Britain
Headline news for July 21, 2026: Yemen's Houthis declare a naval blockade on Saudi Arabia effective immediately threatening to close the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and cut a further seven per cent of global oil supply. Mediators have put a ten-day ceasefire proposal to Iran in a bid to salvage the interim deal. Andy Burnham takes power as Britain's new prime minister. Synopsis: A round up of globa
S2E541: Oil tops US$90 as conflict intensifies, South Korean chip sell-off accelerates
Market news for July 20, 2026: Asian shares traded mixed today as the conflict in the Middle East has pushed oil prices higher, reaching above US$90 a barrel for the first time in more than a month. South Korea’s Kospi fell another 4.5 per cent lower today as the semiconductor sell off extended into the new week. Synopsis: Market Focus Daily is a closing bell roundup by The Business Times th
S2E269: US Death Toll Hits Seventeen, Brent Crosses Ninety Dollars and Hormuz Traffic Falls to Four Ships
Headline news for July 20, 2026: A third US service member is confirmed killed in the Iran conflict, bringing the total death toll to seventeen since February. Brent crude crosses ninety U.S. dollars a barrel as fighting enters its ninth consecutive night. The Strait of Hormuz traffic crashes to just four vessels on Sunday, its lowest in weeks. Synopsis: A round up of global headlines to sta
S1E278: Loss of income, not identity: navigating the psychology of retrenchment
Retrenchment isn't just a career setback; it's a financial and psychological earthquake. Howie Lim speaks with clinical psychologist Dr Annabelle Chow about navigating the initial shock. What is the single biggest financial mistake most make in the first 48 hours and how to stop panic from driving your decisions? From mastering the "3-bucket" survival strategy to separating your identity from your
S2E51: Chip stocks falling, oil rising and India's US$30 trillion opportunity: M&G's Vikas Pershad on where to look now
Geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, coupled with growing concerns that AI spending may have become too exuberant, have fuelled volatility in stock markets globally. On a positive note, the equity fundraising boom shows little sign of slowing, with Malaysia leading the way in South-east Asia. In this episode of Market Focus Weekly, M&G Investments’ Vikas Pershad unpacks the market m
S2E268: Singapore Electronics Surge, Iran Fighting Enters Sixth Night and Gold Falls Below Four Thousand Dollars
Headline news for July 17, 2026: Singapore's electronics exports surge one hundred and five per cent in June on AI-driven demand even as overall export growth moderates. US and Iranian forces exchange fire for a sixth consecutive night as the June truce continues to unravel. Gold falls below four thousand US dollars an ounce. Synopsis: A round up of global headlines to start your day by The
S2E540: TSMC's record profit fails to lift Asian chip stocks; Oil eases amid elevated risks
Market news for July 16, 2026: Asian shares fell today, led by the sell-off in semiconductor, even as chipmaking giant TSMC announced its’ record earnings beat. Meanwhile, oil prices retreated slightly after the US completed its latest round of strikes on Iran. Synopsis: Market Focus Daily is a closing bell roundup by The Business Times that looks at the day’s market movements and news
S2E267: Bank of Korea Hikes Rates, China Tops the US in Global Favourability and Asian Chip Stocks Tumble
Headline news for July 16, 2026: The Bank of Korea raises rates for the first time in three and a half years as inflation hits a two-and-a-half-year high driven by Middle East energy costs. A Pew Research survey finds China now viewed more favourably than the US in most countries surveyed including key U.S. allies. Asian chip stocks tumble. Synopsis: A round up of global headlines to start y
S2E539: Oil jumps on US-Iran hostilities; ASML earnings lift AI sentiment
Market news for July 15, 2026: Asian shares rally as US inflation numbers cooled interest rate hike expectations. Geopolitical tensions continue to rise as both the US and Iran continue to ramp up strikes. In tech earnings, ASML beats expectations, while IBM disappoints. Synopsis: Market Focus Daily is a closing bell roundup by The Business Times that looks at the day’s market mo
S2E266: Hormuz Blockade In Force, UAE Tankers Burn and Softer US Inflation Eases Rate Hike Fears
Headline news for July 15, 2026: The US naval blockade on Iran is now in force as of four this morning Singapore time. Two UAE tankers are set ablaze and one mariner killed as Iran strikes commercial vessels for the fourth consecutive day. US inflation comes in softer than expected, easing fears of a near-term Federal Reserve rate hike. Synopsis: A round up of global headlines to start your
S2E538: Oil hits four-week high as Asian stocks rebound
Market news for July 14, 2026: Asian markets closed mostly higher today, after a reversal and stock gains in Japan and South Korea. Possibility of US putting a 20 per cent levy on cargo ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz sends Brent crude to 4-week highs. 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
S2E265: US Restarts the Iran Blockade, Singapore's Economy Beats Expectations and Malaysia Eyes Early Election
Headline news for July 14, 2026: President Trump reinstates the Iran blockade and declares the US the Guardian of the Strait of Hormuz announcing a twenty per cent fee on all cargo transiting the waterway, effective four this Wednesday morning Singapore time. Singapore's economy grows five-point-seven per cent in the second quarter, beating expectations despite months of Middle East disruption.&nb
S1E64: Retirement’s longevity challenge
A long life is a blessing—but is your retirement plan ready for it? In this episode of WealthBT, Genevieve Cua sits down with Manulife Investments Singapore CEO Koh Hui-Jian to tackle the new reality of retirement. With lifespans reaching into the 80s, the traditional "simple savings" approach won't suffice for a 40-year horizon. Why must you move beyond local markets? Also discover th
S2E537: Oil surges as US-Iran strikes escalate, SK Hynix plunges after Nasdaq debut
Market news for July 13, 2026: Asian shares fell today as the escalating conflict in the Middle East led to higher oil prices and reignited global inflation concerns. South Korea's Kospi index plunged 9 per cent, dragged down by chipmaker SK Hynix, which slumped more than 15 per cent. Synopsis: Market Focus Daily is a closing bell roundup by The Business Times that looks at the day’s market
S2E264: Bangkok Pub Fire Kills Twenty-Seven, Iran Closes Hormuz Again and Warsh Faces Congress
Headline news for July 13, 2026: A fire at a Bangkok pub kills twenty-seven people and injures sixty-three overnight — many found trapped in restrooms at the back of the venue. Iran claims to have closed the Strait of Hormuz again as US and Iranian forces exchange heavy strikes. Federal Reserve chair Kevin Warsh faces Congress for the first time today. Synopsis: A round up of global he
S1E277: From windfall to wealth: making fortune last
Sudden windfall? Congratulations — now don't screw it up. Let’s tackle the messy reality of instant wealth: the 30-day rule before making any big moves, why "generous relative energy" can drain your fortune fast, and the emotional identity crisis nobody warns you about. RBC's Gautam Chadda breaks down guilt-free spending, family giving frameworks, and staying rich long after the confet
S2E50: Oil, AI and a wobbly yen: JP Morgan's Raisah Rasid on what investors should consider now
Escalating military tensions between the US and Iran have renewed concerns over energy prices, while volatility in AI-linked technology stocks, particularly in East Asia continues to rise. S&P Dow Jones follows MSCI in potentially downgrading the Indonesia market to ‘frontier’ status, while traders remain alert for Japan’s yen intervention. In this episode of Market Focus Wee
S2E263: Iran Strikes Four Countries as US Hits Near Nuclear Plant, Australia set to Sell Uranium to India
Headline news for July 10, 2026: Iran fires missiles and drones at US military bases in Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and Jordan as US strikes hit near the perimeter of Iran's only civilian nuclear plant at Bushehr. Australia agrees to sell uranium to India. Andy Burnham is on track to become Britain's next prime minister. Synopsis: A round up of global headlines to start your day by The Business T
S2E536: Asian markets lose momentum as oil surge fuels inflation fears
Market news for July 9, 2026: Oil prices rose 1 per cent for its third consecutive session amid renewed geopolitical tensions between the US and Iran. Asia markets lose its earlier momentum, while Europe and US markets are poised for a firm open. 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 t
S2E262: Trump Declares the Iran Deal Over, and Airlines told to Avoid Iranian Airspace
Headline news for July 9, 2026: President Trump declares the Iran ceasefire memorandum over at the NATO summit in Ankara. The US strikes Kharg Island and Iran's parliamentary speaker vows Tehran will not fold. The EU Aviation Safety Agency recommends airlines avoid Iran, Iraq and Lebanon airspace until August 31. Singapore's Category A COE hits a record one hundred and twenty-nine thousand dollars
S3E6: AI and the Singaporean worker
As Singapore prepares its workforce for the AI era, beyond upskilling, is it reshaping workers' identities and sense of self? In this episode of Lens on Singapore, Claressa Monteiro speaks with Dr Christopher Cheok, assistant chairman of the Medical Board for Digital Health at the Institute of Mental Health, and David Leong, managing director of PeopleWorldwide Consulting. From unpacking the chang
S2E535: Oil up as US-Iran ceasefire ends, South Korean Kospi enters bear market
Market news for July 8, 2026: US President Trump declared an end to the ceasefire with Iran, following an exchange of strikes between the two countries. South Korea’s Kospi plunged 5.35 per cent, entering bear market territory. US treasury yields and dollar strength both rose amid the heightened geopolitical risk. Synopsis: Market Focus Daily is a closing bell roundup by The Business Times t
S2E261: US Strikes Iran, Tankers Hit in Hormuz and Indonesia Seals a BrahMos Missile Deal
Headline news for July 8, 2026: The US launches a new wave of strikes on Iran and revokes its oil sanctions waiver after Iran attacks three tankers in the Strait of Hormuz including a Qatari LNG vessel. Indonesia and India sign landmark defence deals in Jakarta. Singapore commits eight hundred million dollars to transform its transport sector. Synopsis: A round up of global headlines to star
S2E534: Asian markets slide on Samsung shock; Oil advances amid renewed Middle East tensions
Market news for July 7, 2026: Asia shares fell today, following Samsung’s earning guidance failing to impress investors. Oil moved up slightly over renewed tensions in the Strait of Hormuz. US President Donald Trump is set to attend the NATO summit tomorrow. Synopsis: Market Focus Daily is a closing bell roundup by The Business Times that looks at the day’s market movements and news fr
S2E260: Russia Pounds Kyiv Ahead of the NATO Summit, Belgium Beat the USA
Headline news for July 7, 2026: Russia kills at least twenty-two people in a massive overnight strike on Kyiv on the eve of the NATO summit in Ankara. Belgium beat the United States four-one in Seattle. Charles De Ketelaere scored twice and Romelu Lukaku in the 93rd minute and are through to the World Cup quarterfinals. Synopsis: A round up of global headlines to start your day by The Busine
S1E69: Navigating chaotic markets
With a focus on macro fundamentals and careful asset allocation, Maybank chief investment officer (CIO) Eddy Loh is helping investors navigate uncertain markets. He talks to BT’s Ben Paul about the next leg of the AI theme, what geopolitical tensions mean for markets, the role of gold as a risk mitigator, and why he is optimistic about Singapore and Malaysia. Highlights of the podcast: 05:37
S2E533: Asia stocks mixed amidst rising AI caution, yen intervention risks remain
Market news for July 6, 2026: Asia shares traded mixed today as investors recalibrate artificial intelligence related plays. Samsung to release second quarter earnings guidance tomorrow. Brent crude falls on the resumption of shipping traffic in the Strait of Hormuz. Synopsis: Market Focus Daily is a closing bell roundup by The Business Times that looks at the day’s market movements and news
S2E259: PM Wong Heads to Jakarta, FIFA Lifts Balogun's Ban to Belgium's Fury and Hormuz Traffic Picks Up
Headline news for July 6, 2026: PM Lawrence Wong travels to Jakarta for the annual Singapore-Indonesia Leaders' Retreat as the Philippine VP Sara Duterte's impeachment trial opens today. FIFA lifts USA’s Balogun's red card ban after President Trump reportedly calls FIFA's Infantino. Belgium is furious and the match kicks off tonight Singapore time. 160 vessels transited the Strait of Hormuz
S1E276: Stop 'revenge investing': why panic selling is your portfolio's worst enemy
Markets crash. Portfolios bleed red. And your gut screams "sell everything." But what if the scariest moment in investing is also the most dangerous time to trust your instincts? Howie Lim sits down with Grace Tay from finexis advisory to find out why panic selling turns temporary losses permanent, why "get-evenitis" wrecks recoveries, and how one simple framework — reframe, reset, reenter &
S2E49: Chips, yen wobbles and a gold bull call: where Standard Chartered sees Asia markets heading
Volatility in AI-linked technology stocks, globally and across Asia, continues to rise. Indonesia faces uncertainty over a possible MSCI downgrade, and traders remain on high alert for Japan’s yen intervention. In this episode of Market Focus Weekly, Standard Chartered Bank’s Yap Fook Hien unpacks the market moves for the week – revealing their bullish views for South Korean and
S2E532: South Korean stocks tumble, Japan to ‘ambush’ yen short sellers
Market news for July 2, 2026: Asian stocks fell today, following the sell off in US technology shares overnight. US President Donald Trump praised US-Iran talks in Doha. Crude prices fall to four-month lows amidst growing oil glut expectations. 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 th
S2E258: Doha Talks Show Progress, South Korean Chips Rattle Markets and Singapore's 1MDB Case Goes to Trial
Headline news for July 2, 2026: Qatar reports positive progress in indirect US-Iran talks in Doha but the Strait of Hormuz remains designated a war zone under international shipping agreements until at least July 9. South Korea's market falls more than 5 per cent as a chipmaker selloff rattles Asian markets. Singapore's High Court sends the 1MDB-linked Standard Chartered case to trial.
S2E531: Stalled diplomacy, sinking yen: Asian markets open Q3 on edge
Market news for July 1, 2026: Asian shares opened the new quarter cautiously as stalled US-Iran diplomacy clashed with rising US bond yields. The Japanese yen sank to fresh 40-year lows, fuelling intervention jitters, while investors braced for critical labor data and Fed policy guidance ahead. Synopsis: Market Focus Daily is a closing bell roundup by The Business Times that looks at the day&rsquo
S2257South Korea Smashes Export Records, Iran Snubs US Envoys and HDB Prices Fall Again
Headline news for July 1, 2026: South Korea's exports surpass one hundred billion US dollars for the first time ever in June, up 70.9 per cent on AI-driven chip demand. Iran refuses to meet US envoys in Doha saying ceasefire terms must be resolved first. Singapore's HDB resale prices fall for a second consecutive quarter. Synopsis: A round up of global headlines to start your day by The Business T
S2E530: Asian stocks finish sparkling quarter at historic highs as oil war fears abate
Market news for June 30, 2026: Asian stocks closed a sparkling quarter at record highs as oil fears eased. Meanwhile, a resurgent dollar pushed the yen to four-decade lows amid shifting US rate expectations. Gold prices stumbled, marking their sharpest monthly decline since 2008. Synopsis: Market Focus Daily is a closing bell roundup by The Business Times that looks at the day’s market movem
S2E256: Supreme Court Shields Fed, Delegations Head to Doha and Indonesia's Nadiem Verdict Today
Headline news for June 30, 2026: The U.S. Supreme Court blocks President Trump from firing Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook while dramatically expanding his power to fire all other independent agency heads. Iran and the US send delegations to Doha this week but Tehran says the two sides are not actually meeting each other. Synopsis: A round up of global headlines to start your day by The B
S1E56: On super-tall HDB flats, affordability of HDB resale flats and housing aspirations of singles
Get insights on latest developments and hot button issues in HDB housing. Will super-tall HDB blocks offer good homes? Are we heading to S$1 million BTO flats and S$2 million HDB resale flats? Learn about how having a 10-year minimum occupation period may impact housing mobility and whether young people here are on track to own their own homes. Leslie Yee is in conversation with NUS’ Prof Si
S2E529: Asian stocks stall as peace hopes collide with rate-hike realities
Market news for June 29, 2026: Asian stocks stalled as US-Iran hostilities paused, cooling war-driven oil rallies. The dollar held near one-year highs amid intensifying rate-hike bets, forcing investors to weigh fragile geopolitical stability against the prospect of persistent, elevated interest rates. Synopsis: Market Focus Daily is a closing bell roundup by The Business Times that looks at the d
S2E255: Iran and the US Stand Down, South Korea Unveils a Chip Mega-Hub
Headline news for June 29, 2026: Iran fires on US bases in Kuwait and Bahrain over the weekend before both sides agree to stand down and resume talks in Qatar on Tuesday. South Korea is set to unveil a semiconductor mega-hub that could attract hundreds of billions in Samsung and SK investment. Venezuela's earthquake death toll nears fifteen hundred. Synopsis: A round up of global headlines t
S1E275: The six-month breaking point: are you actually prepared for the unforeseen?
Is your financial plan truly resilient, or are you one emergency away from disaster? 61% of households struggle to cope beyond six months after a loss of income. Howie Lim sits down with Sun Life Asia’s David Broom to dismantle the myth that resilience equals a high salary. Is Singapore’s “safe haven” status creating a false sense of security? And how to stop trading your l
S2E48: Is the AI trade still intact? And why oil might be your next surprise
AI is minting billionaires and burning cash at historic scale. Chip stocks are swinging wildly. Big Tech is borrowing like never before. And oil, gold, and the yen are sending mixed signals. In this episode of Market Focus Weekly, BNY Investments' Aninda Mitra cuts through the noise — separating AI signal from hype, exposing the risks retail investors are missing, and revealing why a global
S2E254: UN Pauses Hormuz Evacuation, Taiwan Shuts Down and Oil Slides
Headline news for June 26, 2026: The UN pauses its Strait of Hormuz evacuation operation after a cargo vessel is struck near Oman, two U.S. officials say Iran fired the projectile, even as overall tanker traffic hits its highest daily flow since the war began. Five million people in southern Taiwan are off work as Tropical Storm Mekkhala brings torrential rain. Synopsis: A round up of
S2E528: AI rally re-ignited: Chip giants add $400B in market cap as Asian stocks soar
Market news for June 25, 2026: Asian equities soared as chipmakers, buoyed by strong forecasts from Micron and Qualcomm, added $400 billion in market cap, reigniting the AI rally. Concurrently, oil prices retreated following a US-Iran ceasefire, while gold fell below the $4,000 psychological threshold. Synopsis: Market Focus Daily is a closing bell roundup by The Business Times that looks at the d
S2E253: ICC Judges Sue Trump, Japan Hit by Earthquake and Oil Falls
Headline news for June 25, 2026: Three International Criminal Court judges sue President Trump in Manhattan, calling his sanctions a financial death penalty. A magnitude 6.9 earthquake strikes northern Japan this morning with no casualties reported but Shinkansen services suspended. Oil falls to its lowest level since the Iran war began as more tankers prepare to exit the Strait of Hormuz. S
S3E5: Has the Singapore dream become harder to reach?
By many measures, Singapore continues to perform strongly economically. Yet some Singaporeans feel their personal aspirations are becoming more difficult to realise. In this episode of Lens on Singapore, Claressa Monteiro speaks with Professor Wei-Jun Jean Yeung, director of Social Sciences at A*STAR Institute for Human Development and Potential (A*STAR IHDP), and Associate Professor Walter T
S2E527: Asian stocks drift, oil slips: Markets weigh AI valuation jitters against easing Gulf tensions
Market news for June 24, 2026: Asian markets remained directionless as crude oil hovered near four-month lows. Investors are currently weighing renewed volatility from stretched AI valuations against fragile progress in US-Iran peace talks, amid a broader risk-off sentiment sweeping across global equity markets. Synopsis: Market Focus Daily is a closing bell roundup by The Business Times that look
S2E252: Congress Rebukes Trump on Iran, Peace Talks Story Unravels and Asian Markets Bounce Back
Headline news for June 24, 2026: Both chambers of Congress have passed a war powers resolution directing President Trump to end the Iran war though it carries no binding legal force. The US and Iran offer conflicting accounts of what was agreed in Switzerland, casting doubt on the peace framework. Asian markets bounce back after Wall Street's tech-led selloff. Synopsis: A round up of global
S2E526: Oil cools, tech burns: Seoul plunges 10% in Asia’s steepest sell-off
Market news for June 23, 2026: Seoul’s benchmark plunged 10 per cent in a historic tech-led rout. Elsewhere, US sanctions waivers cooled oil prices, while Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s surprise resignation cast fresh shadows over global market sentiment. Synopsis: Market Focus Daily is a closing bell roundup by The Business Times that looks at the day’s market movements and news
S2E251: Iran Sanctions Waived, SpaceX Loses US$6 Billion in Three Days and Malaysia's Rulers Meeting Is Called Off
Headline news for June 23, 2026: The US formally waives Iran sanctions as tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz resumes but full oil flow recovery could take until December. SpaceX shares fall sixteen per cent in a single session, wiping out more than six hundred billion US dollars over three days. Malaysia's Conference of Rulers is cancelled at the last minute. Synopsis: A round up of
S2E525: US-Iran peace progress fuels Asian market rally; SK Hynix overtakes Samsung in historic shift
Market news for June 22, 2026: Asian markets rallied on US-Iran peace progress, easing crude prices. Japan’s Nikkei climbed 1.9 per cent, while South Korea’s market gained 2.6 per cent as SK Hynix surpassed Samsung as the nation’s most valuable listed company. Gold also rose amid the geopolitical shift. Synopsis: Market Focus Daily is a closing bell roundup by The Business Times
S2E250: Fragile Diplomacy, Nervous Markets, and Fresh Investment in Singapore
Headline news for June 22, 2026: As US-Iran peace talks enter a critical phase, investors remain wary of the risks to global energy supplies and economic stability. Closer to home, Singapore's currency outlook remains resilient, while AI firm Databricks signals continued confidence in the Republic with plans for a major expansion. Synopsis: A round up of global headlines to start your day by
S1E274: Stop waiting for the 'right time': why micro-investing is the new wealth superpower
You think investing is complicated? That's exactly the problem. What if you could start with $10 with no need to wait for the "right time"? Many entities are quietly embedding finance into everything you already do, and the best investment app feature isn't a chart — it's a well-placed "Are you sure?" Whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned portfolio juggler, this one will change how you
S2E47: A fully live Fed, historic BOJ hike and Singapore's stagflation problem
Iran signs a peace deal, the Strait of Hormuz reopens, and markets rally — but is the relief built to last? This week on Market Focus Weekly, portfolio manager Pete Tan analyses what a "fully live" Fed means for your portfolio, why Japan's BOJ is walking a tightrope, how China's export boom masks a consumer crisis, and why energy security — not green ideology — is now the definin
S2E249: Tankers Transit Hormuz as the Iran Deal Faces Republican Backlash
Headline news for June 19, 2026: Oil tankers transit the Strait of Hormuz as the US. blockade is lifted but five hundred vessels are waiting and full normalisation could take weeks. The US-Iran deal faces sharp Republican criticism, with senators calling it the worst foreign policy blunder in decades. SpaceX ends its first trading week thirty-seven per cent above its IPO price. Synopsis: A r
S2E524: Japan, South Korean stocks at record highs, US-Iran deal takes effect
Market news for June 18, 2026: Major Asian stock markets hit record highs today, as the Nikkei 225 broke past 71,000, and the Kospi index crossed 9000. This comes on the back of the temporary ceasefire deal between the US and Iran that was signed into effect today. Synopsis: Market Focus Daily is a closing bell roundup by The Business Times that looks at the day’s market movements and news f
S2E248: Trump Signs Iran MOU at Versailles, Fed Holds Under Warsh and the G7 Backs Deal
Headline news for June 18, 2026: President Trump signs the U.S.-Iran memorandum of understanding at the Palace of Versailles and the Strait of Hormuz reopens instantly, all sanctions are lifted and the war that began February twenty-eighth is formally over. The Federal Reserve holds rates under new chair Kevin Warsh but nearly half of policymakers now expect a hike by year end. Synopsis: A r
S2E523: Oil plunges, Asian stocks mixed as US considers waiving Iranian oil sanctions
Market news for June 17, 2026: Asian stocks traded sideways today, as investors await the Federal Reserve’s policy meeting and for the reveal of more details on the US-Iran deal. Oil prices plunged amid growing optimism on rising oil supply. 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
S2E247: Singapore Exports Surge, Iran's Reconstruction Fund and Trump Tells Russia to Make Peace
Headline news for June 17, 2026: Singapore's exports surge thirty-eight-point-four per cent in May on AI-driven demand. Reuters reveals a three-hundred-billion-dollar private reconstruction fund is embedded in the US-Iran framework with over half already committed from companies across four continents. President Trump meets President Zelenskyy at the G7 and says Russia should make peace with Ukrai
S2E522: Nikkei hits record 70,000 after historic BOJ rate hike as US-Iran peace deal remains in focus
Market news for June 16, 2026: Asian stocks rose as Japan’s Nikkei hit a record 70,000 following the Bank of Japan’s historic 1 per cent rate hike. Markets are now monitoring whether the US-Iran peace deal will curb global inflationary pressures and influence future central bank policy trajectories. Synopsis: Market Focus Daily is a closing bell roundup by The Business Times that looks
S2E246: BOJ Set to Hit One Per Cent, US-Iran Deal Extends the Ceasefire and Singapore Home Sales Slump
Headline news for June 16, 2026: The Bank of Japan is set to raise rates to one per cent today — the highest in nearly thirty years. The U.S. and Iran have signed a preliminary agreement extending the ceasefire by sixty days and reopening the Strait of Hormuz but a permanent deal remains to be negotiated. Synopsis: A round up of global headlines to start your day by The Business Times.
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
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