BT Market Focus
Market Focus Daily is a closing bell look at markets and the news that drove its movements every trading day. Market Focus Weekly rounds up the week with expert analysis and insights for a big picture look at the trading week ahead. Produced by BT Podcasts, The Business Times, SPH Media.
Episodes
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Oil surges, chip stocks climb on AI hopes amid central bank floodgates
Market news for April 27, 2026: Oil climbed on stalled US-Iran talks, boosting inflation fears and crude to three-week highs. Chip stocks rallied amid central bank floodgates and critical tech earnings. 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@s
Higher for longer: what a stalled peace deal means for Asian investors
Geopolitics, Big Tech, and fragile ceasefires: The bulls took a breather this week. Oil prices jump as Middle East tensions flare, but how much risk premium is actually priced in? As the US Fed holds firm, we delve into what "higher for longer" means for Asia's asset allocation. Plus, the AI race heats up between Apple and Google, and is gold still the ultimate safe haven? Howie Lim speaks to Thom
Asia's rally crumbles as Gulf woes mount; Oil jumps, gold falls on inflation fears
Market news for April 23, 2026: Asia’s rally collapsed as Gulf shipping woes spiked oil prices, fuelling inflation fears and driving safe-haven flow into the dollar, while gold fell. 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) Pro
Oil high, stocks mixed as Mideast standoff drags on
Market news for April 20, 2026: Strait of Hormuz closure pushed crude past $95, but Asia's stock markets shrugged off risk to near record highs; BI to keep rate unchanged and gold falls. 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) Produ
From whiplash to record highs: how long can the peace rally last?
Global diplomacy flips Monday's oil panic into a record-high rally. Can AI demand truly decouple from energy shocks? Why did China's stocks ignore a huge GDP beat? Portfolio manager from PhillipCapital Pete Tan breaks down the war-diplomacy ease, the gold retreat, and which Singapore sectors still promise haven in a volatile market. Highlights: 02:35 AI vs. geopolitical risk 04:34 Investor sentime
Asian gains, gold falls: war diplomacy eases oil shock
Market news for April 16, 2026: Asian equities soared to fresh highs on easing Iran war diplomacy, despite a gold selloff. TSMC's profit surge and China's strong GDP beat expectations, while oil was steady and the dollar dipped on Fed easing hopes. 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
Markets climb as diplomatic signals calm oil and lift Asia
Market news for April 15, 2026: Asian equities rise on renewed diplomatic hopes, oil extends losses, and gold stabilises, while investors assess Singapore’s first-quarter growth and await US earnings and Federal Reserve signals. 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
Middle East peace hopes rally markets; MAS cites war inflation
Market news for April 14, 2026: Global markets rallied on tentative Middle East peace hopes, driving Asian stocks up and oil/dollar down, despite the US blocking Iranian ports. Singapore’s MAS tightened policy, citing inflation risks from the ongoing energy shock and central banks face rising pressure to hike rates. Synopsis: Market Focus Daily is a closing bell roundup by The Business Times
Oil blockade surges crude; Gold, stocks drop on war inflation fear
Market news for April 13, 2026: A US-imposed blockade on Iranian shipping sent Brent crude surging 7 per cent past $102, escalating war-driven energy shock. Stocks fell, and gold hit a near one-week low as inflation fears prompted traders to scale back Federal Reserve rate cut expectations. Synopsis: Market Focus Daily is a closing bell roundup by The Business Times that looks at the day’s m
Oil spike, inflation, and Middle East tensions: Can ceasefire avert global economic shock?
The guns may have stopped, but the markets haven't. Oil prices have nearly doubled since January. A fragile US-Iran ceasefire has sent stocks rallying — but how long can it last? And what does it mean for your money, especially here in Asia? This week, JP Morgan's Raisah Rasid breaks down the tail risks, the opportunity in Asian markets, and why income is your best defence right now. Highlig
Gulf truce crumbles: oil jumps past $96, Asia slides on renewed war risk
Market news for April 9, 2026: Oil prices surged above $96 as Israel's attack on Lebanon cast doubt on the fragile Middle East ceasefire, reminding investors of lingering energy supply risks through the Strait of Hormuz. Asian shares slid, led by declines in South Korea and China, as the inflationary threat re-emerged. Synopsis: Market Focus Daily is a closing bell roundup by The Business Ti
Oil slides, dollar tumbles as Hormuz ceasefire caps two weeks of turmoil
Market news for April 8, 2026: The two-week Middle East conflict closed with a sudden ceasefire, sending oil and the safe-haven dollar sliding. Stocks and bonds surged on hopes for reopened Hormuz flows. Markets, whipped by volatility, now watch skeptically for lasting peace after the dramatic, energy-driven upheaval. Synopsis: Market Focus Daily is a closing bell roundup by The Business Times tha
Oil climbs amid conflict fears; Samsung boosts Asia sentiment
Market news for April 7, 2026: Global stocks wavered as Middle East war risks hiked oil above $110, fuelling stagflation fears and halting Fed rate cut bets. A record Samsung forecast briefly lifted Asia, yet the energy shock and President Trump's deadline kept investors cautious, driving the dollar higher. Synopsis: Market Focus Daily is a closing bell roundup by The Business Times that looks at
Oil, stocks mixed as Trump's 'hell' threat vs. ceasefire hope roils markets
Market news for April 6, 2026: Oil and stocks were mixed as President Trump's "hell" threat against Iran's Strait of Hormuz closure clashed with ceasefire reports. Brent crude rose on supply fears despite an OPEC+ output boost. Asia-Pacific shares were mostly positive, while the yen weakened as Middle East tensions escalated. Synopsis: Market Focus Daily is a closing bell roundup by The Business T
Protracted war fears fuel global sell-off; oil nears $110
Market news for April 2, 2026: Protracted war fears over Iran triggered a global sell-off today. Stocks tumbled, driving oil near $110 per barrel, while the dollar firmed. US President Trump's address offered no exit timeline, leaving investors bracing for prolonged conflict and deepening economic risks ahead of the long weekend. Synopsis: Market Focus Daily is a closing bell roundup by The Busine
Iran de-escalation hopes lift Asian stocks, Korean exports smash forecasts
Market news for April 1, 2026: Iran de-escalation hopes fuelled a rally in Asian stocks today, snapping a four-day slide. South Korea's Kospi surged as exports smashed forecasts. Oil pared losses, while the dollar held steady. Investors remain cautiously optimistic as clarity on the Middle East conflict is awaited. Synopsis: Market Focus Daily is a closing bell roundup by The Business Times that l
Energy crisis, Asia's steepest fall since 2022 as war rages
Market news for March 31, 2026: Energy crisis grips Asia as Mideast war drives oil to record highs and fears of inflation and recession mount. Asian shares plunged to their steepest fall since 2022, bonds declined, while the dollar surged as a safe haven. Synopsis: Market Focus Daily is a closing bell roundup by The Business Times that looks at the day’s market movements and news from Singap
Oil's record surge, inflation spike and recession risk grip globe
Market news for March 30, 2026: Stock markets slid as a protracted Gulf conflict drove oil prices to a record monthly rise, fuelling a global inflation spike and raising recession risks. Asia, heavily dependent on Middle East energy, suffered significant losses. Brent crude soared almost 59 per cent for the month. Synopsis: Market Focus Daily is a closing bell roundup by The Business Times that lo
Quarter-end gloom: Mispriced assets, gold's stumble and Asia's energy reckoning
Global conflict. Closed shipping lanes. Oil surged, gold stumbled. As the Middle East crisis whipsaws markets, where is the mispricing? Syfe's Ritesh Ganeriwal joins Howie Lim to dissect Asia’s structural energy shock, the dollar’s safe haven reign, and the disruptive forces reshaping portfolio strategy this quarter end. Highlights: 01:16 Mispriced assets thanks to the conflict 03:44 G
Mideast turmoil: stocks fall, oil spikes, gold defies safe-haven status
Market news for March 26, 2026: Mideast turmoil sees Asian stocks slide, oil spike 2 per cent on Strait of Hormuz closure fears, while gold reverses course for its steepest monthly drop since 2008, defying safe-haven status. 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:
Oil falls and stocks rise on possible ceasefire
Market news for March 25, 2026: Stocks rise and oil retreats on possible ceasefire, driven by reports of a US 15-point peace plan for Iran. Crude prices slide 5 per cent while Asian markets recoup some losses, yet investor caution remains 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
Yen intervention looms; oil soars as Middle East war rages
Market news for March 24, 2026: Stocks were volatile and oil rose as the Middle East conflict raged, while Japan's low inflation complicated BOJ rate hike efforts, and a firm US dollar pressured gold. 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
Inflation fears mount; stocks, bonds, yen plunge; oil choppy
Market news for March 23, 2026: Inflation fears mounted as global stocks and bonds plunged, while US bond yields hit eight-month peaks. Escalating Middle East war threats drove oil volatility and lifted the dollar amid a scramble for safe-haven assets. 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
Oil shock's rate repricing: G4 holds, gold bullish, dollar firms
Oil shock, rate repricing, and a hawkish dilemma. The Middle East conflict has thrown global markets into turmoil, sparking rate hike speculation even as G4 central banks hold steady. Will the 'transitory' argument survive soaring crude prices? What’s up with the firm dollar, bullish gold, and stagflation fears being premature.? Howie Lim speaks to Ray Heung from Standard Chartered Bank to f
War rages, oil soars, yen wobbles: stagflation fears mount
Market news for March 19, 2026: Stocks slid and oil prices rose sharply today after a major escalation in the U.S. and Israel's war with Iran rattled investors, fuelling stagflation fears as central banks worldwide grapple with surging energy costs. 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 an
Asia rallies, oil prices ease, war clouds remain
Market news for March 18, 2026: Asian shares rallied as oil prices eased on an Iraq-Turkey deal, shifting focus to the Fed's balance of growth and inflation risks amid escalating Middle East conflict and Iran's defiant strikes. 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
Asian stocks climb on rate hopes despite Middle East conflict
Market news for March 17, 2026: Stocks climbed on rate hopes despite Middle East conflict, led by Asia-Pacific gains. Australia hiked rates amid sticky inflation, setting a cautious tone for major central banks weighing the Iran war's impact. 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 r
Asian markets wary, oil high, rates on pause
Market news for March 16, 2026: Asian markets were wary as Gulf tensions kept oil high, complicating inflation outlooks and leading central banks to pause or, in one case, hike rates. 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
Oil shock stalls stocks: Geopolitical risk trumps fundamentals
Oil shock stalls stocks—but is this market panic justified? As crude prices soar towards $100, the narrative of a massive sell-off should be challenged. Howie Lim speaks to Steve Sosnick from Interactive Brokers to discover why the historical context of Middle East conflicts suggests a quick rebound, what a closure of the Strait of Hormuz really models for crude and equities, and the hidden
Oil ‘barrels’ past $100, shares slide, rates spike
Market news for March 12, 2026: Global shares fell as escalating Middle East conflict drove oil past $100, fuelling inflation fears and triggering a worldwide spike in borrowing costs despite a record IEA reserve release plan. 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 b
Shares steady as oil dips, diesel soars
Market news for March 11, 2026: Shares stabilise as oil dips on IEA release proposal, but diesel's surge and Mideast conflict fuel inflation fears, complicating central bank rate paths. 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) Produc
Middle East conflict plunges oil, lifts safe-havens
Market news for March 10, 2026: Middle East war hopes whipsawed markets; stocks rallied on US comments before Iran's defiance pared gains. Oil plunged, while safe-haven gold held steady. 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) Produ
War-spiked stock chaos, soaring oil and gold's plunge
Market news for March 9, 2026: War chaos spiked stock losses across Asia, as soaring oil prices threatened global inflation and interest rates, while the US dollar gained from a rush for liquidity, and gold plunged. 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 Li
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