Money Matters with Hongbin Jeong and Chua Tian Tian

What's the real difference between investing in gold itself versus gold mining funds? With gold prices hitting record highs this year, understanding this distinction has never been more important.  Why do so many investors confuse the two? How do their returns, volatility, and role in a portfolio differ? And as we head toward year-end, what can we expect from gold and mining funds? On Wealth Tracker, Nadiah Koh speaks to Sam Hui, Senior Analyst, Manager Research, Morningstar, to find out more.

Youth homelessness in Singapore is a growing but often hidden crisis, affecting young people under 35 who struggle with family conflict, mental health challenges, and financial instability. Many move between friends’ homes, temporary shelters, and the streets, keeping their situations secret out of shame or fear of judgment. And behind the statistics are real stories of isolation, resilience, and survival - youths who feel misunderstood by peers and adults alike, navigating a society where housing policies and social support systems don’t always meet their needs.  On The Big Story, Nadiah Koh speaks to George Wong, Assistant Professor of Sociology at SMU, to unpack why youths in Singapore are experiencing homelessness and how family conflict, mental health challenges, and gaps in social support shape their struggles.

For many women, accessing timely and confidential gynecological care remains a major challenge. After experiencing a delayed diagnosis during her own pregnancy, Divya Kamerkar realised how urgently women needed better, safer healthcare options. That journey led her to create Pinky Promise — now India’s fastest-growing women’s health app. Powered by AI-driven digital clinics, the platform offers private, affordable consultations and has supported over 200,000 women. On The Right Business, Nadiah Koh speaks with Divya Kamerkar, Founder & CEO of Pinky Promise, to find out more. 

Singapore shares dipped today as investors remained laser focused on more US economic data due tonight. The Straits Times Index was down 0.22% at 4,525.19 points at 2.31pm Singapore time, with a value turnover of S$641.43M seen in the broader market. In terms of counters to watch, we have CapitaLand Ascott Trust and Sheng Siong Group. That’s given how the hospitality player and supermarket chain operator, respectively, will join the Straits Times Index’s (STI) reserve list after the December quarterly review. Elsewhere, from how Singapore retail sales grew 4.5 per cent year on year in October, to how the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) cut its key repo rate by 25 basis points today, in line with a consensus view, more economic and international headlines remained in focus. On Market View, Money Matters’ finance presenter Chua Tian Tian unpacked the developments with Benjamin Goh, Head of Research and Investor Education, SIAS.

The court rejected Pritam Singh’s appeal against his conviction for giving false testimony to the Committee of Privileges. Pritam Singh, who is the Leader of the Opposition and head of the Workers’ Party, was convicted after a 13-day trial in 2024 for providing false statements under oath on 10 and 15 December 2021. This ruling makes him the first sitting opposition MP in nearly 40 years to be convicted of a criminal offence. On The Big Story, Nadiah Koh speaks to Dr Mustafa Izzuddin, Senior International Affairs Analyst at Solaris Strategies Singapore, about the legal and political implications of the court’s decision.

Singapore shares dipped today despite gains seen on Wall Street overnight. The Straits Times Index was down 0.31% at 4,540.41 points at 11.58am Singapore time, with a value turnover of S$505.89M seen in the broader market. In terms of counters to watch, we have DFI Retail Group, after the supermarket and retail store operator unveiled a three-year strategic road map targeting double-digit profit growth and a higher dividend payout, as it moves to leverage its scale and digital capabilities. Elsewhere, from a breakdown of the latest US ADP jobs report, to more on Nvidia and the so-called Gain AI Act, more international and corporate headlines remained in focus.  Also on deck, how Paramount Skydance reportedly more than doubled the proposed breakup fee in its offer to acquire Warner Bros Discovery to US$5 billion. On Market View, Money Matters’ finance presenter Chua Tian Tian dived into the details with David Chow, Director, Azure Capital. 

Longevity isn’t just science fiction anymore. It’s a $600 billion investment opportunity. From anti-aging breakthroughs to wellness tech and elder-care innovations, investors are racing to profit from longer, healthier lives. How can you capture this booming market before everyone else does? On Wealth Tracker, Nadiah Koh speaks to Gautam Chadda, Executive Director, RBC Wealth Management Asia,to find out more. 

SystemEarth is a Singapore-based compliance intelligence platform transforming how businesses manage sustainability and regulatory requirements across global supply chains. The platform automates critical tasks such as verifying supplier data, checking land coordinates against deforestation rules, and mapping complex regulations across multiple markets. By making compliance operationally invisible, SystemEarth helps companies of all sizes - from top-tier manufacturers to small suppliers, stay ahead of evolving regulations like the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). And beyond supporting individual businesses, SystemEarth is also helping position Singapore as a hub for transparency, resilient trade, and sustainable innovation in global commerce. On The Right Business, Nadiah Koh speaks to James Chang, Founder, SystemEarth, to explore how the company is reshaping the future of compliance and sustainable trade.

As markets head into the final stretch of the year, is a Santa Claus rally is still on the cards amid mixed Asia Pacific trading, a softer opening for Singapore stocks, and rising expectations of a US Fed rate cut? Fresh data from China adds to the uncertainty, with property developer sales plunging 36% in November and services activity slowing to a five-month low, raising questions about the durability of its recovery. On Market VIew, Willie Keng and Eddy Loh, Chief Investment Officer, Maybank Group Wealth Management unpack what could power or derail a year-end upswing. They also SoftBank’s decision to sell Nvidia and pour capital into new AI bets, the checkpoints that distinguish long-term structural shifts from bubble risk, and the global themes investors may be overlooking as the year draws to a close.

The NAC announced a new pilot allowing licensed buskers to perform in pairs, alongside enhancements to the booking system and an expansion of busking locations across Singapore. These changes aim to boost creativity, increase accessibility, and strengthen the overall ecosystem for more than 500 performers. And with the new venues ranging from heartland hubs to Mandai Wildlife attractions, the busking landscape is undergoing one of its most significant shifts in recent years. On The Big Story, Nadiah Koh speaks to Jonathan Goh, Co-Chairman, Buskers Association Singapore, to share how these developments are reshaping opportunities, challenges, and the future of busking in Singapore.