Money Matters with Hongbin Jeong and Chua Tian Tian

Singapore shares nudged higher today as investors continue to digest developments on the global trade front.  The Straits Times Index was up 0.16% at 5,025.75 points at 2.32pm Singapore time, with a value turnover of S$1.05B seen in the broader market. In terms of companies to watch, we have United Overseas Insurance, after the insurance arm of UOB on Friday posted a net profit of S$23.7 million for the second half of its 2025 fiscal year ended Dec 31 – a 51.5 per cent increase from S$15.6 million in the year-ago period.  Elsewhere, from how markets in Asia-Pacific largely shrugged off US President Donald Trump’s latest decision to increase global tariffs to 15 per cent from 10 per cent, to how Singapore’s core inflation eased to 1 per cent in January – more economic and international headlines remained in focus. Also on deck – a look ahead to earnings due this week, with all eyes laser focused on Nvidia’s latest results. On Market View, Money Matters’ finance presenter Chua Tian Tian unpacked the developments with David Kuo, Co-founder, The Smart Investor.

In Budget 2026, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong highlighted the Government’s push to support an ageing population, introducing measures aimed at helping seniors live with dignity, security, and peace of mind. These include a one-time CPF top-up of up to $1,500 for those with lower retirement savings and higher CPF contribution rates for older workers starting next year. But beyond the policy announcements, are these measures enough to ease the day-to-day concerns of seniors? How do older Singaporeans truly feel about the support offered, and is there more they’re quietly hoping for but not voicing? On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Cheng Chuan Loo, Chairman of Access Digital, Founder of 1M65 Movement, and Co-Founder of PremiumMall, as he shares insights on what Budget 2026 really means for retirees and older Singaporeans. For more Budget 2026 insights:  https://www.moneyfm893.sg/whats-on/budget-2026/

As global markets move deeper into 2026, investors are facing a far more complicated landscape than many expected. Growth is slowing across major economies, central banks are sending mixed signals on rates and technological disruption continues to reshape entire industries, all while geopolitical tensions and sticky inflation keep volatility elevated. In a world where interest rates, growth trajectories and policy signals are no longer moving in sync, traditional playbooks may not be enough. So what does this mean for portfolios today? Which asset classes offer the most compelling risk-return opportunities? And how should investors think about positioning across equities, fixed income and alternatives for the rest of the year? On Wealth Tracker, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Chris Iggo, CIO, AXA IM Core Investments, BNP Paribas Asset Management, to find out more.

On What's Trending, Hongbin Jeong and Alexandra Parada break down the awkward AI summit moment where Sam Altman and Dario Amodei refused to hold hands on stage, fist-bumped instead, and reminded everyone that even tech titans have rivalry energy. Then they dive into delivery chaos when an Amazon driver followed a GPS straight onto a deadly UK mudflat known as The Broomway.

Singapore shares inched higher today as most Asian markets traded lower. The Straits Times Index was up 0.23% at 5,012.95 points at 2.53pm Singapore time, with a value turnover of S$1.10B seen in the broader market. In terms of counters to watch, we have SIA Engineering Company, after the aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul provider yesterday reported a net profit of S$41.9 million for the third quarter, up 9.7 per cent from the year-ago period.  Elsewhere, from how shares of China’s generative artificial intelligence (AI) startups Zhipu and MiniMax Group soared in Hong Kong as the market reopened after the Chinese New Year, to how Indonesia and the US finalised a trade deal to cut US levies from 32% to 19%, more corporate and international headlines remained in focus. Also on deck, how Nvidia is reportedly close to finalising a US$30 billion investment in OpenAI, as the chipmaker moves to take a stake in one of its largest customers. On Market View, Money Matters’ finance presenter Chua Tian Tian unpacked the developments with Benjamin Goh, Head of Research and Investor Education, SIAS.

Quarter-finals secured in the ACL Two, and now a blockbuster clash with league leaders Lion City Sailors awaits. Add in a recent coaching change and a relentless February schedule, and BG Tampines Rovers have plenty on their plate. Vice-captain Shah Shahiran joins Sports Minutes to discuss momentum, mindset, and what it’ll take to keep the Stags charging on all fronts. Got a story to tell? Get in touch! raushan@sph.com.sg

Budget 2026 is putting mid-career workers front and centre, with a range of measures designed to support reskilling, career transitions, and staying competitive in an AI-driven economy. From enhanced SkillsFuture programmes and expanded training allowances to new AI initiatives and a merger of workforce agencies for more seamless career support, there’s a lot for workers to navigate.  On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Allison Ching, Executive Career Coach at Dream, Do, Deliver, and Muralee Reddy, Co-Founder of Mamashop Inc., about what Budget 2026 means for mid-career workers, from upskilling, career transitions, AI-readiness, and navigating the changing job landscape. For more Budget 2026 insights:  https://www.moneyfm893.sg/whats-on/budget-2026/

Luxury watches are rapidly evolving from passion collectibles into a recognised alternative asset class, with the pre-owned market valued at $24.38 billion in 2023 and projected to reach $45.01 billion by 2030. Demand is strongest across the US, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, driven by rising liquidity, digital marketplaces, and a growing generation of investors who view watches as long-term wealth-building assets rather than just lifestyle statements. Even during economic downturns, luxury watches have shown remarkable resilience. During the pandemic, their value declined only about 8%, compared to a 19% drop in the S&P 500. On Wealth Tracker, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Oliver Müller, Founder of LuxeConsult, about what is driving the global surge in pre-owned luxury watches, which models and brands are considered “blue-chip” investments, and authenticity considerations are reshaping investor strategies in this dynamic market.  

On this What’s Trending, Hongbin Jeong and Alexandra Parada explore China’s Lunar New Year gala, where humanoid robots stunned audiences with flips, spins, and martial arts, showing off cutting-edge robotics and sparking big questions about the future role of AI in our lives. Then, keeping in the spirit of Lunar New Year, they share the story of a 10-year-old girl in Hebei who used her ang bao money to buy gold, turning her festive cash gift into a small fortune as prices soared. 

Singapore shares saw gains today as most Asian markets traded higher. The Straits Times Index was up 1.09% at 12.54pm Singapore time, with a value turnover of S$953.72M seen in the broader market. In terms of counters to watch, we have Yangzijiang Maritime, after the maritime financial solutions provider announced yesterday that it will hold an extraordinary general meeting on Mar 6 to seek shareholders’ approval on the proposed adoption of a share buyback mandate.  Elsewhere, from how minutes from the Federal Reserve’s latest meeting showed policymakers in no rush to cut rates, to a rise in tech heavyweights after news on Tuesday that Nvidia signed a multiyear deal to sell Meta Platforms millions of its current and future artificial intelligence chips, more international and corporate headlines remained in focus. On Market View, Money Matters’ finance presenter Chua Tian Tian dived into the details with David Chow, Director, Azure Capital.