Money Matters with Hongbin Jeong and Chua Tian Tian

From Catherine, Princess of Wales photo controversy to who will be Ireland’s next leader after Leo Varadkar stepped down.  Cedomir Nestorovic, Professor of Geopolitics, ESSEC Business School, Asia-Pacific weighs in. 

Singapore shares rose at the opening bell this morning, following mixed results in global markets. In early trade, the Straits Times Index (STI) rose 0.6 per cent to 3,197.77 points after 49.5 million securities changed hands in the broader market. In terms of companies to watch, we have Olam Group. Its indirect 64.57 per cent-owned subsidiary, Olam Agri, has launched a non-binding indicative offer to acquire all shares in Australian cotton ginning company Namoi Cotton for some A$122 million (S$107.8 million).  Elsewhere from the US Federal Reserve sticking to its earlier projection of three rate cuts this year and comments by Fed Chair Jerome Powell on whether a strong labour market could derail its plans to cut rates, more international headlines are in focus. Also on deck, fashionistas suing luxury brand Hermes for not selling them the iconic Birkin handbag without buying scarves, shoes and belts! On Market View, The Evening Runway’s finance presenter Chua Tian Tian dived into the details with Terence Wong, CEO, Azure Capital.

Having struggled for game time with his club side, Ilhan Fandi is relishing being back in the Lions' den. Under the tutelage of new head coach Tsutomu Ogura, there is renewed optimism ahead of Singapore's crucial WCQ clash against China. Will the off-pitch optimism equate to an uptick in on-pitch fortunes? Ilhan Fandi is certainly bullish as he spills the beans on Sports Minutes. Got a story to tell? Get in touch with us! edanker@sph.com.sg | raushan@sph.com.sg

They say the kitchen is the heart of the home. But as Singaporean homes shrink every decade, how do you find the right balance between having a place that's functional but also a reflection of your personality? Because the reality is this: spending more on renovations doesn't always mean a better outcome for the average Singaporean homeowner. So, is your kitchen renovation a good investment or a waste of money?  Xin Lin Woo, Brand Manager and Founding Member of FURNIC weighs in.

Singapore equities advanced at the opening bell this morning, mirroring overnight gains on global markets. In early trade, the Straits Times Index (STI) rose 0.2 per cent to 3,180.94 points after 84.7 million securities changed hands in the broader market.  In terms of companies to watch for today, we have CapitaLand Investment. The asset manager has raised one billion yuan (S$187.1 million) from its inaugural sustainability-linked “panda” bond, which comes with a three-year tenor and a fixed coupon rate of 3.5 per cent per annum.  Elsewhere from how markets are reacting ahead of the US Federal Reserve’s latest interest rate decision, and the odds of the Fed still expecting three rate cuts this year – more international headlines are in focus.  Also on deck – Chinese banks maintaining their benchmark lending rates after the central bank’s recent decision to stand pat on monetary policy.  On Market View, The Evening Runway’s finance presenter Chua Tian Tian unpacked the developments with Carl Ashton, Investment Counselor, Citi Private Bank.

It is obvious that cybersecurity is a fast-growing issue in today’s digital world. While it may not always be obvious, cyber attackers are constantly evolving their approach to penetrate the computer systems of enterprises and individuals alike. Our guest has spent his career focused on the greatest threats to the US National Security, including weapons of mass destruction, terrorism, and global infectious disease but now he is in the world of cyber security.  Jeffrey Engle, Head of Product, BlueVoyant & President, Conquest Cyber shares personal experience and the biggest cybersecurity challenges for Asia’s business leaders today. 

From Malaysia' finance ministry calling for a "Malaysia First" approach to strengthen their ringgit to Thailand wanting to ban recreational marijuana with a new cannabis bill.  Nicholas Fang, Managing Director, Black Dot and Director for Security and Global Affairs, Singapore Institute of International Affairs gives us an analysis of those headlines and more. 

Improving the safety and security of livestock herds by ensuring traceability across the animal’s lifecycle. That is what we’re talking about.  Founded in 2013, our guest is Chipsafer, an internet-of-things company that offers real-time Cattle tracking solutions that captures useful data such as the current and historic health, the behaviour and the transaction information of livestock. By understanding where animals are, how they are feeding, and how they are behaving, Chipsafer says farmers can isolate issues and prevent catastrophic loss of livestock due to disease outbreaks.  It could also better increase the efficiency and sustainability of operations. Aside from that, the firm also aims to tackle the issue of cattle theft, an issue prevalent in markets such as Kenya given that many farmers rear their animals in open-ranges that are susceptible to rustling.  With Markets and Markets estimating the agriculture internet to grow from US$11.4 billion in 2021 to US$18.1 billion by 2026, at a CAGR of 9.6 per cent during the forecast period (of 2021 to 2026), what opportunities does Chipsafer see in the space?  And are they mostly located within agricultural-based economies and can Chipsafer’s solutions be adapted for modern farmers within Asia?   On Under the Radar, The Evening Runway’s finance presenter Chua Tian Tian posed these questions to Victoria Alonsoperez, Founder & CEO, Chipsafer.

The Singapore Yachting Festival is set to return for the 25 to 28 April alongside the Southeast Asia Yachting Conference, both being held at ONE°15 Marina Sentosa Cove. The 4-day event will showcase spectacular yacht displays and stunning entertainment, with about 70 boats, including many making their country and regional debuts this year. So, whether you’re a seasoned seafarer or a landlubber with a penchant for adventure, SYF 2024 promises an experience that will leave you awash in wonder. Jonathan Sit, Regional General Manager, Marina Division, ONE°15 Marinashares more. 

Singapore stocks were trading muted this morning, following mixed results in global markets. In early trade, the Straits Times Index (STI) rose 0.01 per cent to 3,172.38 points after 140.4 million securities changed hands in the broader market.  In terms of companies to watch for today, we have  Singapore Post. The national postal service provider today announced the completion of its strategic review which was initiated in May 2023.  Elsewhere from the Bank of Japan’s historic move to end its negative rate policy, to Nvidia expanding collaborations with BYD and other Chinese automakers that are racing to build self-driving vehicles, more international and corporate headlines remain in focus. On Market View, The Evening Runway’s finance presenter Chua Tian Tian unpacked the developments with Oriano Lizza, Sales Trader, CMC Markets.