Money Matters with Hongbin Jeong and Chua Tian Tian

According to advance estimates from the Ministry of Trade and Industry on Tuesday, Singapore’s economy grew by 3.8% in 2022, slowing sharply from the 7.6% growth achieved a year earlier. In The Straits Times’ The Big Story, Multimedia Correspondent Hairianto Diman spoke with Associate Editor Vikram Khanna about his outlook for 2023. 

As the year comes to an end, the customary flow of economic outlooks is in full swing. In the Spotlight, Bharati Jagdish speaks with Pushan Dutt, Professor of economics and political sciences at INSEADon what to look out for in the regional and global political situations, their economies, as well as Singapore’s outlook in 2023.  Produced and edited by Anthea Ng (nganthea@sph.com.sg)

It’s the last trading day for 2022, and that means it’s also a time for us to look back on some of the key market stories that made the headlines this year.  In the US, all major averages are heading for their worst year since 2008 but what are the big themes for markets as we kickstart 2023? And speaking of stocks, how could we miss out Elon Musk and Tesla, after the billionaire told employees not be bothered by the recent stock market craziness? Over in Asia, China is dismantling its pandemic restrictions - but with the rapid spread in COVID-19 cases and countries imposing measures for inbound travellers from China, to what extent can the region see a boom in their tourism activity? Back home in Singapore, the Goods and Services Tax is set to rise 1 percentage point to 8% come 2023, but who will bear the brunt of rising costs?  On Market View, Prime Time's Finance Presenter Chua Tian Tian broke down the key market stories for the year. 

68% of Singaporeans are actively investing, with many of them looking for new and exciting alternative assets to get in on. From gold to classic cars, alternative assets have skyrocketed in popularity with investors. However, when it comes to fascinating alternatives with seriously untapped potential, why not choose one that ages like a fine whisky? That’s why in recent years, whisky has become one of the most popular alternative assets to invest in.  What should investors take note of before investing in this alternative asset? Prime Time's Bharati Jagdish finds out from Simon Aron, Founder & Managing Director of Cask Trade.

South Korea said on Friday it will impose mandatory Covid-19 tests on travellers from China, joining the US, Japan and other countries in taking new border measures after Beijing’s decision to lift its stringent zero-Covid policies. Separately, the latest data out of China shows no new Covid-19 variant has emerged, in spite of the large number of infections spreading throughout the country. A Dec 28 statement from Gisaid, a global data science initiative, confirmed no new variants have yet emerged from the current outbreak in China. In The Straits Times’ The Big Story, Multimedia Correspondent Harianto Diman speaks withProfessor Dale Fisher, a senior infectious diseases consultant at NUH, to weigh in on these developments.

Imposing structures, impressive portfolios, and exquisite buildings – these are dreams in the pipeline for aspiring architects. Yet, the lack of work-life balance and high stress have led to the high turnovers and low retention rates in the architecture industry in recent years. One company is defying all odds to ensure it is the best place to work and learn. In the Spotlight on Prime Time, Bharati Jagdish speaks with Angela Lee, Managing Director, Asia-Pacific and Principal at HKS to understand their company's culture and secret formula of success. Produced and edited by Anthea Ng (nganthea@sph.com.sg)

On Market View, Willie Keng speaks with Stanley Lim, Content Creator, YouTube Channel "Invest with Stanley" on the top 3 sectors long term investors should be looking at in 2023.

Looking ahead to the new year, many will be watching the property market in Singapore with great interest. Will prices of private homes and HDB resale flats rise at a slower pace in 2023? On the Straits Times The Big Story, Multimedia Correspondent, Hairianto Diman speaks with Christine Sun, senior vice-president for research and analytics at OrangeTee & Tie, on her outlook and the property trends to watch for next year.

There are countless promotional sales events throughout the year, especially online, such as The Great Singapore Sale, Double Eleven, Black Friday and of course the holiday sales season. But these can be a double-edged sword for online merchants. In the Spotlight on Prime Time, Bharati Jagdish finds out why from Byron Fernandez, Group CIO, TDCX a New York Stock Exchange-listed digital customer experience solutions provider. Produced and edited by Anthea Ng (nganthea@sph.com.sg)

It has been a rough 12 months for markets across the world – rising rates, emerging market governments stumble into default, currencies suffer and double-digit losses in stocks and bonds alike - though many investors are optimistic that 2023 could bring some relief. Could we have predicted all this? What can we as investors do?  Willie Keng speaks with Chong Ser Jing, Co-founder and portfolio manager of Compounder Fund on predictions, expectations and investment psychology for investors going into 2023!