Money Matters with Hongbin Jeong and Chua Tian Tian

Singapore shares inched higher today as Asian markets traded mixed. The Straits Times Index was up 0.45% at 4,289.14 points at 2.24pm Singapore time, with a value turnover of S$874.21M seen in the broader market. In terms of counters to watch, we have UOB. The bank announced yesterday that its cardholders in Singapore will be able to redeem reward points when travelling in Johor Bahru, Malaysia. Elsewhere, from how US President Donald Trump signed a proclamation to set a 10 per cent tariff on imports of lumber and 25 per cent on vanities and upholstered wooden products, to how China’s Zijin Gold International saw shares soar as much as 66 per cent in their trading debut as gold prices reach record high – more international headlines remained in focus. Also on deck – more on a possible US government shutdown.  Plus – how Boeing is reportedly in the early stages of developing a replacement for the 737 MAX. On Market View, Money Matters’ finance presenter Chua Tian Tian unpacked the developments with Eddy Loh, Chief Investment Officer, Maybank Group Wealth Management.

Singapore’s population has risen to 6.11 million, according to the National Population and Talent Division, which released the Population in Brief 2025 report on Sept 29.  The increase was mainly due to the growth in the non-resident population, such as work permit holders in the construction sector and domestic helpers. Meanwhile, the nation’s population continued to age rapidly, and more Singaporeans remained single. These shifts pose pressing questions about the future of the workforce, social cohesion, and the long-term sustainability of the economy. On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Paulin Straughan, Director, Centre for Research on Successful Ageing (ROSA), to find out more. 

Amid growing global isolation and protests at the UN, Netanyahu is set to meet U.S. President Trump, who has proposed a 21-point plan to halt the Gaza conflict. Can Netanyahu withstand mounting pressures at home and abroad? How might the meeting between the two leaders shape the next steps in the conflict and the future of US-Israel relations? On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Amin Saikal, Emeritus Professor of Middle Eastern, Central Asian and Islamic Studies at The Australian National University, to find out more.

South Korea and the United States are set to hold their first business visa working group talks, focusing on the obstacles South Korean firms face when sending employees to the US. With investment projects and business continuity at stake, these discussions could have major implications for US-South Korea commercial ties. What is the possibility of the US granting South Korea a special treaty work visa now? What impact will they have on companies navigating trans-Pacific operations? On The Big Story. Hongbin Jeong speaks with Benjamin Engel, Assistant Professor, Department of Korean Studies, Dankook University, to find out more.   

US stocks are soaring at valuations not seen since the dot-com bubble and pandemic highs, but the economy tells a different story. Manufacturing remains weak, housing is struggling, and growth is modest. The rally, fueled by a surge in AI spending, has many asking: how long can it last? What risks lie ahead, and how should investors navigate these turbulent waters? On Wealth Tracker, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Tim Murray, CFA, Capital Markets Strategist, Multi‑Asset Division at T. Rowe Price, to find out more.

Singapore shares inched higher today as Asian markets started the week on a positive note. The Straits Times Index was up 0.22% at 4,275.36 points at 2.26pm Singapore time, with a value turnover of S$937.56M seen in the broader market. In terms of companies to watch, we have Yangzijiang Shipbuilding, after the shipbuilder on Saturday announced that three of its subsidiaries have cancelled contracts valued at US$180 million with an unknown party.  Elsewhere, from what an in-line personal consumption expenditures price index reading for August meant for investors, to how gold surpassed the key US$3,800 per ounce level for the first time today – more international and economic headlines remained in focus.  Also on deck, more on CapitaLand Commercial C-Reit and Sony Financial Group’s trading debut in Shanghai and Tokyo respectively.   On Market View, Money Matters’ finance presenter Chua Tian Tian unpacked the developments with David Kuo, Co-founder, The Smart Investor.

A FIFA ruling against the Football Association of Malaysia and seven players over falsified eligibility documents has sent shockwaves through the region. Sports Minutes get the perspective from across the causeway on the scandal, its impact on fans and domestic leagues, and what lessons Singapore and the region can draw from this crisis. Got a story to tell? Get in touch! raushan@sph.com.sg

On the final day of debate on the President’s Address, housing took centre stage, with Senior Minister of State Sun Xueling pointing to higher BTO supply as a way to widen eligibility and improve affordability, alongside fresh plans for upgrading older flats.  MPs also turned to broader questions of identity and work: Patrick Tay called for strengthening the “Singaporean core,” while Desmond Tan urged Singapore to harness both artificial intelligence and ageing workers in reshaping the labour force.  Wrapping up, Minister Chan Chun Sing spoke of moving from “delivering for” to “delivering with” Singaporeans to build a more collaborative “we first” society. On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Dr Melvin Tay, Research Fellow, Institute of Policy Studies, NUS, to find out more. 

The markets are lighting up, and precious metals are stealing the show. Gold is flirting with 30% gains this year, silver has already crossed that threshold, and the US dollar is sliding in the opposite direction. According to J. Rotbart & Co., these surges aren’t just about safe-haven demand, they’re fueled by political pressure on the Fed, a weakening greenback, and a boom in green technology. The big question for investors: how can you turn this golden moment into a smart strategy? On Wealth Tracker, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Joshua Rotbart, Founder and Managing Partner, J. Rotbart & Co., to find out more.

Singapore shares were little moved as most Asian markets traded lower today. The Straits Times Index was 0.04% in the green at 4,275.62 points at 2.39pm Singapore time, with a value turnover of S$791.57M seen in the broader market. In terms of counters to watch, we have Singapore Post. The postal service provider said yesterday that it has named Mark Chong as its group chief executive officer, with his appointment effective Nov 1.  Elsewhere, from how Singapore factory output decreased 7.8 per cent year on year in August, missing expectations, to US President Donald Trump’s new tariffs on pharmaceuticals, trucks and furniture – more economic headlines remained in focus. On Market View, Money Matters’ finance presenter Chua Tian Tian dived into the key developments to watch for the day.