Money Matters with Hongbin Jeong and Chua Tian Tian

Singapore shares went  up today even as investors remained laser focused on the situation in the Middle East. The Straits Times Index was up 0.4% at 3,894.86 points at 1.33pm Singapore time, with a value turnover of S$668.91M seen in the broader market. In terms of companies to watch, we have OCBC. That’s after the lender said yesterday that it has no intention to convert its Class C non-voting Great Eastern shares into ordinary shares when they come up for conversion in five years as this will result in the insurer losing its free float again. Elsewhere, from easing fears of an energy market shock following US President Donald Trump’s announcement of a ceasefire between Iran and Israel, to how Nvidia’s chief Jensen Huang started selling the chipmaker’s stock under a US$865 million plan – more international and corporate headlines remain in focus. On Market View, Money Matter’s finance presenter Chua Tian Tian unpacked the developments with Chong Ser Jing, Co-founder and Portfolio Manager, Compounder Fund.

Emerging markets are on a hot streak, with currencies climbing, local bonds attracting fresh inflows, and equities outperforming their developed market counterparts. The rally has sparked optimism among global investors—but it’s also raising eyebrows. Beneath the surface lies a complex mix of geopolitical flashpoints, trade policy uncertainty, and stretched valuations, all of which could challenge the staying power of recent gains. Can this momentum hold as we move deeper into the year? Are investors overlooking key risks in their chase for returns? And what might tip the balance between resilience and reversal in emerging markets? On Wealth Tracker, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Gary Tan, portfolio manager for the Intrinsic Emerging Markets Equity team at Allspring Global Investments, to find out more. 

Aveeno’s Calm + Restore range is specially formulated for sensitive skin, combining the soothing benefits of Prebiotic Oat and the antioxidant power of Feverfew to provide long-lasting relief from irritation and discomfort. Recognizing a growing need for skincare that goes beyond hydration, Aveeno developed this range to balance the skin’s microbiome and enhance skin resilience. Just awarded Product of Year, the Calm + Restore range has received positive feedback from 97% of users who report improved skin tolerance.  On The Right Business, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Sophie Chung, Brand Marketer, Aveeno, to find out more.

Tsutomo Ogura’s sudden exit throws the Lions into yet another identity crisis -with the crucial Asian Cup qualifiers looming. Gavin Lee steps into the void to take interim charge, but all eyes now turn to Forrest Li’s FAS. In their first major footballing decision,will they get it right? Deepanraj Ganesan, who exclusively broke the story for The Straits Times, sits down with Sports Minutes to dissect it all. READ MORE: Departing Singapore coach Tsutomu Ogura hails Lions’ spirit, urges players to make history Got a story to tell? Get in touch! raushan@sph.com.sg

Precious metals have always been seen as safe havens—but in today’s world of shifting interest rates, geopolitical uncertainty, and changing investor priorities, their role is evolving. In Asia, gold remains a symbol of both tradition and strategy, as high-net-worth individuals look to diversify and safeguard their wealth.  So how are the wealthy approaching gold and other metals in 2025—and what does that tell us about the future of wealth preservation? On Wealth Tracker, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Joshua Rotbart, Founder and Managing Partner, J. Rotbart & Co., to find out more. 

The United States launched airstrikes on Iranian territory following Israel’s widespread bombardment that severely degraded Iran’s missile infrastructure and military leadership. In response, Iran retaliated with missile attacks and issued stark warnings, including threats of “irreparable damage” should the U.S. intervene further. As tensions escalate, concerns are mounting over a potential attempt by Iran to block the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global oil and gas shipments. On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Shahram Akbarzadeh, Director of the Middle East Studies Forum at Deakin University, to unpack the latest developments in the escalating conflict between Iran and Israel.

Singapore shares opened lower today as all eyes remained on heightened tensions in the Middle East with the US now involved in the Israel-Iran air war.   The Straits Times Index (STI) was down 0.9 per cent at 3,847.79 points in early trade after around 80 million securities changed hands in the broader market. In terms of companies to watch, we have OCBC. That’s after the lender said yesterday that it has committed more than RM11 billion (S$3.3 billion) in financing to support businesses in the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) since 2024.  Meanwhile, from Singapore’s inflation nudging back down in May, to the long awaited launch of Tesla’s robotaxi service – more economic and corporate headlines remain in focus.  Also on deck – more on Asian market movements today given the situation in the Middle East.     On Market View, Money Matters’ finance presenter Chua Tian Tian unpacked the developments with Chin Hui Leong, Co-founder, The Smart Investor.

Calm Collective is dedicated to normalising mental health across Asia by providing culturally attuned training, consultancy, and programs tailored for corporate and community organisations. Founded in 2020 as a grassroots initiative, Calm Collective was built by Asians, for Asia by blending local cultural nuances with global best practices to create relatable, educational, and impactful mental health content. Their expertise spans mental health literacy, peer support, psychological safety, neurodiversity, DEIB (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging), manager training, leadership development, self-compassion, compassion, and change management. On The Right Business, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Sabrina Ooi, CEO, Calm Collective Asia, to find out more.

Home-based businesses (HBB) are currently booming amidst the many closures of many F&B establishments nationwide. With HBBs' functioning like a full scale cafe or restaurant, concerns are now rising amongst commercial business owners who feel that they are cheating the system as they are struggling with challenges like rising costs, workforce shortages, and the uncertain economic climate. On The Hot Seat, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Ee Chien Chua, Former Owner of Whimsical Group and Jacky Tan, Owner, Cheeky Don in order to find out if home-based businesses should be better regulated.

As the world races to decarbonise and power an increasingly electrified, AI-driven future, one energy source long seen as controversial is stepping back into the spotlight: nuclear.  With uranium prices on the rise and tech-energy partnerships heating up, could we be witnessing the early days of a nuclear comeback—and what does that mean for investors looking to tap into this next wave of energy evolution? On Wealth Tracker, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Daryl Ho, Senior investment strategist, DBS, to find out more.