Money Matters with Hongbin Jeong and Chua Tian Tian

Singapore’s F&B landscape is facing mounting pressure, with reports indicating that over 300 small businesses are shutting their doors each month in 2025. At the heart of the issue is the soaring cost of commercial rents, which many in the industry argue have reached unsustainable levels. Are rental prices getting too high? And should there be new legislation to curb prices? On The Right Business, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Zat Astha, Editor-in-Chief of The Peak Singapore to paint a clearer picture of how rent inflation is reshaping the F&B sector.

Singapore shares dipped today, tracking losses across the region.  The Straits Times Index was down 0.33% at 3,869.74 points at about 12.45pm Singapore time, with a value turnover of S$633.30M seen in the broader market. In terms of companies to watch, we have Singtel. The telecommunications giant returned to the black with a net profit of S$2.8 billion for its second half ended March, compared with a net loss of S$1.3 billion for the previous corresponding period.  Elsewhere, from G7 finance leaders trying to downplay disputes over US President Donald Trump’s tariffs, to Bitcoin surpassing US$110,000 for the first time to head towards another record high, more international headlines remain in focus. Also on deck, how the Singapore Government is keeping the country’s economic growth forecast for 2025 at zero per cent to 2 per cent. On Market View, Money Matters’ finance presenter Chua Tian Tian dived into the details with Terence Wong, CEO, Azure Capital. 

US President Donald Trump officially announced his plans for a Golden Dome system that focuses on countering potential missile threats from China and Russia. Mr Trump estimated that the Golden Dome would be completed within three years and cost about $175 billion. But, how much will it really cost? What are the benefits and risks associated with deploying a space-based missile defense system like the Golden Dome? And how might this move reshape the global balance of power, particularly in relation to China and Russia? On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks with James D.J Brown, Professor of Political Science, Temple University Japan to find out more. 

Clean energy is hitting an inflection point. Geopolitical tensions, shifting industrial policies, and soaring demand—especially from energy-hungry data centers—are reshaping the landscape. Europe may be shielded from tariffs for now, but the sector’s heavy reliance on China is stirring fresh uncertainty. So, where should investors pivot next? And what new themes are emerging as clean energy powers the backbone of the digital age? On Wealth Tracker, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Joost Bergsma, Global Head of Clean Energy of Nuveen Infrastructure, to find out more.

What happens when thoughtful design meets everyday wellness? From redefining recliners to supporting nursing mothers, and expanding from Singapore to 20 stores across India in under two years—HomesToLife is making comfort smarter, more accessible, and built for real life. On Right Business, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Celeste Phua, General Manager of HomesToLife & Dr Jesse Timm, Chiropractor, to find out more.

In February last year, Donald Trump launched a gold high-top sneaker called the “Never Surrender.” Retailing at $399, one autographed pair sold for a staggering $9,000, proving that in politics and sneakers, hype can carry a lot of sole.

Major changes in Singapore's leadership – Prime Minister Lawrence Wong has unveiled his first full Cabinet lineup, signaling a significant reshuffle.  The new Cabinet includes 15 full ministers and two acting ministers across the Prime Minister’s Office and 16 ministries. PM Wong says this new lineup will “take Singapore forward in these uncertain and turbulent times.” So, what are the major reshuffles on the cards? And, what does that mean for the next generation of leaders in Singapore?  On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Dr Gillian Koh, Senior Research Fellow, Institute of Policy Studies, National University of Singapore, to find out more.

Wild.AI is a science-backed health and performance platform built specifically for women. Designed to support women through all life stages - from menstruation and birth control to perimenopause and beyond - Wild.AI delivers daily, personalized recommendations on how to train, eat, and recover based on hormonal fluctuations. Backed by leading researchers and over 450 scientific studies, Wild.AI helps women make informed, data-driven decisions about their bodies. On The Right Business, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Helene Guillaume, Founder & CEO, Wild.AI, to find out more.

Gold prices have gained as much as 20% in 2025, setting a new record and marking the best start to a year for the precious metal since 2006.  The rally, driven by global economic uncertainties and a search for diversification away from US financial assets, takes gold’s rise since March 2024 to 50%.  But what are some other alternative havens, and how do they compare with past performance in similar economic environments? On Wealth Tracker, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Kiran Kowshik, Global FX Strategist at Lombard Odier, to find out more.

Singapore shares were lower today as traders continue to mull the state of the global economy. The Straits Times Index was down 0.2% at 3,874.68 points at 1.54pm Singapore time, with a value turnover of S$673.51M seen in the broader market. In terms of companies to watch, we have CapitaLand Investment, after the global real asset manager today announced the launch of its first onshore master fund in China, the CLI RMB Master Fund.  Elsewhere, from Nvidia’s CEO Jensen Huang praising US President Donald Trump’s move to scrap some AI export curbs to Singapore’s central bank chief’s comments on US-dollar based assets – more corporate and international headlines remain in focus. On Market View, The Evening Runway’s finance presenter Chua Tian Tian unpacked the developments with Khoon Goh, Head of Asia Research at ANZ.