Money Matters with Hongbin Jeong and Chua Tian Tian

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.

Singapore shares nudged higher today to track broader gains in Asia. The Straits Times Index was up a marginal 0.03% at 3,895.48 points at 2.11pm Singapore time, with a value turnover of S$470.02M seen in the broader market. In terms of counters to watch today, we have Singapore Post. The national postal service provider has placed 10 Housing & Development Board shophouses for sale and leaseback.  Elsewhere, from DBS estimating that its economic value from the use of AI could surpass S$1 billion this year, to India’s aviation regulator warning Air India for breaching safety rules – more international and corporate headlines remain in focus.  Also on deck – all about blind boxes and toys.    On Market View, Money Matters’ finance presenter Chua Tian Tian unpacked the developments with Benjamin Goh, Head of Research and Investor Education, SIAS.

Mike Phelan knows what greatness looks like - having worked alongside Sir Alex Ferguson, first as a player then part of his coaching team. As Fergie’s trusted right-hand man, he helped shape one of football’s most dominant dynasties. From the hairdryers to the heartbreaks, Mike Phelan sits down with Sports Minutes to take us inside life alongside Sir Alex, the Ole comeback, and the club’s modern-day identity crisis. Got a story to tell? Get in touch! raushan@sph.com.sg

On this month’s The Peak special on The Right Business, we spotlight a story rooted in paper, thread, and purpose. Yang Shihui, founder of Based Book Arts, is one of the last practicing bookbinders in Singapore, and she’s quietly building a business around a dying craft. From running intimate bookmaking workshops to taking on bespoke commissions, Yang’s work is a form of quiet resistance against digital fatigue and mass production. On The Right Business, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Zat, Editor-in-Chief, The Peak Singapore, on why Based Book Arts is a compelling example of how tradition and entrepreneurship can meaningfully coexist.

In the wake of the Federal Reserve’s latest policy decision, we'll take a deep dive into the shifting landscape of US economic exceptionalism.  Especially in terms of the  mounting pressures challenging the dollar’s dominance on the global stage, including accelerating trends of de-dollarisation by key international players.  We’ll also unpack the emerging decoupling between the US dollar and US Treasury bonds—a development that could disrupt traditional safe-haven dynamics and alter global capital flows.  On Wealth Tracker, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Gautam Chadda, Head of Strategic Advisory (Asia) at RBC Wealth Management, to find out more.