Money Matters with Hongbin Jeong and Chua Tian Tian

Asia-Pacific markets soared this morning, as investors heaved a sigh of relief after President Donald Trump hit his pause on reciprocal tariffs on US partner countries. The decision came after he said investors were “jumping a little bit out of line”, as markets collapsed and US Treasuries were showing signs of crack in the world’s largest economy. The 10-year US treasure yield was last traded 4.3%, after rising overnight above 4.5%. In the region, China’s consumer prices contracted for a second straight month, with its producer price deflation worsened, as Chinese exporters struggled amid an escalating trade war. What do we make use of these situations? On Market View, Willie Keng speaks with David Chow, Director at Azure Capital to find out more. 

Investing in data centers has become an increasingly attractive opportunity as the demand for digital infrastructure continues to surge. So what’s driving this market, and what are the opportunities when investing in data centers?  On Wealth Tracker, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Fred Fitzalan Howard, Head of Data Centres, Asia Pacific, Knight Frank, to find out more.

An entrepreneur and business leader with over 25 years of global experience across different industries has a mission to change the game in the activewear industry. A lifelong fitness enthusiast, Gunjan Datta's passion for performance-driven activewear led him to challenge the industry—where aesthetic often overshadows function. This led to the creation of ZODA, a brand built on the belief that fitness is a battleground to conquer, not just a lifestyle.  On Right Business, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Gunjan Datta, Founder and CEO of ZODA, to find out more. 

The first million dollars is often the hardest to reach. It's a combination of slow beginnings, limited options, and the challenge of turning small savings into something substantial. But once you get there, the game changes - the first million unlocks opportunities that weren’t available before like passive income and access to exclusive investments.

The Lion City Sailors took a big step towards the AFC Champions League Two final with a first leg 2-0 win over Sydney FC at a rain-soaked Jalan Besar. And on this star-studded edition of Sports Minutes - Bart Ramselaar & Bailey Wright weigh in on the team’s form and focus. Adam Swandi adds a dash of swagger reflecting on his former team's heroics, while The Straits Times’ Deepanraj Ganesan breaks down the significance of the result Could an unprecedented treble truly be a possibility? You best believe it! READ MORE: https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/football/lion-city-sailors-beat-sydney-fc-2-0-in-asian-champions-league-two-semi-final-first-leg Got a story to tell? Get in touch! raushan@sph.com.sg

Shares of all three Singapore banks extended their decline, as potential US Federal Reserve rate cuts and the Trump administration’s sweeping tariffs weigh on the banks’ outlook. Yesterday, OCBC Bank led the losses, dropping 4.3 percent to close below $15 for the first time since October 2024. UOB slid 3.3 percent and DBS Bank also fell 3.3 percent. The three local banks, which form a heavy weighting on the Straits Times Index, have pulled the overall benchmark down 2 percent. The STI is down 10% for the year. Meanwhile, total securities turnover value on the Singapore Exchange has increased 25 percent year on year to S$29.7 billion in March, with the STI and volumes across multiple asset classes hitting record levels. What do we make use of these situations? On Market View, Willie Keng speaks with Thilan Wickramasinghe, Head of Equity Research, Maybank Securities to unpack all these developments.

The Trump administration’s decision to impose a 10% tariff on Scotch whisky imports from the UK has sent shockwaves through the global spirits industry. The new levy threatens to disrupt a £971 million export market, affecting distillers who rely heavily on the U.S. as their largest overseas market.  The move raises concerns about shifting consumer preferences, especially as other premium spirits like tequila remain unaffected. On The Wealth Tracker, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Samuel Gordon, CEO of GORDON PWC, to find out more.

A new task force to support businesses and workers will be formed, in response to US President Donald Trump’s announcement of a suite of universal tariffs, including a 10% on Singapore which will take effect on April 9. The task force, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong, will include representatives from Singapore's economic agencies, the Singapore Business Federation, the Singapore National Employers Federation and the National Trades Union Congress. Prime Minister Lawrence Wong says the new task force aims to help businesses and workers address immediate uncertainties and better adapt to the new economic environment. How will this national task force support businesses and workers?  On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Dr Alan Chong, Senior Fellow, S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies to find out more.    Presented by: Hongbin Jeong Produced and Edited by: Nadiah Koh (nadkoh@sph.com.sg) Want to get featured on our show? Drop me an email today!

Wheelchair rugby isn’t just a sport — it’s a statement. And on this episode of Sports Minutes, we speak to Edgar Cheong and Sheikh Muhd Danial - two players and change makers driving Singapore’s adaptive sports scene. From spinal injuries to stadium lights, they share how resilience, creativity, and community fuel their lives both on and off the court. And with the Singlife Wheelchair Rugby Cup just around the corner, this is your front-row seat to the passion behind the play. FIND OUT MORE: www.singlife-wheelchair-rugby-cup-2025.eventbrite.sg Got a story to tell? Get in touch! raushan@sph.com.sg

Many investors today face a frustrating choice between low-cost, do-it-yourself platforms and premium advisory services tailored for ultra-wealthy clients. This is where Nextvestment comes in. The platform combines cutting-edge AI technology with a human-first approach, offering a personalized “premium plus” experience that’s both scalable and accessible. So, how exactly is Nextvestment transforming how financial professionals navigate investments using GenAI-powered insights? On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Michael Davies, Founder and CEO of Nextvestment to find out more.   Presented by: Hongbin Jeong Produced and Edited by: Nadiah Koh (nadkoh@sph.com.sg) and Alexandra Parada Want to get featured on our show? Drop me an email today!