Money Matters with Hongbin Jeong and Chua Tian Tian

Singapore is a nation that celebrates excellence, be it in academics, innovation, and global business. But when it comes to sports, are we doing enough to show our support? Our athletes train with relentless discipline in order to represent the country on the world stage, yet many go without a much deserved appreciation. However, some insist that Singapore does appreciate its athletes through financial rewards, sponsorships, and world-class facilities. On The Hot Seat, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Brandon Ooi, Singapore’s Canoe Sprint Athlete and Dr Valerie Teo, President of Singapore Bowling Federation, to discuss whether Singaporean athletes are truly underappreciated.

Geopolitical tensions, shifting interest rate expectations, and renewed tariff threats under the Trump campaign’s proposed economic agenda have created fresh waves of uncertainty in global markets.  In this environment, even traditional safe havens are being questioned, with the US dollar under pressure and US Treasurys facing growing scepticism.  It’s becoming increasingly clear that it is going to get harder to be a long-term investor. With volatility now a constant rather than a cycle, is it time to rethink what long-term investing really means? On Wealth Tracker, Hongbin Jeong speaks to  Ivan Neo, Wealth Manager (Dual license), PhillipCapital, to find out more.

Singapore shares dipped today as investors continue to monitor the state of the global economy.  The Straits Times Index was down 0.27% at 3,869.69 points at 2.11pm Singapore time, with a value turnover of S$657.60M seen in the broader market. In terms of counters to watch today, we have Yangzijiang Shipbuilding. The marine vessel manufacturer reported that its year-to-date order wins for the first quarter of 2025 amounted to six vessels worth US$300 million.  Yangzijiang Shipbuilding said this was around 5 per cent of its US$6 billion target for the 2025 financial year. Elsewhere, from Singapore’s core inflation coming in hotter-than-expected in April, to how US President Donald Trump’s trade negotiators are reportedly pushing the EU to make unilateral tariff reductions on US goods – more economic headlines remain in focus.  On Market View, Money Matters’ finance presenter Chua Tian Tian unpacked the developments with Benjamin Goh, Head of Research and Investor Education, SIAS.

In 1980, the Hunt brothers tried to corner the silver market, driving prices up nearly tenfold. Their plan collapsed on Silver Thursday, triggering massive losses and a historic market crash.

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.