BT Mark To Market

With a focus on macro fundamentals and careful asset allocation, Maybank chief investment officer (CIO) Eddy Loh is helping investors navigate uncertain markets. He talks to BT’s Ben Paul about the next leg of the AI theme, what geopolitical tensions mean for markets, the role of gold as a risk mitigator, and why he is optimistic about Singapore and Malaysia. Highlights of the podcast: 05:37...

Marco Polo Marine has the wind in its sails as investor attention in the Singapore market turns to smaller cap stocks. Its CEO Sean Lee answers questions from BT’s Ben Paul about how he is steering the group into North Asia, why separate listings for its wind energy platform and shipyard have been proposed, and what the group will look like in 10 years. Highlights of the podcast: 03:23 New m...

CICT’s acquisition of Paragon demonstrates the strength of the Reit sector, while Addvalue Tech’s value unlocking plan highlights the local market’s weakness in the growth space. Senior correspondent Ben Paul looks at how the Singapore market could be strengthened as a hub for both yield and growth. Highlights of the podcast: 03:30 Big Singapore Reits drive sector liquidity 05:43...

The likelihood of higher interest rates weighing on Reits has risen with the Iran war. As investors become more selective in this once popular segment of the market, sponsor groups may have to adjust their strategies, suggests BT senior correspondent Ben Paul. Highlights of the podcast: 00:47 Bad timing trips up two small Reits 04:39 A big Reit undeterred by the Iran war 08:49 Reits no longer offe...

The recently launched Value Unlock scheme could be as significant as the S$5 billion Equity Market Development Programme in boosting local stocks. SGX’s Chan Kum Kong explains to BT senior correspondent Ben Paul how this latest initiative will work and why companies should seize the opportunity. Highlights of the podcast: 07:35 How magic can happen in the local market 11:25 Grants disbursed...

The government has said GIC and Temasek have performed reasonably and within expectations given their mandates. Yet, their returns have trailed some of their global peers. Senior correspondent Ben Paul delves into dissonance, and offers some suggestions. Highlights of the podcast: 00:43 Trailing returns raised in Parliament 04:17 Mandates, portfolios and performance 08:47 US mega-caps now dominate...

Several initiatives over the years to draw quality listings to Singapore have not worked. Will the SGX-Nasdaq dual-listing bridge be any different? Why are many recent IPOs underwater? Senior correspondent Ben Paul delves into the matter. Highlights of the podcast: 02:53 Singapore's long battle for quality listings 07:00 SGX-Nasdaq link may be a game changer  10:11 New listings upstaged by ho...

The surge in provisions that crushed UOB’s third quarter earnings might not be the lender’s only problem. Along with DBS and OCBC, it is also grappling with normalising net interest margins and soft net interest income. Meanwhile, non-interest income can be volatile and hard to forecast. BT’s Ben Paul offers his views on the outlook for the three Singapore banks. Highlights of th...

After a lost decade following the Global Financial Crisis, the Singapore market is finally reflecting the city-state’s economic dynamism and embrace of new technologies. Could the STI hit 10,000 by 2040 as suggested by DBS? Senior correspondent Ben Paul explains what the changing narrative on Singapore means for investors. Highlights of the podcast: 00:54 DBS paints alluring picture of local...

The authorities are pushing companies to strengthen their businesses, optimise their capital structures, and engage with investors. Are corporate boards up to the task? What might stop them from effecting the necessary changes? How can the interests of boards and minority shareholders be aligned? Senior correspondent Ben Paul offers some views.. Highlights of the podcast: 01:55 Directors ought to...

In a surprise twist, Simba rather than StarHub has emerged as the acquirer of M1’s telco business. Has the plucky upstart outflanked its more established competitor? Or, has StarHub dodged a bullet? Are Singapore’s telco stocks attractive? Senior correspondent Ben Paul delves into the implications of the deal. Highlights of the podcast: 03:46 Does consolidation mean less competition? 0...

MAS has begun appointing fund managers under its S$5 billion Equities Market Development Programme, and plans to consult proposals to enable investors to seek recourse if they suffer losses due to market misconduct. Senior correspondent Ben Paul explains how this might reshape the market. Highlights of the podcast: 02:28 A S$5 billion boost to smaller-cap stocks 04:36 EQDP fund managers should pre...

IFAs play a big role in take-private offers, but their work is often criticised by investors. Senior correspondent Ben Paul looks at what they have done right and wrong in deals involving Sinarmas Land, Dyna-Mac and Great Eastern. Highlights of the podcast: 03:28 Major shareholders versus minorities 06:04 Lowball offers draw heightened scrutiny 10:15 Consider private market value of assets 13:30 H...

The rationale for Paragon Reit and FHT seeking to delist hold important lessons on the risks of investing in S-Reits, and how to ride the next upcycle. Senior correspondent Ben Paul offers his views on how investors should position themselves. Highlights of the podcast: 03:14 Real estate requires periodic reinvestment 04:48 Higher debt costs, lower market valuations 08:46 Sponsor groups adapt to c...

Just weeks after Donald Trump’s "Liberation Day", the S&P 500 has recovered almost all the ground it lost. But supply shocks in the US and demand shocks everywhere else could shake the markets again. Senior correspondent Ben Paul explores what it all means for investors. Highlights of the podcast: 01:03 Trump blinked amid bond market turmoil 03:47 Get ready for demand and supply shocks 0...

CDL’s executive chairman called the recent appointment of two independent directors a boardroom “coup”, but changed his mind two weeks later. Is the fight really over? What should investors do? Senior correspondent Ben Paul offers some views. Synopsis: Listen to senior correspondent Ben Paul's analysis and insight on market trends and corporate issues in Singapore in this podcast...

MAS will farm out S$5 billion to fund managers as part of a national plan to boost the Singapore market. Will the programme succeed? What more needs to happen? BT senior correspondent Ben Paul analyses the latest developments. Synopsis: Listen to senior correspondent Ben Paul's analysis and insight on market trends and corporate issues in Singapore in this podcast series based on his weekly column...

OCBC’s offer for Great Eastern resulted in the insurer being suspended from trading. But the remaining minority shareholders of the insurer haven’t yet given in. And, one of them has made an interesting proposal. Senior correspondent Ben Paul examines the investment and regulatory implications of the story. Synopsis: Listen to senior correspondent Ben Paul's analysis and insight on mar...

Solid US economic performance and Fed rate cuts provide a strong underpinning for the markets, despite the risks posed by Trump 2.0. BT senior correspondent Ben Paul offers views on how to invest in 2025. Synopsis: Listen to senior correspondent Ben Paul's analysis and insight on market trends and corporate issues in Singapore in this podcast series based on his weekly column in The Business Times...

Is the problem simply the timing of the CEO’s share sales? Or, should we also be concerned that share-based pay does not properly incentivise top executives? Why do companies repurchase their shares in the first place? Senior correspondent Ben Paul offers some answers. Synopsis: Listen to senior correspondent Ben Paul's analysis and insight on market trends and corporate issues in Singapore in thi...

The IFA appointed by Dyna-Mac to assess the offer from the Hanwha group compared the deal to precedent “non-privatisation” transactions. Senior correspondent Ben Paul explains why this raises questions. Synopsis: Listen to senior correspondent Ben Paul's analysis and insight on market trends and corporate issues in Singapore in this podcast series based on his weekly column in The Business Times....

A national effort to revive the Singapore market is now underway. But is the review group formed by MAS focusing on the right issues? Senior correspondent Ben Paul analyses the unfolding story. Synopsis: Listen to senior correspondent Ben Paul's analysis and insight on market trends and corporate issues in Singapore in this podcast series based on his weekly column in The Business Times. Highlight...

If you’ve been a fan of the podcasts Mark to Market, Wealth BT and Property BT - they are moving to a new listing!  BT Correspondents! Look for episodes every Tuesday from October! All the insights and analysis in market trends, property, wealth and soon mobility too. Powered by The Business Times journalism of Genevieve Cua, Leslie Yee, Ben Paul and Derryn Wong. Because great reads SHOULD be hear...

Reits have been struggling with soaring debt costs and concerns about the deflating value of their property portfolios. But these trends reverse as major central banks cut rates. Senior correspondent Ben Paul explains how investors should position themselves. Synopsis: Listen to senior correspondent Ben Paul's analysis and insight on market trends and corporate issues in Singapore in this podcast...

Singtel had to cut its dividend during the pandemic and pursue a strategic reset. Now, its shares are bouncing back. Ben Paul explains what happened, and corrects an epic blunder he made in a recent column. Synopsis: Listen to senior correspondent Ben Paul's analysis and insight on market trends and corporate issues in Singapore in this podcast series based on his weekly column in The Business Tim...