The Business Times Podcasts

Headline news for November 18, 2025: UN backs the Gaza plan, rising UK refugee tensions, China blocking Japanese films, RBA policy ambiguity, a stronger ringgit, Hong Kong’s property strain, and higher ERP charges in Singapore. Synopsis: A round up of global headlines to start your day by The Business Times.  Written by: Howie Lim / Claressa Monteiro ( claremb@sph.com.sg )  Produce...

Market news for November 17, 2025: Asian markets struggle as fears build over tech rally, US rates; Bitcoin erases gains this year amid crypto bear market; First Resources shares rise 8.8% on Q3 profit surge. Synopsis: Market Focus Daily is a closing bell roundup by  The Business Times that looks at the day’s market movements and news from Singapore and the region. Written and hosted by...

2025 hasn't been the best year for F&B in Singapore, with multiple restaurants and chains closing down. In today's episode, we sit down with Alex Chua and Jose Alonso from AC Concepts to discuss all things F&B. Are landlords are really to blame for the recent F&B closures? Are Home-based businesses unfairly competing with restaurants? What is it really like to work as a chef, and more....

Headline news for November 17, 2025: Asia opens the week on a mixed note as Japan slips into contraction, Bangladesh faces political unrest, and Singapore posts a surge in exports with markets watching U.S.–China rare-earth talks. Synopsis: A round up of global headlines to start your day by The Business Times.  Written by: Howie Lim / Claressa Monteiro ( claremb@sph.com.sg )  Prod...

If you’re worried about inflation eating into your savings, discover the art of "right-siting" your insurance. We're not just cutting premiums; we're freeing up capital for smarter investments. Learn how to identify over-insurance, maximise value, and even use tech tools to ensure your coverage fits your evolving life. Howie Lim speaks to Chan Wai Kit from Life Insurance Association (LIA) fo...

After more than 40 days, the US government shutdown has finally ended. What happens next? Plus, the Federal Reserve’s uncertain December decision, volatile AI valuations, and Japan’s new Prime Minister’s push for a more flexible budget plan. And, the Malaysian ringgit is staging an impressive comeback. BNY’s Asia-Pacific macro strategist Wee Khoon Chong joins Emily Liu to b...

Headline news for November 14, 2025: Asian stocks slid as Fed hawks dashed rate-cut hopes, while Japan faces a wave of early retirements and Thailand’s economy slows. Singapore’s HDB resale market slumps to its lowest sales since 2020. Synopsis: A round up of global headlines to start your day by The Business Times.  Written by: Howie Lim / Claressa Monteiro ( claremb@sph.com.sg )...

Market news for November 13, 2025: Asian stocks stutter with focus on Fed, tech after US reopen vote; Yen dips to record low against euro; Ringgit strength, robust spending set stage for Malaysia’s strongest quarterly growth in 2025; ST Engineering shares jump as much as 4.2% on revenue increase, special dividend. Synopsis: Market Focus Daily is a closing bell roundup by  The Business T...

Headline news for November 13, 2025: Asia markets steady as Japan signals patience on rate hikes and Malaysia readies upbeat GDP data. Singapore launches a new pandemic agency, while the U.S. inches toward ending its record shutdown. Synopsis: A round up of global headlines to start your day by The Business Times.  Written by: Howie Lim / Claressa Monteiro ( claremb@sph.com.sg )  Produce...

Think "sustainability" is just for corporate giants? Think again. Howie Lim chats with DBS's Chen Ze Ling and Crestar Fans' Shawn Lee to discover how an SME is revolutionising its business with eco-friendly practices and how DBS is making ESG accessible for all. Prepare for insights and inspiration. Synopsis: The Business Times Podcast Channel presents diverse perspectives, in-depth analysis and n...

Market news for November 12, 2025: Asian markets up on hopes over shutdown deal, rate cut; Softbank Group sells entire Nvidia stake to fund AI investment; Ringgit hits year’s high against Singdollar; UOB outlook lags that of DBS, OCBC amid spotlight on asset quality in Q3. Synopsis: Market Focus Daily is a closing bell roundup by  The Business Times that looks at the day’s market...

Headline news for November 12, 2025: Asia markets steady as the U.S. shutdown nears resolution. Deadly blasts shake India and Pakistan, while Malaysia eyes a cabinet reshuffle. Singapore urges pay hikes for lower-wage workers amid cautious economic optimism. Synopsis: A round up of global headlines to start your day by The Business Times.  Written by: Howie Lim / Claressa Monteiro ( claremb@s...

Market news for November 11, 2025: Asian markets fall despite US shutdown ending; Japan 30 year bond yields rise amid fiscal concerns; Temasek to move away from direct investing in early-stage startups. Synopsis: Market Focus Daily is a closing bell roundup by  The Business Times that looks at the day’s market movements and news from Singapore and the region. Written and hosted by: Emil...

If you’re worried about the hidden costs of long-term care, you're not alone. Most Singaporeans underestimate the financial strain, but Singlife's Helen Shen reveals the shocking truth and common misconceptions. Discover why long-term care isn't just for the elderly and how to safeguard your finances and your loved ones. Synopsis: Learn to protect and grow your wealth in this monthly Busines...

Market news for November 10, 2025: Asian markets boosted by hopes for deal to end US shutdown;  Australian dollar climbs on US shutdown hopes, hits 12-year high on kiwi; Japan to push stimulus plan, urges BOJ to keep interest rates low; OCBC shares continue rally to hit all-time high after strong Q3. Synopsis: Market Focus Daily is a closing bell roundup by  The Business Times that looks...

Headline news for November 10, 2025: The U.S. inches toward ending its 40-day shutdown as air travel chaos deepens. Asia grapples with storms and fiscal shifts, while Singapore sees rising insurance premiums and leadership renewal signals from PM Lawrence Wong. Synopsis: A round up of global headlines to start your day by The Business Times.  Written by: Howie Lim / Claressa Monteiro ( clarem...

Forget slogging until 65 before retiring or taking a break. Discover the rising trend of mini-retirements – a "Project You" career pause that's surprisingly achievable. Howie Lim gets experts to reveal how to plan, fund, and navigate these strategic breaks, turning your financial fears into a roadmap for investing in yourself. Synopsis: Every Monday, The Business Times breaks down useful fin...

Think AI is all hype? Wondering if the longest US government shutdown is more than just hot air? Howie Lim and Providend's Cheng Chye Hsern cut through the noise, revealing whether AI is a bubble or breakthrough, and dissecting local bank earnings. Highlights: 01:00 US private sector data 04:52 US Supreme Court's tariff deliberations 07:54 AI investment boom: bubble or a breakthrough? 11:32 US-Chi...

Headline news for November 7, 2025: Elon Musk secures record shareholder backing as Tesla eyes an AI future. President Trump courts Central Asia for critical minerals, Asia sees mixed economic signals, and OCBC posts steady earnings amid easing rates. Synopsis: A round up of global headlines to start your day by The Business Times.  Written by: Howie Lim / Claressa Monteiro ( claremb@sph.com....

Market news for November 6, 2025: Asia shares rose; US economic data drew investors back into markets; gloomy outlook for the pound and oil rises. Synopsis: Market Focus Daily is a closing bell roundup by  The Business Times that looks at the day’s market movements and news from Singapore and the region. Written by: Howie Lim (howielim@sph.com.sg) Produced and edited by: Chai Pei Chieh...

Headline news for November 6, 2025: US flight cuts deepen shutdown chaos as Supreme Court debates Trump’s tariff powers. Australia flags risky retirement advice. Japan’s services sector stays strong. DBS and UOB profits drop amid macro headwinds. Synopsis: A round up of global headlines to start your day by The Business Times.  Written by: Howie Lim / Claressa Monteiro ( claremb@s...

Market news for November 5, 2025: Steep selloff in Asian markets; Tokyo and Seoul tumble; gold regains some ground and bitcoin returns to above $100,000. Synopsis: Market Focus Daily is a closing bell roundup by  The Business Times that looks at the day’s market movements and news from Singapore and the region. Written by: Howie Lim (howielim@sph.com.sg) Produced and edited by: Chai Pei...

The Russian-Ukraine war stretches into 4th year; Aus adds more platforms to social media ban for teens; US government shutdown the longest and US stocks dip.  Synopsis: A round up of global headlines to start your day by The Business Times.  Written by: Howie Lim / Claressa Monteiro ( claremb@sph.com.sg )  Produced and edited by: Claressa Monteiro Produced by: BT Podcasts, The Busin...

Market news for November 4, 2025: Stocks in Asia dive; the dollar hits new high; German trade deficit with China record and gold fails to benefit from haven flows. Synopsis: Market Focus Daily is a closing bell roundup by  The Business Times that looks at the day’s market movements and news from Singapore and the region. Written by: Howie Lim (howielim@sph.com.sg) Produced and edited by...

Headline news for November 4, 2025: President Trump’s administration outlines a partial funding plan for November’s food-aid benefits amid the US government shutdown. China’s factory growth slows. Indonesia likely grows in Q3, while South Korea’s inflation accelerates. In Singapore, Grab upgrades earnings forecast as manufacturing hovers at neutral. Synopsis: A round up of...