The Business Times Podcasts

A failed US spending bill leading to potential government shutdown, Japan's rising inflation, ongoing Israel-Hamas ceasefire talks, Australia's funding for Solomon Islands' police, and Singapore's focus on NRIC numbers.  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 )  Recording engin...

US Fed lowers rate by quarter point but projects slower pace of further cuts, firmer inflation; Bank of Japan keeps rate at 0.25% amid economic uncertainty; Asian currencies slip further, Indian rupee at all-time low; Alibaba, BlackBerry among companies selling assets for peanuts after splurging billions buying them. Synopsis: Market Focus Daily is a closing bell roundup by The Business Times that...

US interest rate cuts, Ukrainian security talks, a potential Israel-Hamas agreement, Hong Kong's interest rate adjustment, and rising certificate of entitlement prices in Singapore. Yeo Hiap Seng announces layoffs.   Snopsis: A round up of global headlines to start your day by The Business Times.  Written by: Howie Lim / Claressa Monteiro ( claremb@sph.com.sg )  Recording engineer:...

Asian markets diverge ahead of Fed news; Honda, Nissan move to deepen ties , including possible merger; Chipmaker Kioxia surges 12% in Tokyo debut after jumbo IPO. 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: Emily Liu ( emilyliu@sph.com.sg ) Recording engin...

Intensified Russian attacks on Ukraine, efforts to revive the Iran nuclear deal, worsening German business sentiment, Australia's budget concerns, and profitability challenges for Singapore's digital banks.  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 )  Recording engineer: Joann Ch...

Are you ready for the future of work? Singapore's new guidelines on flexible work arrangements require employers to establish a process for employee requests. It’s not just about ditching the commute, it's also about flexi-time and even sharing your job. But are these changes a way forward for better work-life balance, or a career risk? Claressa Monteiro dives into the complexities of flexi-...

Bitcoin surges past $107,000 as Trump promises strategic reserves; Malaysia’s Mr DIY hammers down on growth in Indonesia with S$346m IPO; Wee Hur exits student accommodation business for A$1.6 billion, shares fall more than 11%. 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. W...

Donald Trump's upheld conviction, Germany's early election, a mass grave in Syria, Anwar Ibrahim appoints Thaksin Shinawatra as his personal adviser, anticipated salary increments in Singapore, and Singapore stock updates. 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 )  Recording engineer...

Asian markets struggle after more weak China data; Korean won and stocks fall despite impeachment vote; CLI to acquire Australian credit investment manager Wingate for A$200 million. 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: Emily Liu ( emilyliu@sph.com.s...

Germany's political turmoil, US dollar performance, Bitcoin's record high, violent conflicts in Gaza, South Korea's presidential impeachment, and Singapore's rise in arrests related to immigration offenses.   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 )  Recording engineer: Joann C...

How can gig workers better plan their finances and access financial services? Are fractional jobs the perfect fit for modern hustlers? Is it a world where relying on just a traditional 9-to-5 job is no longer enough? Howie Lim speaks to Daphne Tan, head of business development at CMC Markets Singapore and Jenn Ong, managing director, head of retail, GXS Bank to find out. Synopsis: Every Monday, Th...

Asian markets retreat as China pledges fail to spark excitement; DigiCo REIT shares fall 9% after Australia’s largest IPO since 2018; Thailand expects to collect global minimum corporate tax from Jan 2025; Xiaomi stock rose 103% this year on strong EV sales. Synopsis: Market Focus Daily is a closing bell roundup by The Business Times that looks at the day’s market movements and news fr...

An Israeli strike in Gaza, US arms aid to Ukraine, Russian support for a Christmas ceasefire in Ukraine, China's reaction to Philippine actions in the South China Sea, and its plans for economic stimulus. In Singapore, property agent regulations are under review.   Synopsis: A round up of global headlines to start your day by The Business Times.  Written by: Howie Lim / Claressa Monteiro...

Chinese consumer stocks surge ahead of policy meeting conclusion; Korean Air completes Asiana takeover to form one of Asia’s biggest airlines; Indonesian third-party logistics players call for more action to rein in Shopee dominance. 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 regi...

Taiwan's diplomatic efforts, a Ukrainian drone strike in Chechnya, a pivotal change in Syria, Australia's surprising jobless rate drop, South Korea's political tensions, and Singapore's town council ratings.  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 )  Recording engineer: Joann C...

Bank of England set to keep rates on hold ; Axiata and Sinar Mas to forge US$6.5b telco giant in Indonesia to drive 5G expansion; Rupee slips to record low; Dasin Retail Trust to terminate remaining mall management agreements. 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.  Wri...

Potential new US sanctions on Russia just before Trump's return, France's political upheaval, Syria's new transitional government, China's increased naval activity, and Singapore's improving adult skills.  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)  Recording engineer: Joann Chai P...

India rupee hits record low , bond yields dip as change of guard at RBI spurs rate cut bets; Singapore Institute of Advanced Medicine flagged over uncertainties about staying afloat; China makeup mogul Mao Geping nears billionaire status with Hong Kong IPO. Synopsis: Market Focus Daily is a closing bell roundup by The Business Times that looks at the day’s market movements and news from Sing...

Taiwan signs an inaugural trade deal with the US. The UN tackles Syria's crisis. India investigates Starlink's illegal use in a major meth bust. Korea's President Yoon faces legal scrutiny. Singapore shows strong hiring trends in transport and logistics. Synopsis: A round up of global headlines to start your day by The Business Times.  Written by: Howie Lim / Claressa Monteiro ( claremb@sph.c...

From Trump's return to AI advances, how will the 2025 investment landscape look? Will US stocks be able to keep up the bull run? If you have cash sitting in the bank account, where should you put it? In this episode, Genevieve Cua sits down with Hou Wey Fook, the chief investment officer of DBS Bank, to break down the best investing strategies going into the new year. Plus, Wey Fook shares his sec...

Korea stocks drop as impeachment vote fails; China eases monetary policy stance, vows more fiscal spending; US Bitcoin ETF inflows near US$10 billion since Trump election win. 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: Emily Liu ( emilyliu@sph.com.sg ) Recording...

Syrian rebels have seized Damascus, US President-elect Trump comments on Federal Reserve leadership, and South Korea faces political turmoil. In Asia, Indonesia's opposition wins Jakarta's gubernatorial race. Locally, Singapore's East-West Line progresses on track work. Synopsis: A round up of global headlines to start your day by The Business Times.  Written by: Howie Lim / Claressa Monteiro ( cl...

Why does personal finance management always have to be so complicated and daunting? Actually, it isn’t and professor Steve Foerster from Ivey Business School has 3 simple steps. Correspondent Howie Lim gets the skinny from the professor. Synopsis: Every Monday, The Business Times breaks down useful financial tips. Highlights: 01:09 Success hangs on a sound investment philosophy 03:46 The 3 levers...

Asian markets down as traders assess crisis in South Korea; India central bank holds rates steady and cuts banks’ cash reserve ratio; Chinese stocks jump ahead of stimulus hopes and rate cut bets . 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: Emily Liu ( emilyliu@...

Global headlines include the resignation of the French prime minister, Boeing's legal challenges, a deliberate fire at a Melbourne synagogue, and political unrest in South Korea. In local news, retail sales in Singapore show an uptick.  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 )  Recording engi...