Singapore is exploring plans to expand its gold storage capacity as it seeks to position itself as a major global bullion trading hub , targeting central bank reserves and institutional flows. Strategic Push Into Bullion Market Authorities are evaluating potential sites — including areas near Changi Airport — to enhance vaulting infrastructure for gold storage , according to sources familiar with the discussions. The Monetary Authority of Singapore confirmed it is considering the use of existing facilities for gold vaulting , though it stopped short of confirming expansion plans. The move aligns with Singapore’s broader ambition to strengthen its role in precious metals trading and financial services . Targeting Central Banks and Institutional Demand A key objective is to attract central banks , which collectively hold around 39,000 tonnes of gold , accounting for roughly 18% of global supply , according to the World Gold...
A new study has revealed that workers who cannot work from home (WFH) receive higher wage gains to compensate for their lack of flexibility. According to research conducted by economists from the University of Nottingham, the University of Sheffield, and King’s College London, in-person staff in the UK saw their wages grow faster than those who could work remotely after the pandemic.
The study found that workers able to work from home faced a “remote work wage penalty”, with their wages growing 2% to 7% slower than those in occupations requiring them to be on-site. Despite this, the non-salary benefits of working from home—such as reduced commuting costs and improved work-life balance—outweighed the lower wage gains.
This compensation disparity did not increase inequality between remote and non-remote workers, as higher wages for in-person work balanced out the flexibility perks of WFH. The research, which analyzed wage data from 2018 to 2023, comes amid ongoing debates about return-to-office (RTO) mandates as labor markets loosen. Companies like PwC UK and Amazon have recently implemented stricter in-office requirements.
Additionally, the study found that many UK workers would be willing to sacrifice 8.2% of their pay for the option to work from home two to three days a week, with women, young workers, and those with long commutes particularly valuing this flexibility.
The findings challenge arguments that WFH increases inequality, as both in-person and remote workers ultimately see balanced compensation.
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