MONEY MASTER

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...

US equities staged a strong rebound at the end of March, driven by  falling oil prices and growing optimism that the Middle East conflict may be nearing an end . Stocks Surge as Risk Sentiment Improves The  S&P 500 Index  jumped  2.9% , while the  Nasdaq Composite Index  surged  3.8% , marking the  largest rally since May . The rebound reflects a shift in sentiment after weeks of volatility, as investors begin to price in a  potential diplomatic resolution  to the conflict. Cyclical sectors led gains: Airline stocks rallied sharply , benefiting from lower fuel costs Energy stocks declined , tracking the pullback in oil prices Oil Falls, Easing Inflation Concerns Oil prices retreated from recent highs, with  US crude falling to around US$101 per barrel , helping ease fears of prolonged inflation pressure. The decline extended gains in  Treasuries , while the  US dollar weakened  and  gold prices rose , indicat...

Manufacturing activity across Asia remained in  expansion territory in March , but signs of  slowing momentum are emerging  as rising energy prices from the Middle East conflict begin to weigh on the region. Growth Holds, but Momentum Weakens S&P Global data showed that several economies, including  South Korea, Malaysia, and Thailand , recorded improved factory activity. Thailand led the region with a  PMI of 54.1 Malaysia returned to  expansion after a prior contraction South Korea also showed  strong improvement However, the broader  ASEAN Manufacturing PMI slipped to 51.8 , down from  February’s 53.8 , marking the  slowest pace of expansion since September . While still above the  50-point threshold , the data highlights a  clear loss of growth momentum . War-Driven Energy Shock Weighs on Industry The slowdown comes as the  US-Israel conflict with Iran disrupts energy markets , particularly via the  Strait of ...

Singapore equities opened higher on Wednesday, tracking a strong global rebound as  optimism over a potential end to the Iran conflict  lifted investor sentiment. STI Climbs as Risk Appetite Returns The  FTSE Singapore Straits Time Index  rose  1.51% to 4,959.12 , with  broad-based buying  across the market. Advancers outpaced decliners 165 to 20 Trading volume reached  61.7 million shares (S$144 million) The rally follows strong gains on Wall Street, signalling  renewed risk appetite  across global markets. Wall Street Surges on Iran De-escalation Signals US equities rallied sharply overnight as Iran signaled willingness to negotiate an end to the conflict. S&P 500 Index  +2.9% Nasdaq Composite Index  +3.8% Dow Jones Industrial Average  +2.5% Mega-cap tech stocks led gains, including: Meta Platforms (META.US)  +6.7% NVIDIA (NVDA.US)  +5.6% Alphabet-A (GOOGL.US)  +5.1% The rally reflects  market opt...

Asian markets surged at the start of April as  hopes of easing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East  boosted risk sentiment, while strong economic data from North Asia added further support. Equities Rally on War De-escalation Signals The  MSCI Asia-Pacific ex-Japan index jumped 2.7% , snapping a four-day losing streak as investors reacted to signs that the  US-Iran conflict may be nearing a resolution . US President  Donald Trump  indicated that military operations could  end within two to three weeks , improving market sentiment despite ongoing hostilities. Regional markets responded strongly: South Korea’s Kospi surged up to 5.5% Japan’s Nikkei 225 climbed as much as 3.9% The rebound followed a strong session on Wall Street, where the  S&P 500 rallied 2.9% , reflecting global optimism over a potential diplomatic path forward. Korea’s Data Surprise Fuels Tech-Led Gains South Korea led regional gains, supported by  robust economic da...