MONEY MASTER

Key Takeaways Singapore's manufacturing PMI climbed to 51.3 , its highest level since  2018 , driven by strong AI-related semiconductor demand. Technology funding surged to S$3.78 billion in June , signalling growing investor confidence in Singapore's AI ecosystem. Wall Street's AI rally continued , providing a supportive backdrop for Singapore's technology and manufacturing sectors. AI is expanding beyond chipmaking , with nationwide workforce upskilling initiatives accelerating digital transformation. Singapore is emerging as a key beneficiary of the global AI investment cycle , supported by manufacturing, capital inflows and innovation. Market Insight While much of the world's attention remains on AI giants such as  NVIDIA ,  Microsoft  and  OpenAI , another beneficiary is quietly emerging —  Singapore . Recent economic data suggests the city-state is becoming one of Asia's biggest winners from the global artificial intelligence boom. From semiconductor ...

Key Takeaways Wall Street closed at fresh record highs , supported by easing US-Iran tensions and a rebound in technology stocks. Maybank Research raised Singapore's 2026 GDP forecast to 4.6% , citing sustained AI-driven strength in manufacturing and semiconductors. Singapore equities opened lower , with investors locking in gains despite an improving economic outlook. DBS lowered Multiplier Account interest rates , reflecting a softer interest rate environment. CapitaLand Ascott Trust, Keppel Infrastructure Trust and Yangzijiang Financial  reported positive corporate developments, offering stock-specific opportunities. Market Overview Singapore shares opened modestly lower on Tuesday, even as global risk appetite improved following another record-setting session on Wall Street. The  Straits Times Index (STI)  slipped  0.49% , with investors taking a cautious stance after recent gains. In the US, the  Dow Jones Industrial Average  closed at a fresh all-time...

Key Takeaways Singapore's exports surged 38.4%  in May, driven by robust AI-related electronics demand. Wall Street ended slightly lower  as a sharp sell-off in semiconductor stocks offset gains in healthcare. Singapore's manufacturing growth remained strong  but moderated from April, suggesting AI momentum is normalizing. Keppel's Indonesia legal dispute  has progressed to the country's Supreme Court, adding uncertainty for investors. First REIT  is seeking bondholder approval to provide greater financing flexibility ahead of planned asset divestments. Market Overview Singapore equities opened marginally higher on Monday, supported by resilient domestic economic data despite a mixed overnight performance on Wall Street. Investor sentiment remained cautious as weakness across global semiconductor stocks weighed on technology-related counters. In the U.S., major indices closed slightly lower after AI chipmakers extended their recent pullback. The semiconductor se...

Global markets entered Tuesday with a mixed tone as investors rotated out of some of the year's biggest technology winners, even as AI-related semiconductor stocks continued to surge to fresh highs. While Wall Street's major indices weakened overnight, Singapore equities showed resilience, supported by domestic liquidity, retail participation, and continued government-backed market initiatives. Market Snapshot The Straits Times Index (STI) opened higher, rising 0.3% as buying interest remained healthy despite global market volatility. Key drivers supporting sentiment include: Continued deployment of Singapore's S$6.5 billion Equity Market Development Programme (EQDP) Strong retail participation Renewed interest in undervalued small- and mid-cap stocks This contrasts with the more volatile environment seen in global technology markets. AI Trade Faces Its First Reality Check The biggest story overnight was not the decline in US indices. It was the divergence within technology...

The headline number isn’t the real story. The real story is policy strength. Key Insight A hawkish Fed normally strengthens the US dollar, but Singapore’s own policy tightening may be strong enough to keep the Singapore dollar appreciating anyway. What Investors Should Really Focus On The key lesson isn’t that SGD may reach 1.26. The key lesson is this: Singapore remains one of the few economies that still has room to tighten policy even in a highly uncertain global environment. Why This Matters For investors, this creates a very different positioning narrative: SGD remains one of Asia’s strongest currencies Singapore assets may continue attracting foreign capital Imported inflation should stay relatively contained SGD could outperform many regional currencies — even with a hawkish Fed Bigger Picture Most economies today are constrained: Growth risks are rising Inflation is easing unevenly Policy flexibility is limited Singapore stands out because it still has policy control and is act...

Malayan Banking Bhd’s latest disclosure points to more than just deal volume,  it provides  early evidence that the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) is beginning to attract meaningful capital flows , positioning the bank at the forefront of a multi-year regional growth theme. Early Signs of Capital Formation in JS-SEZ Malayan Banking Bhd  has facilitated  RM20 billion (US$4.9 billion) in financing and investments  tied to the JS-SEZ, spanning corporate, mid-market and consumer segments. More notably, the bank has supported the establishment of  nine family offices in Johor , signalling: Rising wealth inflows into the corridor Growing demand for  cross-border structuring and asset allocation Early-stage development of a  regional wealth management hub This suggests the SEZ is  moving beyond policy ambition into execution phase , where capital deployment is already taking shape. From Policy Framework to Investable Theme The JS-SEZ...

Singapore equities opened firmer as a  rebound in US technology stocks  and easing risk sentiment supported regional markets, while investors focused on potential  value-unlocking moves in the banking sector . Market Snapshot The  Straits Times Index (STI)  rose  0.18% to 4,972.54 , with  advancers outpacing decliners (75 vs 41)  in early trade, reflecting cautious optimism. Wall Street Recovery Driven by Tech US markets stabilised after last week’s selloff, led by a sharp rebound in semiconductor and tech names: Nasdaq +0.9% ,  S&P 500 +0.3% , while  Dow -0.2% Intel  surged  11.2% Micron Technology  gained  9.9% Marvell Technology  rallied on index inclusion The move highlights  resilient investor conviction in AI-driven growth , despite recent volatility. Singapore Labour Market Shows Caution Hiring sentiment weakened, with outlook falling to  +13% for Q3 2026 , the lowest since 2021. Companies ar...

Singapore equities opened weaker as  global risk sentiment deteriorated , with rising US rate expectations triggering a  broad tech-led selloff , even as domestic data showed  steady consumer demand . Wall Street Selloff Signals Shift in Sentiment US markets snapped a nine-week rally: S&P 500   -2.6% Nasdaq Composite   -4.2% Dow Jones Industrial Average   -1.4% The decline followed  strong jobs data , which raised concerns that the  Federal Reserve  may maintain a  hawkish stance . Tech stocks led losses: Nvidia   -6.2% Advanced Micro Devices  and  Intel   -7% to -13% range STI Opens Lower Amid Broad Weakness The  FTSE Straits Times Index  fell  1.47% , with  decliners significantly outnumbering gainers . Market sentiment was pressured by: Global tech selloff Rising  interest rate expectations Weak risk appetite across equities Retail Sales Growth Signals Consumer Strength Singapore’s reta...

Singapore’s economy delivered a strong upside surprise in 1Q2026, supported by  robust AI-driven demand , even as authorities flagged  rising risks from Middle East tensions and global trade uncertainty . GDP Growth Exceeds Forecasts Singapore’s economy expanded: +6.0% YoY in 1Q2026  (vs 5.7% in 4Q2025) Above forecasts of  ~5.2% (Bloomberg)  and  4.6% (Reuters) On a quarter-on-quarter basis: +1.0% QoQ , beating expectations of a contraction This reflects  strong underlying economic momentum , particularly in tech-related sectors. AI Demand Drives Key Sectors Growth was largely supported by  AI-related investments , boosting: Electronics and precision engineering Machinery and equipment trade Wholesale trade segment ( +11.7% YoY ) The government expects  AI semiconductor demand to remain strong , anchoring industrial growth. Sector Performance Mixed Key sector highlights: Manufacturing : +7.9% (slower vs 11.4% previously) Construction : +11.8%...

Singapore markets opened slightly higher as  AI-driven policy initiatives and corporate developments  shaped investor sentiment, while global markets found support from easing oil prices and diplomatic progress. Singapore Shares Edge Higher The  FTSE Singapore Straits Times Index  rose  0.15% to 5,053.38 , supported by: Positive global cues Improving sentiment from  US-Iran diplomatic progress Market breadth remained constructive with  advancers outpacing decliners . Wall Street Hits Record Highs US equities extended gains: Dow Jones Industrial Average   record high S&P 500   +0.17% Nasdaq Composite   +0.09% The rally was supported by  falling oil prices  and optimism around  Middle East negotiations . Singapore Accelerates Practical AI Adoption Singapore is shifting focus from AI hype to  real-world implementation , especially among SMEs. Key initiatives include: Partnerships to  drive enterprise AI adoption...

Singapore is stepping up efforts to attract global capital, as  Singapore Exchange  partners with  Bloomberg  to  enhance visibility and accessibility of local equities . Strategic Push to Attract Global Investors The partnership focuses on: Expanding investor outreach Improving  research distribution Enhancing  market transparency and engagement A key initiative will make  equity research under MAS programmes available on the Bloomberg Terminal , increasing exposure to  global institutional investors . Improving Corporate Standards and Investor Relations The collaboration will also introduce: Training frameworks for listed companies Best practices in  data quality and disclosures Investor relations enhancement programmes C-suite roundtables and training sessions will be held both  locally and internationally , aiming to strengthen connections between companies and investors. Strong Market Activity Supports Initiative The move comes...

Singapore has emerged as  Southeast Asia’s largest stock market , overtaking Indonesia, as investors increasingly favour  stability and policy certainty  amid global volatility. Singapore Gains on Stability and Capital Inflows Singapore’s total market capitalisation reached  US$645 billion , surpassing Indonesia’s  US$618 billion , which has declined sharply from its earlier peak. The outperformance reflects: Strong economic and political stability Government-led efforts to  revitalise the equity market A  resilient Singapore dollar  attracting foreign capital The  Straits Times Index  has climbed to record highs, benefiting from  safe-haven inflows during geopolitical uncertainty . Indonesia Hit by Outflows and Policy Concerns Indonesia’s market has faced significant headwinds: More than 30% decline in market capitalisation Over  US$360 billion in equity sell-off  this year Foreign outflows exceeding US$4 billion Investor...

Singapore shares opened higher on Thursday, supported by  strong global tech momentum , even as mixed corporate earnings and policy developments remain in focus. STI Rises on Positive Global Cues The  FTSE Straits Times Index  climbed  0.43% to 4,948.49  in early trade. Market breadth was positive: Advancers: 127 Decliners: 52 The gains track strong momentum from Wall Street. Wall Street Hits Record Highs on AI Optimism US equities surged to fresh highs: S&P 500   +1.46% Nasdaq Composite   +2.03% Dow Jones Industrial Average   +1.24% The rally was driven by: AI demand acceleration Optimism over a potential  US-Iran peace deal Advanced Micro Devices  surged  19% , while broader chip stocks extended gains, reinforcing the  AI investment cycle . Singapore Strengthens Financial Credibility Singapore received the  highest rating  from the  Financial Action Task Force , despite past money laundering issues. Reinfor...

Singapore equities opened lower on Tuesday as  global risk sentiment softened , even as  strong domestic data signaled continued economic resilience . STI Declines Amid Broad Market Weakness The  FTSE Straits Times Index  fell  0.53% to 4,898 , with market breadth turning negative: Advancers: 90 Decliners: 124 The pullback reflects  spillover from Wall Street weakness  and rising geopolitical risks. US Markets Retreat as Oil Surge Triggers Profit-Taking US equities eased from record highs: S&P 500   -0.4% Nasdaq Composite   -0.2% Dow Jones Industrial Average   -1.1% The decline was driven by: Oil prices jumping ~3% to ~US$105/barrel Renewed  US-Iran tensions Profit-taking in Big Tech stocks However, select AI-related names and cryptocurrencies outperformed, with  Bitcoin   surging above US$80,000  on ETF inflows and policy optimism. Singapore Economy Shows Resilience Manufacturing Expands for Ninth Month Singapore...