MONEY MASTER

 Key Takeaway Singapore’s Draft Master Plan 2025 lays out a  transformational blueprint  that will reshape long-term real estate strategies. From repurposing older CBD buildings to new growth hubs in Jurong, Bishan, and Paya Lebar, investors will need to adapt portfolios toward  mixed-use, decentralized, and high-specification assets  to capture future demand. 1. Central Business District (CBD) Transformation Redevelopment Incentives:  Schemes like the  CBD Incentive Scheme  and  Strategic Development Incentive  will reward owners who convert aging office stock into  mixed-use projects  (residential, hotel, work-live-play). Controlled Supply:  With tighter office supply in Raffles Place and Marina Bay, investor focus may shift to  diversified downtown projects  that enhance liveability. 2. Rise of Polycentric Growth Hubs Jurong Lake District:  Positioned as Singapore’s  “second CBD” , channeling future ...

Copper prices have skyrocketed to historic highs in 2025, fueled by rising tensions over potential U.S. tariffs and a tightening global supply-demand balance. Investors are eyeing ways to capitalize on these fluctuations, especially as copper remains a crucial metal for industries such as electric vehicles (EVs) and renewable energy. Here’s a breakdown of why copper prices are climbing, what could drive them even higher, and how you can seize opportunities in this market. What’s Behind the Surge in Copper Prices? Trump’s Tariff Threats Concerns are mounting that the U.S. may impose a 25% tariff on imported copper, driving supply chain issues and boosting demand as businesses stockpile the metal. Citibank’s research shows that U.S. demand for copper imports has surged, while LME copper inventories have plummeted due to increased premiums. Global Copper Supply and Demand Imbalance Short-term supply chain vulnerabilities are becoming more pronounced as political instability in the Congo a...

Wall Street is bracing for  another potential government shutdown  as  President Donald Trump’s tariff policies and budget disputes  continue to fuel market uncertainty. While a  shutdown could cause short-term volatility , historical trends suggest  investors shouldn’t panic. Shutdown Deadline: March 14 Without a  stopgap spending bill , the  government will shut down at midnight on March 14. House Republicans  introduced a bill to extend funding  through Sept. 30 , which Trump has endorsed. However,  uncertainty remains  over whether the bill will pass in time. Market Impact: What History Tells Us S&P 500 Performance During Past Shutdowns: Flat on average  during  22 government shutdowns  since 1976. Up 12.7% on average  in the  12 months following a shutdown. Example:  Stocks  rose over 10%  during the  2018-2019 shutdown  under Trump. 2013 shutdown (Obama’s second term):...

CapitaLand Investment Ltd, one of Asia’s largest property investors, has flagged potential losses as it works to reduce its exposure to China’s troubled real estate market. The Singapore-based firm plans to cut its China exposure to 10-20% of its targeted S$200 billion in funds under management by 2028. Currently, 27% of its S$113 billion portfolio is tied to China. This transition could result in “fair value or divestment losses” that impact its near-to-medium-term earnings , the company said during its Investor Day presentation on Friday. Key Points China Exposure Reduction: CapitaLand aims to decrease reliance on China, citing years-long real estate downturns that have hurt investments in office space and malls. Current Divestment Progress: Of the S$4.6 billion in divestments this year, most assets sold were in Singapore and Japan , with limited sales in China. Target Adjustments: The company plans to divest about S$1 billion in China this year, but as of early November, o...