Investing Updates: Singapore sets out plan to support gold trading amid growing interest

Source:

https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/gold-trading-vault-mas-central-bank-6020216

Gemini:

Singapore is significantly expanding its gold ecosystem to establish itself as a premier global trading hub. On March 27, 2026, Chee Hong Tat, Deputy Chairman of the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), unveiled a strategic plan focused on four key areas to capitalize on the growing investor interest in vaulting and trading gold within the region.

Core Strategic Pillars

The Gold Market Development Working Group, established in January 2026, will focus on:

• Infrastructure Enhancement: Improving physical facilities for the storage and transportation of gold.

• Sovereign Services: Offering specialized gold storage for foreign central banks and sovereign entities, leveraging Singapore’s reputation for safety and security.

• Product Diversification: Broadening the range of gold-related capital market products available to investors.

• Clearing and Settlement: Implementing a secure system for transferring assets, specifically addressing both the London-standard large bars (12.4kg) and the Asian-preferred kilobars (1kg).

Economic Impact

Mr. Chee emphasized that gold trading will serve as a new pillar for Singapore’s wealth and asset management sector. By building this ecosystem, the nation aims to attract more global assets and create high-quality jobs.

Addressing regional competition, specifically from Hong Kong, Mr. Chee noted that the global demand for a "safe haven" in an uncertain environment provides ample space for both hubs to coexist. Rather than reacting to short-term price fluctuations, Singapore is focused on long-term "environmental" growth. Detailed updates from the workgroup, which includes major banks and refineries, are expected throughout the year.

Comments:

Interesting move by government.

Toy Updates: There’s A Soft Toy Hospital Hidden Within Mandai Wildlife Reserve That Will Clean & Repair Your Chou Chou

Source:

https://thesmartlocal.com/read/toy-doctor-mandai-wildlife-reserve/

Gemini:

Located within Mandai Wildlife Reserve (Mandai Wildlife EAST), Toy Doctor is a specialized "hospital" dedicated to the restoration and cleaning of beloved soft toys. Helmed by experts with decades of experience in toy artistry, this unique facility offers a professional lifeline for worn-out chou chous and plushies.

Restorative Treatments

The process begins with a "consultation" to determine a customized treatment plan. Key services include:

• Transfusions (from $60): Restuffing toys with premium polyester or microfoam beads.

• Organ Transplantations (from $80): Replacing damaged eyes or noses.

• Cloning (from $450): Creating a fresh replica for toys that are beyond repair.

While some treatments require leaving your plushie overnight, the results ensure your companion returns fresh and sturdy.

Interactive Workshops

Beyond repairs, the hospital offers hands-on activities for children and enthusiasts:

• Toy Doctor For A Day ($35): Learn basic sewing and plush care.

• Inside Out Challenge ($35): Explore different types of toy stuffing.

• Plush Rejuvenation Workshop ($50): A guided DIY session to freshen up your own toy.

• Build Your Own Plush ($35): Create a brand-new friend from scratch.

Getting There

Located in the Exploria building, the hospital is accessible via shuttle from Khatib MRT or public buses (138, 972) alighting at the Singapore Zoo stop. It is a heartwarming destination for those looking to preserve sentimental treasures rather than replacing them.

Comments:

The service is too expensive liao.

Buy new toys might be cheaper leh.

Unless it belongs to a loved one who passed away.

Investing Updates: Gold turns volatile amid Middle East conflict. What investors should watch next

Source:

https://growbeansprout.com/gold-middle-east-march-2026

Claude:

Gold Price Volatility Amid Middle East Conflict

Gold has experienced dramatic swings recently, hitting a record high of US$5,417 per ounce on 3 March 2026 before plunging over 20% to around US$4,410 by late March — erasing all year-to-date gains in one of its steepest weekly declines in decades.

What triggered the sell-off?

The conflict began when US and Israeli forces struck Iran on 28 February. While gold initially rallied on safe-haven demand, market focus quickly shifted to inflation and interest rates. The war pushed Brent crude above US$112 — up 40% since hostilities began — fuelling inflation fears that have kept the Federal Reserve hawkish. With the Fed holding rates at 3.5–3.75% and signalling only one cut in 2026 (markets now price in none), rising bond yields and a stronger US dollar weighed heavily on gold. A cascade of forced selling accelerated the drop once prices broke below the psychologically important US$5,000 level.

What supports gold longer-term?

Despite the pullback, structural demand remains intact. Gold ETFs recorded their ninth consecutive month of inflows in February, with US$5.3 billion added and total holdings reaching a record 4,171 tonnes. Central banks continued buying, with the buyer base widening to include Malaysia, South Korea, and Indonesia. China extended its purchasing streak to 15 consecutive months.

Key technical level to watch: US$4,066–4,090, where the 200-day moving average sits. A break below could see prices test US$3,500.

The recommendation is to treat gold as a long-term diversifier (5–10% allocation), building exposure gradually through dollar-cost averaging rather than timing the market.

Comments:

Good information.

Investing Updates: The second coming of S-chips is different

Source:

https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/opinion-features/second-coming-s-chips-different

ChatGPT:

Singapore is making a renewed push to attract Chinese companies to list on the Singapore Exchange (SGX), but with a far more cautious and targeted strategy than past attempts. This marks a “second coming” of S-chips—Chinese firms listed in Singapore—following earlier waves that ultimately failed due to weak governance and regulatory gaps.

The original S-chip wave began in the late 1990s as Singapore sought to rebuild market size after losing Malaysian listings. While China’s economic rise made these companies attractive, many firms lacked transparency, had poor fundamentals, and operated with limited regulatory oversight. By 2008, numerous accounting scandals and fraud cases led to a collapse in investor confidence, tarnishing the S-chip label.

This time, regulators are taking a different approach. Instead of smaller, lesser-known firms seeking primary listings, the focus is on established Chinese companies pursuing secondary listings in Singapore. Many of these firms are already listed on major exchanges such as Hong Kong, Shanghai, or Shenzhen, meaning they are subject to stricter disclosure standards, governance requirements, and ongoing investor scrutiny.

In addition, new listing criteria introduce stronger financial discipline. Companies must have a market capitalisation of at least S$1 billion and raise at least S$200 million, or 10% of their market value. These thresholds aim to filter out weaker firms and ensure only sizable, credible businesses participate.

This more selective strategy addresses the core weaknesses of the earlier S-chip era by prioritising quality over quantity and leveraging existing regulatory frameworks. With better oversight, stronger companies, and higher entry standards, Singapore’s latest effort to attract Chinese listings stands a better chance of success in building market scale and restoring investor trust.

Comments:

I was too young to understand much during the first S-chip wave.

Would be interesting to see what comes next.

Toy Updates: The official Super Mario Yoshi bath bomb is traumatizing kids

Source:

https://www.polygon.com/super-mario-galaxy-lush-yoshi-bath-bomb-red-fire-flower-tiktok-facebook/

ChatGPT:

A collaboration between Lush and Nintendo to promote the upcoming Super Mario Galaxy movie has unintentionally upset some children. The product in question is a $16 Yoshi egg bath bomb designed to “hatch” in water, revealing themed bath gummies shaped like classic Mario power-ups such as mushrooms, coins, and fire flowers. While the concept sounds playful, one particular variation—the fire flower—has caused unexpected reactions.

As the bath bomb dissolves, it releases colored dye hinting at the surprise inside. For the fire flower version, this dye is red, which creates a visual effect resembling blood spreading through the water. Adults often find this darkly humorous, but many children interpret it as something distressing, with some believing that Yoshi is being harmed or “bleeding.” Videos circulating on social media show kids becoming frightened, crying, and even trying to get out of the bath.

Reactions online are mixed. Some commenters criticize parents for laughing instead of comforting their children, suggesting that reassurance could have reduced the fear. Others argue that the product design itself is to blame, pointing out that red was a questionable color choice for a children’s bath item. Several parents shared that they either regretted buying the product or decided against purchasing it after seeing these reactions.

Despite the controversy, many customers who received non-red versions, like the coin or mushroom, reported positive experiences. Still, the fire flower variant has overshadowed the overall reception, turning what was meant to be a fun, family-friendly product into an unintentionally alarming experience for some kids.

Comments:

Nice product. Just bad execution.

Investing Updates: What to Expect in the Week Ahead (Iran War Impact and Earnings from GameStop, Carnival)

Source:

https://www.moomoo.com/news/post/67216417/what-to-expect-in-the-week-ahead-iran-war-impact?level=1&data_ticket=1774240927177358

Gemini:

The week ahead is dominated by geopolitical instability and a waning earnings season. Markets are reeling from four consecutive weekly declines, with major indices entering oversold territory. The primary catalyst is the escalating U.S.-Iran conflict; global trade flows and commodity pricing remain volatile, especially following Donald Trump’s ultimatum regarding the Strait of Hormuz. High energy prices are fueling "sticky" inflation, pushing 10-year Treasury yields to seven-month highs.

Corporate Highlights & Earnings

• GameStop (Tuesday): Reporting Q4 results, the retailer faces a projected revenue drop (under $1B) due to store closures. Despite "meme stock" momentum following Michael Burry’s bullish stance, growth relies heavily on collectibles and investment interest.

• Carnival (Wednesday): While forecasting strong annual EBITDA growth, the cruise line faces headwinds from Middle East travel disruptions and surging marine fuel costs.

• Tesla: Elon Musk’s ambitious "TERAFAB" initiative—a massive chip manufacturing JV—aims for 1 terawatt capacity. Analysts remain focused on the "flywheel effect" of Robotaxis and the Optimus robot.

• NVIDIA: Following GTC 2026, the company is targeting $1 trillion in revenue by 2027, driven by the new Rubin architecture.

• Super Micro Computer (SMCI): Shares plummeted 33% recently due to smuggling allegations and negative cash flow, despite triple-digit revenue growth.

In short, investors are balancing AI-driven optimism against the harsh realities of potential war and persistent inflation.

Comments:

Not much catalysts for upswing unless the war ends.