Investing Updates: How strong is the Singdollar? These charts show how it is performing against regional currencies

Source:

https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/companies-markets/capital-markets-currencies/how-strong-singdollar-these-charts-show-how-it-performing-against-regional-currencies

ChatGPT:

How Strong Is the Singdollar? A Regional Currency Snapshot

The Singapore dollar (SGD) has continued to stand out as one of Asia’s most stable currencies, even as foreign-exchange markets around it have shifted sharply in early 2026. A key global driver has been the weakening US dollar, which has slid close to 11-year lows against the Singdollar amid “sell America” sentiment, policy uncertainty under President Donald Trump, and speculation over coordinated FX intervention. Against this backdrop, SGD/USD has climbed to levels last seen in 2014, supported by the Monetary Authority of Singapore’s steady policy stance versus a softening US Federal Reserve. Year-to-date, the Singdollar has gained about 1.6% against the greenback.

Regionally, movements have been more mixed. The Malaysian ringgit has emerged as a standout performer, rebounding strongly from its 2024 lows on improving fundamentals, strong investment inflows, and optimism around the Johor–Singapore Special Economic Zone. As a result, the Singdollar has weakened modestly against the ringgit, reducing Singaporeans’ purchasing power across the Causeway.

The Japanese yen remains historically weak despite intermittent intervention rumours, keeping it cheap against the Singdollar. Meanwhile, the Australian dollar has strengthened significantly, buoyed by firm commodity prices, a softer US dollar, and expectations of tighter monetary policy, leading to notable SGD losses against the Aussie.

In North Asia, the South Korean won has recovered from recent lows following policy support and official guidance, though the Singdollar still shows year-to-date gains. Thailand’s baht has surged on gold-related repatriation flows, prompting authorities to introduce measures to curb volatility. The Chinese yuan, while volatile due to renewed US tariff threats, has shown signs of underlying strength on capital inflows and growth optimism.

Overall, the Singdollar remains a regional anchor of stability, with relative moves driven more by shifts in neighbouring currencies than by domestic weakness.

Investing Updates: What to Expect in the Week Ahead (January Jobs Report, Earnings from GOOG, AMZN, PLTR and AMD)

Source:

https://www.moomoo.com/news/post/64893434/what-to-expect-in-the-week-ahead-january-jobs-report?futusource=news_hotnews_list&client_hour_clock=24&main_broker=WwoJMTAwOApdCg==&my_cid=103096561&sg_cid=103096561&skintype=3&us_cid=103096561&level=2&global_content=%7B%22promote_content%22:%22mm:post:64893434%22,%22invite%22:103096561%7D&data_ticket=1769997185662418&utm_medium=futu_niuniu_share&utm_content=web_share&utm_campaign=news&utm_term=64893434

ChatGPT:

What to Expect in the Week Ahead (Jan Jobs Report & Key Earnings)

Markets head into the week with heightened sensitivity to U.S. labour data, Federal Reserve leadership signals, and heavyweight earnings. The January nonfarm payrolls report on Friday will be the key macro test, especially following the nomination of former Fed governor Kevin Warsh as the next Fed chair. Investors will closely watch whether weaker employment data prompts a more cautious tone or reinforces confidence that the labour market remains resilient.

Economic data flow begins Monday with the ISM Manufacturing PMI, expected to show modest improvement in demand but still constrained by softer inventories and uneven employment trends. Tuesday’s JOLTS report may send mixed signals, with online postings improving but surveys pointing to more cautious hiring intentions. On Wednesday, ADP employment and the ISM Services PMI will further shape expectations for labour market momentum, with services activity likely cooling but staying in expansion. Friday’s payrolls report will also include a one-time re-benchmarking of household survey data, which may lower headline employment levels without materially affecting the unemployment rate, forecast at 4.4%.

Earnings take centre stage alongside macro data. Palantir’s results will spotlight the sustainability of its rapid commercial growth amid intensifying AI competition. AMD is expected to benefit from strong AI demand, though near-term guidance may be tempered by seasonality. Alphabet’s earnings will focus on Gemini-driven ad growth, cloud demand, and a sharp rise in capital expenditures tied to AI infrastructure. Amazon’s report will draw attention to advertising and AWS growth, as well as scrutiny over a potential, very large OpenAI investment. Other notable reporters include Qualcomm, Eli Lilly, Novo Nordisk, Uber, and Disney.

Market sentiment remains fragile after recent declines across risk assets. Equities, crypto, and precious metals sold off sharply following Warsh’s nomination, with the S&P 500 retreating after briefly breaking above 7,000 and Bitcoin falling below US$80,000. Investors will look to this week’s data and earnings for clarity on growth, policy direction, and the sustainability of heavy AI spending across corporate America.

Food Updates: Pizza Hut S’pore Brings Back $10 Large Pizza Takeaway Promotion on 3, 4, 10, 11 Feb 2026

Source:

https://singpromos.com/dining-restaurants-food/pizza-hut-spore-brings-back-10-large-pizza-takeaway-promotion-on-3-4-10-11-feb-2026-298658/

ChatGPT:

🍕 Pizza Hut Singapore Brings Back $10 Large Pizza Takeaway Deal (Feb 2026)

Pizza Hut Singapore is reviving its popular $10 Large Pizza Takeaway promotion for a limited time in February 2026. Running on Tuesdays and Wednesdays only, the deal is available on 3, 4, 10 and 11 February 2026 — just four days in total.

During the promotion, customers can enjoy a large pizza for only $10 (usual price $35.05, inclusive of GST), making it one of Pizza Hut’s best-value offers of the year. The promotion is valid all day, while stocks last, and is strictly for self-collection/takeaway.

🍕 Available Pizza Flavours
Customers can choose from three crowd-favourite flavours, offered in Pan or Crackin’ Thin Crust only:

• Very Beefy

• Chic Ham ‘N’ Shroom

• BBQ Chunky Chic

Each order allows up to two redemptions, making it ideal for sharing with family or friends.

🛍️ How to Redeem

1. Order via the Pizza Hut mobile app or Pizza Hut Singapore website

2. Select Self-Collection / Takeaway

3. Head to the “Hot Deals” section

4. Choose the $10 Large Pizza Deal and check out

With limited dates and high demand expected, pizza lovers should mark their calendars early. If you’ve been waiting for Pizza Hut’s iconic $10 large pizza deal to return, February 2026 is your chance 🍕😋.

Investing Updates: SGX moves to encourage more investors to use broker custody accounts for their holdings

Source:

https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/companies-markets/sgx-moves-encourage-more-investors-use-broker-custody-accounts-their-holdings

ChatGPT:

The Singapore Exchange Regulation (SGX RegCo) has launched a public consultation to encourage wider use of broker custody accounts for SGX-listed securities, aligning Singapore with practices in markets such as Australia, the UK, Hong Kong and the US. The consultation, open from Jan 30 to Mar 27, proposes rule changes to allow omnibus broker custody accounts, require brokers and depository agents to support shareholders in exercising their rights, and strengthen regulatory oversight of depository agents. Retail investors will still be able to keep direct Central Depository (CDP) accounts even if the changes are implemented.

Currently, investors can hold SGX securities either directly with CDP or through broker custody accounts. About two-thirds of retail accounts are still direct CDP accounts, a structure originally designed for safekeeping physical share certificates. In contrast, broker custody accounts—often omnibus accounts pooling multiple clients’ holdings—are already widely used for foreign-listed shares.

SGX RegCo said adopting a common broker custody model for both SGX-listed and overseas securities would allow investors to view and manage all holdings through a single platform. This could enable brokers to offer more value-added services such as fractional trading, portfolio management, robo-advisory solutions and other innovative products.

Beyond retail benefits, the shift could enhance Singapore’s market competitiveness. Internationally active asset managers, who are accustomed to omnibus structures elsewhere, currently need separate systems to handle Singapore’s individually segregated accounts. A broker custody model would make it easier for them to participate more actively in the local market.

Market participants broadly view the proposals as timely, given rising retail participation. However, investor groups stress the need for strong safeguards, including robust asset segregation, cybersecurity and PDPA compliance, to ensure omnibus arrangements are as secure as CDP holdings and that shareholder rights remain fully protected.

Comments:

I think most consumers dig into where the brokerages are from and fear geo-political risks or bankruptcy might affect their holdings.

CDP is deemed "safer" since it's locally managed.

When you are in retirement phase, it kind of makes sense to store in CDP too. Go get free gifts in AGMs since got time? 😁

LifeStyle Updates: Public can use ez-link card to get 10-cent refund when recycling drink bottles, cans from April

Source:

https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/environment/public-can-use-ez-link-card-to-get-10-cent-refund-when-recycling-drink-bottles-cans-from-april

ChatGPT:

Singapore will roll out the Beverage Container Return Scheme on April 1, allowing the public to receive a 10-cent refund for each empty drink bottle or can returned for recycling. Refunds can be credited via ez-link cards, including student and senior concession cards, which will be the main payment method at the start. Other digital payment options will be announced later for those who do not use ez-link.

About 1,000 return points, mainly reverse vending machines, will be deployed islandwide when the scheme begins. This number will double to 2,000 within a year. Machines will be located in high-traffic areas such as supermarkets, HDB void decks and town centres, ensuring that 90 per cent of residents living in HDB estates are within a five-minute walk of a return point. The machines accept bottled and canned drinks ranging from 150ml to three litres and will automatically process containers and issue refunds.

Senior Minister of State for Sustainability and the Environment Janil Puthucheary acknowledged that the scheme will require habit changes and may initially inconvenience some residents. To support public understanding, the scheme’s operator, Beverage Container Return Scheme (BCRS) Ltd, will release guides and videos in March, and each machine will display instructions in all four official languages. Outreach efforts will also involve grassroots groups, schools and businesses.

The scheme is funded by annual fees paid by beverage producers. Smaller producers have raised concerns over compliance costs, including registration fees, deposit requirements and labelling changes, which may lead to price increases. To ease the transition, the National Environment Agency is offering a one-time grant of up to $2,500 and a six-month adjustment period.

Despite expected teething issues, the scheme is projected to cover over one billion drink containers annually and recover more than 16,000 tonnes of recyclable material, helping embed recycling into everyday life in Singapore.

Comments:

I will be using my kids' concession cards for rewards.

I think most adults do not use ez-link card anymore?

Sports Updates: 4 months’ jail for Sim Lim Square seller of illicit streaming devices showing EPL games

Source:

https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/courts-crime/4-months-jail-for-sim-lim-square-seller-of-illicit-streaming-devices-showing-epl-games

ChatGPT:

A Sim Lim Square retailer was sentenced to four months’ jail for selling illicit streaming devices that provided unauthorised access to copyrighted content, including English Premier League (EPL) matches and movies. Lin Da, 35, was the sole director and shareholder of Simder Trading and Business, which operated the shop MengXin Tech. His company was also convicted and fined $40,000.

Lin pleaded guilty to four charges under the Copyright Act on Jan 27, 2026, with seven additional charges taken into consideration. According to the prosecution, Lin had been importing illicit streaming devices from China and Hong Kong since 2018. After customers purchased the devices, Lin or his employees would install software applications that granted access to pirated live TV channels and video-on-demand content, giving users entry to a constantly updated library of copyrighted works owned by multiple rights holders.

Simder earned between $49 and $60 per device sold, generating an estimated monthly profit of $4,000 to $5,000. In 2020, the Football Association Premier League (FAPL) sent Simder a cease-and-desist letter warning that the devices illegally distributed EPL matches. Despite receiving and understanding the letter, Lin continued selling the devices.

Authorities raided several Sim Lim Square shops on Oct 4, 2022, seizing 301 illicit devices from Lin’s shop and arresting him and an employee. Of these, 16 working devices were found to facilitate access to content from rights holders such as FAPL, Warner Bros, Disney and Discovery, including EPL matches and popular films. The remaining devices were faulty and intended for repair or return. No compensation was made to copyright owners.

This case marks the fourth conviction involving Sim Lim Square sellers since the 2022 enforcement operation, which led to 17 arrests and the seizure of over 2,500 illegal devices worth about $500,000. Rights holders, including the Premier League and the Motion Picture Association, welcomed the sentence, highlighting piracy’s legal, economic and security risks.

Technology Updates: Stop buying 1TB SSDs: They are a rip-off in 2026

Source:

https://www.howtogeek.com/please-stop-buying-small-ssds/

ChatGPT:

The article argues that in 2026, buying 1TB SSDs no longer makes financial sense due to volatile and sharply rising prices across the SSD market. Ongoing NAND flash shortages—driven by AI workloads and data center demand—have pushed storage prices much higher, following the earlier surge in RAM costs. As a result, the traditional “sweet spot” for SSD value has disappeared.

Previously, 2TB SSDs offered better value than 1TB drives, but even that advantage has eroded. Price comparisons show dramatic increases: budget 1TB SSDs that cost under $70 in late 2025 now exceed $100, while premium models like Samsung’s 990 Pro have more than doubled in price. Despite costing less upfront, smaller drives now deliver poor cost-per-terabyte value and fill up quickly, making them inefficient for modern usage.

Although 2TB drives remain slightly better than 1TB, they are increasingly expensive and inconsistent in pricing. The author argues that the new value sweet spot has shifted to 4TB SSDs. While they require a much higher upfront spend—typically $350 to $600—they offer significantly better cost per terabyte. Examples from Silicon Power, Crucial, Samsung, and Verbatim show that 4TB models often cost only marginally more per TB than smaller drives, and sometimes substantially less.

Beyond pricing, larger SSDs offer practical advantages: they’re less likely to be filled to capacity (which helps maintain performance), and they typically have higher endurance ratings (TBW), improving longevity. A 4TB SSD can serve as a long-term, future-proof solution for games, work files, applications, and operating systems, potentially eliminating the need for repeated upgrades.

Ultimately, while 4TB SSDs aren’t necessary for everyone, the article concludes that—paradoxically—spending more upfront may now be the most economical choice in today’s distorted SSD market.

Investing Updates: What to Expect in the Week Ahead (FOMC Rate Decision, Earnings from TSLA, META, MSFT, and AAPL)

Source:

https://www.moomoo.com/news/post/64513754/what-to-expect-in-the-week-ahead-fomc-rate-decision?futusource=news_hotnews_list&client_hour_clock=24&main_broker=WwoJMTAwOApdCg==&my_cid=103096561&sg_cid=103096561&skintype=3&us_cid=103096561&level=2&global_content=%7B%22promote_content%22:%22mm:post:64513754%22,%22invite%22:103096561%7D&data_ticket=1768783511139881&utm_medium=futu_niuniu_share&utm_content=web_share&utm_campaign=news&utm_term=64513754

ChatGPT:

The coming week shapes up as a critical “policy plus profits” test for markets, with the Federal Reserve’s rate decision and heavyweight tech earnings likely to drive volatility. While no rate change is expected, Wednesday’s FOMC meeting will be closely watched for Chair Jerome Powell’s tone—specifically whether the Fed leans toward “higher for longer” or keeps the door open to future cuts. The balance between inflation progress and signs of growth or labour softening will guide market expectations.

On the earnings front, mega-cap technology takes centre stage. Tesla, Microsoft and Meta report on Wednesday, followed by Apple on Thursday. Together, their guidance on AI capital expenditure, cloud demand, advertising trends and consumer resilience could have index-level implications. Strong confirmation of sustained AI investment and disciplined spending would support risk sentiment, while cautious outlooks could pressure valuations.

Early-week data includes US Durable Goods Orders on Monday, offering insight into business investment and manufacturing momentum, and Conference Board Consumer Confidence on Tuesday, a key indicator linking sentiment to retail demand and services inflation. Boeing’s earnings on Tuesday will also act as a bellwether for industrial recovery and supply-chain normalization.

Wednesday’s earnings spotlight includes Microsoft, where investors will focus on AI monetisation and cloud growth quality; Meta, with attention on ad demand versus AI-driven margin pressure; and Tesla, where guidance on autonomy, Robotaxi ambitions and margin stability may outweigh quarterly delivery details.

On Thursday, Initial Jobless Claims will provide a timely read on labour market conditions, followed by Apple’s earnings, with focus on iPhone demand, Services growth, cost pressures and AI strategy. Friday closes with SoFi’s results, which could influence sentiment across fintech and consumer lending stocks.

Overall, markets will weigh whether resilient earnings and flexible Fed messaging can offset macro uncertainty—or whether caution from either side triggers renewed volatility.

Travel Updates: 5 New Malls Opening In JB That’ll Be Easier To Visit Once The RTS Link Launches In 2026

Source:

https://thesmartlocal.com/read/new-jb-malls/

ChatGPT:

With the Johor Bahru–Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link set to launch by the end of 2026, shopping trips across the Causeway are expected to become faster and more convenient. Anticipating increased cross-border traffic, several new shopping malls are being developed across Johor Bahru, particularly in growth areas such as Iskandar Puteri, Bukit Senyum and the Johor–Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ).

Among the earliest openings is Horizon Mall, a 150,000 sq ft open-air mall in Horizon Hills, Iskandar Puteri. Located near the Horizon Hills Golf & Country Club and just a 10-minute drive from LEGOLAND Malaysia, it will feature dining and lifestyle options such as Padi House and popular tea brands, and is expected to open in May 2026.

Closer to the JB checkpoint, SKS City Mall JBCC will sit beneath the Sheraton Johor Bahru hotel, only a four-minute drive from immigration. Spanning about 280,000 sq ft over 4.5 floors, it will house retail shops and family attractions like Jungle Gym, with an anticipated opening by the end of 2026.

Further ahead, Coronation Square Mall along Jalan Gereja will be directly linked to the Bukit Chagar RTS station via covered walkways. Part of a RM5 billion mixed-use development, it is slated for completion in 2029. OBS Mall, a luxury retail component of the One Bukit Senyum project, will follow by 2030, alongside residences and a five-star hotel.

Finally, the Bukit Chagar Integrated Development, opening progressively towards 2033, will welcome RTS commuters with a mall, transport links and large car parks. Together, these developments reinforce JB’s growing appeal as a post-RTS shopping destination for Singaporeans.

Investing Updates: Bitcoin doesn’t have 20 years because the quantum threat is already here

Source:

https://cointelegraph.com/news/bitcoin-20-quantum-threat

ChatGPT:

The opinion piece argues that Bitcoin does not have decades to prepare for quantum computing threats, contrary to claims by some advocates who suggest a 20–40 year safety window. The author contends that the quantum threat is already material and accelerating, driven by rapid advances in hardware, governance constraints, and market exposure.

Recent developments underscore the urgency. IBM has announced major breakthroughs in quantum chip design and error correction, aiming for quantum advantage as early as 2026 and early fault-tolerant systems by 2029. Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin has similarly warned that elliptic-curve cryptography could be broken sooner than expected, possibly before 2028, and has urged a near-term shift to quantum-resistant cryptography. These views challenge the assumption that Bitcoin can afford to wait.

The risk is not theoretical. Deloitte estimates that around 4 million BTC—roughly 25% of usable supply—reside in addresses with exposed public keys vulnerable to quantum attacks. A sufficiently powerful quantum computer could use Shor’s algorithm to derive private keys, allowing attackers to drain long-dormant wallets instantly. This vulnerability affects most blockchains, including Ethereum, but Bitcoin’s slow upgrade culture amplifies the danger.

The argument that Bitcoin can “upgrade later” is also criticized as unrealistic. Researchers suggest migrating Bitcoin to post-quantum cryptography could require prolonged downtime or reduced network capacity, an unacceptable risk for a trillion-dollar asset. Governance resistance, ideological divisions and the risk of chain splits further complicate any forced transition.

Meanwhile, governments are already acting. The EU has set a coordinated roadmap requiring post-quantum migration to begin by 2026 and largely complete by 2035. A delayed or chaotic crypto transition could trigger severe market disruption, from mass coin movements to mining centralization. The author concludes that proactive preparation is far less costly than waiting for a quantum-driven crisis.