Investing Updates: Commentary: More uncertainty for Singapore economy after US interest rates cut

Source:

https://www.channelnewsasia.com/commentary/us-fed-cut-interest-rates-singapore-inflation-economy-5385076

ChatGPT:

Singapore’s domestic interest rates have fallen sharply, with the three-month compounded SORA dropping to 1.44 per cent this year, about half of where it should be relative to US policy rates. This divergence reflects strong capital inflows and investor demand for Singapore as a safe haven, buoyed by geopolitical uncertainty and trade risks. Equity returns have also outpaced global benchmarks, adding to abundant liquidity and suppressing borrowing costs.

While the US Federal Reserve cut rates in September and signalled further reductions, local rates may not fall much further. Still, the lower-for-longer environment brings relief to households and businesses. Mortgage rates have declined from peaks of 4.5 per cent in 2022 to below 2.5 per cent, easing repayment burdens and boosting disposable income. Rising asset values also support consumption, though savers may feel the squeeze as deposit rates fall.

For companies, cheaper borrowing encourages expansion, especially in trade-related sectors that are front-loading exports ahead of potential US tariffs. Construction firms and larger corporates benefit most, though SMEs may struggle to access lower rates due to collateral and credit constraints.

Despite these positives, Singapore’s economic outlook remains clouded by external risks. The US faces slowing job growth, sticky inflation, and fears of stagflation, while China remains in deflation. Trade tensions, particularly tariff changes under US President Donald Trump, threaten global demand and complicate business planning.

Domestically, policymakers have expanded financing support and slowed currency appreciation to cushion the economy. However, Singapore’s growth momentum is expected to moderate, with 2026 posing greater uncertainties. Lower interest rates ease short-term strains, but global developments will ultimately shape the city-state’s trajectory.

Investing Updates: Commentary: Singapore’s stock market is no longer just about the big boys

Source:

https://www.channelnewsasia.com/commentary/sgx-singapore-stock-market-sti-record-high-new-equity-index-mid-caps-5348586

ChatGPT:

After years of sluggishness, Singapore’s stock market is showing renewed vitality. The Straits Times Index (STI) rebounded 29 per cent from an April low to a record 4,375 in September 2025, driven by the big banks and Singtel. Yet the focus is shifting beyond these blue-chip counters. National Development Minister and MAS Deputy Chairman Chee Hong Tat announced plans for a new index to track large, liquid companies outside the STI, recognising that the STI’s 30 components represent just 5 per cent of over 600 SGX-listed firms.

The timing reflects a broader market upswing. Once-neglected mid-caps and second liners such as Boustead, LHN, Centurion, Wee Hur, and Kingsmen are hitting record levels. Trading since the second quarter has been dominated by these stocks, supported by the MAS’s S$5 billion Equity Market Development Programme, with S$1 billion already allocated to funds boosting mid-cap activity. A dedicated index could further draw institutional money and enable passive ETF trackers, expanding liquidity.

However, structural improvements also require companies to engage investors more actively. Beyond earnings briefings, management must communicate consistently and consider “safe harbour” rules for forward-looking disclosures to reduce regulatory fears. Such outreach would strengthen investor confidence, raise liquidity, and lower funding costs by allowing firms to tap equity markets instead of borrowings—creating a virtuous cycle of growth and capital access.

Global conditions add momentum. With funds flowing into Singapore amid geopolitical uncertainty and interest rates set to decline, equities are increasingly attractive. For investors who once overlooked Singapore in favour of regional plays, the tide may be turning. If the US economy stays steady and shocks are avoided, Singapore’s stock market could be on track for its strongest year in more than a decade.

Opinion:

Positive messaging from Singapore's press.

Gaming Updates: Today’s game consoles are historically overpriced

Source:

https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2025/08/todays-game-consoles-are-historically-overpriced/

ChatGPT:

Ars Technica’s analysis reveals that modern video game consoles are significantly overpriced compared to historic trends. Looking back to the Atari 2600 in 1977, most systems saw steep price cuts within a few years, often selling for less than half their inflation-adjusted launch price by year three and as little as one-third by year eight. Today’s consoles, however, resist that pattern. The Nintendo Switch, eight years old, still sells for 86% of its launch-adjusted price, while consoles like the PS5 Digital Edition and Xbox Series S remain at or above original real-dollar costs. By contrast, classic systems routinely fell below $300 in today’s dollars.

Factors behind today’s stubborn prices include pandemic-era chip shortages, lingering tariffs, higher production costs due to slowing advances in chipmaking, and inflation. Still, these don’t fully explain the break from history. Unlike earlier generations, manufacturers seem unwilling to sell at a loss to drive adoption. Systems like the PS3, Xbox One, and Wii U once received steep cuts despite initial costs, but Sony, Microsoft, and Nintendo now hold firm.

The reason may be simple: the market accepts these prices. The Switch and PS5 continue to sell strongly despite lacking cuts, suggesting no incentive to lower prices. Even Microsoft, facing weak Xbox demand, hasn’t budged—focusing instead on services and Windows-based gaming hardware.

Ultimately, consumers are paying hundreds more than history suggests they should. Unless sales falter, the traditional cycle of rapid console price reductions appears to be a relic of the past, replaced by pricing strategies that keep consoles expensive for far longer.

Opinion:

Interesting.

Never knew the prices were elevated by so much.

Investing Updates : Retirement Planning In Singapore: How Much Do I Need To Save And Invest To Retire At 55?

Source : 

https://dollarsandsense.sg/retirement-planning-in-singapore-how-much-do-i-need-to-save-and-invest-to-retire-at-age-55/

ChatGPT : 

Retiring at 55 in Singapore requires careful planning since CPF LIFE payouts only begin at age 65. Based on average household expenditure data, an individual would need about $3,296 per month, or $39,558 annually, to cover living costs. This means retirees must bridge a 10-year gap between ages 55 and 64 before CPF LIFE kicks in.

If relying purely on savings, this gap requires about $395,580. Factoring in 2.5% interest (e.g., leaving funds in CPF-OA or high-interest accounts), the amount drops to around $350,000. On top of this, retirees need the Enhanced Retirement Sum (ERS) of $426,000 in CPF to receive payouts of about $3,330 monthly from age 65 onwards. Combined, that’s about $776,000–$821,000 required at 55.

Alternatively, retirees can use investments. A portfolio of about $791,000 yielding 5% annually provides lifelong passive income without touching principal. If drawing down on principal until age 85, about $615,000 is sufficient, though nothing remains after.

Ultimately, a mix of CPF savings and investments is the most practical strategy, balancing steady CPF returns with potentially higher investment yields.

Opinion : 

Expenditure might not be constant with rising inflation.

Article provides good knowledge for investors.

Investing Updates : The Fed Is About to Cut Rates. History Shows It's Time to Look at Battered Tech Stocks

Source : 

https://www.moomoo.com/news/post/56882242/the-fed-is-about-to-cut-rates-history-shows-it?level=1&data_ticket=1755137009108042

Apple Intelligence : 

Historical data shows that when easing cycles aren’t triggered by a systemic crisis, the broader market tends to strengthen, with Technology often emerging as the primary beneficiary. Financials present a more nuanced picture, while sectors like Health Care and Consumer Discretionary often deliver steady post-cut performance. Energy is frequently decoupled from the domestic rate cycle, making its response to Fed easing less predictable.

Opinion : 

Looking bullish.

Expecting the unexpected. A pullback of some sort should be happening.

Investing Updates : Why MAS Is Paying For Research Reports To Promote Stocks In Singapore

Source : 

https://dollarsandsense.sg/why-mas-paying-research-reports-stocks-singapore/

ChatGPT : 

To boost Singapore’s struggling equities market, MAS launched the $5 billion Equity Market Development Programme (EQDP) and will initially allocate $1.1 billion to three fund managers (Avanda, Fullerton, and JP Morgan) focusing on small- and mid-cap stocks. Another $50 million will enhance the GEMS grant scheme to support equity research, offering up to $6,000 per report. This encourages wider analyst coverage, but investors must be cautious — these are still paid reports. While GEMS promotes market vibrancy, some firms may exist just to tap the funding. Always DYODD (Do Your Own Due Diligence).

Opinion : 

Good article for awareness.

We need better coverage on SG firms for sure.

But we need game changing companies even more 😅. 

My fault for not contributing as entrepreneur as well 🤪.

Investing Updates : Ethereum Turns 10: What's Coming in the Next Decade?

Source : 

https://decrypt.co/332724/ethereum-turns-10-whats-coming-next-decade

ChatGPT :

As Ethereum marks its 10th anniversary, experts are looking ahead to a transformative decade that could see the network evolve into the “base layer of the global economy.”

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🔧 What’s Coming in the Next 5 Years

- Major Upgrades Ahead: Upcoming updates like Fusaka (2025) and Glamsterdam (2026) aim to improve data efficiency, user experience, and network capabilities.

- 10x Scaling Goal: Vitalik Buterin and others project 10x scaling of Layer 1 (L1) by 2026, alongside improved Layer 2 (L2) interoperability.

- Interoperability Focus: Ethereum’s challenge is to make L2 networks feel like one unified system—seamless, fast, and low-cost.

- "Surge," "Scourge," "Verge," "Purge," "Splurge": These grouped upgrades will enhance transaction speed, simplify node operation, and boost network decentralization.

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🧩 The Endgame Vision (Next 10 Years)

- Danksharding & Verkle Trees: Planned innovations will reduce node hardware needs and make Ethereum more scalable and efficient.

- Zero-Knowledge (ZK) Tech: Expected integration into Ethereum's base layer could unlock privacy-preserving digital IDs and stronger institutional trust.

- Institutional Adoption: With ETF inflows growing and firms like BlackRock tokenizing assets on Ethereum, it’s increasingly seen as Wall Street’s settlement layer.

- Tokenization of Everything: From bonds to equities, experts predict most real-world assets will be represented on-chain.

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⚛️ Quantum Threats? Ethereum Says: “We’re Ready”

- While quantum computing may pose future risks, Ethereum leaders believe the network is the most prepared to adapt, with quantum-resistant cryptography already in development.

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🔮 Final Outlook

- Ethereum’s next phase is about mainstream adoption, usability, and infrastructure dominance.

- Experts believe Ethereum could surpass Bitcoin in value and utility as it becomes a trustworthy, programmable financial layer for global systems.

“The first decade was about idealism,” said one Ethereum leader. “The next will be about adoption.”

Opinion :

Bullish for Ethereum.

Predicting the top 2 to be BTC, ETH for some time.

Not sure who will be number 3.

Investing Updates : Mapping Temasek's 2025 Portfolio: Net Value Achieving Historic Highs Amid Global Tensions

Source : 

https://www.moomoo.com/community/feed/114827991449606?global_content=%7B%22promote_content%22%3A%22mm%3Afeed%3A114827991449606%22%2C%22invite%22%3A103096561%7D&futusource=news_hotnews_list&client_hour_clock=24&clientlang=2&clienttype=121&clientver=15.22.12108&is_visitor=0&main_broker=WwoJMTAwOApdCg%3D%3D&my_cid=103096561&sg_cid=103096561&skintype=3&us_cid=103096561&user_id=103096561&user_id_type=3

ChatGPT :

Summary: Mapping Temasek's 2025 Portfolio — Net Value at Record High Amid Global Tensions

Temasek Holdings’ net portfolio value hit a historic high of S$434 billion (up 11.6%) in FY ending March 2025, boosted by strong returns from Singapore-listed firms and global investments, especially in the U.S., China, and India. Including mark-to-market gains from unlisted assets, the total would be S$469 billion.

Key Portfolio Segments:

- Singapore Portfolio Companies (41%): Anchored by firms like DBS, SIA, Singtel, and ST Engineering, delivering stability, steady dividends, and strong growth.

- Global Direct Investments (36%): Includes Tencent, Sea, Adyen, and BlackRock, capturing global tech and healthcare growth.

- Partnerships & Funds (23%): Investments via asset managers and private equity funds like Brookfield, Seviora, and Vertex.

Regional Allocation:

- Singapore remains top (27%), followed by the Americas (24%), China (18%), India (8%), and others (23%).

Growth Drivers:

- Singapore blue-chips rebounded strongly.

- U.S. tech firms, especially NVIDIA, Microsoft, and Apple, led global gains.

- China investments targeted green economy and tech (e.g., Tencent, Meituan).

- India saw rising focus on consumer and healthcare sectors (Haldiram Snacks, Manipal Health).

AI & Future Strategy:

Temasek is investing across the AI value chain—Nvidia, Broadcom, Databricks, Waymo—and joined the AI Infrastructure Partnership with Microsoft and BlackRock. It’s also expanding into renewable energy (Keppel, Sembcorp) and digital infrastructure (data centers, telcos).

Outlook:

Despite global challenges, Temasek’s disciplined, adaptive, and diversified approach has delivered 7% annual returns over 20 years, balancing resilience and innovation for sustained long-term growth.

Investing Updates : July's Must-See Financial Events: Non-Farm Payrolls, Big Banks Earnings, Fed Interest Rate Decision, and More

Source : 

https://www.moomoo.com/community/feed/114772507295749?global_content=%7B%22promote_content%22%3A%22mm%3Afeed%3A114772507295749%22%2C%22invite%22%3A103096561%7D&futusource=news_hotnews_list&client_hour_clock=24&clientlang=2&clienttype=121&clientver=15.20.11908&is_visitor=0&main_broker=WwoJMTAwOApdCg%3D%3D&my_cid=103096561&sg_cid=103096561&skintype=3&us_cid=103096561&user_id=103096561&user_id_type=3

ChatGPT : 

📅 July 2025: Key Financial Events to Watch (Summary)

July is packed with market-moving events across policy, earnings, and economic data:

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🌍 July 1:

- ECB’s Sintra Forum: Global central bankers, including Fed Chair Powell, meet to discuss monetary policy.

- US ISM Manufacturing PMI: Offers insight into factory sentiment.

📊 July 3:

- June Non-Farm Payrolls & Unemployment Rate: Critical data to gauge labor market strength.

- Early Market Close: Ahead of July 4th holiday.

🇺🇸 July 4:

- US Markets Closed: Independence Day.

🧾 Before July 4:

- Trump’s “Big, Beautiful Bill”: Possible fiscal stimulus bill may pass.

💼 July 9:

- Tariff Agreement Expiry: Could reignite trade tensions.

- Fed Minutes Released: Watch for signals of potential rate cuts.

🏦 July 15:

- Q2 Earnings Begin: Citigroup, JPMorgan, Wells Fargo to set the tone with key commentary.

💹 July 15–17:

- Macro Data Trio:

- July 15: June CPI

- July 16: PPI

- July 17: Retail Sales

- Earnings Highlights: TSMC & Netflix report.

📉 July 30:

- Fed Rate Decision (2:00 p.m. ET)

- Powell Press Conference (2:30 p.m. ET): Watch for dovish tone and potential rate cut hints.

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🔍 Outlook:

With crucial data and decisions ahead, volatility is likely to spike. Investors should stay alert as July may shape market direction for the rest of 2025.

Investing Updates : 2025 Half-Year Recap: Who’s Dominating Singapore’s REITs Market?

Source : 

https://www.moomoo.com/community/feed/114777224118678?global_content=%7B%22promote_content%22%3A%22mm%3Afeed%3A114777224118678%22%2C%22invite%22%3A103096561%7D&futusource=news_hotnews_list&client_hour_clock=24&clientlang=2&clienttype=121&clientver=15.20.11908&is_visitor=0&main_broker=WwoJMTAwOApdCg%3D%3D&my_cid=103096561&sg_cid=103096561&skintype=3&us_cid=103096561&user_id=103096561&user_id_type=3

ChatGPT : 

🇸🇬 Singapore REITs Market: 2025 Half-Year Recap (Summary)

At mid-2025, S-REITs are thriving despite no U.S. rate cuts yet, attracting investors with stable yields and capital gains.

🔝 Top 3 Performers:

1. Frasers Hospitality Trust (+21.4%) – Boosted by tourism recovery; modest 3.1% yield.

2. CapitaLand Integrated Commercial Trust (+13.8%) – Strong retail & office demand; 5.0% yield.

3. First REIT (+10.7%) – High 8.7% yield from healthcare assets in SE Asia.

📊 Sector Strength:

- Suburban retail: Frasers Centrepoint Trust.

- Healthcare: Parkway Life REIT.

- Industrial/logistics: Ascendas REIT, AIMS APAC REIT.

- Digital infrastructure: Keppel DC REIT (joined STI; +5.9%, 4.3% yield).

📉 Macro Tailwind:

SORA fell from 3.02% to 2.08%, cutting REITs' financing costs and making their yields more attractive.

🔮 Outlook:

Expect continued strength as investors rotate toward yield-focused, defensively diversified assets like S-REITs, especially if global rates ease and tourism, healthcare, and digital sectors grow.