Investing Updates: Polymarket Blocked in Singapore: Prediction Market Faces Fresh Scrutiny

URL: https://www.blockhead.co/2025/01/07/polymarket-blocked-in-singapore-prediction-market-faces-fresh-scrutiny/

Gemini Summarized:

• Polymarket Blocked: The Singapore Police Force has blocked Polymarket, a prediction market platform, labeling it an "illegal gambling site."

• Regulatory Crackdown: This action comes amidst a crackdown on unlicensed gambling platforms in Singapore.

• Enforcement Shift: The Singapore Police Force now oversees enforcement, previously handled by the Gambling Regulatory Authority (GRA).

• Polymarket's Model: Polymarket allows users to bet on world events using cryptocurrency. It has faced regulatory challenges before, including a settlement with the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission.

• Regulatory Concerns: The Singapore ban raises questions about the distinction between prediction markets and gambling.

• Broader Implications: This case highlights the challenges of regulating blockchain-based platforms and the evolving regulatory landscape for prediction markets globally.

Investing Updates: SGX Weekly Review｜Seatrium Jumps 7%; NIO and YZJ Shipbldg Gain 3%; SingPost Plunges 7%

URL: https://ttm.financial/news/1160317070?lang=en_US&edition=fundamental

Gemini Summarized:

The Singapore stock market rose this week, with the Straits Times Index (STI) up 1.4%.

• Seatrium rose 7.3%
• NIO rose 3.1%
• YZJ Shipbldg rose 2.8%
• Keppel rose 2.1%
• Genting Singapore rose 2%
• DBS rose 1.7%
• SIA rose 1.3%

On the flip side, SingPost fell 7.1% and Singtel fell 0.6%.

Here are some other news from Singapore this week:

• Singapore's core inflation eased more than expected in November, while headline inflation rose at a faster pace than the month prior.
• Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Lawrence Wong will deliver Singapore’s Budget 2025 statement in Parliament on Feb 18.
• Singapore Post fired CEO over mishandling whistleblower report.
• Seatrium repurchased 1.0 million shares in the open market on Tuesday.
• OCBC Plans S$7.5 Million Living-Cost Payout to Junior Staff.
• Nio’s Onvo L60 Delivered 20,000 Units Three Months After the Launch.
• Gojek, Tada, ComfortDelGro Zig Raising Platform Fees from Jan 1 to Cover Costs Arising from Upcoming Platform Workers Act.

Investing Updates: Christmas Market Hours, Housing Data, and More: What to Know This Week

URL: https://ttm.financial/m/news/2493226767?lang=en_US&edition=fundamental

Gemini summarized:

This week is a relatively quiet one for investors with shortened trading hours on Christmas Eve and markets closed on Christmas Day.

Key Economic Data Releases:

• Monday:
  • Consumer Confidence Index: Expected to increase slightly.
  • Durable Goods Orders: Expected to decline slightly overall, but increase excluding transportation.
  • Residential Sales: Expected to increase compared to October.
• Thursday:
  • Initial Jobless Claims: Expected to remain at a relatively low level.

Important Notes:

• Government Shutdown: If a government shutdown occurs, some economic data releases may be delayed or not released at all.
• Earnings Season: Fourth-quarter earnings season begins on January 15th.

Market Closings:

• Tuesday (Christmas Eve): Stock and bond markets close early.
• Wednesday (Christmas Day): Markets are closed.

This summary provides a brief overview of the key events and data releases expected this week.

Sports Updates: Long queue forms at Jalan Besar Stadium for tickets to ASEAN Championship semi-final

URL: https://mustsharenews.com/long-queue-asean-championship-tickets/

Gemini summarized:

This is a document about a long queue for tickets to the ASEAN Championship semi-final. It discusses the long queue that formed outside the Jalan Besar Stadium for tickets to the semi-finals of the Mitsubishi Electric Cup, where Singapore will be playing Vietnam.¹ The Football Association of Singapore (FAS) announced that ticket sales had commenced via an Instagram story on Sunday afternoon.² The clip showed that fans had started queueing even before the sales started, with many braving the hot sun and bringing chairs to prepare for the lengthy wait.³ The first person in the queue arrived at 7.30pm the night before. At 1.17pm, FAS advised fans not to join the queue if they hadn't already done so. This was due to the “overwhelming response” from the public. The first 10 fans in the queue had a surprise — they got to meet Hariss Harun and have him personally buy tickets for them.⁴ The lucky fans also got to pose for a memorable photo with the Lions' captain.

LifeStyle Updates: Economists weigh in after Tesla CEO Elon Musk says Singapore is ‘going extinct’ amid low birth rate

URL: https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/companies-markets/economists-weigh-after-tesla-ceo-elon-musk-says-singapore-going-extinct-amid-low-birth-rate

Summarized:

Tesla CEO Elon Musk recently remarked that Singapore is “going extinct” due to its low birth rate, drawing attention to the nation’s demographic challenges. Singapore’s fertility rate hit a historic low of 0.97 in 2023. Economists note that automation, foreign labor, and productivity improvements are essential to counter the shrinking workforce, but human roles remain crucial in some sectors. Policies like extended paternity leave and affordable childcare aim to address the issue. Experts highlight the need to balance long-term demographic concerns with immediate quality-of-life priorities.

LifeStyle Updates: Salary increments for Singapore employees in 2025 expected to range from 2% to 5%: HR firms

URL: https://www.straitstimes.com/business/salary-increments-for-singapore-employees-in-2025-expected-to-range-from-2-to-5-hr-firms

Summary:

This is a document about salary increments for Singapore employees in 2025. It discusses the expected range of salary increments and the factors that will influence them. According to the document, salary increments for Singapore employees in 2025 are expected to range from 2% to 5%. This is based on the views of several HR firms. The factors that will influence salary increments include the overall economic climate, the performance of individual employees, and the specific industry that they work in.

Opinion:

• This is kind of good news 😁.

• Although, it's still subject to where you are on the bell curve in your org. I think lower end will get 2-3% while higher end get 4-5%.

• More returns means more investments. Get this mindset right as an investor 😉.

Investing Updates: S’pore GDP growth to soften to 2.4% in 2025 from 3.0% in 2024: CGSI

URL: https://www.theedgesingapore.com/news/singapore-economy/spore-gdp-growth-soften-24-2025-30-2024-cgsi

Singapore’s GDP growth is projected to ease from 3.0% in 2024 to 2.4% in 2025, aligning with MTI’s forecast. Inflation is expected to decline to 2.0% in 2025, down from 2.4% in 2024. Core profit growth for listed companies is anticipated at 5.6% and 6.8% in 2024 and 2025, driven by financials and internet services. Risks include geopolitical tensions and potential tariff policies. Manufacturing, especially electronics, remains a key growth driver, while easing COE and oil prices may mitigate inflationary pressures. MAS policy adjustments are anticipated in 2025.