Investing Updates: Government close to finalising low-cost retirement investment scheme details: Tan See Leng

Source:

https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/politics/government-close-to-finalising-low-cost-retirement-investment-scheme-details-tan-see-leng

ChatGPT:

The Singapore Government is close to finalising details of the CPF Lifetime Retirement Investment Scheme (LRIS), a low-cost and simple retirement investment option first announced in 2016. Manpower Minister Tan See Leng told Parliament on Jan 14, 2026, that the Ministry of Manpower is in the “final stages” of studying the scheme, with updates to be provided once it is ready.

The LRIS is intended as an alternative to the existing CPF Investment Scheme (CPFIS), targeted at CPF members who wish to invest for retirement but lack the expertise, time, or confidence to actively manage their investments. It aims to balance risk and return while safeguarding retirement adequacy. Dr Tan was responding to queries from MPs who raised concerns that the prolonged delay may deprive members of opportunities to earn higher expected returns through market exposure.

Dr Tan stressed that the Government’s priority remains protecting retirement adequacy, noting that market timing and individual investment horizons matter. Investors who are forced to liquidate investments during downturns near retirement may suffer losses if they lack sufficient time to ride out market volatility. Hence, any LRIS product must be carefully designed.

The scheme is expected to adopt a “glide path” investment strategy, where younger members hold a higher proportion of equities for growth, gradually shifting towards bonds as they approach retirement to reduce risk. The product will likely include diversified global equities and bonds rather than being fully focused on Singapore equities.

Dr Tan also noted that CPF members who want higher returns already have access to low-cost CPFIS funds, which have delivered strong recent performance. Members may alternatively keep savings in CPF accounts to earn risk-free interest. While Dr Tan declined to commit to a specific 2026 launch timeline, he confirmed that the CPF Board is reviewing past recommendations, taking into account how markets have evolved since 2016.

Comments:

Interesting development.

Wonder how it can fit to many DIY investors' portfolio like me.

Technology Updates: ‘Are You Dead?’ is now the top paid App Store app in China

Source:

https://9to5mac.com/2026/01/12/are-you-dead-is-now-the-top-paid-app-store-app-in-china/

ChatGPT:

A morbidly titled app, “Are You Dead?”, has surged to become the top paid app on China’s App Store, reflecting growing social changes among urban residents—particularly young people living alone. The app’s premise is deliberately simple: users must check in every one or two days by tapping a large button to confirm they are alive. If they fail to do so, the app automatically alerts a pre-selected emergency contact that something may be wrong.

Although the app launched quietly in May last year, its popularity has exploded in recent weeks. According to the BBC’s Stephen McDonell, the spike is closely tied to China’s rapidly increasing number of one-person households. Researchers estimate that by 2030, China could have around 200 million people living alone, a demographic shift driven by urbanisation, delayed marriage, and changing lifestyles. The app’s success highlights both practical safety concerns and underlying social anxieties faced by individuals without close daily contact.

The app’s Chinese name is a wordplay on a popular food delivery service, “Are You Hungry?”, with similar-sounding phrasing that adds a darkly humorous tone. This blend of humour and functionality appears to have resonated strongly with users.

Outside China, the app is available under the name Demumu and has also gained traction internationally. In the US App Store, it currently ranks among the top paid apps, priced at US$0.99, suggesting the concept has global appeal beyond China’s unique social context.

The rise of “Are You Dead?” has also sparked discussion about platform-level solutions. Some observers speculate that Apple could expand iOS’s existing Check In feature in Messages to include regular, automated wellness confirmations. Overall, the app’s popularity underscores how technology is increasingly stepping in to address loneliness, safety, and the realities of modern urban living.

Comments:

Simple but yet practical? 😋

Investing Updates: What to Expect in the Week Ahead (CPI, Earnings Season Kicks Off)

Source:

https://www.moomoo.com/news/post/63865477/what-to-expect-in-the-week-ahead-cpi-earnings-season?level=1&data_ticket=1766969945699374

ChatGPT:

This week’s markets are poised for volatility as the U.S. Consumer Price Index (CPI) report and the start of the fourth-quarter earnings season take center stage. Tuesday’s CPI release is the marquee macro event and will be closely watched for clues on inflation’s direction and its implications for the Federal Reserve’s policy outlook in 2026. A cooler or hotter print than expected could meaningfully shift rate and equity expectations. (XT)

The earnings calendar begins in earnest with major U.S. banks reporting early results. On Tuesday before the bell, JPMorgan Chase and Delta Air Lines are due to report, with analysts anticipating year-over-year revenue and earnings growth for both. (Options Desk) Wednesday brings results from Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Citigroup, all expected to show double-digit EPS growth, offering early insights into financial sector health. (Options Desk) On Thursday, Taiwan Semiconductor (TSM)—a key supplier to Nvidia and Apple—reports before the open, followed by Goldman Sachs and BlackRock, whose performance will help set the tone for broader tech and asset-management sentiment. (Options Desk)

Alongside earnings, other economic data include the Producer Price Index (PPI) and U.S. Retail Sales on Wednesday, and Initial Jobless Claims on Thursday, each adding context to economic momentum and inflation trends. (Options Desk)

Equity markets enter this busy week having rallied recently, with the Nasdaq and S&P 500 up over 1% last week and the Dow rising more than 2%, while active trade includes names like Nvidia, Intel, Apple, Amazon, and Palantir. Momentum in tech and defense software has been a notable driver of recent performance. (scanx.trade)

In summary, inflation data and earnings—particularly from banks and chipmakers—will be pivotal in shaping investor expectations and market direction in the early 2026 trading environment.

Comments:

Start of Earnings Season.

Let's go Bull 🐂

Technology Updates: CES 2026 Live: Best of Show, Rollable Display Concepts, AI Toys and Dancing Robots

Source:

https://www.cnet.com/news-live/ces-2026-news-live-updates/

Sports Updates: A tennis player played so poorly that it went viral. Tournament organizers say they should have never let it happen

Source:

https://edition.cnn.com/2026/01/08/sport/tennis-kenyan-tournament-goes-viral

ChatGPT:

A first-round match at the International Tennis Federation (ITF) W35 tournament in Nairobi, Kenya, unexpectedly went viral after one player delivered an extraordinarily poor performance. The clay-court match ended in a routine-looking 6–0, 6–0 victory for Germany’s Lorena Schaedel, but the spotlight fell on her opponent, 21-year-old Egyptian Hajar Abdelkader, whose struggles made the 37-minute contest painful to watch and widely mocked online.

Observers noted that Abdelkader appeared unfamiliar with even basic aspects of the game. She committed 20 double faults, won only three points—each due to her opponent’s errors—and at times seemed unsure where to stand while serving. The performance led many to question how she had been allowed to compete at a professional tournament, even at the ITF level, which is the lowest rung of the professional circuit but still carries world ranking points and a total prize purse of US$25,000.

Tennis Kenya later confirmed to CNN Sports that Abdelkader had entered the tournament via a wild card, granted after she formally requested one and another player withdrew at short notice. As she was the only remaining wild-card applicant at the time, organizers allowed her into the main draw to keep it full. However, Tennis Kenya admitted that, in hindsight, the wild card should not have been granted given her apparent playing standard.

Adding to the confusion, the Egyptian Tennis Federation stated that Abdelkader is not registered with them and that they played no role in her nomination or entry. Although Abdelkader’s ITF profile claims she has played tennis for seven years, many viewers found this difficult to reconcile with what they saw on court.

The viral reaction ranged from disbelief to ridicule, with criticism that her inclusion may have deprived a legitimate professional of an opportunity. Tennis Kenya has since acknowledged the incident as a mistake, pledged safeguards to prevent a repeat, and said it has reached out to both players to offer support. The match video has since been removed from the ITF website.

Comments:

Haha.

Food Updates: Min jiang kueh showdown: Munchi Pancakes vs Ottie Pancakes

Source:

https://sethlui.com/min-jiang-kueh-showdown-singapore/

ChatGPT:

This article compares two popular min jiang kueh brands in Singapore—Munchi Pancakes and the newer Ottie Pancakes—in a head-to-head taste test. The author begins with a nostalgic reflection on traditional min jiang kueh before tracing the rise of Munchi Pancakes, which started as a small Yishun coffee shop stall selling classic flavours. Over the years, it expanded its offerings to include charcoal and green tea skins, premium fillings, and now operates over 35 outlets islandwide. Munchi is also Halal-certified.

Ottie Pancakes, launched in late 2024, has rapidly grown to 16 outlets and bears a striking resemblance to Munchi Pancakes in branding and packaging, though the two are not related. A key difference is that Ottie is not Halal-certified. Both brands offer similar pricing, identical skin options, and comparable product ranges, though Munchi has more flavour varieties while Ottie currently runs a Buy-5-Get-1-Free promotion.

In taste tests across several flavours—black sesame, peanut, coconut, strawberry cheese, and red bean—the results were mixed but leaned in Munchi’s favour. Munchi’s black sesame filling stood out for being thicker, moister, and more flavourful, while Ottie’s pancake texture was marginally fluffier. Peanut versions were evenly matched, though Ottie’s green tea skin was slightly dry. Coconut and red bean fillings from both brands were nearly identical in taste and texture. For strawberry cheese, Munchi delivered a stronger cheese flavour, while Ottie’s leaned more towards strawberry notes.

Overall, the verdict favoured Munchi Pancakes as the stronger contender, with more consistent results across flavours. Ottie Pancakes showed promise but lost points due to a few underwhelming items. The showdown ultimately highlights how close the competition is, with personal taste playing a major role in preference.

Comments:

I do buy Munchi Pancakes occasionally for family. Ain't too bad.

Never see any Ottie Pancakes near my area.

Entertainment Updates: S’pore Ranked 2nd Richest Country, But Drops To 8th After Factoring In No. Of Hours Worked

Source:

https://www.8days.sg/entertainment/local/singapore-world-richest-country-ranking-drops-852356

ChatGPT:

Singapore was ranked the second-richest country in the world in 2025, buoyed by strong economic performance and high average incomes, but the picture looks less rosy once working hours are taken into account. According to data highlighted by The Economist, Singapore drops sharply from second to eighth place when local prices and the number of hours worked are factored into the ranking.

On paper, 2025 was a solid year for Singapore. GDP expanded by a healthy 4.8 per cent despite global headwinds such as US tariffs, layoffs, and geopolitical tensions. The country’s high ranking was largely driven by average annual earnings of about US$90,700 (S$116,485), placing it among the wealthiest nations by income per person.

However, the adjustment for working hours reveals a different reality. Data from the International Labour Organization shows that Singaporeans worked an average of 44.6 hours per week, significantly more than workers in many other advanced economies. When income is assessed relative to time spent working and local costs of living, Singapore’s relative prosperity declines.

In contrast, Norway rose from third place to first after these adjustments. Norwegians work an average of just 34 hours per week, yet still enjoy high incomes and strong purchasing power, allowing for more leisure time. At the other extreme, Bhutan recorded the longest average working hours at 54.5 hours per week, despite often being described as the “happiest country in the world”.

The Economist ranked 178 countries using three measures: GDP per person at market exchange rates, income adjusted for purchasing power, and income adjusted further for local prices and hours worked. The analysis highlights how differences in cost of living and labour intensity can significantly alter perceptions of wealth.

The findings sparked debate online, with some Singaporeans lamenting long working hours, while others pointed to countries like Norway as examples of better work-life balance. The contrast raises a broader question: is Singapore truly rich, or simply productive at the cost of time and energy?

Comments:

Interesting data.

Agree with it.

LifeStyle Updates: More BTO Flats Are Coming In 2026 And Why This Could Change The HDB Market

Source:

https://stackedhomes.com/19600-bto-flats-2026-launch-dates-shorter-wait-times/#sh.idtcc1

ChatGPT:

The Singapore government may significantly increase the supply of Build-To-Order (BTO) flats in 2026, potentially launching more than 15,600 units if demand for public housing remains strong, according to Minister for National Development Chee Hong Tat. This comes as HDB plans to roll out about 19,600 BTO flats in 2025 across three sales exercises in February, June and October, covering towns such as Ang Mo Kio, Bukit Merah, Sembawang, Toa Payoh, Tampines, Woodlands and Yishun. Notably, around 4,000 flats—about one-fifth of the 2026 supply—will have waiting times of under three years.

The expanded pipeline builds on the government’s earlier commitment to launch 55,000 BTO flats between 2025 and 2027. With nearly 19,600 units planned for 2025 and 19,723 launched in 2024, the initial expectation for 2027 was about 15,677 units. However, the minister’s latest remarks suggest the government is considering maintaining a higher launch level next year, aligning with recent years’ supply.

Property experts believe this increase could further moderate HDB resale prices. ERA Singapore’s Eugene Lim notes that resale prices already showed strong moderation in late 2025, with almost zero growth in the final three months and a full-year increase of just 2.9%, compared with 9.7% growth in 2024.

Market conditions are also shifting as more flats reach their minimum occupation period (MOP). About 13,840 flats are expected to become eligible for resale in 2026—more than double the number in 2025—adding further supply. Together, higher BTO launches and more MOP flats could divert demand away from the resale market, giving buyers more options.

HDB’s completion of nearly 19,600 flats last year, including the final projects in Bidadari, underscores how sustained supply and long-term planning can reshape both affordability and market dynamics in Singapore’s public housing sector.

Comments:

Good news for home buyers.

Investing Updates: What to Expect in the Week Ahead(Nonfarm Payrolls, Earnings from APLD)

Source:

https://www.moomoo.com/news/post/63542693/what-to-expect-in-the-week-ahead-nonfarm-payrolls-earnings?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:63542693%22,%22invite%22:103096561%7D&data_ticket=1766969945699374&utm_medium=futu_niuniu_share&utm_content=web_share&utm_campaign=news&utm_term=63542693

ChatGPT:

U.S. markets enter the first full trading week of 2026 facing a heavy slate of economic data and select corporate earnings, with the December nonfarm payrolls report on Friday expected to be the key driver of sentiment. Investors are watching closely for signals on whether the labour market is cooling enough to influence the Federal Reserve’s policy path.

The week begins on Monday with the ISM Manufacturing PMI. While manufacturing activity is still expected to remain in contraction territory below the 50 mark, the December reading may show modest improvement. Mixed regional Federal Reserve surveys suggest uneven demand, but better employment trends and slower supplier delivery times could offer some support.

Tuesday is quiet on the data front, before attention turns to Wednesday’s releases. Applied Digital (APLD) will report second-quarter earnings after the market close. The company recently announced plans to spin out its cloud business and pursue a business combination with EKSO to launch ChronoScale, developments that have put the stock firmly on investors’ radar. On the macro side, the ISM Services PMI is expected to edge lower in December, reflecting softer demand, though employment strength may limit the decline. The November JOLTS report is forecast to show job openings ticking up slightly to around 7.7 million, indicating labour demand remains relatively stable.

Thursday brings initial jobless claims, which are expected to rebound modestly after dipping below 200,000 during the Christmas week due to seasonal distortions.

Friday’s employment report will be the main event. Economists expect nonfarm payrolls to rise by about 57,000 jobs in December, down from November’s 64,000, while the unemployment rate is seen edging down to 4.5%.

Last week, U.S. equities ended lower, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq both falling more than 1 per cent. Tesla slid sharply after weak delivery figures, Sidus Space surged on a major defence contract, and Intel rallied on optimism around new server and processor technologies.

Comments:

Fresh year. Fresh Start.

Fresh Venezuela War? 😅

Staying calm and DCA as usual.

Entertainment Updates: Claw machines take over arcades in Japan

Source:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HaPTLoREV9I

Comments:

Interesting development.

Still feels like a waste of money?

Just play during overseas trips cause it's cheaper? 😅