Investing Updates: Why Retail Investors In Singapore Should Care About MAS’s Financial Sector Development Fund (FSDF)

Source:

https://dollarsandsense.sg/mas-financial-sector-development-fund-fsdf/

ChatGPT:

Singapore retail investors may not think much about market infrastructure, but the Monetary Authority of Singapore’s Financial Sector Development Fund (FSDF) plays a significant role in shaping their investing experience. In Budget 2026, the FSDF received a fresh $1.5 billion injection, following a $2 billion top-up in 2024. The funds are aimed at boosting participation in Singapore equities and strengthening the fund management industry.

The FSDF supports initiatives such as professional training, fintech development, bond issuance subsidies and equity market programmes. A key example is the Equity Market Development Programme, under which MAS has deployed $3.95 billion to nine asset managers to invest in Singapore-listed stocks, especially small- and mid-cap firms. This improves liquidity, narrows bid-ask spreads and increases trading activity. In Q3 2025, average daily turnover rose 16% year-on-year to $1.53 billion, while small- and mid-cap turnover surged 88% quarter-on-quarter.

Greater institutional participation also leads to better analyst coverage, improved corporate governance and more transparent valuations. MAS has funded over 900 research reports on more than 130 SGX-listed companies since 2019, giving retail investors free access to valuable insights.

FSDF initiatives have also lowered barriers to entry. Reduced board lot sizes — including 10-share lots for stocks above $10 — make investing in higher-priced shares more accessible. Improvements to IPO processes and grants such as GEMS have supported 16 new listings in 2025, expanding investment choices.

Beyond markets, FSDF backs financial literacy through MoneySense and SGX Academy events, benefiting over 21,000 participants last year. Overall, the FSDF strengthens market liquidity, accessibility, education and opportunities — indirectly improving outcomes for everyday investors.

Comments:

Good information.

Investing Updates: What to Expect in the Week Ahead (Earnings from Nvidia, Salesforce, Coreweave, Dell Technologies)

Source:

https://www.moomoo.com/news/post/65838324/what-to-expect-in-the-week-ahead-earnings-from-nvidia?level=1&data_ticket=1771808949300352

ChatGPT:

The week ahead is packed with major earnings and economic data, with markets closely watching results from Nvidia, whose performance is viewed as a bellwether for the artificial intelligence sector. Investors will also focus on U.S. consumer strength through confidence data and earnings from home-improvement giants Home Depot and Lowe's.

Key earnings this week include Salesforce, CoreWeave, Dell Technologies, Berkshire Hathaway, Snowflake, Domino's Pizza, and Hims & Hers Health.

Monday features earnings from Domino’s, Dominion Energy, and Hims & Hers, alongside manufacturing data and remarks from Federal Reserve Governor Christopher Waller. Tuesday brings Home Depot’s results, wholesale trade data, February consumer confidence figures, and the S&P Case-Shiller home price index. Additional Fed speeches will address technology and AI’s impact on productivity.

Wednesday is headlined by Nvidia’s earnings, along with Salesforce and Snowflake. Thursday includes results from Dell and CoreWeave, weekly jobless claims, and Senate testimony from Fed Vice Chair Michelle Bowman. Friday’s highlight is the January Producer Price Index (PPI), offering insight into wholesale inflation ahead of the Fed’s March policy meeting. Construction spending data will also be released.

Over the weekend, Berkshire Hathaway will publish its quarterly results and annual shareholder letter from CEO Greg Abel.

Markets ended last week higher after the U.S. Supreme Court rejected President Donald Trump’s tariffs. Shares of Amazon rose, while CoreWeave experienced volatility amid concerns tied to Blue Owl Capital. Meanwhile, Oraclestruggled despite speculation of a potential Nvidia investment in OpenAI.The week ahead is packed with major earnings and economic data, with markets closely watching results from Nvidia, whose performance is viewed as a bellwether for the artificial intelligence sector. Investors will also focus on U.S. consumer strength through confidence data and earnings from home-improvement giants Home Depot and Lowe's.

Key earnings this week include Salesforce, CoreWeave, Dell Technologies, Berkshire Hathaway, Snowflake, Domino's Pizza, and Hims & Hers Health.

Monday features earnings from Domino’s, Dominion Energy, and Hims & Hers, alongside manufacturing data and remarks from Federal Reserve Governor Christopher Waller. Tuesday brings Home Depot’s results, wholesale trade data, February consumer confidence figures, and the S&P Case-Shiller home price index. Additional Fed speeches will address technology and AI’s impact on productivity.

Wednesday is headlined by Nvidia’s earnings, along with Salesforce and Snowflake. Thursday includes results from Dell and CoreWeave, weekly jobless claims, and Senate testimony from Fed Vice Chair Michelle Bowman. Friday’s highlight is the January Producer Price Index (PPI), offering insight into wholesale inflation ahead of the Fed’s March policy meeting. Construction spending data will also be released.

Over the weekend, Berkshire Hathaway will publish its quarterly results and annual shareholder letter from CEO Greg Abel.

Markets ended last week higher after the U.S. Supreme Court rejected President Donald Trump’s tariffs. Shares of Amazon rose, while CoreWeave experienced volatility amid concerns tied to Blue Owl Capital. Meanwhile, Oraclestruggled despite speculation of a potential Nvidia investment in OpenAI.

Comments:

This week's events might shake the market a bit.

Let's hope it shakes upwards 😉

Entertainment Updates: Resident Evil Requiem Has a Bizarre Ultra-Limited Edition With Exercise Equipment in Japan — and It Sold Out Almost Instantly

Source:

https://sea.ign.com/resident-evil-9-1/238995/news/resident-evil-requiem-has-a-bizarre-ultra-limited-edition-with-exercise-equipment-in-japan-and-it-so

ChatGPT:

Capcom has released an unusual ultra-limited edition of Resident Evil Requiem in Japan, and it sold out in under five hours. Created in collaboration with Yume Group, a company famous for shopping channel-style infomercials and its “make it cheaper!” catchphrase, the “Terrifying Nightmare Set” was limited to just 50 units and priced at 19,800 yen (about US$127).

The bundle includes a copy of Resident Evil Requiem for either PS5 or Switch 2 — and, unexpectedly, a full-sized freestanding pull-up bar. Branded the “Dream Hanging Health Device,” the exercise equipment is meant to help players stretch and relieve tension after intense zombie battles and puzzle-solving sessions.

The collaboration was promoted through a tongue-in-cheek commercial featuring Yume Group president Shigehiro Ishida and affiliated singer Yuri Hoshina in their usual enthusiastic sales style. The ad also includes a deadpan cameo from game director Koshi Nakanishi, who appears in industrial workwear and a wig while highlighting the game’s dual protagonists, Grace and Leon S. Kennedy, and its blend of horror and action.

The infomercial humorously suggests players hang from the bar to loosen stiff backs and shoulders “from fright,” even showing footage of Grace hanging upside down from the reveal trailer. Other jokes include claims that the game is beginner-friendly while a “You Are Dead” screen plays, and that the bar can double as a laundry rack.

Initially mistaken for a parody when posted on official Japanese accounts, the product quickly proved real — and sold out almost instantly. The quirky release recalls past extravagant editions, such as Resident Evil 6’s 109,000 yen Leather Jacket Edition.

Comments:

😆

Investing Updates: More young investors turn to AI for stock picks, but experts warn of risks in volatile market

Source:

https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/wealth/personal-finance/more-young-investors-turn-ai-stock-picks-experts-warn-risks-volatile-market

ChatGPT:

Young investors in Singapore are increasingly using AI tools like ChatGPT and Perplexity Finance to research stocks and refine portfolios, even as markets remain volatile. With the S&P 500 experiencing sharp swings in 2026 due to geopolitical tensions, rate shifts and tech sell-offs, analysts caution that AI-driven insights may not hold up when historical patterns break down.

Students interviewed said AI offers a fast, low-cost way to digest complex information. Jadon Ching, an SMU student, used AI to shape a portfolio including Intel, Cameco, Hims & Hers, CoreWeave and Ethereum. While he achieved 29% returns by end-2025, his portfolio fell 20% in January amid tech and crypto declines, reinforcing the need for risk management and dollar-cost averaging.

Ye Jia’En from NTU uses AI as a research starting point and invests mainly in US-dollar ETFs such as Invesco’s Nasdaq 100 ETF, Vanguard FTSE All-World UCITS ETF and iShares Core S&P 500 UCITS ETF. Her portfolio has gained about 4% since September 2025. Meanwhile, Chern Yeh Jou, also from NTU, prefers independent investing via Tiger Brokers and has seen 227% returns since 2022, largely from tech stocks.

Experts warn that easy access to AI and digital brokerages can foster overconfidence, trend-chasing and excessive risk-taking, especially among investors with limited financial literacy. AI models rely heavily on historical data and may oversimplify complex risks.

Some investors adopt a hybrid approach, using AI for summaries while consulting financial advisers. Analysts stress that AI should complement—not replace—human judgment, ensuring portfolios align with goals, risk tolerance and life stage.

Comments:

年輕人有想法. 😄

Investing Updates: Will Quantum Computing Kill Bitcoin?

Source:

https://www.coingecko.com/learn/quantum-computing-bitcoin

ChatGPT:

Quantum computing poses a legitimate long-term challenge to Bitcoin, but fears of an imminent collapse are overblown. Headlines predicting a “quantum doomsday” ignore the massive gap between current hardware and what would actually be required to break Bitcoin’s cryptography.

The real concern centers on Shor’s algorithm, which could theoretically crack the Elliptic Curve Digital Signature Algorithm (ECDSA) securing Bitcoin wallets. In a worst-case scenario, a powerful quantum computer could reverse-engineer a private key from a public key in minutes, allowing funds to be stolen. However, this would require around 1.9 billion stable logical qubits. Today’s most advanced machines have only a few thousand noisy physical qubits — far from the scale needed. Most experts believe a cryptographically relevant quantum computer is at least a decade away, likely longer.

Meanwhile, Bitcoin’s classical security is stronger than ever. As of February 2026, the network’s hash rate exceeds 1 Zettahash per second, backed by roughly 184 TWh of annual energy use and over 25,000 globally distributed nodes. There is no single point of failure, making attacks economically and physically unrealistic with current technology.

A more plausible near-term risk is “harvest now, decrypt later,” where attackers collect data today to crack in the future. Still, most Bitcoin addresses use hashed public keys, meaning the public key is only briefly exposed during transactions. Only 8–25% of BTC — including wallets attributed to Satoshi Nakamoto — sits in older formats with permanently visible public keys.

Developers are already preparing quantum-resistant upgrades, likely via a soft fork. The biggest debate isn’t technical — it’s how to handle long-dormant, exposed coins.

Bottom line: quantum computing is a future engineering challenge, not an immediate existential threat.

Comments:

I think BTC's oversold at this moment.

A rally is overdue.

It's long-term future though is still up for debate. Will need to see upcoming developments.

LifeStyle Updates: How to get cheaper medication & supplements in SG

Source: 

https://thesmartlocal.com/read/cheaper-medication-hacks/

ChatGPT:

With living costs rising in Singapore, many people are looking for safe and legitimate ways to save on everyday healthcare. For minor issues like colds, coughs, or mild rashes, over-the-counter (OTC) medication and supplements can often replace a GP visit — and there are smart ways to buy them more affordably.

First, always compare prices across pharmacies and platforms. The same products — such as probiotics, lozenges, vitamins, or eye drops — can vary significantly in price between clinics, retail chains, and online stores. Online pharmacies like Glovida Pharmacy often offer prices up to 20% lower due to lower overhead costs. For example, Lactokids Probiotics may cost substantially less online than at supermarket websites. Many platforms also provide free delivery above a minimum spend.

Second, use CDC or SG60 vouchers at supermarkets such as FairPrice, Cold Storage, Sheng Siong, or Giant to offset supplement purchases. While supermarkets don’t carry prescription medication and offer limited professional advice, this method works well for household staples you regularly repurchase.

Third, buying from Johor Bahru (JB) can appear cheaper due to exchange rates. However, factor in transport costs, tolls, time, and authenticity concerns before deciding. Savings may shrink after hidden costs.

Fourth, consider bundle deals for long-term needs. Multi-box discounts can reduce per-unit prices, but check expiry dates and avoid overbuying.

Finally, consult a licensed pharmacist before stocking up. Many online pharmacies now offer free WhatsApp consultations and even affordable teleconsult options, providing convenient, professional advice without clinic queues.

Overall, smarter comparison, strategic voucher use, bulk buying (when appropriate), and professional guidance can lead to meaningful healthcare savings without compromising safety.

Comments:

Interesting information.

Gaming Updates: 53% of PC gamers are stuck at 1080p (even when 1440p monitors cost $150)

Source:

https://www.howtogeek.com/2026-will-be-the-year-of-1080p-gaming/

ChatGPT:

In a February 2026 article for How-To Geek, Ismar Hrnjicevic highlights a surprising trend: despite years of hype around higher resolutions, 1080p remains the dominant PC gaming standard. According to the Steam Hardware Survey, 52.6% of PC gamers still use 1080p, compared to 21.3% on 1440p and under 5% on 4K. More than a decade after becoming mainstream, Full HD continues to hold its ground.

This persistence is striking because 1440p monitors are now highly affordable. High-refresh-rate models frequently sell for under $200, with some discounted to around $150. Even premium displays, including mini-LED and OLED options, have dropped significantly in price. On the surface, monitor cost should no longer be a barrier to upgrading.

The real bottleneck is graphics cards. Modern AAA games at 1440p typically require GPUs with 12GB to 16GB of VRAM to avoid performance issues like texture pop-in and low frame-rate dips. However, GPU prices have surged due to ongoing memory shortages, and both major manufacturers are rumored to focus heavily on 8GB cards in 2026. That amount of VRAM is increasingly insufficient for demanding games, even at 1080p in some cases.

While upscaling technologies like DLSS and FSR offer partial workarounds, they don’t fully solve VRAM limitations and can compromise image quality. As a result, many gamers stick with 1080p, which remains easier to run, delivers high frame rates on modest hardware, and still looks good on typical 24-inch monitors.

Unless GPU pricing and VRAM capacity improve, 1080p’s dominance may continue longer than expected.

Comments:

Interesting information.

Gaming Updates: Matthew Ball's State of Video Gaming in 2026: "China is eating the video games industry"

Source:

https://www.pocketgamer.biz/matthew-balls-state-of-video-gaming-in-2026-china-is-eating-the-video-games-industry/

ChatGPT:

Matthew Ball’s State of Video Gaming in 2026 report paints a paradoxical picture: record revenues alongside shrinking investment and industry restructuring. Global games content sales rose 5% year-on-year to an all-time high of US$195.6 billion in 2025, with new peaks across mobile, PC and console. However, private funding plunged another 55%, far below pandemic-era highs. Pre-seed and early-stage investments dropped dramatically, and deal volume in late 2025 was roughly one-fifth of Q4 2021 levels.

Development spending remained elevated at over US$40 billion for the second straight year, yet operating margins (excluding China and platform-owning developers) fell well below pre-pandemic levels. Despite 40% growth in consumer spending since 2019, total operating profits are lower than in 2019, reflecting rising costs and tougher competition.

Mobile spending has been flat for five years, with new titles capturing a decade-low share of player spending and downloads. User acquisition costs are crowding out discovery, strengthening established franchises. Console gaming rebounded strongly, surpassing 2020 records, while PC has grown steadily, up 30% since 2020.

China emerged as a dominant force, accounting for 20% of global player spending and 38% of growth. Chinese publishers have captured about half of global spending growth since 2019 and increased their overseas revenue share from 11% to 14%. Meanwhile, Roblox has expanded aggressively, setting records with over 45 million concurrent users.

Revenue gains increasingly stem from price hikes rather than player growth. U.S. player numbers have fallen below pre-pandemic levels, and mobile playtime has declined.

Layoffs continued but fell 40% year-on-year to 9,200 in 2025, signaling slower contraction. Overall, Ball concludes the industry is restructuring, fragmented, and increasingly shaped by China and platform ecosystems.

Comments:

Interesting news.

Some Hoyolab and NetEase games are quite good.

China games are worth a review in the game of the year awards.

Rewards Updates: How long do credit card points transfers to KrisFlyer take?

Source:

https://milelion.com/2026/02/16/how-long-do-credit-card-points-transfers-to-krisflyer-take/

ChatGPT:

If you’re converting credit card points to KrisFlyer miles, transfer times vary widely by bank — from instant to several weeks. Unlike cobrand cards that earn miles directly, most cards award bank points that must first be converted, and delays can mean missing out on award seats.

Instant transfers are available with American Express, HSBC and DBS (for yuu Points only). These conversions are typically immediate and free, making them ideal for urgent mile top-ups. However, HSBC offers a weaker transfer ratio to KrisFlyer compared to some other airline partners.

Within one day, Maybank and OCBC usually credit miles by the next calendar day, sometimes even on the same day. Both charge conversion fees.

1–3 days is the typical timeframe for Citi, DBS (DBS Points), Standard Chartered and UOB. Transfers are commonly completed within two days but may stretch to three, especially if initiated over weekends or public holidays.

The slowest option is Bank of China, which requires a manual PDF form submission. Processing can take two to three weeks, and each transfer is capped at 100,000 miles, with a fee charged per submission.

Several factors affect timing. First-time transfers often take longer due to verification checks. Some banks require advance account linking, which can delay urgent conversions if not done early. Transfers also tend to process faster on working days. Additionally, mismatched names between bank and frequent flyer accounts may cause delays or rejection.

Overall, for speed and flexibility, keeping points with instant-transfer banks is safest. Otherwise, plan ahead — especially if transferring from slower institutions — to avoid disappointment when redeeming flights.

Comments:

Good information.

Sports Updates: Tournament director calls for sanctions after Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek withdrawals

Source:

https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/tournament-director-calls-sanctions-aryna-180442064.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5zdGFwYXBlci5jb20v&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAEeIVYRNR7J-Bbvf-K_AdfEqB9HshCJnm0kpdIlXdoMoqUpZtqhKtklyYyhRuyy6iOcyaB8PVriof4WKB5PM9BUmLZbvCUU-M26IJuGzfw7CkCO-ELEROqGtkH_uxuYZr6vohQ_V5RrcPaznVlKgvbhrFQXfGSQbBiD68017g77w

ChatGPT:

The Dubai Tennis Championships has been thrown into controversy after world No.1 Aryna Sabalenka and former No.1 Iga Swiatek withdrew from the WTA Masters 1000 event just one day before it began. Their late pullouts deprived fans of two of the biggest stars in women’s tennis and sparked strong criticism from tournament organisers.

Tournament director Salah Tahlak described the withdrawals as an “unfortunate surprise” and questioned the explanations provided. Swiatek cited mental readiness issues, while Sabalenka pointed to minor physical concerns. According to Tahlak, tournament medical staff did not believe Sabalenka’s issue was severe enough to require withdrawal.

Frustrated by what he sees as a growing trend, Tahlak called for tougher penalties, arguing that monetary fines are ineffective for top players. He suggested that ranking points should be deducted for late withdrawals from mandatory events, noting that even large fines have historically done little to deter such decisions. He plans to raise the issue formally at an upcoming WTA meeting in Rome, emphasising that tournaments invest heavily in facilities and promotion, only to be undermined when star players withdraw at the last minute.

Under current WTA rules, Masters 1000 events are mandatory, and players must provide valid medical reasons to avoid sanctions. Those who miss without justification receive a “zero-pointer” on their ranking record and may also face fines. Sabalenka’s cited hip issue could exempt her from penalties, while Swiatek’s scheduling-based withdrawal may expose her to sanctions.

In their absence, Elena Rybakina and Coco Gauff become the top seeds, with rising talents Iva Jovic and Alexandra Eala drawing attention. The incident has reignited debate over player scheduling, accountability and the balance of power between athletes and tournaments.

Comments:

Agree that monetary punishments might not work.

Although deduction of points could be based on frequencies, etc.

Not easy to strike a balance.