Money Matters with Hongbin Jeong and Chua Tian Tian

Singapore stocks started trading in negative territory this morning, mirroring overnight losses in global markets. The Straits Times Index (STI) opened 0.2 per cent lower at 3,793.77 points after 18.9 million securities changed hands in the broader market. In terms of companies to watch for today, we have Sembcorp Industries, after the company’s renewables subsidiary Sembcorp Green Infra was awarded a build-own-operate project by India’s public sector company, the Solar Energy Corporation of India.  Elsewhere, from a last look at expectations ahead of the US Federal Reserve’s December rate decision, to how Japanese giants Honda Motor and Nissan Motor are reportedly said to enter merger talks to better compete against other electric vehicle makers – more international and corporate headlines remain in focus. On Market View, The Evening Runway’s finance presenter Chua Tian Tian unpacked the developments with Jeremy Tan, CEO, Tiger Fund Management.

It's all to play for heading into the final round of Group A fixtures in the ASEAN Championship after Singapore's 4-2 loss to Thailand. But does the endeavour shown in the opening half, coupled by a sizeable turnout of 22,611 fans give the Lions fresh optimism and impetus to secure a spot in the semi-finals? Deepanraj Ganesan weighs in on Sports Minutes. READ MORE: https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/football/singapore-throw-away-two-goal-lead-in-4-2-defeat-by-thailand-in-asean-championship-group-stage-tie Got a story to tell? Get in touch with us! raushan@sph.com.sg

The new year will bring Donald Trump back in office. His presidency is expected to bring in higher fiscal spending and pro-growth policies, alongside risks of escalating trade and geopolitical tensions. What will this mean for the US dollar? And in a case of the USD holding up for longer, what will it mean for Asian currencies? On Wealth Tracker, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Christopher Wong, FX Strategist, OCBC, to find out more about the outlook for forex markets in the year ahead. 

What comes to mind when you hear Top Gun and Tom Cruise? What about aviator shades and Ray-Ban? Whether you’re flying, driving or even walking to your next meeting, we aim to entice you to put on your sunny shades as you turn into this conversation as we speak to the parent company of Ray-Ban, EssilorLuxottica.  Speaking of EssilorLuxottica, the company was formed in 2018 by the combination of Italian frame manufacturer and luxury eyewear specialist Luxottica, as well as French optical lens producer Essilor in a deal worth 46 billion euros.  Fast forward to the present, EssilorLuxottica prides itself as a global leader in design, manufacture and distribution of lenses, frames and sunglasses, with over two centuries of experience behind the company. Its eyewear brands include Ray-Ban, Oakley, Costa, Vogue Eyewear and more.  EssilorLuxottica is an interesting company to look at for a number of reasons. Perhaps the most important reason is its long term partnership with Meta to develop smart eyewear technologies.  To this end, EssilorLuxottica had in April 2024 launched its second generation smart glasses with Meta, where users can engage in video calls with WhatApp and Messenger to share their views with others in real time. EssilorLuxottica also confirmed Meta’s interest to buy a stake in the company in July. But what are the opportunities when it comes down to wearable technology? Meanwhile, EssilorLuxottica agreed to purchase Supreme for US$1.5 billion to move into the streetwear segment. It also bought a 5 per cent stake in camera maker Nikon Corporation – but where do these developments fit in the bigger picture for the eyewear maker? On Under the Radar, Money Matters’ finance presenter Chua Tian Tian posed these questions to Alessio Smiderle, Chief Financial Officer (CFO), APAC & Greater China, EssilorLuxottica.

Women have long faced challenges in finding workwear that strikes the perfect balance between style, fit, and functionality. And too often, corporate attire has been rigid, ill-fitting, and lacking in options tailored to individual needs or body shapes. Enter Frey, the high-end fashion brand redefining workwear for women. Frey addresses these gaps with impeccable tailoring, personalised fits, and a commitment to timeless, sustainable design, whether it’s their ‘Off the Rack’ seasonal collection or the fully customisable ‘Create Your Own’ service, Frey empowers women to look and feel their best while navigating the professional world with confidence. On The Right Business, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Frederieke, Founder & CEO of Frey to find out more.   Presented by: Hongbin Jeong Produced and Edited by: Alexandra Parada (alexparada@sph.com.sg) Want to get featured on our show? Drop me an email today!

Singapore shares began trading lower ahead of an imminent rate decision by the US Federal Reserve.  The Straits Times Index (STI) opened 0.3 per cent lower at 3,811.33 points  after 27.3 million securities changed hands in the broader market. In terms of companies to watch, we have Singapore Airlines, after the firm said passenger traffic for the two carriers under the group was 8.3 per cent higher year on year in November 2024. Elsewhere, from how the NASDAQ Composite closed at a record high, to more on US President-elect Donald Trump, Softbank and TikTok, more international and corporate headlines remain in focus. On Market View, The Evening Runway’s finance presenter Chua Tian Tian unpacked the developments with Kelvin Wong, Senior Analyst, OANDA.

The world of fitness is constantly evolving. In Singapore, boxing has emerged as a popular fitness trend, with an increasing number of gyms and studios offering boxing classes tailored to fitness enthusiasts of all levels.  But every once in a while, a brand emerges that truly redefines the landscape. Spartans Boxing Club is one such brand. From a single gym on Singapore’s East Coast in 2015 to a globally recognized fitness community, Spartans has been on an incredible journey of growth and transformation.  On The Right Business, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Russell Harrison, CEO, Spartans Boxing Club to find out how they are changing the game in the fitness industry.  

It’s that time of the year when people go on week-long holidays. Maybe it’s time to fly to Japan, Thailand, or even Taiwan. But travel season comes with its own set of risks. While these destinations sound like the perfect getaway, they’ve also been among the places hit by deadly natural disasters this year. So what happens if a natural disaster strikes while you’re on holiday? Does your travel insurance cover it? On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Sarah Koh, Journalist, The Straits Times to discuss what travel insurance actually covers, what to look out for in policies, and why it’s more important than ever to prepare for the unexpected when you travel.

Wealth is not only changing hands, it’s being redefined. As Millennials and Gen Z emerge as both creators and inheritors of wealth, they’re shaping a future where investing is driven by technology, values, and global perspectives. This transformation is reshaping the very definition of wealth itself. What’s driving this massive transfer of wealth, and how are younger generations reshaping the concept of wealth? How are Millennials and Gen Z redefining wealth through investments in longevity, mental health, and wellness? On Wealth Tracker, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Nirbhay Handa, Co-Founder & CEO of Multipolitan, to find out more. 

Singapore shares opened slightly higher today, in line with the narrow ranges that Asian equities traded ahead of a swath of Chinese data. In early trade, the Straits Times Index (STI) edged up 0.1 per cent to 3,815.25 points after 71.4 million securities changed hands in the broader market.  In terms of companies to watch, we have UOB, given how the firm’s head of group corporate banking Leong Yung Chee will replace chief financial officer (CFO) Lee Wai Fai as CFO in April next year.  Elsewhere, from equity movements in Seoul after South Korean lawmakers impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol, to more uncertainties in Germany after how German Chancellor Olaf Scholtz called for a confidence vote, more international headlines remain in focus.  Also on deck, what to expect ahead of interest rate decisions by the US Federal Reserve and the Bank of Japan. On Market View, Money Matters’ finance presenter Chua Tian Tian unpacked the developments with Chin Hui Leong, Co-founder, The Smart Investor.