Money Matters with Hongbin Jeong and Chua Tian Tian

The year 2025 may witness significant activity in the fixed-income space. That’s as interest rates are expected to go on a decline path. Analysts say that with equity markets consolidating, more investors are likely to explore fixed-income options. So what’s the outlook for fixed income markets this year? On Wealth Tracker, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Kheng Siang Ng, Asia Pacific Head of Fixed Income at State Street Global Advisors, to find out more.

Singapore shares began trading stronger this morning, after global indices ended mixed overnight. In early trade, the Straits Times Index (STI) climbed 0.4 per cent to 3,816.58 points after 40.3 million securities traded. In terms of companies to watch, we have Keppel DC Reit, after the manager of the real estate investment trust (Reit) announced yesterday that it would be divesting the Basis Bay Data Centre in Cyberjaya, Malaysia, for RM55.6 million (S$16.9 million).  Elsewhere, from more on duty-free spending slumping in the Chinese holiday island of Hainan, to Tesla’s annual deliveries falling for the first time, more international and corporate headlines are in focus. On Market View, Money Matters' finance presenter Chua Tian Tian unpacked the developments with James Cheo, Chief Investment Officer, Southeast Asia and India at HSBC Global Private Banking and Wealth.

"New Year, New Me!" - that's a mantra you'll hear plenty of this time of the year. But for Adam Swandi it means something entirely different - having recently been forced into retirement from football at just 28 years of age due to a life-threatening heart condition. So how is the former Sailor dealing with the setback, and what does the future hold? He sat down with Sports Minutes to tell us more. READ MORE: https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/football/adam-swandi-announces-retirement-from-football-at-28-due-to-heart-condition Got a story to tell? Get in touch with us! raushan@sph.com.sg

Packaging waste makes up about one-third of domestic waste disposed of in Singapore. Thankfully, pressing problems like this often breed innovative solutions. Alterpacks is a Singapore-based start-up that uses ‘garbage’ and transforms them into food containers.  And its inception boils down to one woman’s mission to reduce waste. On The Right Business, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Karen Cheah, Founder and CEO, Alterpacks.  

Singapore equities ushered in the New Year on a high note, rising at the opening bell today. In early trade, the Straits Times Index (STI) climbed 0.2 per cent to 3,793.33 points after 56.6 million securities changed hands in the broader market. In terms of companies to watch, we have Singapore Post after the postal services provider appointed former Singapore CEO Neo Su Yin as its group chief operating officer.  Elsewhere, from how Singapore’s economy expanded 4 per cent year on year in 2024, to how Apple is offering rare discounts of up to 500 yuan on its latest iPhone models in China – more corporate and economic headlines remain in focus. Also on the list – how a Tesla Cybertruck exploded and burst into flames yesterday outside the entrance of Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas.  On Market View, Money Matters’ finance presenter Chua Tian Tian dived into the details with Terence Wong, CEO, Azure Capital.

There has been a revision in the Direct School Admission (DSA) scheme – a system that allows students to secure spots in secondary schools based on their talents in areas such as sports and the arts, beyond academic results. The Ministry of Education (MOE) has announced plans to make the DSA scheme more accessible, transparent, and focused on nurturing untapped potential rather than just recognising polished performance. But why the need for change now? And what will this mean for students, parents, and schools? On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Gabrielle Chan, Journalist, The Straits Times, to find out.  

Are you more of a trader or investor?Two people could call themselves investors, but they have very different views on what it means to invest. As for traders though, the harsh reality is that over 90% of traders end up failing. But what about the remaining 10%? How do you go from the 90% to the top 10%? What sets successful traders apart? On Wealth Tracker, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Lim Jun Kit, Senior Strategist, Phillip Nova, to find out more.

Ever felt lost simply trying to secure third-party help? Looking for urgent cleaning before a big family gathering, or trying to find reliable elderly care—only to face delayed responses, fully-booked calendars, and exhausting back-and-forth communication? Booking essential services, as its name suggests, should be straightforward. But the truth is, it’s a frustrating ordeal for most, especially during peak seasons when demand skyrockets and there is only a finite number of connections you know. That’s why Jingjing Zhong started Superbench, a single platform that could tackle inefficiencies in sourcing home services head-on, with the help of AI. On The Right Business, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Jingjing Zhong, Co-Founder of Superbench to find out more.   

Gold has long been seen as a safe haven asset, especially during times of crisis. Its ability to retain value when other investments falter has earned it the reputation of a “doomsday asset.” Physical gold, in particular, stands out for its portability and reliability, while gold-backed ETFs appeal to those seeking liquidity and short-term trading opportunities. So how should investors navigate these options? And why is gold such a critical hedge in uncertain times? On The Wealth Tracker, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Alvin Chow, Assistant Director of Investment Advisory at iFast Global Markets to find out more.   

Singapore stocks fell on thin trading volumes before investors usher in the New Year. The local benchmark Straits Times Index (STI) was down 0.2 per cent at 3,787.6 points after trading ended early on New Year’s Eve. In terms of companies to watch today, we have Wilmar International, given how the agribusiness group is acquiring Indian multinational conglomerate Adani Group’s remaining stake in Adani Wilmar, at a price not exceeding 305 rupees a share. Elsewhere, from Beijing passing new regulations to encourage autonomous driving technology in the city, to gold heading for one of its biggest annual gains this century, more international headlines remain in focus. On Market View, Money Matters’ finance presenter Chua Tian Tian unpacked the developments of the day.