Singapore shares started the week lower today after a mixed end to the week in global markets. 

In early trade, the Straits Times Index (STI) was down 0.4 per cent to 3,247.59 points after 42 million securities changed hands in the broader market. 

In terms of companies to watch for today, we have Amara. That’s after the company announced yesterday that two major shareholders and executive directors of the property developer and hotel group are engaged in confidential discussions with a third party about a possible transaction involving the company.

Meanwhile, from Barclays ramping up lending to hedge funds and rich investors in Asia to AstraZeneca reportedly planning a China spinoff, and to Jack Ma reappearing in HangZhou, regional news continue to make the headlines today.

On Market View, the Drive Time team unpacked these developments with David Kuo, Co-founder, The Smart Investor.

Singapore shares started the week lower today after a mixed end to the week in global markets. 
In early trade, the Straits Times Index (STI) was down 0.4 per cent to 3,247.59 points after 42 million securities changed hands in the broader market. 
In terms of companies to watch for today, we have Amara. That’s after the company announced yesterday that two major shareholders and executive directors of the property developer and hotel group are engaged in confidential discussions with a third party about a possible transaction involving the company.
Meanwhile, from Barclays ramping up lending to hedge funds and rich investors in Asia to AstraZeneca reportedly planning a China spinoff, and to Jack Ma reappearing in HangZhou, regional news continue to make the headlines today.
On Market View, the Drive Time team unpacked these developments with David Kuo, Co-founder, The Smart Investor.

Money Matters is your guide to navigating the day's most important topics, from politics and current affairs to wealth management and trending issues. Every evening, the team delivers insightful discussions on business news, market movements, and the latest in alternative assets. Whether navigating the political landscape, understanding the economy, or uncovering emerging investment opportunities, Money Matters keeps you informed and ahead of the curve. Tune in daily to Hongbin Jeong and Chua Tian Tian from 4 pm to 7 pm on MONEY FM 89.3.

Money Matters is your guide to navigating the day's most important topics, from politics and current affairs to wealth management and trending issues. Every evening, the team delivers insightful discussions on business news, market movements, and the latest in alternative assets. Whether navigating the political landscape, understanding the economy, or uncovering emerging investment opportunities, Money Matters keeps you informed and ahead of the curve. Tune in daily to Hongbin Jeong and Chua Tian Tian from 4 pm to 7 pm on MONEY FM 89.3.

Money Matters with Hongbin Jeong and Chua Tian Tian

MONEY FM 89.3 is Singapore’s first and only Business and Personal Finance station. MONEY FM is a 24-hour English talk format station featuring local and international business and financial news. We provide you with financial market and currency updates and insights from analysts, economists, policy makers, industry experts and business owners.

In the lighter hours, listen to discussions on social issues and features on topics that include health, education, arts and music.

MONEY FM 89.3 is Singapore&rsquo;s first and only Business and Personal Finance station. MONEY FM is a 24-hour English talk format station featuring local and international business and financial news. We provide you with financial market and currency updates and insights from analysts, economists, policy makers, industry experts and business owners.
In the lighter hours, listen to discussions on social issues and features on topics that include health, education, arts and music.

MONEY FM 89.3 is Singapore’s first and only Business and Personal Finance station.

MONEY FM 89.3

Your evening guide to the day's most important topics — navigate the key events in politics, business, markets, wealth management, and top investment opportunities. Keeps you informed and ahead of the curve, daily.

Money Matters with Hongbin Jeong and Chua Tian Tian (4pm - 7pm)

Market View: Jack Ma appears in Hangzhou; AstraZeneca reportedly planning a China spinoff; SIA refutes claims on raising stakes in Air India; Chinese bankers told to shun expensive clothes at work in austerity drive; SVB Financial Group selling SVB Securities to management team

In Budget 2026, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong highlighted the Government’s push to support an ageing population, introducing measures aimed at helping seniors live with dignity, security, and peace of mind. These include a one-time CPF top-up of up to $1,500 for those with lower retirement savings and higher CPF contribution rates for older workers starting next year.

But beyond the policy announcements, are these measures enough to ease the day-to-day concerns of seniors? How do older Singaporeans truly feel about the support offered, and is there more they’re quietly hoping for but not voicing?

On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Cheng Chuan Loo, Chairman of Access Digital, Founder of 1M65 Movement, and Co-Founder of PremiumMall, as he shares insights on what Budget 2026 really means for retirees and older Singaporeans.

For more Budget 2026 insights: 
https://www.moneyfm893.sg/whats-on/budget-2026/

In Budget 2026, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong highlighted the Government&rsquo;s push to support an ageing population, introducing measures aimed at helping seniors live with dignity, security, and peace of mind. These include a one-time CPF top-up of up to $1,500 for those with lower retirement savings and higher CPF contribution rates for older workers starting next year.
But beyond the policy announcements, are these measures enough to ease the day-to-day concerns of seniors? How do older Singaporeans truly feel about the support offered, and is there more they&rsquo;re quietly hoping for but not voicing?
On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Cheng Chuan Loo, Chairman of Access Digital, Founder of 1M65 Movement, and Co-Founder of PremiumMall, as he shares insights on what Budget 2026 really means for retirees and older Singaporeans.
For more Budget 2026 insights:&nbsp; https://www.moneyfm893.sg/whats-on/budget-2026/

Budget 2026: From CPF boosts to expanded senior policies, are older Singaporeans getting the support they really need?

As global markets move deeper into 2026, investors are facing a far more complicated landscape than many expected. Growth is slowing across major economies, central banks are sending mixed signals on rates and technological disruption continues to reshape entire industries, all while geopolitical tensions and sticky inflation keep volatility elevated.

In a world where interest rates, growth trajectories and policy signals are no longer moving in sync, traditional playbooks may not be enough.

So what does this mean for portfolios today? Which asset classes offer the most compelling risk-return opportunities? And how should investors think about positioning across equities, fixed income and alternatives for the rest of the year?

On Wealth Tracker, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Chris Iggo, CIO, AXA IM Core Investments, BNP Paribas Asset Management, to find out more.

As global markets move deeper into 2026, investors are facing a far more complicated landscape than many expected. Growth is slowing across major economies, central banks are sending mixed signals on rates and technological disruption continues to reshape entire industries, all while geopolitical tensions and sticky inflation keep volatility elevated.
In a world where interest rates, growth trajectories and policy signals are no longer moving in sync, traditional playbooks may not be enough.
So what does this mean for portfolios today? Which asset classes offer the most compelling risk-return opportunities? And how should investors think about positioning across equities, fixed income and alternatives for the rest of the year?
On Wealth Tracker, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Chris Iggo, CIO, AXA IM Core Investments, BNP Paribas Asset Management, to find out more.

Wealth Tracker: Where should you be investing in 2026 as global markets shift?

On What's Trending, Hongbin Jeong and Alexandra Parada break down the awkward AI summit moment where Sam Altman and Dario Amodei refused to hold hands on stage, fist-bumped instead, and reminded everyone that even tech titans have rivalry energy. Then they dive into delivery chaos when an Amazon driver followed a GPS straight onto a deadly UK mudflat known as The Broomway.

On What's Trending, Hongbin Jeong and Alexandra Parada break down the awkward AI summit moment where Sam Altman and Dario Amodei refused to hold hands on stage, fist-bumped instead, and reminded everyone that even tech titans have rivalry energy. Then they dive into delivery chaos when an Amazon driver followed a GPS straight onto a deadly UK mudflat known as The Broomway.

Market View: Jack Ma appears in Hangzhou; AstraZeneca reportedly planning a China spinoff; SIA refutes claims on raising stakes in Air India; Chinese bankers told to shun expensive clothes at work in austerity drive; SVB Financial Group selling SVB Securities to management team

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