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.