Singapore’s central bank on April 14 tightened its monetary policy stance for the first time since 2022 to allow for a stronger currency in the face of soaring oil and natural gas prices from the Iran war.

The Monetary Authority of Singapore said it has steepened the slope of the Singapore dollar nominal effective exchange rate (S$NEER) policy band – signalling that it will allow the currency to appreciate and dampen the impact of rising import costs.

What this policy change could mean for the cost of living in Singapore? Will it meaningfully ease price pressures for households? How might businesses be affected? And what does it signal about the economic outlook in the months ahead?

On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Tay Qi Hang, Asia Analyst, Economist Intelligence Unit, to find out more.

Singapore&rsquo;s central bank on April 14 tightened its monetary policy stance for the first time since 2022 to allow for a stronger currency in the face of soaring oil and natural gas prices from the Iran war.
The Monetary Authority of Singapore said it has steepened the slope of the Singapore dollar nominal effective exchange rate (S$NEER) policy band &ndash; signalling that it will allow the currency to appreciate and dampen the impact of rising import costs.
What this policy change could mean for the cost of living in Singapore? Will it meaningfully ease price pressures for households? How might businesses be affected? And what does it signal about the economic outlook in the months ahead?
On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Tay Qi Hang, Asia Analyst, Economist Intelligence Unit, to find out more.

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)

The Big Story: Can a stronger Sing Dollar help ease the cost of living pressures from the Iran conflict?

Oil prices are reacting fast to renewed tensions in the Gulf, but the bigger question for investors is what happens if this isn’t just a short shock. Which emerging markets are most exposed, who could actually benefit, and how far could this ripple into global funding conditions?

On Wealth Tracker, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Ed Parker, Managing Director, Global Head of Research, Sovereigns & Supranationals, Fitch Ratings, for more.

Oil prices are reacting fast to renewed tensions in the Gulf, but the bigger question for investors is what happens if this isn&rsquo;t just a short shock. Which emerging markets are most exposed, who could actually benefit, and how far could this ripple into global funding conditions?
On Wealth Tracker, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Ed Parker, Managing Director, Global Head of Research, Sovereigns &amp; Supranationals, Fitch Ratings, for more.

Wealth Tracker: Which emerging markets are most exposed to oil volatility?

On What’s Trending, Hongbin Jeong and Nadiah Koh dive into the strange new world of AI-generated “slopaganda”, where bright, toy-like animations are being used to spread political messaging about the Iran conflict, and racking up hundreds of millions of views in the process. It looks like entertainment. It feels like entertainment. But is it actually influence?

Then, we switch gears to a completely different kind of viral trend: people paying thousands of dollars just to… read. From countryside escapes to luxury European retreats, reading is being rebranded as a premium wellness experience. So why are people willing to spend so much just to sit still and focus?

On What&rsquo;s Trending, Hongbin Jeong and Nadiah Koh dive into the strange new world of AI-generated &ldquo;slopaganda&rdquo;, where bright, toy-like animations are being used to spread political messaging about the Iran conflict, and racking up hundreds of millions of views in the process. It looks like entertainment. It feels like entertainment. But is it actually influence?
Then, we switch gears to a completely different kind of viral trend: people paying thousands of dollars just to&hellip; read. From countryside escapes to luxury European retreats, reading is being rebranded as a premium wellness experience. So why are people willing to spend so much just to sit still and focus?

What’s Trending: Lego-style Iran war memes target Trump… and people pay $1,000 to read with strangers 

Singapore shares registered gains today as investors mull a move by the country’s central bank to tighten monetary policy settings for the first time since 2022.

The Straits Times Index inched 0.51% higher to 5,009.80 points at 1.52pm Singapore time, with a value turnover of S$1.12B seen in the broader market.

In terms of companies to watch, we have Oiltek International, Koh Brothers Eco Engineering and Koh Brothers, after property player Koh Brothers rejected a new shareholders’ attempt to force the company to distribute its stake in Oiltek on the basis that it is not in the group’s best interest. 

Elsewhere, from how US President Donald Trump signalled a willingness to resume talks and said Iran had reached out to his administration after weekend negotiations collapsed, to how Contemporary Amperex Technology Co Limited (CATL) is reportedly considering a share sale to raise as much as US$5 billion in Hong Kong, more international and corporate headlines remained in focus.

Also on deck, a quick look at Goldman Sachs’s results and how it sets the tone for the latest earnings season.

On Market View, Money Matters’ finance presenter Chua Tian Tian unpacked the developments with Willie Keng, Founder, Dividend Titan.

Singapore shares registered gains today as investors mull a move by the country&rsquo;s central bank to tighten monetary policy settings for the first time since 2022.
The Straits Times Index inched 0.51% higher to 5,009.80 points at 1.52pm Singapore time, with a value turnover of S$1.12B seen in the broader market.
In terms of companies to watch, we have Oiltek International, Koh Brothers Eco Engineering and Koh Brothers, after property player Koh Brothers rejected a new shareholders&rsquo; attempt to force the company to distribute its stake in Oiltek on the basis that it is not in the group&rsquo;s best interest.&nbsp;
Elsewhere, from how US President Donald Trump signalled a willingness to resume talks and said Iran had reached out to his administration after weekend negotiations collapsed, to how Contemporary Amperex Technology Co Limited (CATL) is reportedly considering a share sale to raise as much as US$5 billion in Hong Kong, more international and corporate headlines remained in focus.
Also on deck, a quick look at Goldman Sachs&rsquo;s results and how it sets the tone for the latest earnings season.
On Market View, Money Matters&rsquo; finance presenter Chua Tian Tian unpacked the developments with Willie Keng, Founder, Dividend Titan.

Market View: Asian stocks up on US-Iran deal hopes even as Hormuz blockade took effect; Singapore tightens monetary policy for first time since 2022, GDP up 4.6% in Q1, missing forecasts; Goldman Sachs’ results and expectations for latest corporate earnings season; CATL reportedly considering  up to US$5 billion share sale in Hong Kong; Oiltek International, Koh Brothers Eco Engineering, Koh Brothers

The Big Story: Can a stronger Sing Dollar help ease the cost of living pressures from the Iran conflict?

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