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?

Wealth Tracker: Which emerging markets are most exposed to oil volatility?
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The Big Story: Can a stronger Sing Dollar help ease the cost of living pressures from the Iran conflict?
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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
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