Oil shock stalls stocks: Geopolitical risk trumps fundamentals

Oil shock stalls stocks—but is this market panic justified? As crude prices soar towards $100, the narrative of a massive sell-off should be challenged. Howie Lim speaks to Steve Sosnick from Interactive Brokers to discover why the historical context of Middle East conflicts suggests a quick reboun…

Middle East Conflict Deepens as Oil Surges Past $100

Headline news for March 13, 2026: Nearly two weeks into the Middle East conflict, Iran vows to keep the Strait of Hormuz closed, oil climbs above $100, markets wobble and Singapore thanks regional partners for helping evacuate citizens. Synopsis: A round up of global headlines to start your day by…

Thailand’s next test: Stability is not enough

What should investors watch for in Thailand’s critical shift, as it moves beyond political stability to deep structural reform? From streamlining regulations and addressing household debt to diversifying agriculture and accelerating new high-value industries like EVs and biotech, Simon Tay speaks t…

Oil ‘barrels’ past $100, shares slide, rates spike

Market news for March 12, 2026: Global shares fell as escalating Middle East conflict drove oil past $100, fuelling inflation fears and triggering a worldwide spike in borrowing costs despite a record IEA reserve release plan. Synopsis: Market Focus Daily is a closing bell roundup by The Business …

US Trade Probe and Iran Tensions Add to Global Market Uncertainty

Headline news for March 12, 2026: The US opens a trade probe into major partners as tensions with Iran tighten energy markets, lifting oil prices, unsettling equities and adding fresh uncertainty for global trade and inflation. Synopsis: A round up of global headlines to start your day by The Busi…

Shares steady as oil dips, diesel soars

Market news for March 11, 2026: Shares stabilise as oil dips on IEA release proposal, but diesel's surge and Mideast conflict fuel inflation fears, complicating central bank rate paths. Synopsis: Market Focus Daily is a closing bell roundup by The Business Times that looks at the day’s market move…

US Strikes Iranian Vessels as Markets Weigh Energy Risks

Headline news for March 11, 2026: US forces strike Iranian vessels near the Strait of Hormuz as markets weigh energy risks, Europe’s central bank steadies its stance on inflation and signs emerge of resilience in Singapore’s labour market. Synopsis: A round up of global headlines to start your day…

Middle East conflict plunges oil, lifts safe-havens

Market news for March 10, 2026: Middle East war hopes whipsawed markets; stocks rallied on US comments before Iran's defiance pared gains. Oil plunged, while safe-haven gold held steady. Synopsis: Market Focus Daily is a closing bell roundup by The Business Times that looks at the day’s market mov…

Trump Warns Iran on Oil as Markets Rebound and Evacuations Begin

Headline news for March 10, 2026: Trump warns Iran over oil shipments, oil retreats from record highs, Asia stocks rebound, and Singapore sends military aircraft to evacuate citizens from the Middle East. Synopsis: A round up of global headlines to start your day by The Business Times.  Written b…

Best ideas for 2026, and the barbell approach to investing

Markets are volatile, but smart strategies can deliver stable returns. What if you could balance explosive growth with steady income—all while protecting against inflation? DBS chief investment officer Hou Wey Fook reveals the "barbell approach" that's delivered 8.6 per cent annual returns through …