SINGAPORE MONETARY POLICY
Most wanted stocks 2026: 6 stocks mutual funds are buying even as markets slump
Stock market investors are growing wary as prices continue to drop amid broader economic issues. Nevertheless, mutual fund managers are optimistic, identifying many investment opportunities during this downturn. The article identifies six stocks that have seen a rise in mutual fund investments, showcasing their resilience and growth potential during tough times. This analysis offers investors valuable insights to enhance their future strategies.
Rupee hits two-week low on 'sticky' dollar bids, modest intervention cushions
The Indian rupee experienced a sharp decline on Thursday, hitting a two-week low against the dollar. Traders highlighted that heightened dollar demand and overseas debt payments were significant contributors to this depreciation. To stabilize the situation, the Reserve Bank of India intervened. Moreover, the rupee's earlier strength has faded amid ongoing market pressures, prompting markets to eagerly await upcoming decisions from the European Central Bank on interest rates.
Strong macro fundamentals, policy interventions to anchor eco against global headwinds: RBI bulletin
Strong macroeconomic fundamentals continue to support the Indian economy against global inflation and trade tensions. Recent geopolitical frictions have resulted in increased prices and supply chain issues, leading to policy changes. Currency fluctuations were observed, but measures by the Reserve Bank helped stabilize the rupee recently. Foreign Direct Investment remains robust, driven by significant inflows from major sources like the US and Singapore.
Policymakers take on energy shock, rising debt at IMF-World Bank meetings
Finance ministers and central bankers will meet in Bangkok to discuss challenges affecting the global economy this week. The key concerns include the economic fallout from the US-Iran war and rising inflation. Policymakers face difficult choices regarding spending and support for vulnerable populations amid growing financial pressures. Investment in artificial intelligence presents new opportunities and challenges, especially for developing nations. The meetings will shape responses to these ongoing global issues.
Rich countries on the debt frontline: How the Iran war is shifting world's risk map by squeezing America, Europe and Japan
The International Monetary Fund confronts increased borrowing costs and record debt levels among developed countries. As inflation rises, governments find it harder to manage their financial obligations. The potential for civil unrest emerges alongside economic pressures observed in these nations. Emerging markets have improved their resilience since previous crises, allowing them to face challenges more effectively.
Gold price today: Gold rate becomes cheaper for certain buyers. Here's how
Gold rate rose more than 1 per cent on Friday, helped by a softer US dollar and lower oil prices. However, for some buyers, gold price has become affordable.
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Global Market: Singapore likely to tighten monetary policy as growth and inflation risks mount
Singapore’s central bank is widely expected to tighten monetary policy on October 14 as resilient economic growth and rising inflation risks persist. Geopolitical tensions, higher oil prices and potential food supply disruptions are adding pressure. Economists anticipate a modest Singapore dollar appreciation adjustment, balancing inflation control with economic stability amid global uncertainty.
Global Market: Euro hits 17-month low as French fiscal worries boost dollar
The euro fell to a 17-month low as concerns over France’s fiscal outlook and bond-market selloff weighed on sentiment. The dollar strengthened despite weak US jobs data, supported by elevated Treasury yields and safe-haven demand. Diverging central-bank expectations and persistent bond volatility are likely to keep currency markets under pressure.
Temasek comfortable with current AI spending levels, executive says
Singapore's Temasek is not worried about the massive levels of spending from hyperscalers powering the AI buildout, its executive said on Thursday, as the state investor works to increase its exposure to the technology.
Global Markets: Tech stocks gain on Anthropic IPO optimism, offsetting high oil, yields
Sovereign yields are an anchor for global markets, a reference price for investing in riskier stocks and a benchmark for mortgages and corporate borrowing. Higher rates pile pressure on government, corporate and household budgets.
Global Market: Singapore core inflation hits nearly two-year high in August
In August, Singapore's core inflation rose to 2.2%, surpassing both the prior month's rate and expectations. Headline consumer price inflation also climbed to 2.3% year-on-year, indicating ongoing price pressures. The central bank anticipates that inflation levels will remain high into the following year. Moreover, the economic growth outlook for 2026 was notably increased to between 4.5% and 5.5%, highlighting the lasting challenges of inflation management amidst robust economic growth.
No more tax wishlists? FM Sitharaman asks experts to make the case for what should go
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman urged tax professionals and industry bodies to move beyond demands for exemptions and rate cuts, asking them to identify provisions that no longer serve the tax system, even when they benefit from them. She said India remains better placed economically despite global challenges and sought evidence-based tax reforms.
This country is literally paying people to read, one page at a time, to fight the brain rot epidemic
Singapore launched a novel campaign to encourage citizens to read more. This initiative offers small cash payments for logging reading minutes on a government platform. The program aims to revive reading habits which are declining globally. Educators are grappling with the fallout of digital distraction on young readers. This scheme seeks to make reading a repeatable habit for a thoughtful nation.
AI boom poses new financial stability risks, BIS head says
The BIS estimates the world's five largest technology firms will invest more than $1 trillion in AI between 2025 and 2026, while industry forecasts suggest global AI investment could grow from about $500 billion now to as much as $4 trillion by 2030.
RBI to expand retail forex access with five new currency pairs, plans wider global currency bouquet
The Reserve Bank of India will add five currency pairs—euro, British pound, Swiss franc, Canadian dollar and Emirati dirham—to its FX-Retail platform, widening retail access to foreign exchange. The central bank also plans to add the yen, Australian dollar, Singapore dollar, Hong Kong dollar and New Zealand dollar.
Jefferies’ Chris Wood sees a structural bear market in US bonds. What it means for stocks and gold
Jefferies has warned that persistent pressure on US Treasury yields could create a challenging environment for equity markets, particularly for bond-sensitive assets such as REITs. While higher yields have weighed on Singapore REITs, the brokerage sees selective opportunities in the sector and remains constructive on gold and gold-mining stocks as a hedge against potential dollar debasement.
Global bond selloff deepens as inflation risks, oil prices jolt markets
The global bond market is witnessing a significant retreat, causing an increase in borrowing expenses. The ongoing tensions in the Middle East have spiked energy prices, raising alarm over potential inflation implications for investors. Yields on U.S. Treasury notes are approaching a three-year high, which will likely affect government spending and consumer mortgage rates. In light of fiscal risks, investors are now requiring higher returns to offset inflationary pressures.
UPI completes 10 years, clocks nearly 13,000-fold rise in transaction volume
UPI has completed a decade of transforming India’s digital payments ecosystem, with annual transactions surging from 1.78 crore in 2016-17 to 24,162 crore in 2025-26. Transaction value rose to Rs 314 lakh crore, while monthly volumes hit a record 2,366 crore in July 2026. UPI now operates across 11 countries and accounts for nearly 49% of global real-time payments.
Global Market: Singapore raises 2026 growth forecast on AI boom, resilient global economy
Singapore raised its 2026 economic growth forecast to 4.5%-5.5% from 2.0%-4.0%, supported by stronger-than-expected AI investment and a milder impact from the Middle East conflict. The economy grew 5.9% year-on-year in Q2, while robust AI-related demand is expected to support growth in the second half of the year.
Global Market: Singapore Central Bank surprises markets with policy tightening amid inflation risks
Singapore's central bank unexpectedly tightened monetary policy on Monday. Persistent inflation risks from elevated energy costs prompted the move. The Monetary Authority of Singapore will slightly increase its exchange rate appreciation. This surprise decision boosted the Singapore dollar against the US dollar. Economists view this as a preventive step against future price pressures.
Singapore could enter technical recession, trade ministry official says
Singapore may enter a technical recession with two consecutive quarters of contraction, but a full-blown recession is not certain, according to Trade Ministry Permanent Secretary Beh Swan Gin.
Singapore central bank eases monetary policy as US tariffs threaten growth
Singapore's central bank eased monetary policy again due to concerns about global growth and trade, influenced by U.S. tariffs. The Monetary Authority of Singapore reduced the rate of appreciation of its exchange rate, while the trade ministry lowered Singapore's GDP growth forecast for 2025 to 0%-2%. Economists suggest further easing is possible if economic conditions worsen.
How Singapore's unique monetary policy works
Singapore's central bank manages monetary policy by adjusting the Singapore dollar's exchange rate rather than domestic interest rates, given the small open economy's dependence on trade. The Monetary Authority of Singapore uses the Singapore dollar nominal effective exchange rate (S$NEER) policy band to stabilize inflation.
Yen under pressure; Australian dollar slides as inflation slows
The yen remains under pressure against other major currencies, despite the possibility of Japanese authorities intervening to support it. The Australian dollar also dropped after inflation data showed a slowdown in May. Market expectations of the Bank of Japan maintaining ultra-low interest rates while other central banks tighten monetary policy have weighed on the yen. The dollar reached a seven-month high against the yen, while the euro climbed to a 15-year high. The Australian and New Zealand dollars also experienced falls. Traders are also monitoring the European Central Bank's conference for insight into future rate hikes.
Pandemic knocks Singapore into recession as GDP plummets 41% in second quarter
Gross domestic product (GDP) dived by a record 41.2% in the three months ended June, on a quarter-on-quarter annualised basis, preliminary data from the Ministry of Trade and Industry showed on Tuesday.
DBS revises India's real GDP growth to 6.2% for FY20
For monetary policy, limited fiscal implications from the latest fiscal measures keep the door open for further easing, said Radhika Rao, economist at DBS Group Research.
What changed your markets while you were sleeping
Let's take a look at what might matter on Dalal Street all through the day.
Former IMF economist Taimur Baig joins DBS as chief economist
Baig holds a Ph.D. in Economics from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and attended Wabash College and the London School of Economics for his B.A.
Singapore tightens monetary policy to ward off inflation
Singapore's central bank on Thursday announced a surprise tightening of monetary policy to curb inflationary pressures amid robust economic growth.
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