The Business Times Podcasts

The Business Times
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Apr 6, 2026 • 3min

S2E201: As Deadline Looms, Oil Climbs and Civilian Deaths Mount in Lebanon

Headline news for April 6, 2026: President Trump's deadline for Iran expires tonight. Oil climbs past $110. Civilian casualties mount in Lebanon. Vietnam's growth slows on fuel costs. Synopsis: A round up of global headlines to start your day by The Business Times.  Written by: Claressa Monteiro (claremb@sph.com.sg)  Produced and edited by: Claressa Monteiro or Howie Lim Produced by: BT Podcasts, The Business Times, SPH Media Produced with AI text-to-speech capabilities --- Follow Lens On Daily and rate us on: Channel: bt.sg/btlenson Amazon: bt.sg/lensam Apple Podcasts: bt.sg/lensap Spotify: bt.sg/lenssp YouTube Music: bt.sg/lensyt Website: bt.sg/lenson Feedback to: btpodcasts@sph.com.sg Do note: This podcast is meant to provide general information only. SPH Media accepts no liability for loss arising from any reliance on the podcast or use of third party’s products and services. Please consult professional advisors for independent advice.  Discover more BT podcast series: BT Mark To Market at: bt.sg/btmark2mkt  WealthBT at: bt.sg/btpropertybt PropertyBT at: bt.sg/btmktfocus BT Money Hacks at: bt.sg/btmoneyhacks BT Market Focus at: bt.sg/btmktfocus BT Podcasts at: bt.sg/podcasts BT Lens On: bt.sg/btlenson  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Apr 5, 2026 • 17min

S1E263: Beyond the index: how active ETFs offer adaptability in volatile markets

Is passive investing a Trojan horse? Index funds, once the safest bet, now harbour extreme concentration risk, leaving investors vulnerable in volatile markets. Discover why active ETFs are the essential upgrade. Unlearn the "comfort" of index tracking and gain the adaptability to chase alpha. Howie Lim explores the future of ETFs with the experts. Synopsis: Every Monday, The Business Times breaks down useful financial tips. Highlights: 00:37 Passive investing's concentration risk 03:52 comparative advantages of active ETF strategies 07:11 Paying for adaptability, not just performance 08:30 Unlearning the false comfort of index tracking 11:50 Pitfalls of active strategies --- Send us your questions, thoughts, story ideas, and feedback to btpodcasts@sph.com.sg. --- Written and hosted by: Howie Lim (howielim@sph.com.sg) With Charu Chanana, chief investment strategist, Saxo Bank and Darrin Ng, assistant manager, dealing, global markets desk, Phillip Securities Edited by: Howie Lim & Claressa Monteiro Produced by: Howie Lim & Chai Pei Chieh A podcast by BT Podcasts, The Business Times, SPH Media --- Follow BT Money Hacks podcasts every Monday: Channel: bt.sg/btmoneyhacks Amazon: bt.sg/mham Apple Podcasts: bt.sg/oeXe  Spotify: bt.sg/oeGN  YouTube Music: bt.sg/mhyt Website: bt.sg/moneyhacks Do note: This podcast is meant to provide general information only. SPH Media accepts no liability for loss arising from any reliance on the podcast or use of third party’s products and services. Please consult professional advisors for independent advice.  --- Discover more BT podcast series: BT Correspondents: bt.sg/btcobt BT Market Focus at: bt.sg/btmktfocus BT Podcasts at: bt.sg/pcOM BT Lens On: bt.sg/btlensonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Apr 2, 2026 • 3min

S2E484: Protracted war fears fuel global sell-off; oil nears $110

Market news for April 2, 2026: Protracted war fears over Iran triggered a global sell-off today. Stocks tumbled, driving oil near $110 per barrel, while the dollar firmed. US President Trump's address offered no exit timeline, leaving investors bracing for prolonged conflict and deepening economic risks ahead of the long weekend. Synopsis: Market Focus Daily is a closing bell roundup by The Business Times that looks at the day’s market movements and news from Singapore and the region. Written by: Howie Lim (howielim@sph.com.sg) Produced and edited by: Chai Pei Chieh & Claressa Monteiro Produced by: BT Podcasts, The Business Times, SPH Media Produced with AI text-to-speech capabilities --- Follow Market Focus Daily and rate us on: Channel: bt.sg/btmktfocus Amazon: bt.sg/mfam Apple Podcasts: bt.sg/mfap Spotify: bt.sg/mfsp YouTube Music: bt.sg/mfyt Website: bt.sg/mktfocus Feedback to: btpodcasts@sph.com.sg Do note: This podcast is meant to provide general information only. SPH Media accepts no liability for loss arising from any reliance on the podcast or use of third party’s products and services. Please consult professional advisors for independent advice.  Discover more BT podcast series: BT Money Hacks at: bt.sg/btmoneyhacks BT Correspondents at: bt.sg/btcobt BT Podcasts at: bt.sg/podcasts BT Lens On: bt.sg/btlensonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Apr 2, 2026 • 3min

S2E200: Oil Below $101, Chinese Tech Slumps, and a War That May Be Ending

Headline news for April 2, 2026: President Trump declares the war's goals near completion and threatens to quit NATO. Oil dips. Chinese tech profits hit a three-year low. Synopsis: A round up of global headlines to start your day by The Business Times.  Written by: Claressa Monteiro (claremb@sph.com.sg)  Produced and edited by: Claressa Monteiro or Howie Lim Produced by: BT Podcasts, The Business Times, SPH Media Produced with AI text-to-speech capabilities --- Follow Lens On Daily and rate us on: Channel: bt.sg/btlenson Amazon: bt.sg/lensam Apple Podcasts: bt.sg/lensap Spotify: bt.sg/lenssp YouTube Music: bt.sg/lensyt Website: bt.sg/lenson Feedback to: btpodcasts@sph.com.sg Do note: This podcast is meant to provide general information only. SPH Media accepts no liability for loss arising from any reliance on the podcast or use of third party’s products and services. Please consult professional advisors for independent advice.  Discover more BT podcast series: BT Mark To Market at: bt.sg/btmark2mkt  WealthBT at: bt.sg/btpropertybt PropertyBT at: bt.sg/btmktfocus BT Money Hacks at: bt.sg/btmoneyhacks BT Market Focus at: bt.sg/btmktfocus BT Podcasts at: bt.sg/podcasts BT Lens On: bt.sg/btlensonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Apr 1, 2026 • 3min

S2E483: Iran de-escalation hopes lift Asian stocks, Korean exports smash forecasts

Asian stocks rallied on hopes of de-escalation in Iran, snapping a four-day slide. South Korea's exports soared, driven by big gains at chipmakers. Factory activity showed its strongest expansion in years thanks to semiconductor demand. Currency moves included a steady dollar and a firmer euro as investors stayed cautiously optimistic.
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Apr 1, 2026 • 3min

S2E199: Five Weeks of War: A Record Oil Surge, and No Deal Yet

Headline news for April 1, 2026: A record month for oil, cracks in the Western alliance over Iran, and rising cooking gas costs in Singapore. Synopsis: A round up of global headlines to start your day by The Business Times.  Written by: Claressa Monteiro (claremb@sph.com.sg)  Produced and edited by: Claressa Monteiro or Howie Lim Produced by: BT Podcasts, The Business Times, SPH Media Produced with AI text-to-speech capabilities --- Follow Lens On Daily and rate us on: Channel: bt.sg/btlenson Amazon: bt.sg/lensam Apple Podcasts: bt.sg/lensap Spotify: bt.sg/lenssp YouTube Music: bt.sg/lensyt Website: bt.sg/lenson Feedback to: btpodcasts@sph.com.sg Do note: This podcast is meant to provide general information only. SPH Media accepts no liability for loss arising from any reliance on the podcast or use of third party’s products and services. Please consult professional advisors for independent advice.  Discover more BT podcast series: BT Mark To Market at: bt.sg/btmark2mkt  WealthBT at: bt.sg/btpropertybt PropertyBT at: bt.sg/btmktfocus BT Money Hacks at: bt.sg/btmoneyhacks BT Market Focus at: bt.sg/btmktfocus BT Podcasts at: bt.sg/podcasts BT Lens On: bt.sg/btlensonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Mar 31, 2026 • 3min

S2E482: Energy crisis, Asia's steepest fall since 2022 as war rages

Market news for March 31, 2026: Energy crisis grips Asia as Mideast war drives oil to record highs and fears of inflation and recession mount. Asian shares plunged to their steepest fall since 2022, bonds declined, while the dollar surged as a safe haven. Synopsis: Market Focus Daily is a closing bell roundup by The Business Times that looks at the day’s market movements and news from Singapore and the region. Written by: Howie Lim (howielim@sph.com.sg) Produced and edited by: Chai Pei Chieh & Claressa Monteiro Produced by: BT Podcasts, The Business Times, SPH Media Produced with AI text-to-speech capabilities --- Follow Market Focus Daily and rate us on: Channel: bt.sg/btmktfocus Amazon: bt.sg/mfam Apple Podcasts: bt.sg/mfap Spotify: bt.sg/mfsp YouTube Music: bt.sg/mfyt Website: bt.sg/mktfocus Feedback to: btpodcasts@sph.com.sg Do note: This podcast is meant to provide general information only. SPH Media accepts no liability for loss arising from any reliance on the podcast or use of third party’s products and services. Please consult professional advisors for independent advice.  Discover more BT podcast series: BT Money Hacks at: bt.sg/btmoneyhacks BT Correspondents at: bt.sg/btcobt BT Podcasts at: bt.sg/podcasts BT Lens On: bt.sg/btlensonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Mar 31, 2026 • 4min

S2E198: 82nd Airborne Lands as the War Enters a Dangerous New Phase

Headline news for March 31, 2026: US paratroopers land in the Middle East. President Trump renews threats against Iran. Oil heads for a record monthly gain. Spain closes airspace. Synopsis: A round up of global headlines to start your day by The Business Times.  Written by: Claressa Monteiro (claremb@sph.com.sg)  Produced and edited by: Claressa Monteiro or Howie Lim Produced by: BT Podcasts, The Business Times, SPH Media Produced with AI text-to-speech capabilities --- Follow Lens On Daily and rate us on: Channel: bt.sg/btlenson Amazon: bt.sg/lensam Apple Podcasts: bt.sg/lensap Spotify: bt.sg/lenssp YouTube Music: bt.sg/lensyt Website: bt.sg/lenson Feedback to: btpodcasts@sph.com.sg Do note: This podcast is meant to provide general information only. SPH Media accepts no liability for loss arising from any reliance on the podcast or use of third party’s products and services. Please consult professional advisors for independent advice.  Discover more BT podcast series: BT Mark To Market at: bt.sg/btmark2mkt  WealthBT at: bt.sg/btpropertybt PropertyBT at: bt.sg/btmktfocus BT Money Hacks at: bt.sg/btmoneyhacks BT Market Focus at: bt.sg/btmktfocus BT Podcasts at: bt.sg/podcasts BT Lens On: bt.sg/btlensonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Mar 30, 2026 • 16min

S1E1: Building for scale in South-east Asia’s new economy

Scaling a high-growth company internationally brings formidable challenges: global payroll, FX risk, and treasury management. How do you maintain agility across borders? Howie Lim speaks to HSBC Innovation Banking's Neil Falconer to uncover the three pillars which are essential for managing friction and accelerating your scale-up success in South-east Asia and beyond. Synopsis: The Business Times Podcast Channel presents diverse perspectives, in-depth analysis and news covering career, business, markets, investing, current affairs and tech. This episode is produced in collaboration with HSBC Innovation Banking. Highlights: 01:04 South-east Asia - from "potential" to genuine scale 05:17 The most consistent challenge for founders 09:00 The mandate of HSBC Innovation Banking 13:18 The three essential pillars for international expansion More about: HSBC Innovation Banking Singapore --- Send us your questions, thoughts, story ideas, and feedback to btpodcasts@sph.com.sg. --- Written and hosted by: Howie Lim (howielim@sph.com.sg) With Neil Falconer, head of innovation banking, HSBC Singapore Edited by: Howie Lim & Claressa Monteiro Produced by: Howie Lim & Chai Pei Chieh Executive producer: Claressa Monteiro A podcast by BT Podcasts, The Business Times, SPH Media --- Follow BT Podcasts: Channel: bt.sg/pcOM Apple Podcasts: bt.sg/pcAP Spotify: bt.sg/pcSP YouTube Music: bt.sg/giK9 Website: bt.sg/btpod Feedback to: btpodcasts@sph.com.sg Do note: This podcast is meant to provide general information only. SPH Media accepts no liability for loss arising from any reliance on the podcast or use of third party’s products and services. Please consult professional advisors for independent advice.  --- Discover more BT podcast series: BT Money Hacks at: bt.sg/btmoneyhacks BT Correspondents at: bt.sg/btcobt BT Market Focus at: bt.sg/btmktfocus BT Lens On: bt.sg/btlensonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Mar 30, 2026 • 3min

S2E481: Oil's record surge, inflation spike and recession risk grip globe

Market news for March 30, 2026: Stock markets slid as a protracted Gulf conflict drove oil prices to a record monthly rise, fuelling a global inflation spike and raising recession risks. Asia, heavily dependent on Middle East energy, suffered significant losses. Brent crude soared almost 59 per cent for the month. Synopsis: Market Focus Daily is a closing bell roundup by The Business Times that looks at the day’s market movements and news from Singapore and the region. Written by: Howie Lim (howielim@sph.com.sg) Produced and edited by: Chai Pei Chieh & Claressa Monteiro Produced by: BT Podcasts, The Business Times, SPH Media Produced with AI text-to-speech capabilities --- Follow Market Focus Daily and rate us on: Channel: bt.sg/btmktfocus Amazon: bt.sg/mfam Apple Podcasts: bt.sg/mfap Spotify: bt.sg/mfsp YouTube Music: bt.sg/mfyt Website: bt.sg/mktfocus Feedback to: btpodcasts@sph.com.sg Do note: This podcast is meant to provide general information only. SPH Media accepts no liability for loss arising from any reliance on the podcast or use of third party’s products and services. Please consult professional advisors for independent advice.  Discover more BT podcast series: BT Money Hacks at: bt.sg/btmoneyhacks BT Correspondents at: bt.sg/btcobt BT Podcasts at: bt.sg/podcasts BT Lens On: bt.sg/btlensonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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