The Business Times Podcasts

The Business Times
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Feb 2, 2026 • 16min

S1E64: What’s up with GIC and Temasek’s performance?

The government has said GIC and Temasek have performed reasonably and within expectations given their mandates. Yet, their returns have trailed some of their global peers. Senior correspondent Ben Paul delves into dissonance, and offers some suggestions. Highlights of the podcast: 00:43 Trailing returns raised in Parliament 04:17 Mandates, portfolios and performance 08:47 US mega-caps now dominate indices 09:41 Was GIC wrong to tamp down risk? 12:17 Temasek’s big exposure to Singapore --- Send your questions, thoughts, story ideas, and feedback to btpodcasts@sph.com.sg.  --- Written and hosted by: Ben Paul (benpaul@sph.com.sg) Edited by: Howie Lim & Claressa Monteiro Produced by: Ben Paul, Howie Lim & Chai Pei Chieh A podcast by BT Podcasts, The Business Times, SPH Media Follow BT Correspondents: Channel: bt.sg/btcobt Amazon: bt.sg/btcoam Apple Podcasts: bt.sg/btcoap Spotify: bt.sg/btcosp YouTube Music: bt.sg/btcoyt Website: bt.sg/btcorresp 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: bt.sg/btmoneyhacks BT Podcasts: bt.sg/pcOM BT Market Focus: bt.sg/btmktfocus BT Lens On: bt.sg/btlensonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Feb 2, 2026 • 3min

S2E452: Gold tumbles 10% as Trump picks the next Fed Chairman

Market news for February 2, 2026: Gold falls 1.5% on firm US dollar; SGX-listed gold-linked counters lose steam on yellow metal’s decade-worst retreat; Indonesian stocks fall after last week’s dramatic shake-up, US$80 billion rout. 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: Emily Liu (emilyliu@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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Feb 2, 2026 • 4min

S2E160: Iran Warns of Conflict; Asia Factories Accelerate; Singapore Rental Cars Surge

Headline news for February 2, 2026: Iran threatens regional conflict as Washington boosts its military presence. Manufacturing gauges in South Korea and Japan strengthen. U.K. sentiment steadies, while Singapore’s rental car fleet climbs to a record share. Synopsis: A round up of global headlines to start your day by The Business Times.  Written by: Howie Lim / Claressa Monteiro (claremb@sph.com.sg)  Produced and edited by: Claressa Monteiro 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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Feb 1, 2026 • 18min

S1E255: Investing discipline in the age of algorithms

Artificial intelligence (AI) promises market nirvana, but is it a silver bullet or just another risk factor? Does AI really democratise knowledge and accelerate trading? How come it fails to conquer the ultimate portfolio killer: human indiscipline? Join Howie Lim and OANDA's Philip Waters as they attempt to cut through the hallucinations. Synopsis: Every Monday, The Business Times breaks down useful financial tips. Highlights: 01:10 The 'silver bullet' fallacy of AI 07:19 The alpha vanishing act 11:38 The Q4 2025 AI surge 14:22 The 2026 checklist: how and where to invest? --- 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 Philip Waters, head of Asia-Pacific and emerging markets, OANDA 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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Jan 30, 2026 • 18min

S2E29: Intervention, Inflation and the STI

The US dollar is sliding fast, and it’s sending waves across global markets. This week on Market Focus Weekly, Emily Liu speaks with SGX strategist Geoff Howie about why the US dollar has weakened sharply amid talk of potential US-Japan intervention to support the yen. They explore the outlook for US interest rates, why Asian currencies are suddenly rallying, and what’s behind gold’s jaw-dropping climb near US$5,600 an ounce. Plus, turmoil in Indonesia’s stock market and why Singapore’s STI is charging toward 5,000 points. Highlights: 01:12 Fed outlook 03:13 US dollar back in decline 07:04 Gold pasts US$5,600 10:57 Indonesia’s MSCI problem 14:22 STI nears 5,000 points --- Send us your questions, thoughts, story ideas, and feedback to btpodcasts@sph.com.sg. --- Written and hosted by: Emily Liu (emilyliu@sph.com.sg) With Geoff Howie, market strategist, SGX Edited by: Chai Pei Chieh & Claressa Monteiro Produced by: Emily Liu & Chai Pei Chieh A podcast by BT Podcasts, The Business Times, SPH Media --- Follow Market Focus Weekly podcasts every Friday: 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 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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Jan 30, 2026 • 5min

S2E159: Trump Backs Shutdown Deal, EU Sanctions Iran as Japan Vote Nears

Headline news for January 30, 2026: President Trump backs a bipartisan spending deal to avert a shutdown and signals a Fed pick, the EU sanctions Iran, Tokyo inflation cools, and analysts assess China’s stance before Japan’s snap election. Synopsis: A round up of global headlines to start your day by The Business Times.  Written by: Howie Lim / Claressa Monteiro (claremb@sph.com.sg)  Produced and edited by: Claressa Monteiro 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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Jan 29, 2026 • 3min

S2E451: US dollar continues to fall, Indonesian shares in turmoil, STI gets close to 5,000 points

Market news for January 29, 2026: US Fed holds rates steady, sees ‘elevated’ inflation and stabilising job market; US dollar falls, Korean won rallies; Indonesia shares hit by second trading halt after MSCI flags transparency concerns; STI could hit as high as 6,500 on extended rally, says JPMorgan 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: Emily Liu (emilyliu@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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Jan 28, 2026 • 2min

S2E450: USD tumbles as Trump says it's doing "great"

Market news for January 28, 2026: Trump says value of US dollar is ‘great’, currency hits 4-year low; Australian dollar surges; Ringgit rises to 2018 high; Gold rallies past $5,200; Indonesian equities plunge after MSCI flags ownership, free float concerns. 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: Emily Liu (emilyliu@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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Jan 28, 2026 • 5min

S2E158: Dollar Slides; Saudi Neutrality, Amazon Cuts, Johor Fire

Headline news for January 28, 2026: Saudi Arabia pledges neutrality toward Iran, the dollar sinks, Amazon layoffs loom, a Johor peat fire spreads haze, and Singapore’s food delivery market lags regional growth. Synopsis: A round up of global headlines to start your day by The Business Times.  Written by: Howie Lim / Claressa Monteiro (claremb@sph.com.sg)  Produced and edited by: Claressa Monteiro 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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Jan 27, 2026 • 3min

S2E449: Asian shares soar, gold continues up and oil falls

Market news for January 27, 2026: US large-cap earnings raise Asian shares; the dollar still under fire; European equities climb, as does gold and oil falls. 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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