The Business Times Podcasts

In the final episode of 2025, Market Focus Weekly zooms out on a year that felt nonstop. AI pushed valuations to the edge. Tariffs made a comeback. Rate cuts sparked rallies, and nerves.  Host Emily Liu is joined by Yujun Lin, CEO of Interactive Brokers Singapore, to break down what really moved markets this year, and what we can expect in 2026. Highlights: 02:24 Unpacking the AI story 08:00 US tariff volatility 11:00 To cut or not to cut rates? 13:27 Gold vs. Bitcoin 16:14 Bright spots in Asia 20:21 Investing for 2026 --- 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 Yujun Lin, CEO, Interactive Brokers Singapore 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.

Headline news for December 19, 2025: TikTok’s US buyer found, Syria–Kurdish talks race to an end-year deadline, Australia prepares a nationwide vigil after the Bondi shooting, Bangladesh erupts in protest, and Japan’s inflation steadies ahead of a pivotal BOJ decision. 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.

Market news for December 18, 2025: Asian markets track Wall Street lower as AI fears mount; Obscure Indian AI stock surges 55,000% amid AI bubble fears; Revolut, YouTrip report spike in currency buying this year. 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 and hosted 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 --- 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.

Headline news for December 18, 2025: Ukraine pushes Europe to unlock frozen Russian assets as Washington advances a major defence Bill; Taiwan secures a record U.S. arms package while ASEAN scrambles to calm Thai-Cambodian tensions, and Singapore extends essential-goods support. 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.

Ageing is the new reality. DBS Foundation redefines the "silver tsunami" as a longevity dividend—an opportunity for dignity, purpose, and joy. Howie Lim speaks to Karen Ngui as she reveals how a whole-of-society approach can transform lives and bridge the gap between lifespan and living span. 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 DBS. Highlights: 01:10 Reframing aging: the "demographic dividend" 04:17 DBS Foundation's longevity approach 06:13 DBS early-stage initiatives 08:03 The necessity of a "whole-of-society effort" 09:58 Why digital and financial literacy are crucial 12:39 Making every ‘tomorrow brighter’ through systemic change --- 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 Karen Ngui, managing director and head, DBS Foundation and DBS group strategic marketing and communications 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/podcasts 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.

Market news for December 17, 2025: Asian markets drift as US jobs data fails to boost rate cut hopes; Thai central bank cuts policy rate while Bank Indonesia chooses to keep rate steady; Korean won hits eight-month low; Top Glove Q1 profit surges more than 600% as costs fall; Chinese chipmaker MetaX surges 693% at IPO. 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 and hosted 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 --- 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.

Headline news for December 17, 2025: England’s doctors strike amid winter strain, Trump’s approval dips, and Warner Bros faces a pivotal takeover decision, while Asia sees carrier manoeuvres, a major Malaysian reshuffle, and stronger export readings from Japan and Singapore. 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.

Market news for December 16, 2025: Asian markets retreat ahead of US jobs as tech worries weigh; Chinese tech shares head for correction; DBS, OCBC hit new records but UOB lags; Indian rupee slips to record low. 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.

Headline news for December 16, 2025: Ford slashes its EV ambitions, Brussels retreats on its 2035 combustion-car ban, and border clashes escalate in Southeast Asia, as Japan edges toward a rare rate hike and Singapore inks major deals with China. 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.

Market news for December 15, 2025: Asian markets drop with Wall Street as tech fears revive; Bank of Japan expected to hike rates on Friday; Ringgit’s outperformance set to extend next year on AI boost; Thai baht is too strong, impacting economy, finance minister says. 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.