The Business Times Podcasts

The Business Times
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Sep 19, 2025 • 16min

S2E12: What Fed rate cuts mean for gold, the dollar and local stocks

The US Federal Reserve finally cut interest rates this week — but what does it really mean for investors in Asia? In this episode of Market Focus Weekly, Emily Liu speaks with Yujun Lin, CEO of Interactive Brokers Singapore, about the Fed’s outlook, the global reaction, and what it signals for gold, the US dollar, and capital flows into Asia. They also break down the rally in Chinese tech stocks, and explore how Singapore’s banks and Reits could fare in a lower-rate environment. Highlights: 03:12 Singapore investors react to rate cut 05:51 Gold and US dollar movements 08:35 Chinese AI rally 11:08 Can China catchup to US in AI? 14:00 Will S-Reits benefit from rate cut? --- 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 & 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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Sep 19, 2025 • 4min

S2E76: Gold Holds, France protests, Japan Steady

Headline news for September 19, 2025: Russia considering tax hikes, mass anti-austerity protests in France, South Korea's central bank policy transparency, gold prices steady, Japan's monetary stance, and Singapore addresses rail disruptions.  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 Branded Podcasts at: bt.sg/brpod BT Lens On: bt.sg/btlensonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Sep 18, 2025 • 16min

S1E1: Seamless global growth for SMEs

How can SMEs compete with global corporations? This episode unpacks the journey with Payoneer and Sleek. Discover the secrets to seamless cross-border growth, strategic partnerships, and overcoming financial friction to conquer international markets. 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 Payoneer. Highlights: 01:49 Sleek's global workforce challenge 04:16 SMEs' international scaling pains 06:14 Traditional banks vs. agile platforms 07:55 Singapore: a strategic launchpad 10:37 The power of partnership ecosystems 13:20 Singapore's critical role in Payoneer's strategy More about: Payoneer --- 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 Julien Labruyere, CEO of Sleek, and Ian Dorrity, director of Affiliate and Partnership at Payoneer 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.
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Sep 18, 2025 • 3min

S2E381: US Fed cuts 25bps, Chinese and Japanese tech stocks surge; Thai baht rally raising concerns

Market news for September 18, 2025: Japan's Nikkei closes above 45,000 for first time on tech boost, Fed decision; Chinese tech stocks rally after China tells companies to stop buying Nvidia’s repurposed AI chip; New Thai government considering measures to stabilise Baht. 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.
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Sep 18, 2025 • 4min

S2E75: NZ Economy Shrinks, China Spending Slows, Malaysia Rolls Out QR Border Clearance

Headline news for September 18, 2025: The Fed cuts rates for the first time since December. France braces for mass strikes, the Philippines stands firm at Scarborough Shoal, Japan’s Nikkei hits records, New Zealand GDP contracts, and Singapore travellers get passport-less QR clearance for JB trips. 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 Branded Podcasts at: bt.sg/brpod BT Lens On: bt.sg/btlensonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Sep 17, 2025 • 3min

S2E380: Baidu leads Chinese tech rally, Singapore exports shrink in August, Indonesia surprises with rate cut

Market news for September 17, 2025: Chinese tech stocks rally on AI boom, Baidu shares jump 16%; Singapore key exports shrink an unexpected 11.3% in August; Unemployment rate rises for Singapore’s younger workers in Q2; Indonesia central bank delivers surprise rate cut to boost growth. 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.
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Sep 17, 2025 • 3min

S2E74: US TikTok, Falling Dollar and Israel Strikes

Headline news for September 17, 2025: Israel unleashes ground assault on Gaza City; TokTok goes under the US; Carro raises $60 million and the dollar falls across the board. 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 Branded Podcasts at: bt.sg/brpod BT Lens On: bt.sg/btlensonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Sep 16, 2025 • 38min

S2E11: Is Singapore’s peace built to last? With K. Shanmugam

AI, Cyber Threats & What’s Next Singapore is 60, are we still secure? In this Lens on Singapore SG60 special, Minister K. Shanmugam, Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs, joins Claressa Monteiro for a straight-talking look at the invisible threats facing Singapore today. From state-backed cyberattacks to foreign influence campaigns and AI-powered disinformation; the threats have evolved. But so has our response. Tune in for a serious, insightful, and hopeful conversation on what it takes to keep Singapore strong for the next 60 years. Subscribe for more context-rich conversations that go beyond the headlines. #KShanmugam #SG60 #SingaporePolitics #LensOnSingapore Highlights: 02:52 The hidden danger of cyberattacks 08:56 Foreign influence in Singapore 17:09 Supporting Gaza 23:47 How tensions in Asean impact Singapore 29:50 Exploring nuclear energy --- Now, we want to hear from you! Send us your questions, thoughts, story ideas, and feedback to btpodcasts@sph.com.sg. We’ll look into it for future episodes. --- Podcast written and presented by: Claressa Monteiro (claremb@sph.com.sg) With Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs K. Shanmugam Post-production: Claressa Monteiro and Emily Liu Coordinating producer: Chai Pei Chieh Video production: Studio +65 A podcast by BT Podcasts, The Business Times, SPH Media --- Follow Lens On 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 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 Podcasts at: bt.sg/podcastsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Sep 16, 2025 • 15min

S1E1: Diversifying beyond the obvious: Why private assets are on the rise

Delve into the evolving world of private assets and hedge funds, uncovering their role in diversifying portfolios and enhancing stability amidst global rebalancing and disruption. How can these instruments navigate market inefficiencies and provide superior diversification, especially in today's volatile economic landscape? Howie Lim speaks to Wong Meng Keet from UOB Private Bank to find out. 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 UOB Private Bank. Highlights: 00:59 Double US diversification and public market valuations 03:00 UOB's approach: elevating asset allocation and diversification 06:38 Addressing misconceptions about hedge funds and private market liquidity 08:08 UOB's due diligence and conviction  12:04 Emerging trends of dollar diversification and alternative mainstreaming More about: UOB Private Bank Investment Solutions Investment Insights --- 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 Wong Meng Keet, managing director and head of managed products and alternative investments, UOB Private Bank 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.
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Sep 16, 2025 • 3min

S2E379: Japan’s Nikkei hits record close, Another gold record, Metro jumps 10% on retail revamp

Market news for September 16, 2025: Asian markets rise as traders prepare for expected US rate cut; Japan's Nikkei hits record close for fourth day on chip gains; Gold sets new record as US dollar weakens; Great Eastern jumps nearly 4% to highest price since trading resumption; Metro soars 10% to near 2-year high on news of strategy revamp. 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.

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