CNA938 Rewind - Stock take today: Trump delays Iran decision, exerts pressure on J Powell

CNA938 Rewind
On the daily markets analysis on Open For Business, Andrea Heng and Susan Ng speak with Keith Fitz-Gerald, Principal, Fitz-Gerald Group.

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CNA

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• CNA

BOJ to keep raising rates if economy improves, Governor Ueda says

TOKYO :Bank of Japan Governor Kazuo Ueda said on Friday the central bank will continue to raise interest rates if improvements in the economy keep the country on track to durably achieve its 2 per cent inflation target. "Underlying inflation may stagnate due to a slowdown in economic growth, but likely to accelerate thereafter as intensifying labour shortages heighten medium- to long-term inflation expectations," Ueda said in a speech.

Independent Singapore

an hour ago

• Independent Singapore

Hospitality and tourism job interest in Singapore jumps 130% as industry rebounds after pandemic: Indeed

Photo: Depositphotos/ (for illustration purposes only) SINGAPORE: Jobseeker interest in Singapore's hospitality and tourism sector has more than doubled in four years amid the sector's recovery, according to new data from global hiring and matching platform Indeed. The number of clicks on hospitality and tourism job ads per million users rose by 130.3% from 2021 to 2025. Indeed said the increased interest could be linked to better perception of the sector's job security, pay, and working conditions. Skilled talent, including those returning to the workforce, and new graduates are also likely contributing to this demand. Job opportunities in the sector also increased by 48.7% from 2021 to 2025. From April 2024 to April 2025 alone, job postings grew 14.6%, likely driven by higher travel demand, major concerts and sporting events in Singapore, and new investments in building the local tourism workforce. In April, the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) said that the city-state welcomed 1.4 million tourists , up 4.5% from the same period last year. Indeed 's spokesperson Shannon Peter Pang said the strong interest from jobseekers is a good sign of the sector's recovery, but employers must ensure these workers are placed in roles that match their skills and support the industry's long-term growth. 'Employers are encouraged to invest in upskilling programmes to build a sustainable workforce pipeline to meet evolving service expectations and demands. Better employee retention strategies, such as competitive benefits and clear career development pathways, could help keep talent motivated and committed to building the industry,' he said. 'Singapore's smooth recovery as a premier travel destination in the Asia Pacific spells an exciting time for the country. As demand surges, the sector's businesses must ensure they're not just filling roles, but building meaningful career pathways,' he added. /TISG Read also: Singapore's tourism spending to hit record high in 2024, with more growth in 2025 Featured image by Depositphotos (for illustration purposes only)

Independent Singapore

an hour ago

• Independent Singapore

Singapore family offices pivot investment amid global volatility

SINGAPORE: Family offices (FOs) worldwide, including those based in Singapore, are set to diversify their investment portfolios. This is according to the 2025 Global Family Office Survey by US multinational investment firm BlackRock, which responds to rising tariff tensions and a potential US economic slowdown. This will drive further investment in non-US developed market stocks. The survey, which included FOs that oversee Singapore's estimated S$5.4 trillion in assets under management (AUM), indicates a clear shift away from traditional US-focused investments. The spectre of US tariffs on the horizon, plus indications of a possible economic downturn, have led 62% of FOs to focus their attention on European and Japanese equities and away from the traditional focus on US equities, bonds, and cash assets. They are seen as a strong hedge, due to generating stable returns amid uncertainties and US market volatility. The move by FOs worldwide comes amid growth in Singapore's FO sector. The city-state saw over 2,000 single-family offices (SFOs) operating there at end-2024, up from 400 SFOs in 2020. Singapore's central bank is promoting a diversification push. Incentives like the Section 13O and 13U tax schemes are meant to foster an environment where FOs can explore alternative assets. Beyond equities, FOs surveyed are also looking to channel investments into fixed-income securities and private markets, such as private equity and real estate. 51% of FOs are optimistic about private credit — non-banking debt that is privately traded, while 75% are bullish on infrastructure. Lili Forouraghi, Head of Family Office, Healthcare, Endowment and Foundations for BlackRock in the US, commented: 'The sustained demand and interest in private credit and infrastructure from family offices is a testament to the illiquidity premia and differentiated return opportunity in the current investment landscape.' 'Access to opportunities and the right strategies continue to rise in importance as these asset classes evolve from niche strategies to the cornerstone of client portfolios,' he added. However, analysts caution there are risks ahead. Europe has to contend with energy price volatility and geopolitical tensions, which 84% of FOs consider critical. Meanwhile, the long-term growth prospects for Japan are limited by ageing demographics. Overall, the trend benefits Singapore due to its safe-haven status. The US-China trade tensions and their impact mean Singapore's neutrality, stability and governance framework position it as a destination for reallocating capital.