BT Market Focus
Episodes
Ong Beng Seng convicted, what’s next for HPL?
05 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Market news for August 5, 2025: Asian markets track Wall Street rally on Fed rate cut bets; Gold rises as Fed rate cut bets pressure dollar, yields; S...
India sticks to Russian oil despite Trump threats
04 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Market news for August 4, 2025: Asian markets fluctuate as traders weigh tariffs, US jobs; US dollar tumbles, traders bet on more US rate cuts a...
US tariffs, Fed signals, and why Asian markets are staying cool
01 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week on Market Focus Weekly, host Emily Liu sits down with Cedric Ho, portfolio manager at MAD Partnership to discuss US President Donald Trump&r...
US Fed holds its ground, more tariffs for India
31 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Market news for July 31, 2025: Asian markets down as Fed holds rates and Trump announces fresh tariffs on India; China factory output slows down; Bank...
Trump threatens 20 to 25% tariffs on India
30 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Market news for July 30, 2025: Asian markets mixed as China-US talks end, eyes on tech earning; Trump says India might get 20-25% tariffs; Thai govern...
Asia shares slip as tariffs hit commodities and precious metals
29 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Market news for July 29, 2025: Asian shares slip; The euro nurses losses; Implications of punishing tariffs and precious metals idle. Synopsis: Market...
Singapore’s new regulations shake up crypto landscape
28 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Market news for July 28, 2025: Asian markets rise, euro boosted after EU strikes US trade deal; New crypto regulations in Singapore sees Tokenize out;...
Japan's trade win, bond yields and Singapore’s big bet on the STI
25 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Japan’s trade deal with the US has sent markets rallying — but is the optimism warranted? This week on Market Focus Weekly, host Emily Liu...
ST Engineering defies gravity, soars 90% this year
24 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Market news for July 24, 2025: Asian markets extend gains on US trade deal hopes; Japan’s Topix hits record high in trade deal afterglow; Trump ...
Finally, a Japan-US trade deal
23 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Market news for July 23, 2025: Tokyo’s Nikkei leads rally after Japan-US trade deal; Shares in Japanese, South Korean automakers surge on Tokyo ...
China mega-dam pushes up Hong Kong stocks
22 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Market news for July 22, 2025: Asian stocks mixed with trade and earnings in focus; Malaysia aiming for 20% tariff deal but challenges remain; Singapo...
Japanese election shakes up yen, stock markets
21 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Market news for July 21, 2025: Hong Kong leads stocks higher; Japanese yen gains as Prime Minister vows to stay on after election loss; Singapore...
Tariffs, trade deals and Tokyo wobbles
18 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week on Market Focus Weekly: US inflation ticks up, political turbulence at the US Federal Reserve and the latest tariff negotiation update...
Is this goodbye for Cathay Cineplexes?
17 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Market news for July 17, 2025: Asian markets rally despite Trump beef with the Fed; TSMC profit surges 61% after AI drives big jump in sales; Japanese...
US inflation climbs as tariffs start to hit
16 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Market news for July 16, 2025: Asian markets struggle as US inflation rises; Japan’s super-long bond yields drop ahead of elections; Indonesia b...
Nvidia is back in business with China
15 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Market news for July 15, 2025: China’s economy grows 5.2% as exports hold strong while consumer demand falls; Nvidia to resume H20 AI chip sales...
What Asia’s markets are really reacting to
11 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Trump’s tariff threats are back, but Asia’s markets are surprisingly calm, even as countries like Japan and Malaysia brace for higher trad...
Market Focus Daily: Thursday, July 10, 2025
10 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Asian stocks mostly rise on trade deal optimism; Bitcoin breaks US$112,000 in first as traders defy tariff angst; Japan’s carmakers slash export...
Market Focus Daily: Wednesday, July 9, 2025
09 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Asian markets mixed as Trump flags fresh tariffs, eyes on trade talks; Malaysia cuts rate for first time since 2020 after tariff threat; DBS, Singtel ...
Market Focus Daily: Tuesday, July 8, 2025
08 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Trump announces tariff rates for 14 countries, including 25% on Malaysia, 32% on Indonesia; Australia’s central bank keeps rates steady at 3.85%...
Market Focus Daily: Monday, July 7, 2025
07 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Asian markets drop as Trump’s tariff deadline looms; Oil tumbles as Opec+ hikes August output more than expected; Thai baht rally at risk amid p...
Trump, tariffs and the tumble of the US dollar
04 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Trade threats. Sliding currencies. Shifting rate expectations. In the debut episode of Market Focus Weekly by The Business Times, host ...
Market Focus Daily: Thursday, July 3, 2025
03 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
US-Vietnam agree to trade deal with 20% tariff rate; Asian stocks mixed as traders shrug at US-Vietnam trade deal; Oil prices jump 3% as Iran suspends...
Market Focus Daily: Wednesday, July 2, 2025
02 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Asian markets mixed as trade deal cut-off looms; Singapore’s STI hits new high as investors flock to safe havens amid global risks; Hong Kong ce...
Market Focus Daily: Tuesday, July 1, 2025
01 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Asian stocks rise on trade deal hopes; Trump threatens Japan with more tariffs over rice imports; US dollar tumbles to 50-year low in H1, paving way f...
Market Focus Daily: Monday, June 30, 2025
30 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Asia shares firm today as signs of progress in a trade standoff between the United States and Canada help risk sentiment; the dollar dips on concerns ...
Market Focus Daily: Friday, June 27, 2025
27 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Japan's Nikkei ends at 6-month high, tracking Wall Street rally; Singapore’s job vacancies, unemployment up in Q1, with US tariff impact yet to ...
Market Focus Daily: Thursday, June 26, 2025
26 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Asian stocks mixed, dollar hit by Trump Fed comment; Japan hits M&A record of US$232 billion, driving Asia deals rebound; China opens first offsho...
Market Focus Daily: Wednesday, June 25, 2025
25 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Asian socks rally as Iran-Israel ceasefire holds; Trump baffles with sudden U-turn on China buying Iranian oil; ST Engineering divests entire equity i...
Market Focus Daily: Tuesday, June 24, 2025
24 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Asian stocks up as Trump announces Iran-Israel ceasefire; Oil settles down 7% overnight after Iran attacks US military base in Qatar; Gold falls more ...
Market Focus Daily: Monday, June 23, 2025
23 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Singapore and Asian markets trade lower after US strikes on Iran; Oil hits five-month high; Singapore core inflation slows as food and recreation pric...
Market Focus Daily: Friday, June 20, 2025
20 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Asian shares edge up today; South Korea's share benchmark outperforms; The PBOC holds the benchmark lending rates steady; The Swiss National Bank cut ...
Market Focus Daily: Thursday, June 19, 2025
19 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Global stocks edge lower today; Investors take cover in safe havens; The US dollar gains as financial markets are on edge and markets will look to a s...
Market Focus Daily: Wednesday, June 18, 2025
18 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Hostilities in the Middle East send oil prices higher; Oil extends its climb as well; Broad risk-off moves across markets abate and US retail sales fa...
Market Focus Daily: Tuesday, June 17, 2025
17 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Investors monitor developments on trade deals with Trump's early July deadline on tariffs approaching; Tariff talks between Japan and the United State...
Market Focus Daily: Monday, June 16, 2025
16 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Asian shares prove resilient today; Oil prices rose again as the conflict between Israel and Iran showed no sign of cooling; Gold gets a modest safe h...
Market Focus Daily: Friday, June 13, 2025
13 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Middle East tensions hit Asian markets; oil and gold prices spike; Singapore Airlines tumbles 2.1% after Air India plane crash; GemLife raises $486 Mi...
Market Focus Daily: Thursday, June 12, 2025
12 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Asian shares stumble after Trump’s latest trade threat; Dollar falls to seven-week lows on rate cut outlook; Singapore retail vacancy creeping u...
Market Focus Daily: Wednesday, June 11, 2025
11 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
US, China officials agree on plan to ramp down trade tensions; Jetstar Asia is shutting down on July 31; Centurion shares hit all-time high on submiss...
Market Focus Daily: Tuesday, June 10, 2025
10 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Asian markets extend gains as China-US talks head into second day; Australia shares close at record high; Oil prices hit multi-week highs amid US-Chin...
Market Focus Daily: Monday, June 9, 2025
09 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Asian markets rally ahead of latest China-US trade talks; Japan confirms GDP contraction, backing Bank of Japan’s cautious stance; CapitaLand In...
Market Focus Daily: Friday, June 6, 2025
06 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Asian markets wobble as Trump-Xi talks offset by Musk row; India focuses on growth with larger-than-expected cuts in key rate and reserve ratio; Exper...
Market Focus Daily: Thursday, June 5, 2025
05 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Asian markets rise as US data feeds rate-cut hopes; Laopu Gold’s 2,300% rally faces test after stock hits HK$1,000; Indonesia rolls out US$1.5 b...
Market Focus Daily: Wednesday, June 4, 2025
04 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Asian stocks track Wall Street up after jobs data; Korean stocks rise to enter bull market, bonds sink after Lee elected President; Iron ore markets h...
Market Focus Daily: Tuesday, June 3, 2025
03 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Asian markets mixed as traders eye possible Trump-Xi talks; Gold hovers near four-week peak on weaker US dollar, trade concerns; Widjaja family’...
Market Focus Daily: Monday, June 2, 2025
02 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Asian stocks fall as Trump fires fresh volley in trade war; Trade war hits Asia factories as exports, production slide; South Korea ministry to m...
Market Focus Daily: Friday, May 30, 2025
30 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Asian markets reverse as appeals court gives Trump tariffs reprieve; Chinese tech stocks drop as US-China trade talks “stalled”; India&rsq...
Market Focus Daily: Thursday, May 29, 2025
29 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
US court blocks Trump’s tariffs, Asian stocks rally; South Korea central bank cuts rate, while stocks rally ahead of Presidential elections; Top...
Market Focus Daily: Wednesday, May 28, 2025
28 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Weak demand, high yields for Japan’s 40-year-bonds; US solar makers see tariff loophole for Asian competitors; Two in five businesses in Singapo...
Market Focus Daily: Tuesday, May 27, 2025
27 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Asian stocks fluctuate as traders await next moves in Trump trade war; BYD shares continue to fall after sweeping price cuts; Thai billionaire hands s...
Market Focus Daily: Monday, May 26, 2025
26 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Stock markets across Asia are steady today, and the euro hits its highest level; Crude prices trade higher; China’s blue chips fall and investor...
Market Focus Daily: Friday, May 23, 2025
23 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Singapore Business Federation says over a third of businesses in Singapore already hurting from tariff pain; Knight Frank says US tariffs expected to ...
Market Focus Daily: Thursday, May 22, 2025
22 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Asian equities track Wall Street sell-off as US deficit fears grow; Bank of Japan says it wont intervene to stop bond yield spike; Bitcoin rally takes...
Market Focus Daily: Wednesday, May 21, 2025
21 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Asia markets rally; Singapore central bank chief says US dollar assets irreplaceable; NTT’s upcoming data centre Reit listing on SGX lifts hopes...
Market Focus Daily: Tuesday, May 20, 2025
20 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Asian markets rebound as China cuts rates; CATL rises in Hong Kong trading debut in world’s top listing in 2025; US tariffs will hurt S-E Asia p...
Market Focus Daily: Monday, May 19, 2025
19 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Asian markets fall amid another round of ‘sell America’ after Moody’s downgrades US; Hong Kong dollar falls to near one-year low on ...
Market Focus Daily: Friday, May 16, 2025
16 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Australia shares hit over two-month high ahead of central bank decision; Indian stocks surge amid US-China trade tensions; Singapore’s April key...
Market Focus Daily: Thursday, May 15, 2025
15 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Asian stocks drop as trade truce rally fades; China’s investors signal trade truce is no panacea for markets; Cordlife jumps 48% to S$0.23 on pa...
Market Focus Daily: Wednesday, May 14, 2025
14 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Asian markets swing as China-US trade euphoria fades; Chinese stocks rally as Tencent, Alibaba report earnings; Frasers Property offers to privatise t...
Market Focus Daily: Tuesday, May 13, 2025
13 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Asian markets extend rally in glow of China-US truce; Singapore maritime and banks jump on trade de-escalation; Indian stocks, rupee and bonds rally d...
Market Focus Daily: Friday, May 9, 2025
09 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Asian stocks lifted by hopes for US-China talks after UK deal; Singapore dollar at 7-month high against US dollar; OCBC keeps 2025 guidance, but tarif...
Market Focus Daily: Thursday, May 8, 2025
08 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Asian markets mixed as tariff risks weigh on US Fed rate pause; Toyota sees US$1.3 billion profit hit in two months on tariffs; DBS net profit falls 2...
Market Focus Daily: Wednesday, May 7, 2025
07 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Asian stocks rise as China-US trade talks boost optimism; China ramps up monetary stimulus ahead of US trade meeting; Pakistan stocks tumble after Ind...
Market Focus Daily: Tuesday, May 6, 2025
06 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
US Dollar recovers some losses, Asian stocks gain as traders eye tariff deals; Hong Kong sells record amount of currency to defend exchange peg; Gold ...
Market Focus Daily: Monday, May 5, 2025
05 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Weak US dollar sends Asian currencies up; Taiwan markets roiled as Taiwan dollar surges in panic buy; Analysts warn that DBS, OCBC, UOB may cut guidan...
Market Focus Daily: Friday, May 2, 2025
02 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Asian stocks gain after China says it's considering trade talks with the US; Australia shares hit near two-month high on boost from banks; CapitaLand ...
Market Focus Daily: Wednesday, April 30, 2025
30 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Asian markets struggle as trade war hits China factory activity; China is privately exempting US-made goods exempt from 125% tariffs; Singapore invest...
Market Focus Daily: Tuesday, April 29, 2025
29 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Asian markets rise as traders gear up for earnings; China says willing to cooperate with US firms after Boeing spat; Amara surges 27% to all-time high...
Market Focus Daily: Monday, April 28, 2025
28 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Asian markets mixed on Monday as investors eye trade talks; Singapore’s growth outlook turns more cautious due to US tariffs; Thai bonds see rus...
Market Focus Daily: Friday, April 25, 2025
25 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
China weighs exempting some US goods from tariffs as costs rise; IMF cuts Singapore’s GDP growth forecast for 2025 on tariff shock; Tensions in ...
Market Focus Daily: Thursday, April 24, 2025
24 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Asian markets mixed; Malaysia’s stock market faces bleak outlook as foreign outflows hammer sentiment; India’s tech companies face trade w...
Market Focus Daily: Wednesday, April 23, 2025
23 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Asian markets rally as Trump comments ease Fed, China trade fears; PSA weighs selling 20% stake in CK Hutchison’s ports business. Synopsis: Mark...
Market Focus Daily: Tuesday, April 22, 2025
22 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The yen strengthens past 140 per dollar for the first time since September; Rupiah to extend losses as Bank Indonesia battles volatility; US imposes n...
Market Focus Daily: Monday, April 21, 2025
21 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Singapore’s long-dated bond yields get boost from steepest curve since 2022; Gold hits record high on weak US dollar, trade war woes; Yangzijian...
Market Focus Daily: Thursday, April 17, 2025
17 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Asian markets boosted by ‘Big Progress’ in Japan tariff talks; Bank of Korea holds rate steady while citing big rise in downside risks; Si...
Market Focus Daily: Wednesday, April 16, 2025
16 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Asian stocks struggle again as Nvidia chip curb warning pops calm; Hong Kong postal service halts US parcels on tariff ‘bullying’; China o...
Market Focus Daily: Tuesday, April 15, 2025
15 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Asian stocks mixed as stability returns; Automotive group Vin’s Holdings debuts higher in SGX’s first listing of 2025; UOBKH says data cen...
Market Focus Daily: Monday, April 14, 2025
14 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Asian stocks rise on electronics tariffs exemption; Singapore slashes 2025 growth forecast to 0-2%; MAS eases policy slightly, lowers inflation foreca...
Market Focus Daily: Friday, April 11, 2025
11 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Asian stocks, dollar sink as Trump tariff panic returns; US dollar slumps against Singapore dollar as tariff uncertainty continues to roil markets; Si...
Market Focus Daily: Thursday, April 10, 2025
10 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Trump lowers tariffs to 10% for most countries, raises them to 125% for China in about-turn; Asian stocks crack higher as Trump delays painful tariffs...
Market Focus Daily: Wednesday, April 9, 2025
09 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Asian equities resume selloff as Trump cranks up trade war; Oil settles down US$1 at four-year low as US-China trade war escalates; Asia’s trade...
Market Focus Daily: Tuesday, April 8, 2025
08 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Asian markets stage mild rebound but Trump tariff uncertainty reigns; PM Wong says Singapore may or may not face recession but GDP likely ‘signi...
Market Focus Daily: Monday, April 7, 2025
07 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Trump’s tariff ‘medicine’ injects turmoil into global markets; Asian markets plunge Hang Seng down 13.2%, Nikkei down 7.8%, STI down...
Market Focus Daily: Friday, April 4, 2025
04 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Asian stocks extend global rout after Trump’s shock tariff blitz; Tariffs rip through South-east Asia stocks, sink Vietnam’s market; Semic...
Market Focus Daily: Thursday, April 3, 2025
03 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Where Trump’s tariffs landed and how Singapore has been hit; How Asian countries and investors are reacting to Trump tariffs; Singapore’s ...
Market Focus Daily: Wednesday, April 2, 2025
02 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Asian markets edge up but uncertainty rules ahead of Trump tariffs; LTA issues Grab taxi operator licence in Singapore. Synopsis: Market Focus Daily i...
Market Focus Daily: Tuesday, April 1, 2025
01 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Asian markets edge back but Trump tariff fears dampen mood; Gold steady near all-time high as Trump’s tariff plans stir inflation woes; Oil pric...
Market Focus Daily: Friday, March 28, 2025
28 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Asian markets continue decline as auto stocks tumble; Trump’s tariff plans propel safe-haven gold to record high; Singapore’s STI crosses ...
Market Focus Daily: Thursday, March 27, 2025
27 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Trump drives trade war fears with 25% auto tariffs; Asian stocks falter as automakers tumble; Gold and oil prices edge up on tariff threats; mm2 Asia ...
Market Focus Daily: Wednesday, March 26, 2025
26 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Asian stocks follow Wall Street higher today; The US dollar meanders; Gold and oil prices rise and the ECB pushes back against calls to loosen rules f...
Market Focus Daily: Tuesday, March 25, 2025
25 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Asian stocks stumble today, dragged by a slide in Chinese tech shares after a strong rally; Investors weigh the prospect of narrower-than-feared US ta...
Market Focus Daily: Monday, March 24, 2025
24 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Asian investors struggle to get the week off to a strong start; Gold holds steady owing to a surge in demand for safe havens; Sinopec reports an almos...
Market Focus Daily: Friday, March 21, 2025
21 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Asian stocks fell today in a downbeat end to the week; Deepening geopolitical worries and fears over US tariffs and their impact on the global economy...
Market Focus Daily: Thursday, March 20, 2025
20 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The Federal Reserve could still deliver two rate cuts this year but remains hesitant to price in a lasting inflation surge; Asia shares edge up; Vietn...
Market Focus Daily: Tuesday, March 18, 2025
18 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Asian markets track Wall Street gains as tech inspires Hong Kong; Hong Kong stocks at a three-year high on China outlook; Japan's Nikkei ends at near ...
Market Focus Daily: Monday, March 17, 2025
17 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Thailand’s stock market rout deepens as rescue efforts miss; South Korea’s chip exports to China sink as US controls tighten; Gold edges h...
Market Focus Daily: Friday, March 14, 2025
14 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Asian markets rise on hopes for bill to avert US shutdown; Gold surges to record high as investors seek safety; Chinese stocks rally ahead of governme...
Market Focus Daily: Thursday, March 13, 2025
13 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Asian markets continue to weaken amid trade uncertainty; Taiwanese stocks slump as TSMC loses favour; Equity slump in India threatens economic growth;...
Market Focus Daily: Wednesday, March 12, 2025
12 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Most Asian stocks drop as Trump trade policy sows uncertainty; Global steel trade war heats up as Korea and Vietnam impose tariffs; Temasek investing ...
Market Focus Daily: Tuesday, March 11, 2025
11 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Asian markets track Wall Street selloff as Trump-fuelled economy fears build; Singapore bank stocks tumble as STI drops 2% after US, Asia market retre...