http://business-times.asiaone.com/alltheheadlines/0,4985,,00.html? The Business Times Online Edition - Singapore en-us Copyright 2007 Business Times Online. 24 Jul 2008 SGT 24 Jul 2008 SGT 60 http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/static/image/images/topmastheadsmall.gif http://business-times.asiaone.com http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/news/story/0,4574,289103,00.html? RETAIL sales in the Asia-Pacific grew almost 10 per cent to US$637 billion in 2007 from US$581 billion the year before, with China, India and Vietnam seeing significant growth. The News 24 Jul 2008 04:00 SGT http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/shippingtimes/story/0,4574,289099,00.html? (SHANGHAI) China's central government and the Shanghai city government are discussing merging Shanghai Airlines with China Eastern Airlines, major Chinese business magazine Caijing reported on its website yesterday. Shipping Times 24 Jul 2008 04:00 SGT http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/shippingtimes/story/0,4574,289097,00.html? (CHICAGO) Three major US airlines reported losses on Tuesday, sapped by soaring fuel costs, but stocks in the sector rose sharply as investors hoped falling crude oil prices signalled relief ahead. Shipping Times 24 Jul 2008 04:00 SGT http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/shippingtimes/story/0,4574,289080,00.html? (WASHINGTON) Federal aviation inspectors would have to wait two years after leaving their jobs before taking airline jobs in which they would deal with their old government bosses under legislation passed on Tuesday by the US House of Representatives. Shipping Times 24 Jul 2008 04:00 SGT http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/shippingtimes/story/0,4574,289094,00.html? (LONDON) London's effort to build the £16 billion (S$43.5 billion) Crossrail link from Heathrow Airport to Canary Wharf has won final approval from parliament, allowing the government to begin work on the 18-year-old plan. Shipping Times 24 Jul 2008 04:00 SGT http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/bizit/story/0,4574,289070,00.html? NUMONYX, one of the world's major suppliers of non-volatile memory chips, yesterday announced that it has made Singapore its global finished goods distribution hub. Biz IT 24 Jul 2008 04:00 SGT http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/bizit/story/0,4574,289064,00.html? SINGAPORE'S client PC market grew 24 per cent year-on-year in the second quarter of 2008, preliminary results from research agency IDC show. Biz IT 24 Jul 2008 04:00 SGT http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/bizit/story/0,4574,289117,00.html? (BOSTON) Business software maker VMware Inc has issued a revenue outlook that fell far short of expectations, saying customers were delaying purchases or opting for smaller contracts due to a weak economy. Biz IT 24 Jul 2008 04:00 SGT http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/news/story/0,4574,289052,00.html? (WASHINGTON) Most people in China are concerned about rising prices, unemployment and labour conditions, but have a positive view of the way things are going in their country, a US poll showed on Tuesday. The News 24 Jul 2008 04:00 SGT http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/news/story/0,4574,289042,00.html? (BEIJING) The Olympic Games have helped bring high-class western cuisine to Beijing, but its survival in the home of Peking Duck is far from assured despite a well-heeled potential clientele. The News 24 Jul 2008 04:00 SGT http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/news/story/0,4574,289044,00.html? (BEIJING) China's efforts to stem the flow of funds betting on yuan gains will do little to dull the allure of the nation's currency, Roth Capital Partners said. The News 24 Jul 2008 04:00 SGT http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/companies/story/0,4574,289125,00.html? WELL-KNOWN economist Chua Hak Bin is returning to his former employer Citigroup to head its Singapore equity research team. Companies & Markets 24 Jul 2008 04:00 SGT http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/companies/story/0,4574,289015,00.html? RESTAURANT operator Thai Village Holdings has entered into a proposed $296 million reverse takeover (RTO) deal that could make it a Chinese plastic stationery supplier. Companies & Markets 24 Jul 2008 04:00 SGT http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/companies/story/0,4574,289018,00.html? SINGAPORE Exchange (SGX) has put a halt to submissions of applications by Omega Capital Limited, saying that it is not satisfied that Omega has shown its ability to meet the standards expected of an issue manager and financial adviser. Companies & Markets 24 Jul 2008 04:00 SGT http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/companies/story/0,4574,289027,00.html? OCULUS, which is being sued by I Kate for alleged breach of an agreement to sell its contact lens business, said yesterday that it has initiated discussions with I Kate for an amicable settlement. Companies & Markets 24 Jul 2008 04:00 SGT http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/companies/story/0,4574,289016,00.html? CAPITACOMMERCIAL Trust (CCT) says it is 'open to all options' when it comes to plans for Market Street Car Park (MSCP), and these include selling the site. Companies & Markets 24 Jul 2008 04:00 SGT http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/companies/story/0,4574,289017,00.html? FRASERS Centrepoint Trust (FCT) yesterday reported distributable income of $12.2 million for the third quarter ended June 30, 2008 - an increase of 19 per cent from the year-ago period. Companies & Markets 24 Jul 2008 04:00 SGT http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/companies/story/0,4574,289038,00.html? JK TECHNOLOGY Group shareholders yesterday approved a reverse takeover that will pave the way for entertainment group St James to be listed on Singapore's Catalist board. Companies & Markets 24 Jul 2008 04:00 SGT http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/companies/story/0,4574,289060,00.html? ASCOTT Residence Trust (ART) said yesterday its second-quarter distributable income climbed 9.6 per cent to $13.3 million, from $12.1 million a year ago. Companies & Markets 24 Jul 2008 04:00 SGT http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/companies/story/0,4574,289036,00.html? YELLOW Pages (Singapore) said it has secured a total sales contract value of $47.6 million for its FY2009 Singapore Phone Directory canvass, which took place from September 2007 to June 2008. Companies & Markets 24 Jul 2008 04:00 SGT http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/companies/story/0,4574,289047,00.html? REAPING the benefit of its production expansion, SP Chemicals yesterday announced a 70 per cent year-on-year surge in net profit to 152.7 million yuan (S$30.3 million) for the second quarter ended June 30. Companies & Markets 24 Jul 2008 04:00 SGT http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/companies/story/0,4574,289063,00.html? ASCENDAS India Trust has reported distributable income of $12.4 million for its first quarter ended June 30, 2008, up 12 per cent from a year ago. Companies & Markets 24 Jul 2008 04:00 SGT http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/companies/story/0,4574,289123,00.html? Companies & Markets 24 Jul 2008 04:00 SGT http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/companies/story/0,4574,289026,00.html? FEARS that Neptune Orient Lines (NOL) may overpay for Germany's Hapag-Lloyd could be premature, at least in current circumstances. NOL had on Tuesday submitted an indicative bid for Hapag-Lloyd, the shipping arm of German group TUI. Companies & Markets 24 Jul 2008 04:00 SGT http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/news/story/0,4574,289029,00.html? (SYDNEY) Core inflation in Australia accelerated to its fastest annual pace in 17 years last quarter as the cost of fuel, financing and rents all climbed, suggesting interest rates would have to stay high for some time to come. The News 24 Jul 2008 04:00 SGT http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/news/story/0,4574,289031,00.html? (NEW YORK) Federal Reserve chairman Ben Bernanke has gained influence over interest rate expectations since 2006, and now wields five times more market clout than any other central bank policy maker, a study said. The News 24 Jul 2008 04:00 SGT http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/news/story/0,4574,289035,00.html? (WASHINGTON) When he talks about why the economy is ailing, President Bush often uses polite euphemism, citing 'challenges in the housing and financial markets'. But Mr Bush offered a far blunter assessment last week at a closed Republican fund-raiser in Houston: 'Wall Street got drunk.' The News 24 Jul 2008 04:00 SGT http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/news/story/0,4574,289062,00.html? (HANOI) Vietnam's consumer prices are expected to rise 25 per cent this year, nearly double last year's rate of inflation, a state-run newspaper quoted the government as saying yesterday. The News 24 Jul 2008 04:00 SGT http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/suite/story/0,4574,289068,00.html? (MELBOURNE) Australia's mortgage arrears rate rose to a record in May as home owners struggle to meet loan repayments which have surged with the highest interest rates in 12 years, according to Standard & Poor's. Property 24 Jul 2008 04:00 SGT http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/suite/story/0,4574,289067,00.html? UOL's Newton Suites has been selected as one of the five contenders for the International Highrise Award (IHA). Property 24 Jul 2008 04:00 SGT http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/suite/story/0,4574,289091,00.html? (SINGAPORE) Amid the quiet investment sales market, two small office blocks have been sold - in High Street and Middle Road - for a total of about $40 million or $1,300-plus per sq ft of existing net lettable area (NLA). Both buildings have 999-year leaseshold tenure. Property 24 Jul 2008 04:00 SGT http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/suite/story/0,4574,289115,00.html? A DISTRICT 10 collective sale site at Robin Drive, off Bukit Timah Road, has been relaunched for sale - with a new asking price as much as 40 per cent lower in view of the current market sentiment. Property 24 Jul 2008 04:00 SGT http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/suite/story/0,4574,289066,00.html? A BEACHFRONT home on the Western Australian coast, just a 15-minute drive from Perth, can be yours at prices starting at around A$1.5 million (S$2 million) to A$1.6 million for the smallest units. Property 24 Jul 2008 04:00 SGT http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/news/story/0,4574,289103,00.html? RETAIL sales in the Asia-Pacific grew almost 10 per cent to US$637 billion in 2007 from US$581 billion the year before, with China, India and Vietnam seeing significant growth. The News 24 Jul 2008 04:00 SGT http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/shippingtimes/story/0,4574,289099,00.html? (SHANGHAI) China's central government and the Shanghai city government are discussing merging Shanghai Airlines with China Eastern Airlines, major Chinese business magazine Caijing reported on its website yesterday. Shipping Times 24 Jul 2008 04:00 SGT http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/shippingtimes/story/0,4574,289097,00.html? (CHICAGO) Three major US airlines reported losses on Tuesday, sapped by soaring fuel costs, but stocks in the sector rose sharply as investors hoped falling crude oil prices signalled relief ahead. Shipping Times 24 Jul 2008 04:00 SGT http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/shippingtimes/story/0,4574,289080,00.html? (WASHINGTON) Federal aviation inspectors would have to wait two years after leaving their jobs before taking airline jobs in which they would deal with their old government bosses under legislation passed on Tuesday by the US House of Representatives. Shipping Times 24 Jul 2008 04:00 SGT http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/shippingtimes/story/0,4574,289094,00.html? (LONDON) London's effort to build the £16 billion (S$43.5 billion) Crossrail link from Heathrow Airport to Canary Wharf has won final approval from parliament, allowing the government to begin work on the 18-year-old plan. Shipping Times 24 Jul 2008 04:00 SGT http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/bizit/story/0,4574,289070,00.html? NUMONYX, one of the world's major suppliers of non-volatile memory chips, yesterday announced that it has made Singapore its global finished goods distribution hub. Biz IT 24 Jul 2008 04:00 SGT http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/bizit/story/0,4574,289064,00.html? SINGAPORE'S client PC market grew 24 per cent year-on-year in the second quarter of 2008, preliminary results from research agency IDC show. Biz IT 24 Jul 2008 04:00 SGT http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/bizit/story/0,4574,289117,00.html? (BOSTON) Business software maker VMware Inc has issued a revenue outlook that fell far short of expectations, saying customers were delaying purchases or opting for smaller contracts due to a weak economy. Biz IT 24 Jul 2008 04:00 SGT http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/news/story/0,4574,289052,00.html? (WASHINGTON) Most people in China are concerned about rising prices, unemployment and labour conditions, but have a positive view of the way things are going in their country, a US poll showed on Tuesday. The News 24 Jul 2008 04:00 SGT http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/news/story/0,4574,289042,00.html? (BEIJING) The Olympic Games have helped bring high-class western cuisine to Beijing, but its survival in the home of Peking Duck is far from assured despite a well-heeled potential clientele. The News 24 Jul 2008 04:00 SGT http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/news/story/0,4574,289044,00.html? (BEIJING) China's efforts to stem the flow of funds betting on yuan gains will do little to dull the allure of the nation's currency, Roth Capital Partners said. The News 24 Jul 2008 04:00 SGT http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/companies/story/0,4574,289125,00.html? WELL-KNOWN economist Chua Hak Bin is returning to his former employer Citigroup to head its Singapore equity research team. Companies & Markets 24 Jul 2008 04:00 SGT http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/companies/story/0,4574,289015,00.html? RESTAURANT operator Thai Village Holdings has entered into a proposed $296 million reverse takeover (RTO) deal that could make it a Chinese plastic stationery supplier. Companies & Markets 24 Jul 2008 04:00 SGT http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/companies/story/0,4574,289018,00.html? SINGAPORE Exchange (SGX) has put a halt to submissions of applications by Omega Capital Limited, saying that it is not satisfied that Omega has shown its ability to meet the standards expected of an issue manager and financial adviser. Companies & Markets 24 Jul 2008 04:00 SGT http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/companies/story/0,4574,289027,00.html? OCULUS, which is being sued by I Kate for alleged breach of an agreement to sell its contact lens business, said yesterday that it has initiated discussions with I Kate for an amicable settlement. Companies & Markets 24 Jul 2008 04:00 SGT http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/companies/story/0,4574,289016,00.html? CAPITACOMMERCIAL Trust (CCT) says it is 'open to all options' when it comes to plans for Market Street Car Park (MSCP), and these include selling the site. Companies & Markets 24 Jul 2008 04:00 SGT http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/companies/story/0,4574,289017,00.html? FRASERS Centrepoint Trust (FCT) yesterday reported distributable income of $12.2 million for the third quarter ended June 30, 2008 - an increase of 19 per cent from the year-ago period. Companies & Markets 24 Jul 2008 04:00 SGT http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/companies/story/0,4574,289038,00.html? JK TECHNOLOGY Group shareholders yesterday approved a reverse takeover that will pave the way for entertainment group St James to be listed on Singapore's Catalist board. Companies & Markets 24 Jul 2008 04:00 SGT http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/companies/story/0,4574,289060,00.html? ASCOTT Residence Trust (ART) said yesterday its second-quarter distributable income climbed 9.6 per cent to $13.3 million, from $12.1 million a year ago. Companies & Markets 24 Jul 2008 04:00 SGT http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/companies/story/0,4574,289036,00.html? YELLOW Pages (Singapore) said it has secured a total sales contract value of $47.6 million for its FY2009 Singapore Phone Directory canvass, which took place from September 2007 to June 2008. Companies & Markets 24 Jul 2008 04:00 SGT http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/companies/story/0,4574,289047,00.html? REAPING the benefit of its production expansion, SP Chemicals yesterday announced a 70 per cent year-on-year surge in net profit to 152.7 million yuan (S$30.3 million) for the second quarter ended June 30. Companies & Markets 24 Jul 2008 04:00 SGT http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/companies/story/0,4574,289063,00.html? ASCENDAS India Trust has reported distributable income of $12.4 million for its first quarter ended June 30, 2008, up 12 per cent from a year ago. Companies & Markets 24 Jul 2008 04:00 SGT http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/companies/story/0,4574,289123,00.html? Companies & Markets 24 Jul 2008 04:00 SGT http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/companies/story/0,4574,289026,00.html? FEARS that Neptune Orient Lines (NOL) may overpay for Germany's Hapag-Lloyd could be premature, at least in current circumstances. NOL had on Tuesday submitted an indicative bid for Hapag-Lloyd, the shipping arm of German group TUI. Companies & Markets 24 Jul 2008 04:00 SGT http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/news/story/0,4574,289029,00.html? (SYDNEY) Core inflation in Australia accelerated to its fastest annual pace in 17 years last quarter as the cost of fuel, financing and rents all climbed, suggesting interest rates would have to stay high for some time to come. The News 24 Jul 2008 04:00 SGT http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/news/story/0,4574,289031,00.html? (NEW YORK) Federal Reserve chairman Ben Bernanke has gained influence over interest rate expectations since 2006, and now wields five times more market clout than any other central bank policy maker, a study said. The News 24 Jul 2008 04:00 SGT http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/news/story/0,4574,289035,00.html? (WASHINGTON) When he talks about why the economy is ailing, President Bush often uses polite euphemism, citing 'challenges in the housing and financial markets'. But Mr Bush offered a far blunter assessment last week at a closed Republican fund-raiser in Houston: 'Wall Street got drunk.' The News 24 Jul 2008 04:00 SGT http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/news/story/0,4574,289062,00.html? (HANOI) Vietnam's consumer prices are expected to rise 25 per cent this year, nearly double last year's rate of inflation, a state-run newspaper quoted the government as saying yesterday. The News 24 Jul 2008 04:00 SGT http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/suite/story/0,4574,289068,00.html? (MELBOURNE) Australia's mortgage arrears rate rose to a record in May as home owners struggle to meet loan repayments which have surged with the highest interest rates in 12 years, according to Standard & Poor's. Property 24 Jul 2008 04:00 SGT http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/suite/story/0,4574,289067,00.html? UOL's Newton Suites has been selected as one of the five contenders for the International Highrise Award (IHA). Property 24 Jul 2008 04:00 SGT http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/suite/story/0,4574,289091,00.html? (SINGAPORE) Amid the quiet investment sales market, two small office blocks have been sold - in High Street and Middle Road - for a total of about $40 million or $1,300-plus per sq ft of existing net lettable area (NLA). Both buildings have 999-year leaseshold tenure. Property 24 Jul 2008 04:00 SGT http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/suite/story/0,4574,289115,00.html? A DISTRICT 10 collective sale site at Robin Drive, off Bukit Timah Road, has been relaunched for sale - with a new asking price as much as 40 per cent lower in view of the current market sentiment. Property 24 Jul 2008 04:00 SGT http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/suite/story/0,4574,289066,00.html? A BEACHFRONT home on the Western Australian coast, just a 15-minute drive from Perth, can be yours at prices starting at around A$1.5 million (S$2 million) to A$1.6 million for the smallest units. Property 24 Jul 2008 04:00 SGT http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/news/story/0,4574,289048,00.html? (MUMBAI) Indian stocks, rupee and bonds soared on speculation Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will push for overseas investment in banking and insurance after surviving the nation's first confidence vote in a decade on Tuesday night. The News 24 Jul 2008 04:00 SGT http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/news/story/0,4574,289053,00.html? (NEW DELHI) Fresh from winning a vote of confidence, India's government is likely to seek parliament's approval for reforms to boost foreign investment in private banks and insurance firms, senior officials said. The News 24 Jul 2008 04:00 SGT http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/news/story/0,4574,289059,00.html? (TURIN) Indian carmaker Tata Motors Ltd is open to Italy's Fiat helping to sell the ultra-cheap Nano model overseas, chairman Ratan Tata said on Tuesday. The News 24 Jul 2008 04:00 SGT http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/news/story/0,4574,289041,00.html? (JAKARTA) Bank Indonesia governor Boediono said fighting inflation will be the central bank's priority for the next one-and-a-half years, leaving the government to focus on boosting growth in South-east Asia's biggest economy. The News 24 Jul 2008 04:00 SGT http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/news/story/0,4574,289055,00.html? (SINGAPORE) A sustained balance of payments surplus in Indonesia will support the country's currency and so help contain inflation, which is being driven up by soaring import costs, a central bank official said on Tuesday. The News 24 Jul 2008 04:00 SGT http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/news/story/0,4574,289051,00.html? MALAYSIA'S inflation doubled in June to 7.7 per cent to hit a 26-year high following steep fuel hikes at the beginning of the month. The News 24 Jul 2008 04:00 SGT http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/news/story/0,4574,289033,00.html? (KUALA LUMPUR) Dominant fixed-line provider Telekom Malaysia is on track to roll out the first phase of a US$4.7 billion project to build a nationwide high- speed broadband network, a top official said yesterday. The News 24 Jul 2008 04:00 SGT http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/news/story/0,4574,289103,00.html? RETAIL sales in the Asia-Pacific grew almost 10 per cent to US$637 billion in 2007 from US$581 billion the year before, with China, India and Vietnam seeing significant growth. The News 24 Jul 2008 04:00 SGT http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/shippingtimes/story/0,4574,289099,00.html? (SHANGHAI) China's central government and the Shanghai city government are discussing merging Shanghai Airlines with China Eastern Airlines, major Chinese business magazine Caijing reported on its website yesterday. Shipping Times 24 Jul 2008 04:00 SGT http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/shippingtimes/story/0,4574,289097,00.html? (CHICAGO) Three major US airlines reported losses on Tuesday, sapped by soaring fuel costs, but stocks in the sector rose sharply as investors hoped falling crude oil prices signalled relief ahead. Shipping Times 24 Jul 2008 04:00 SGT http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/shippingtimes/story/0,4574,289080,00.html? (WASHINGTON) Federal aviation inspectors would have to wait two years after leaving their jobs before taking airline jobs in which they would deal with their old government bosses under legislation passed on Tuesday by the US House of Representatives. Shipping Times 24 Jul 2008 04:00 SGT http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/shippingtimes/story/0,4574,289094,00.html? (LONDON) London's effort to build the £16 billion (S$43.5 billion) Crossrail link from Heathrow Airport to Canary Wharf has won final approval from parliament, allowing the government to begin work on the 18-year-old plan. Shipping Times 24 Jul 2008 04:00 SGT http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/bizit/story/0,4574,289070,00.html? NUMONYX, one of the world's major suppliers of non-volatile memory chips, yesterday announced that it has made Singapore its global finished goods distribution hub. Biz IT 24 Jul 2008 04:00 SGT http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/bizit/story/0,4574,289064,00.html? SINGAPORE'S client PC market grew 24 per cent year-on-year in the second quarter of 2008, preliminary results from research agency IDC show. Biz IT 24 Jul 2008 04:00 SGT http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/bizit/story/0,4574,289117,00.html? (BOSTON) Business software maker VMware Inc has issued a revenue outlook that fell far short of expectations, saying customers were delaying purchases or opting for smaller contracts due to a weak economy. Biz IT 24 Jul 2008 04:00 SGT http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/news/story/0,4574,289052,00.html? (WASHINGTON) Most people in China are concerned about rising prices, unemployment and labour conditions, but have a positive view of the way things are going in their country, a US poll showed on Tuesday. The News 24 Jul 2008 04:00 SGT http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/news/story/0,4574,289042,00.html? (BEIJING) The Olympic Games have helped bring high-class western cuisine to Beijing, but its survival in the home of Peking Duck is far from assured despite a well-heeled potential clientele. The News 24 Jul 2008 04:00 SGT http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/news/story/0,4574,289044,00.html? (BEIJING) China's efforts to stem the flow of funds betting on yuan gains will do little to dull the allure of the nation's currency, Roth Capital Partners said. The News 24 Jul 2008 04:00 SGT http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/companies/story/0,4574,289125,00.html? WELL-KNOWN economist Chua Hak Bin is returning to his former employer Citigroup to head its Singapore equity research team. Companies & Markets 24 Jul 2008 04:00 SGT http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/companies/story/0,4574,289015,00.html? RESTAURANT operator Thai Village Holdings has entered into a proposed $296 million reverse takeover (RTO) deal that could make it a Chinese plastic stationery supplier. Companies & Markets 24 Jul 2008 04:00 SGT http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/companies/story/0,4574,289018,00.html? SINGAPORE Exchange (SGX) has put a halt to submissions of applications by Omega Capital Limited, saying that it is not satisfied that Omega has shown its ability to meet the standards expected of an issue manager and financial adviser. Companies & Markets 24 Jul 2008 04:00 SGT http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/companies/story/0,4574,289027,00.html? OCULUS, which is being sued by I Kate for alleged breach of an agreement to sell its contact lens business, said yesterday that it has initiated discussions with I Kate for an amicable settlement. Companies & Markets 24 Jul 2008 04:00 SGT http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/companies/story/0,4574,289016,00.html? CAPITACOMMERCIAL Trust (CCT) says it is 'open to all options' when it comes to plans for Market Street Car Park (MSCP), and these include selling the site. Companies & Markets 24 Jul 2008 04:00 SGT http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/companies/story/0,4574,289017,00.html? FRASERS Centrepoint Trust (FCT) yesterday reported distributable income of $12.2 million for the third quarter ended June 30, 2008 - an increase of 19 per cent from the year-ago period. Companies & Markets 24 Jul 2008 04:00 SGT http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/companies/story/0,4574,289038,00.html? JK TECHNOLOGY Group shareholders yesterday approved a reverse takeover that will pave the way for entertainment group St James to be listed on Singapore's Catalist board. Companies & Markets 24 Jul 2008 04:00 SGT http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/companies/story/0,4574,289060,00.html? ASCOTT Residence Trust (ART) said yesterday its second-quarter distributable income climbed 9.6 per cent to $13.3 million, from $12.1 million a year ago. Companies & Markets 24 Jul 2008 04:00 SGT http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/companies/story/0,4574,289036,00.html? YELLOW Pages (Singapore) said it has secured a total sales contract value of $47.6 million for its FY2009 Singapore Phone Directory canvass, which took place from September 2007 to June 2008. Companies & Markets 24 Jul 2008 04:00 SGT http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/companies/story/0,4574,289047,00.html? REAPING the benefit of its production expansion, SP Chemicals yesterday announced a 70 per cent year-on-year surge in net profit to 152.7 million yuan (S$30.3 million) for the second quarter ended June 30. Companies & Markets 24 Jul 2008 04:00 SGT http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/companies/story/0,4574,289063,00.html? ASCENDAS India Trust has reported distributable income of $12.4 million for its first quarter ended June 30, 2008, up 12 per cent from a year ago. Companies & Markets 24 Jul 2008 04:00 SGT http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/companies/story/0,4574,289123,00.html? Companies & Markets 24 Jul 2008 04:00 SGT http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/companies/story/0,4574,289026,00.html? FEARS that Neptune Orient Lines (NOL) may overpay for Germany's Hapag-Lloyd could be premature, at least in current circumstances. NOL had on Tuesday submitted an indicative bid for Hapag-Lloyd, the shipping arm of German group TUI. Companies & Markets 24 Jul 2008 04:00 SGT http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/news/story/0,4574,289029,00.html? (SYDNEY) Core inflation in Australia accelerated to its fastest annual pace in 17 years last quarter as the cost of fuel, financing and rents all climbed, suggesting interest rates would have to stay high for some time to come. The News 24 Jul 2008 04:00 SGT http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/news/story/0,4574,289031,00.html? (NEW YORK) Federal Reserve chairman Ben Bernanke has gained influence over interest rate expectations since 2006, and now wields five times more market clout than any other central bank policy maker, a study said. The News 24 Jul 2008 04:00 SGT http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/news/story/0,4574,289035,00.html? (WASHINGTON) When he talks about why the economy is ailing, President Bush often uses polite euphemism, citing 'challenges in the housing and financial markets'. But Mr Bush offered a far blunter assessment last week at a closed Republican fund-raiser in Houston: 'Wall Street got drunk.' The News 24 Jul 2008 04:00 SGT http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/news/story/0,4574,289062,00.html? (HANOI) Vietnam's consumer prices are expected to rise 25 per cent this year, nearly double last year's rate of inflation, a state-run newspaper quoted the government as saying yesterday. The News 24 Jul 2008 04:00 SGT http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/suite/story/0,4574,289068,00.html? (MELBOURNE) Australia's mortgage arrears rate rose to a record in May as home owners struggle to meet loan repayments which have surged with the highest interest rates in 12 years, according to Standard & Poor's. Property 24 Jul 2008 04:00 SGT http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/suite/story/0,4574,289067,00.html? UOL's Newton Suites has been selected as one of the five contenders for the International Highrise Award (IHA). Property 24 Jul 2008 04:00 SGT http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/suite/story/0,4574,289091,00.html? (SINGAPORE) Amid the quiet investment sales market, two small office blocks have been sold - in High Street and Middle Road - for a total of about $40 million or $1,300-plus per sq ft of existing net lettable area (NLA). Both buildings have 999-year leaseshold tenure. Property 24 Jul 2008 04:00 SGT http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/suite/story/0,4574,289115,00.html? A DISTRICT 10 collective sale site at Robin Drive, off Bukit Timah Road, has been relaunched for sale - with a new asking price as much as 40 per cent lower in view of the current market sentiment. Property 24 Jul 2008 04:00 SGT http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/suite/story/0,4574,289066,00.html? A BEACHFRONT home on the Western Australian coast, just a 15-minute drive from Perth, can be yours at prices starting at around A$1.5 million (S$2 million) to A$1.6 million for the smallest units. Property 24 Jul 2008 04:00 SGT http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/news/story/0,4574,289103,00.html? RETAIL sales in the Asia-Pacific grew almost 10 per cent to US$637 billion in 2007 from US$581 billion the year before, with China, India and Vietnam seeing significant growth. The News 24 Jul 2008 04:00 SGT http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/shippingtimes/story/0,4574,289099,00.html? (SHANGHAI) China's central government and the Shanghai city government are discussing merging Shanghai Airlines with China Eastern Airlines, major Chinese business magazine Caijing reported on its website yesterday. Shipping Times 24 Jul 2008 04:00 SGT http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/shippingtimes/story/0,4574,289097,00.html? (CHICAGO) Three major US airlines reported losses on Tuesday, sapped by soaring fuel costs, but stocks in the sector rose sharply as investors hoped falling crude oil prices signalled relief ahead. Shipping Times 24 Jul 2008 04:00 SGT http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/shippingtimes/story/0,4574,289080,00.html? (WASHINGTON) Federal aviation inspectors would have to wait two years after leaving their jobs before taking airline jobs in which they would deal with their old government bosses under legislation passed on Tuesday by the US House of Representatives. Shipping Times 24 Jul 2008 04:00 SGT http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/shippingtimes/story/0,4574,289094,00.html? (LONDON) London's effort to build the £16 billion (S$43.5 billion) Crossrail link from Heathrow Airport to Canary Wharf has won final approval from parliament, allowing the government to begin work on the 18-year-old plan. Shipping Times 24 Jul 2008 04:00 SGT http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/bizit/story/0,4574,289070,00.html? NUMONYX, one of the world's major suppliers of non-volatile memory chips, yesterday announced that it has made Singapore its global finished goods distribution hub. Biz IT 24 Jul 2008 04:00 SGT http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/bizit/story/0,4574,289064,00.html? SINGAPORE'S client PC market grew 24 per cent year-on-year in the second quarter of 2008, preliminary results from research agency IDC show. Biz IT 24 Jul 2008 04:00 SGT http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/bizit/story/0,4574,289117,00.html? (BOSTON) Business software maker VMware Inc has issued a revenue outlook that fell far short of expectations, saying customers were delaying purchases or opting for smaller contracts due to a weak economy. Biz IT 24 Jul 2008 04:00 SGT http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/news/story/0,4574,289052,00.html? (WASHINGTON) Most people in China are concerned about rising prices, unemployment and labour conditions, but have a positive view of the way things are going in their country, a US poll showed on Tuesday. The News 24 Jul 2008 04:00 SGT http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/news/story/0,4574,289042,00.html? (BEIJING) The Olympic Games have helped bring high-class western cuisine to Beijing, but its survival in the home of Peking Duck is far from assured despite a well-heeled potential clientele. The News 24 Jul 2008 04:00 SGT http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/news/story/0,4574,289044,00.html? (BEIJING) China's efforts to stem the flow of funds betting on yuan gains will do little to dull the allure of the nation's currency, Roth Capital Partners said. The News 24 Jul 2008 04:00 SGT http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/companies/story/0,4574,289125,00.html? WELL-KNOWN economist Chua Hak Bin is returning to his former employer Citigroup to head its Singapore equity research team. Companies & Markets 24 Jul 2008 04:00 SGT http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/companies/story/0,4574,289015,00.html? RESTAURANT operator Thai Village Holdings has entered into a proposed $296 million reverse takeover (RTO) deal that could make it a Chinese plastic stationery supplier. Companies & Markets 24 Jul 2008 04:00 SGT http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/companies/story/0,4574,289018,00.html? SINGAPORE Exchange (SGX) has put a halt to submissions of applications by Omega Capital Limited, saying that it is not satisfied that Omega has shown its ability to meet the standards expected of an issue manager and financial adviser. Companies & Markets 24 Jul 2008 04:00 SGT http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/companies/story/0,4574,289027,00.html? OCULUS, which is being sued by I Kate for alleged breach of an agreement to sell its contact lens business, said yesterday that it has initiated discussions with I Kate for an amicable settlement. Companies & Markets 24 Jul 2008 04:00 SGT http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/companies/story/0,4574,289016,00.html? CAPITACOMMERCIAL Trust (CCT) says it is 'open to all options' when it comes to plans for Market Street Car Park (MSCP), and these include selling the site. Companies & Markets 24 Jul 2008 04:00 SGT http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/companies/story/0,4574,289017,00.html? FRASERS Centrepoint Trust (FCT) yesterday reported distributable income of $12.2 million for the third quarter ended June 30, 2008 - an increase of 19 per cent from the year-ago period. Companies & Markets 24 Jul 2008 04:00 SGT http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/companies/story/0,4574,289038,00.html? JK TECHNOLOGY Group shareholders yesterday approved a reverse takeover that will pave the way for entertainment group St James to be listed on Singapore's Catalist board. Companies & Markets 24 Jul 2008 04:00 SGT http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/companies/story/0,4574,289060,00.html? ASCOTT Residence Trust (ART) said yesterday its second-quarter distributable income climbed 9.6 per cent to $13.3 million, from $12.1 million a year ago. Companies & Markets 24 Jul 2008 04:00 SGT http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/companies/story/0,4574,289036,00.html? YELLOW Pages (Singapore) said it has secured a total sales contract value of $47.6 million for its FY2009 Singapore Phone Directory canvass, which took place from September 2007 to June 2008. Companies & Markets 24 Jul 2008 04:00 SGT http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/companies/story/0,4574,289047,00.html? REAPING the benefit of its production expansion, SP Chemicals yesterday announced a 70 per cent year-on-year surge in net profit to 152.7 million yuan (S$30.3 million) for the second quarter ended June 30. Companies & Markets 24 Jul 2008 04:00 SGT http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/companies/story/0,4574,289063,00.html? ASCENDAS India Trust has reported distributable income of $12.4 million for its first quarter ended June 30, 2008, up 12 per cent from a year ago. Companies & Markets 24 Jul 2008 04:00 SGT http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/companies/story/0,4574,289123,00.html? Companies & Markets 24 Jul 2008 04:00 SGT http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/companies/story/0,4574,289026,00.html? FEARS that Neptune Orient Lines (NOL) may overpay for Germany's Hapag-Lloyd could be premature, at least in current circumstances. NOL had on Tuesday submitted an indicative bid for Hapag-Lloyd, the shipping arm of German group TUI. Companies & Markets 24 Jul 2008 04:00 SGT http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/news/story/0,4574,289029,00.html? (SYDNEY) Core inflation in Australia accelerated to its fastest annual pace in 17 years last quarter as the cost of fuel, financing and rents all climbed, suggesting interest rates would have to stay high for some time to come. The News 24 Jul 2008 04:00 SGT http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/news/story/0,4574,289031,00.html? (NEW YORK) Federal Reserve chairman Ben Bernanke has gained influence over interest rate expectations since 2006, and now wields five times more market clout than any other central bank policy maker, a study said. The News 24 Jul 2008 04:00 SGT http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/news/story/0,4574,289035,00.html? (WASHINGTON) When he talks about why the economy is ailing, President Bush often uses polite euphemism, citing 'challenges in the housing and financial markets'. But Mr Bush offered a far blunter assessment last week at a closed Republican fund-raiser in Houston: 'Wall Street got drunk.' The News 24 Jul 2008 04:00 SGT http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/news/story/0,4574,289062,00.html? (HANOI) Vietnam's consumer prices are expected to rise 25 per cent this year, nearly double last year's rate of inflation, a state-run newspaper quoted the government as saying yesterday. The News 24 Jul 2008 04:00 SGT http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/suite/story/0,4574,289068,00.html? (MELBOURNE) Australia's mortgage arrears rate rose to a record in May as home owners struggle to meet loan repayments which have surged with the highest interest rates in 12 years, according to Standard & Poor's. Property 24 Jul 2008 04:00 SGT http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/suite/story/0,4574,289067,00.html? UOL's Newton Suites has been selected as one of the five contenders for the International Highrise Award (IHA). Property 24 Jul 2008 04:00 SGT http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/suite/story/0,4574,289091,00.html? (SINGAPORE) Amid the quiet investment sales market, two small office blocks have been sold - in High Street and Middle Road - for a total of about $40 million or $1,300-plus per sq ft of existing net lettable area (NLA). Both buildings have 999-year leaseshold tenure. Property 24 Jul 2008 04:00 SGT http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/suite/story/0,4574,289115,00.html? A DISTRICT 10 collective sale site at Robin Drive, off Bukit Timah Road, has been relaunched for sale - with a new asking price as much as 40 per cent lower in view of the current market sentiment. Property 24 Jul 2008 04:00 SGT http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/suite/story/0,4574,289066,00.html? A BEACHFRONT home on the Western Australian coast, just a 15-minute drive from Perth, can be yours at prices starting at around A$1.5 million (S$2 million) to A$1.6 million for the smallest units. Property 24 Jul 2008 04:00 SGT http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/news/story/0,4574,289048,00.html? (MUMBAI) Indian stocks, rupee and bonds soared on speculation Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will push for overseas investment in banking and insurance after surviving the nation's first confidence vote in a decade on Tuesday night. The News 24 Jul 2008 04:00 SGT http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/news/story/0,4574,289053,00.html? (NEW DELHI) Fresh from winning a vote of confidence, India's government is likely to seek parliament's approval for reforms to boost foreign investment in private banks and insurance firms, senior officials said. The News 24 Jul 2008 04:00 SGT http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/news/story/0,4574,289059,00.html? (TURIN) Indian carmaker Tata Motors Ltd is open to Italy's Fiat helping to sell the ultra-cheap Nano model overseas, chairman Ratan Tata said on Tuesday. The News 24 Jul 2008 04:00 SGT http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/news/story/0,4574,289041,00.html? (JAKARTA) Bank Indonesia governor Boediono said fighting inflation will be the central bank's priority for the next one-and-a-half years, leaving the government to focus on boosting growth in South-east Asia's biggest economy. The News 24 Jul 2008 04:00 SGT http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/news/story/0,4574,289055,00.html? (SINGAPORE) A sustained balance of payments surplus in Indonesia will support the country's currency and so help contain inflation, which is being driven up by soaring import costs, a central bank official said on Tuesday. The News 24 Jul 2008 04:00 SGT http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/news/story/0,4574,289051,00.html? MALAYSIA'S inflation doubled in June to 7.7 per cent to hit a 26-year high following steep fuel hikes at the beginning of the month. The News 24 Jul 2008 04:00 SGT http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/news/story/0,4574,289033,00.html? (KUALA LUMPUR) Dominant fixed-line provider Telekom Malaysia is on track to roll out the first phase of a US$4.7 billion project to build a nationwide high- speed broadband network, a top official said yesterday. The News 24 Jul 2008 04:00 SGT http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/shippingtimes/story/0,4574,289079,00.html? (SEOUL) Despite a sliding stock market, bidders for South Korea's Daewoo Shipbuilding may have to pay a hefty premium and large fees to snap up the coveted US$4 billion asset amid upbeat prospects for the sector. Shipping Times 24 Jul 2008 04:00 SGT http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/shippingtimes/story/0,4574,289112,00.html? (HONG KONG) STX Shipbuilding Co, the owner of Europe's largest shipyard, said that it received a 214.1 billion won (S$288 million) order from Europe for two bulk carriers, filling an opening from a cancellation. Shipping Times 24 Jul 2008 04:00 SGT http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/shippingtimes/story/0,4574,289069,00.html? (LONDON) The Baltic Dry Index, a measure of shipping costs for commodities, had an eighth consecutive decline on reduced demand for so-called panamax vessels to haul grains. Shipping Times 24 Jul 2008 04:00 SGT http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/shippingtimes/story/0,4574,289085,00.html? (ATHENS) A group including Hutchison Port and Greek pharmaceuticals group Alapis made the highest bid to run and upgrade cargo facilities at Greece's Thessaloniki port (OLTH), the government said on Tuesday. Shipping Times 24 Jul 2008 04:00 SGT http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/shippingtimes/story/0,4574,289116,00.html? (CHICAGO) United Parcel Service (UPS) on Tuesday reported an in-line profit that was hit by fuel costs and a weak US economy, but the package delivery company's shares rose more than 3 per cent as analysts said it was performing well despite multiple challenges. Shipping Times 24 Jul 2008 04:00 SGT http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/companies/story/0,4574,289020,00.html? THE Singapore market yesterday enjoyed its second surge this week, as oil prices slid overnight and more US banks reported better-than-expected earnings, boosting financial-sector shares. Companies & Markets 24 Jul 2008 04:00 SGT http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/news/story/0,4574,289028,00.html? SINGAPORE is the world's 13th most expensive city for expatriates, and the fifth most expensive in Asia. The News 24 Jul 2008 04:00 SGT http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/news/story/0,4574,289030,00.html? AS maestro of Singapore's investment drive for two decades, most recently the push into the biomedical sciences, it's inevitable that Philip Yeo gets asked about the next big industry here. Someone even sought his views on developing the local arts scene. The News 24 Jul 2008 04:00 SGT http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/news/story/0,4574,289032,00.html? SOAP TV junkies can look forward to an almost no-waiting time fix: Come September, Ugly Betty, Prison Break, Grey's Anatomy and other popular US TV shows will be available on SingTel's mio TV platform as early as 24 hours after their US premiere. The News 24 Jul 2008 04:00 SGT http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/news/story/0,4574,289039,00.html? UTILITIES company Singapore Power is upgrading its billing system to 'improve customer service and cater to future business needs'. The News 24 Jul 2008 04:00 SGT http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/news/story/0,4574,289037,00.html? WINNERS of this year's Fastest Growing 50 companies were given their awards yesterday by Senior Minister of State (Foreign Affairs) Balaji Sadasivan at the Ritz Carlton Millennia. The News 24 Jul 2008 04:00 SGT http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/news/story/0,4574,289061,00.html? AUSTRALIA is pushing forth with its bold initiative to form an Asia-Pacific community grouping by 2020, with the next phase of dialogues with the region set to begin in September. The News 24 Jul 2008 04:00 SGT http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/news/story/0,4574,289057,00.html? PREMIUMS for certificates of entitlement in all five vehicle categories fell yesterday amid a quiet market. The News 24 Jul 2008 04:00 SGT http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/specialfocus/story/0,4574,289095,00.html? (SINGAPORE) Asean's dialogue partners - Japan, Australia, China, New Zealand and the United States - said they will be appointing ambassadors to Asean as the economic group becomes more integrated and institutionalised with last year's signing of the Asean Charter. Special Focus 24 Jul 2008 04:00 SGT http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/specialfocus/story/0,4574,289049,00.html? (SINGAPORE) US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, who met her North Korean counterpart for the first time, said the six nations involved in North Korea disarmament talks had a good meeting yesterday. Special Focus 24 Jul 2008 04:00 SGT http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/specialfocus/story/0,4574,289105,00.html? (SINGAPORE) The United States yesterday praised South-east Asia's main grouping as a forum for rallying to 'try to solve problems', despite its apparent lack of success in mediating an escalating Thai-Cambodia border dispute. Special Focus 24 Jul 2008 04:00 SGT http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/specialfocus/story/0,4574,289122,00.html? THE doctor is IN. Tommy Tan, psychiatrist, ushers you into his consultation room, which is warmly coloured and well furnished. He invites you to sit across his desk on an upright chair. Special Focus 24 Jul 2008 04:00 SGT http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/news/story/0,4574,289010,00.html? (SINGAPORE) For the first time in at least two decades, construction costs for some 99-year condo sites are actually higher than their land costs. The News 24 Jul 2008 04:00 SGT http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/news/story/0,4574,289011,00.html? (WASHINGTON) Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac rose after US lawmakers reached a deal on legislation that authorises Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson to bail out the mortgage-finance providers while placing few restrictions on the companies. The News 24 Jul 2008 04:00 SGT http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/news/story/0,4574,289019,00.html? (SINGAPORE) He works for Lexus, but this golfer won the Singapore Country Final of the Mercedes trophy. This has led to a court case as well as an awkward situation. The golfer is suing the Mercedes-Benz distributor - his firm's rival - for refusing to send him to represent Singapore at its Asian Final to be held in Australia next week. The News 24 Jul 2008 04:00 SGT http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/news/story/0,4574,289013,00.html? SOME Apple investors are jittery over the gaunt appearance of chief executive Steve Jobs. The News 24 Jul 2008 04:00 SGT http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/news/story/0,4574,289008,00.html? IN the article 'AG raps govt units over performance lapses' (BT, July 22), we said the Health Promotion Board initially declared just $6 million of longer-term investments but that the actual amount was much higher - at $30 million. The News 24 Jul 2008 04:00 SGT http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/news/story/0,4574,289023,00.html? (SINGAPORE) Good pay attracts workers but does not make them stay, according to a global poll that includes Singapore for the first time. The News 24 Jul 2008 04:00 SGT http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/news/story/0,4574,289022,00.html? (SINGAPORE) Singapore's consumer price index (CPI) rose 7.5 per cent year-on-year in June on the back of higher food and housing costs, according to the Department of Statistics. The News 24 Jul 2008 04:00 SGT http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/news/story/0,4574,289009,00.html? GOOD pay attracts workers but does not make them stay, according to a global poll that includes Singapore for the first time. The News 24 Jul 2008 04:00 SGT http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/views/story/0,4574,289073,00.html? AFTER weeks of political uncertainty and two days of chaotic debate in Parliament, Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's government won a no-confidence vote on Tuesday. Views & Opinions 24 Jul 2008 04:00 SGT http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/views/story/0,4574,289071,00.html? FREE trade is widely held to be a good thing, but few 'free' things come without cost, hidden or revealed. Views & Opinions 24 Jul 2008 04:00 SGT http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/views/story/0,4574,289074,00.html? THE current financial crisis cannot be solely blamed on the shenanigans of financiers. Views & Opinions 24 Jul 2008 04:00 SGT http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/views/story/0,4574,289098,00.html? IN A recent panel discussion involving several Singapore bank chief executive officers (CEOs), one was quoted as saying that remuneration in financial services is 'inherently unfair', as those who get more rewards sometimes did not earn as much for the bank. Views & Opinions 24 Jul 2008 04:00 SGT http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/views/story/0,4574,289109,00.html? THIS column should really be about Belgium's latest bout of linguistic feuding and the decision by Belgian Prime Minister Yves Leterme to tender his resignation, thereby plunging his country into another political crisis. Views & Opinions 24 Jul 2008 04:00 SGT http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/views/story/0,4574,289034,00.html? WE EXPECT technology stocks in Singapore to report subdued Q2 2008 results. Although nine out of the 17 tech stocks under our coverage are expected to post positive y-o-y earnings, only two companies are expected to report net profit improvements of more than 30 per cent y-o-y Views & Opinions 24 Jul 2008 04:00 SGT http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/views/story/0,4574,289043,00.html? (LONDON) The dollar hit a one- month peak against the yen and a two-week high versus the euro yesterday, buoyed by a sharp slide in oil prices, a recovery in stocks and hawkish rhetoric from US officials. Views & Opinions 24 Jul 2008 04:00 SGT http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/news/story/0,4574,289113,00.html? (LONDON) Sovereign wealth funds, which own about US$3 trillion in assets, may almost triple their investments in the next five years as oil and gas prices surge, State Street Corp said. The News 24 Jul 2008 04:00 SGT http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/news/story/0,4574,289083,00.html? (NEW YORK) Hoping to tap into higher returns overseas, General Electric said on Tuesday that it would team up with a sovereign wealth fund in Abu Dhabi to create a US$8 billion commercial finance fund based in the Middle East. The News 24 Jul 2008 04:00 SGT http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/news/story/0,4574,289114,00.html? (BANGALORE) New York attorney general Andrew Cuomo is preparing to file civil securities-fraud charges against UBS AG, possibly as early as this week, the Wall Street Journal said yesterday. The News 24 Jul 2008 04:00 SGT http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/news/story/0,4574,289111,00.html? (WASHINGTON) Congress may outlaw elements of oil futures trading that lawmakers found distorted demand and contributed to the 69 per cent surge in prices in the past year. The News 24 Jul 2008 04:00 SGT http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/news/story/0,4574,289101,00.html? (GENEVA) Indian Commerce Minister Kamal Nath yesterday welcomed a shifting US position on farm subsidies at WTO trade talks, saying that this was a positive development as ministers attempt to clinch a new global deal. The News 24 Jul 2008 04:00 SGT http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/news/story/0,4574,289118,00.html? (LONDON) A day after after its stock crashed 14 per cent on a weaker-than- expected trading report, mobile phone group Vodafone announced a surprise £1 billion (S$2.7 billion) buyback programme to shore up the share price. The News 24 Jul 2008 04:00 SGT http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/news/story/0,4574,289120,00.html? (SAN FRANCISCO) Yahoo Inc's net profit fell 19 per cent but investors took heart that it did not change its outlook despite a weakening US economy and the distraction of Microsoft Corp's failed takeover bid. The News 24 Jul 2008 04:00 SGT http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/html/btpre/registration/redirect.jsp?dlink=/sub/news/story/0,4574,289102,00.html? (PARIS) Retailers' belief that customers like a price ending in a nine rather than a rounded-up zero - 199.99 instead of 200.00, for instance - has been borne out by scientific research on a restaurant menu. The News 24 Jul 2008 04:00 SGT