Commentary

COMMENTARY

Companies must act as market and regulatory forces align

Large buyers need accurate emissions data to meet their own reporting obligations, and that pressure is cascading down the supply chain

Should Singapore’s US$1.4 billion in IPO proceeds in the year to Sep 25 – a 40-fold increase over 2024’s full-year total – scare you? No. That jump is a return to health.
COMMENTARY

5 key issues confronting investors now

Tariff fears, reshoring and AI bubble among worries for those on both sides of the Pacific

Sustainability reporting in Singapore has come a long way since it was introduced by SGX in 2016. In 2026, a decade after its introduction, all listed companies will be reporting their Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions in addition to their climate-related disclosures.
COMMENTARY

Climate reporting timelines have been extended but progress remains on track

The extra time is not about lowering the bar, but allowing smaller listed companies build the needed capabilities at a more manageable pace

Between 2005 and 2022, an average of 80% of Germany's defence purchases came from domestic firms.
COMMENTARY

Even after explosive run, European defence stocks may still have firepower left

Increased nationalist spending by governments could mean that valuations of these companies could march higher

The uncertainty surrounding President Donald Trump's trade policies are making funds flee America. Stocks are seeing through the smoke and mirrors, argues the writer.
COMMENTARY

How the US market fell from 4th to 41st for returns – and what it means for stocks in 2025

Trump’s vacillations over trade tariffs and the lead taken by non-US stocks could provide opportunities for investors

Global mitigation efforts have been insufficient so far to keep warming on track to stay below 1.5 deg C, a threshold past which catastrophic climate change becomes significantly more probable.
COMMENTARY

Singapore’s sovereign wealth investors GIC, Temasek find adaptation potential

Reports by the two suggest that adaptation opportunities are still undervalued, and that it pays to invest early

Even in a Europe-led year, investors should diversify their portfolios with stocks from outside Europe.
COMMENTARY

How to unlock Europe’s super strong stock market year

Always use a benchmark, analyse its components – sector weightings, country weightings, style tilts – and how they intersect

Deeply dour sentiment means European stocks should shine brightest in 2025, the writer argues.
COMMENTARY

Why Europe will power a big and beautiful 2025 for stocks

European sentiment is much uglier than reality warrants

Internationalisation is a significant hurdle facing Singapore's SMEs, says SBF CEO Kok Ping Soon.

Building a resilient business collective by empowering SMEs in uncertain times

They provide a livelihood for more vulnerable workers, and are instrumental in the development of local infrastructure and strengthening of community resilience

In 2023, around 40,000 HDB flats were leased out, versus just under 80,000 non-landed private residential units.
COMMENTARY

Issue over HDB rental rate shows need for data integrity

Accurate information will keep our marketplaces fair and transparent, and help people with decision-making