Singapore economy

Most countries avoided ‘protectionist virus’ this year, but US could be ‘epicentre of downside risks’ in 2026: DBS

The bank’s chief economist says to watch for more ‘DeepSeek moments’ from China and high levels of FDI in Asean next year

From left: Ryan Huang, Money FM 89.3 presenter, who moderated the panel; Chen Ze Ling, DBS group head of corporate and SME banking; Kok Ping Soon, SBF CEO; Wendy Foo, Ryan's Grocery founder; and Ryan Chioh, Far East Flora deputy group managing director.

More companies intensifying overseas expansion efforts after ‘better-than-expected’ 2025: panel

Singapore SMEs should also look into making sustainability a core part of their strategy as it helps with saving costs

Excluding motor vehicles, retail sales grew 3.7% in October, picking up from September’s revised 1.8% expansion.

Singapore retail sales growth picks up to 4.5% in October

Most retail categories record higher sales, led by watches and jewellery, as well as recreational goods

Singapore's purchasing managers' index rose to 50.2 in November, the highest level in eight months.

Singapore factory activity rises in November amid mixed regional performance

The S&P Global Asean Manufacturing PMI hits the third-highest print on record, while East Asian economies remain in contraction territory

This year's calendar has been full of government largesse, boosted not least by the SG60 celebrations.
THINKING ALOUD

After the leeway provided in 2025, will 2026 be the time to tighten belts?

Government goodies and low inflation helped to support spending power this year. Next year does not promise the same

Singapore can excel through investment and reinvestment to ensure continued innovation.
BRUNCH

Forget chasing the next Pfizer: Singapore’s biotech future lies in innovation, not giants

The Republic may not have a major player to call its own, but licensing deals and early-stage breakthroughs can still count as wins

Clockwise from top left: Chen Ze Ling, DBS’ group head of corporate and SME banking; Singapore Business Federation chief executive Kok Ping Soon; Ryan’s Grocery founder Wendy Foo; and Far East Flora deputy group managing director Ryan Chioh.

DBS market-outlook forum to examine AI, sustainability and global economic shifts shaping 2026

It will outline the challenges and opportunities firms may face in navigating the year ahead

How high rents could go in Singapore will likely be capped by Hong Kong and Dubai, which are also making a play for talent in AI, wealth management and fintech.

Singapore rents aren’t going anywhere, AI boom or not

There are good reasons to expect that housing prices in the city-state won’t swoon or zoom

Singapore stands out “for the constant evolution of its educational system, and its forward-looking approach to nurturing an adaptive and innovation-driven workforce”, according to this year's GTCI report.

Singapore overtakes Switzerland to claim top spot on global talent competitiveness index

This is the city-state’s first time atop the annual ranking, after coming in second for the past three editions

Factory output grew across the board in October, except for general manufacturing.

Singapore’s October factory output records highest jump in 15 years, up 29.1% on pharma surge

This surprised private-sector economists who had expected a 6.7% growth