The Business Times
THE BOTTOM LINE
·
SUBSCRIBERS

Imagine OpenAI bonds, Labubu everywhere

Could 2026 see these four market developments?

Summarise
    • Increasing the supply of Labubus would show whether the toy by Pop Mart is a passing fad, says the writer.
    • Increasing the supply of Labubus would show whether the toy by Pop Mart is a passing fad, says the writer. PHOTO: REUTERS

    Shuli Ren

    Published Mon, Jan 5, 2026 · 05:30 PM

    FROM an artificial intelligence (AI)-fuelled stock rally to China shaking off US tariff threats and earning a record trade surplus, 2025 was full of economic marvels.

    Don’t expect debates over innovation and economic disruptions to disappear in 2026. There are four surprising-but-not-improbable developments on my watch list that you might want to consider.

    OpenAI bonds

    If WeWork was able to issue corporate bonds before going public, why can’t OpenAI, a unicorn behemoth valued at US$500 billion?

    Decoding Asia newsletter: your guide to navigating Asia in a new global order. Sign up here to get Decoding Asia newsletter. Delivered to your inbox. Free.

    OpenAIPop MartNew World DevelopmentPrivate credit

    Share with us your feedback on BT's products and services

    Feedback
    Latest T-bills Treasury Bills Results & Interest NewsLatest SSB Singapore Savings Bonds NewsLatest COE Certificate of Entitlement News
    Latest Johor-Singapore SEZ NewsLatest BTO Build To Order & Sales of Balance NewsLatest STI Straits Times Index NewsLatest SGX Dividends, Share Price NewsLatest Bonds Market NewsLatest Singapore Stocks To Buy NewsLatest Singapore Economy News
    View More