Japan’s trade win, bond yields and Singapore’s big bet on the STI

Claressa Monteiro
Published Fri, Jul 25, 2025 · 05:46 PM
    • Asian markets celebrated this week after the US-Japan trade deal.
    • Asian markets celebrated this week after the US-Japan trade deal. PHOTO: ADOBE STOCK

    Japan’s new trade pact with the US has sent the Nikkei soaring. But is the euphoria justified?

    In this episode of Market Focus Weekly, a podcast from The Business Times hosted by Emily Liu, Endowus CIO Hugh Chung joins the show to unpack the headlines moving Asian markets this week from bond market jitters and central bank silence to a billion-dollar boost for Singapore’s Straits Times Index (STI).

    And if you’re wondering whether the de-dollarisation narrative holds water, or where retail investors are looking beyond the US, we’ve got you covered.

    Why listen?

    Because Japan just bagged a trade win but is the rally overcooked?

    Markets love momentum, but some parts of the Nikkei are already looking pricey.

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    Because bond yields are climbing quietly but steadily

    Japan’s 30-year yield just breached 3 per cent. That’s not nothing.

    Because Singapore’s MAS is putting real money on the table

    A S$1.1 billion injection to lift market participation? It’s a move worth watching.

    Because everyone’s talking about de-dollarisation but should you care?

    The noise is loud, but the fundamentals may tell a different story.

    Market Focus Weekly is a markets podcast from The Business Times, hosted by Emily Liu. Catch past episodes on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or at bt.sg/podcasts.

    Do you have a market mystery you want decoded? Drop us a note at btpodcasts@sph.com.sg.

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    Written and hosted by: Emily Liu (emilyliu@sph.com.sg)

    With Hugh Chung, chief investment officer, Endowus

    Edited by: Chai Pei Chieh & Claressa Monteiro

    Produced by: Emily & Chai Pei Chieh

    A podcast by BT Podcasts, The Business Times, SPH Media

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