Daily Briefing: Emerging currencies slump after surprise easing; SIA faces $3.2b dilemma

And here’s how the insurance industry can improve in Singapore.

Emerging market currencies went into a tailspin Thursday as the Singapore central bank's surprise decision to loosen monetary policy ignited fears about Asia's developing economies, sending shudders across the region. The South Korean won took a bruising, falling more than one percent against the dollar, after a stunning electoral victory by the country's main opposition ended the conservative ruling party's 16-year parliamentary majority. Read more here.

Singapore Airlines Ltd. has a decision to make: throw more cash at Virgin Australia Holdings Ltd., which has burned up shareholder wealth in four of the past five years, or risk an unwelcome rival muscling in. A power-sharing agreement at Australia’s second-largest airline -- owned almost equally by Air New Zealand Ltd., Etihad Airways PJSC and Singapore Air -- unexpectedly fractured last month when the New Zealand carrier said it was considering putting its stake up for sale. Find out more here.

Have you ever wondered how many financial jargons you need to know when purchasing an insurance policy so that you do not become a victim of misselling? How confident are you in understanding fully what was stated on your insurance contract and how it works? Or do you even know what you have just purchased? Read more here.