In Focus

Property investments fell 37% to $3.02b in Q1

Big-ticket commercial deals were absent due to weaker market sentiment.

Property investments fell 37% to $3.02b in Q1

Big-ticket commercial deals were absent due to weaker market sentiment.

Singapore banks urged to use capital buffers

The regulator has eased funding requirements to allow for more losses.

Government launches $5.1b solidarity budget amidst lockdown

They will introduce a bill allowing businesses to defer rent and law payments, amongst others.

PMI falls to record low at 45.4 in March

Faster contractions in finished goods, imports, input prices, and order backlog dragged it down.

Challenging times ahead for banking industry

Delinquencies are sighted to rise from SMEs, large corporates, and retail customers.

Average monthly rent for Singapore expats swells 1.4%

Overseas relocation mainly from Hong Kong caused the increase.

MAS, finance associations float support packages for individuals and SMEs

It aims to support SMEs with continued access to bank credit and insurance cover.

Firms slash electric bills as Singapore launches live auctions for packages

On average, savings can hit 30% off the regulated tariff after live auctions were launched.

Telcos to take a hit from decline in travellers

Roaming revenue may be cut in half due to a decline in tourists.

Recession risks for 2020 to persist despite resilience budget: analysts

Another fiscal package may be necessary if recession lasts to Q4.

Factory output dipped 1.1% in February

The electronics sector saw the sharpest decline in output at 17.3%.

Singaporean services hit record-high in customer satisfaction in 2019

But customers stil bemoan the long waiting time in hospitals.

General insurance sector posts $28m in underwriting loss for 2019

The top five segments accounted for a combined $43.4m underwriting loss.

Share buybacks soared to 55-month high in March

The total consideration for the quarter nearly reached the full $544m figure in 2019.

COVID-19 pandemic to hit economy harder than SARS

Singapore’s GDP might drop as steeply as 2% YoY in the first half of the year.

Singapore SMEs' plight adds to banks' woes

NPL ratio will reach almost 2% YoY for the whole year, the highest since 2009.

Returns of China-focused S-REITs down 23% in March YTD

CapitaLand Retail China Trust led the declines with a 33% drop in returns.