The Business Times Podcasts

Is the market caught in a volatility trap, or witnessing a fundamental pivot? Howie Lim and Chocolate Finance founder Walter de Oude get down to brass tacks: From the geopolitical tug-of-war at the Strait of Hormuz and AI investment anxiety to the Federal Reserve’s next move. What’s really driving these market swings and how can investors maintain a long-term perspective amidst today's short-term speculation? Highlights: 01:18 Hormuz deal and the oil risk premium 04:31 Fed's rate hike odds hit 54 per cent 06:13 AI optimism vs. Capex anxiety 10:19 Gold and yen resilience 12:52 Earnings beats keep getting sold off --- Send us your questions, thoughts, story ideas, and feedback to btpodcasts@sph.com.sg. --- Written and hosted by: Howie Lim (howielim@sph.com.sg) With Walter de Oude, founder of Chocolate Finance Edited by: Howie Lim & Claressa Monteiro Produced by: Howie Lim & Chai Pei Chieh A podcast by BT Podcasts, The Business Times, SPH Media --- Follow Market Focus Weekly podcasts every Friday: Channel: bt.sg/btmktfocus Amazon: bt.sg/mfam Apple Podcasts: bt.sg/mfap Spotify: bt.sg/mfsp YouTube Music: bt.sg/mfyt Website: bt.sg/mktfocus Do note: This podcast is meant to provide general information only. SPH Media accepts no liability for loss arising from any reliance on the podcast or use of third party’s products and services. Please consult professional advisors for independent advice.  Discover more BT podcast series: BT Money Hacks at: bt.sg/btmoneyhacks BT Correspondents at: bt.sg/btcobt BT Podcasts at: bt.sg/podcasts BT Lens On: bt.sg/btlensonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Headline news for August 7, 2026: OCBC's Q2 profit surges 22 per cent to S$2.22  billion, declaring a $0.47 interim dividend. UOB's profit rises 10 per cent. The US imposes a 15 per cent tariff on polysilicon targeting Chinese semiconductor and solar supply chains. Houthis wound eleven civilians in southern Saudi Arabia as further attacks are warned imminent.  Synopsis: A round up of global headlines to start your day by The Business Times.  Written by: Claressa Monteiro (claremb@sph.com.sg) Produced and edited by: Claressa Monteiro or Nicole Teo Produced by: BT Podcasts, The Business Times, SPH Media Produced with AI text-to-speech capabilities --- Follow Lens On Daily and rate us on: Channel: bt.sg/btlenson Amazon: bt.sg/lensam Apple Podcasts: bt.sg/lensap Spotify: bt.sg/lenssp YouTube Music: bt.sg/lensyt Website: bt.sg/lenson Feedback to: btpodcasts@sph.com.sg Do note: This podcast is meant to provide general information only. SPH Media accepts no liability for loss arising from any reliance on the podcast or use of third party’s products and services. Please consult professional advisors for independent advice.  Discover more BT podcast series: BT Mark To Market at: bt.sg/btmark2mkt  WealthBT at: bt.sg/btpropertybt PropertyBT at: bt.sg/btmktfocus BT Money Hacks at: bt.sg/btmoneyhacks BT Market Focus at: bt.sg/btmktfocus BT Podcasts at: bt.sg/podcasts BT Lens On: bt.sg/btlensonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why did Ambiq choose to dual-list in Singapore, and what does it signal about the future of AI in Asia? In this BT Podcasts feature special, Claressa Monteiro sits down with Fumihide "Humi" Esaka, global CEO of Ambiq Micro, to discuss the rise of Edge AI, how Ambiq's ultra-low-power chips enable AI to run directly on devices without relying on the cloud, and why the company expects rapid expansion in the years ahead. From growth prospects and investor sentiment to talent, innovation and Singapore's role as a regional technology hub, this conversation explores Ambiq's strategy and its outlook for the next phase of AI growth. Synopsis: The Business Times Podcast Channel presents diverse perspectives, in-depth analysis and news covering career, business, markets, investing, current affairs and tech. Highlights: 01:18 Why dual-listing now 03:50 Singapore as Asia R&D hub 04:59 Five-year growth plans 09:23 Ultra-low power chips 17:38 Why Edge AI matters now -- Now, we want to hear from you! Send us your questions, thoughts, story ideas, and feedback to btpodcasts@sph.com.sg. We’ll look into it for future episodes. --- Written and presented by: Claressa Monteiro (claremb@sph.com.sg) With Fumihide "Humi" Esaka, global CEO of Ambiq Micro Executive producer: Claressa Monteiro Producer: Nicole Teo Coordinating producer: Chai Pei Chieh Video production: Studio +65 A podcast by BT Podcasts, The Business Times, SPH Media --- Follow BT Podcasts: Channel: bt.sg/pcOM Apple Podcasts: bt.sg/pcAP Spotify: bt.sg/pcSP YouTube Music: bt.sg/giK9 Website: bt.sg/btpod Feedback to: btpodcasts@sph.com.sg Do note: This podcast is meant to provide general information only. SPH Media accepts no liability for loss arising from any reliance on the podcast or use of third party’s products and services. Please consult professional advisors for independent advice.  --- Discover more BT podcast series: BT Money Hacks at: bt.sg/btmoneyhacks BT Correspondents at: bt.sg/btcobt BT Market Focus at: bt.sg/btmktfocus BT Lens On: bt.sg/btlensonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Market news for August 6, 2026: Asian shares retreated, snapping AI-driven gains as tech sector weakness mirrored Wall Street’s pullback. Amidst cautious sentiment and stable oil, investors are now pivoting focus to critical US labor data, weighing recessionary risks against the prospect of September rate hikes. Synopsis: Market Focus Daily is a closing bell roundup by The Business Times that looks at the day’s market movements and news from Singapore and the region. Written by: Howie Lim (howielim@sph.com.sg) Produced and edited by: Chai Pei Chieh & Claressa Monteiro Produced by: BT Podcasts, The Business Times, SPH Media Produced with AI text-to-speech capabilities --- Follow Market Focus Daily and rate us on: Channel: bt.sg/btmktfocus Amazon: bt.sg/mfam Apple Podcasts: bt.sg/mfap Spotify: bt.sg/mfsp YouTube Music: bt.sg/mfyt Website: bt.sg/mktfocus Feedback to: btpodcasts@sph.com.sg Do note: This podcast is meant to provide general information only. SPH Media accepts no liability for loss arising from any reliance on the podcast or use of third party’s products and services. Please consult professional advisors for independent advice.  Discover more BT podcast series: BT Money Hacks at: bt.sg/btmoneyhacks BT Correspondents at: bt.sg/btcobt BT Podcasts at: bt.sg/podcasts BT Lens On: bt.sg/btlensonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Headline news for August 6, 2026: Iran and Oman agree the geographical coordinates of a proposed Hormuz shipping route but the waterway stays closed as long as the US naval blockade holds and a fee dispute remains unresolved. DBS declares eighty-one cents in dividends per share as net profit grows nine per cent on record wealth management income.  Synopsis: A round up of global headlines to start your day by The Business Times.  Written by: Claressa Monteiro (claremb@sph.com.sg) Produced and edited by: Claressa Monteiro or Nicole Teo Produced by: BT Podcasts, The Business Times, SPH Media Produced with AI text-to-speech capabilities --- Follow Lens On Daily and rate us on: Channel: bt.sg/btlenson Amazon: bt.sg/lensam Apple Podcasts: bt.sg/lensap Spotify: bt.sg/lenssp YouTube Music: bt.sg/lensyt Website: bt.sg/lenson Feedback to: btpodcasts@sph.com.sg Do note: This podcast is meant to provide general information only. SPH Media accepts no liability for loss arising from any reliance on the podcast or use of third party’s products and services. Please consult professional advisors for independent advice.  Discover more BT podcast series: BT Mark To Market at: bt.sg/btmark2mkt  WealthBT at: bt.sg/btpropertybt PropertyBT at: bt.sg/btmktfocus BT Money Hacks at: bt.sg/btmoneyhacks BT Market Focus at: bt.sg/btmktfocus BT Podcasts at: bt.sg/podcasts BT Lens On: bt.sg/btlenson  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Singapore's retrenchments have risen to their highest level since 2020, with degree holders and mid-career professionals among the hardest hit. In this episode of Lens on Singapore, Claressa Monteiro sits down with Desmond Tan, Deputy Secretary-General of NTUC and Senior Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office, to discuss the factors driving job losses, how AI is reshaping the workforce, and the support available to help workers navigate career transitions and prepare for the future. Highlights of the conversation:  01:49 Benefits of joining a union 04:16 Launch of the "AI Ready SG" movement 08:37 Support measures for displaced workers 10:51 AI as a game-changer for older workers 16:32 Representation for non-unionised companies --- Now, we want to hear from you! Send us your questions, thoughts, story ideas, and feedback to btpodcasts@sph.com.sg. We’ll look into it for future episodes. --- Written and presented by: Claressa Monteiro (claremb@sph.com.sg) With Desmond Tan, Deputy Secretary-General of NTUC and Senior Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office Executive producer: Claressa Monteiro Producer: Nicole Teo Coordinating producer: Chai Pei Chieh Video production: Studio +65 A podcast by BT Podcasts, The Business Times, SPH Media --- Follow Lens On and rate us on: Channel: bt.sg/btlenson Amazon: bt.sg/lensam Apple Podcasts: bt.sg/lensap Spotify: bt.sg/lenssp YouTube Music: bt.sg/lensyt Website: bt.sg/lenson Do note: This podcast is meant to provide general information only. SPH Media accepts no liability for loss arising from any reliance on the podcast or use of third party’s products and services. Please consult professional advisors for independent advice.  Discover more BT podcast series: BT Money Hacks at: bt.sg/btmoneyhacks BT Correspondents at: bt.sg/btcobt BT Market Focus at: bt.sg/btmktfocus BT Podcasts at: bt.sg/podcastsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Market news for August 5, 2026: Asian shares climbed sharply today, following Wall Street's record-breaking rally, with technology shares leading the gains. Oil prices tumbled more than 5%, its lowest in three weeks over easing concerns on global oil supplies. And, the Japanese yen strengthened slightly as traders remain alert for further intervention. Synopsis: Market Focus Daily is a closing bell roundup by The Business Times that looks at the day’s market movements and news from Singapore and the region. Written by: Nicole Teo (nicolet@sph.com.sg) Produced and edited by: Chai Pei Chieh & Claressa Monteiro Produced by: BT Podcasts, The Business Times, SPH Media Produced with AI text-to-speech capabilities --- Follow Market Focus Daily and rate us on: Channel: bt.sg/btmktfocus Amazon: bt.sg/mfam Apple Podcasts: bt.sg/mfap Spotify: bt.sg/mfsp YouTube Music: bt.sg/mfyt Website: bt.sg/mktfocus Feedback to: btpodcasts@sph.com.sg Do note: This podcast is meant to provide general information only. SPH Media accepts no liability for loss arising from any reliance on the podcast or use of third party’s products and services. Please consult professional advisors for independent advice.  Discover more BT podcast series: BT Money Hacks at: bt.sg/btmoneyhacks BT Correspondents at: bt.sg/btcobt BT Podcasts at: bt.sg/podcasts BT Lens On: bt.sg/btlensonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Headline news for August 5, 2026: Iran wants full control of inbound shipping through the Strait of Hormuz under a framework being negotiated with Oman and its position is unlikely to change. Oil falls more than five per cent and Wall Street closes at record highs as hopes grow for a diplomatic resolution to the Iran war.  Synopsis: A round up of global headlines to start your day by The Business Times.  Written by: Claressa Monteiro (claremb@sph.com.sg) Produced and edited by: Claressa Monteiro or Nicole Teo Produced by: BT Podcasts, The Business Times, SPH Media Produced with AI text-to-speech capabilities --- Follow Lens On Daily and rate us on: Channel: bt.sg/btlenson Amazon: bt.sg/lensam Apple Podcasts: bt.sg/lensap Spotify: bt.sg/lenssp YouTube Music: bt.sg/lensyt Website: bt.sg/lenson Feedback to: btpodcasts@sph.com.sg Do note: This podcast is meant to provide general information only. SPH Media accepts no liability for loss arising from any reliance on the podcast or use of third party’s products and services. Please consult professional advisors for independent advice.  Discover more BT podcast series: BT Mark To Market at: bt.sg/btmark2mkt  WealthBT at: bt.sg/btpropertybt PropertyBT at: bt.sg/btmktfocus BT Money Hacks at: bt.sg/btmoneyhacks BT Market Focus at: bt.sg/btmktfocus BT Podcasts at: bt.sg/podcasts BT Lens On: bt.sg/btlensonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Market news for August 4, 2026: Asian markets remained choppy as investors balanced strong US earnings against rising oil prices fuelled by Hormuz attacks, while South Korea implemented new curbs to manage stock market volatility today. Plus, gold and oil rally. Synopsis: Market Focus Daily is a closing bell roundup by The Business Times that looks at the day’s market movements and news from Singapore and the region. Written by: Howie Lim (howielim@sph.com.sg) Produced and edited by: Chai Pei Chieh & Claressa Monteiro Produced by: BT Podcasts, The Business Times, SPH Media Produced with AI text-to-speech capabilities --- Follow Market Focus Daily and rate us on: Channel: bt.sg/btmktfocus Amazon: bt.sg/mfam Apple Podcasts: bt.sg/mfap Spotify: bt.sg/mfsp YouTube Music: bt.sg/mfyt Website: bt.sg/mktfocus Feedback to: btpodcasts@sph.com.sg Do note: This podcast is meant to provide general information only. SPH Media accepts no liability for loss arising from any reliance on the podcast or use of third party’s products and services. Please consult professional advisors for independent advice.  Discover more BT podcast series: BT Money Hacks at: bt.sg/btmoneyhacks BT Correspondents at: bt.sg/btcobt BT Podcasts at: bt.sg/podcasts BT Lens On: bt.sg/btlensonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Headline news for August 4, 2026: President Donald Trump said the US is engaged in talks with Iran, while Tehran has flatly denied that any negotiations are underway or scheduled. Aung San Suu Kyi, Myanmar's detained former leader, met with an International Committee of the Red Cross representative yesterday. Singapore's manufacturing sector expanded at a slightly faster pace in July, buoyed by the ongoing AI-driven upcycle. Synopsis: A round up of global headlines to start your day by The Business Times.  Written by: Nicole Teo (nicolet@sph.com.sg) Produced and edited by: Claressa Monteiro or Nicole Teo Produced by: BT Podcasts, The Business Times, SPH Media Produced with AI text-to-speech capabilities --- Follow Lens On Daily and rate us on: Channel: bt.sg/btlenson Amazon: bt.sg/lensam Apple Podcasts: bt.sg/lensap Spotify: bt.sg/lenssp YouTube Music: bt.sg/lensyt Website: bt.sg/lenson Feedback to: btpodcasts@sph.com.sg Do note: This podcast is meant to provide general information only. SPH Media accepts no liability for loss arising from any reliance on the podcast or use of third party’s products and services. Please consult professional advisors for independent advice.  Discover more BT podcast series: BT Mark To Market at: bt.sg/btmark2mkt  WealthBT at: bt.sg/btpropertybt PropertyBT at: bt.sg/btmktfocus BT Money Hacks at: bt.sg/btmoneyhacks BT Market Focus at: bt.sg/btmktfocus BT Podcasts at: bt.sg/podcasts BT Lens On: bt.sg/btlenson See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.