Dollar Steadies Ahead of ECB and BoE Decisions as Markets Turn Risk-Off 
Fed Governor Lisa Cook Warns Inflation Risks Remain as Rates Stay Steady 
Singapore Budget 2026 Set for Fiscal Prudence as Growth Remains Resilient 
Vietnam’s Trade Surplus With US Jumps as Exports Surge and China Imports Hit Record 
Gold and Silver Prices Slide as Dollar Strength and Easing Tensions Weigh on Metals 
Asian Markets Slip as AI Spending Fears Shake Tech, Wall Street Futures Rebound 
U.S.-India Trade Framework Signals Major Shift in Tariffs, Energy, and Supply Chains 
Australia’s December Trade Surplus Expands but Falls Short of Expectations 
Dow Hits 50,000 as U.S. Stocks Stage Strong Rebound Amid AI Volatility 
South Korea’s Weak Won Struggles as Retail Investors Pour Money Into U.S. Stocks 
China Extends Gold Buying Streak as Reserves Surge Despite Volatile Prices 
U.S. Stock Futures Edge Higher as Tech Rout Deepens on AI Concerns and Earnings 
Trump Endorses Japan’s Sanae Takaichi Ahead of Crucial Election Amid Market and China Tensions 
South Korea Assures U.S. on Trade Deal Commitments Amid Tariff Concerns 
Trump Lifts 25% Tariff on Indian Goods in Strategic U.S.–India Trade and Energy Deal 
Oil Prices Slide on US-Iran Talks, Dollar Strength and Profit-Taking Pressure 
Singapore’s core inflation accelerated more than expected in October, highlighting renewed price pressures after months of easing. Official data released on Monday showed that the core consumer price index—which excludes private road transport and accommodation costs—rose 1.2% year-on-year, a notable jump from 0.4% in September. This also exceeded economists’ median forecast of 0.7%, according to a Reuters poll.
The higher core inflation reading suggests that certain domestic cost pressures remain firm, driven largely by services and essential goods categories. Despite recent signs of cooling in global commodity prices, factors such as labor costs, imported inflation, and seasonal spending may have contributed to October’s uptick.
Headline inflation, which measures the overall increase in consumer prices across all categories, also climbed 1.2% in October from a year earlier. This was higher than the expected 0.9%, indicating a broader increase in prices for households. While still moderate by global standards, the rise reinforces the need for careful monitoring as Singapore navigates a complex economic environment marked by external uncertainties and fluctuating global demand.
The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), however, has maintained a steady outlook. At its most recent policy review earlier last month, the central bank kept its monetary settings unchanged, pointing to continued stability in the broader economy. MAS forecasts core inflation to average around 0.5% for 2025, reflecting expectations of moderated price growth as external cost pressures ease. For 2024, headline inflation is projected to remain between 0.5% and 1.0%, suggesting that overall consumer prices will stay relatively contained compared to previous years.
As Singapore moves into the final months of the year, businesses and consumers alike will be watching upcoming data releases closely. The latest figures hint at a delicate balance between steady economic recovery and persistent cost pressures, making inflation developments a key area of focus for policymakers and market participants.
