MONEY FM 89.3 - The Breakfast Huddle with Elliott Danker, Manisha Tank and Finance Presenter Ryan Huang

Todd Rabold, Investment Management Partner, Callan Family Office, discusses another day of record high closes for the benchmark indexes; whether the sizeable downward job growth revisions should be concerning; the continuing positive trajectory of AI spend; and why US, international and small cap stocks are good bets for investors in the current market environment. Produced/Presented: Emaad AkhtarSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From China’s weaker-than-expected export growth to Japan’s surprise leadership shake-up, this week’s market headlines are keeping investors on their toes. With U.S. stock valuations at dizzying highs and whispers of Fed rate cuts ahead, could Asia be the next big opportunity for global capital flows? Dan Koh unpacks it all with Martin Hennecke, Head of Asia and Middle East Investment Advisory, St James’ Place as they dive into China’s rallying stock market, Japan’s political transition and its impact on monetary policy, and why negative real interest rates could reshape investor strategies.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Southeast Asia is known for its booming startups and billion-dollar unicorns. But behind the growth story lies a quieter truth. Millions across the region still face poverty, and even in Singapore, one in four live in relative poverty, cut off from opportunities many take for granted. Traditional aid and microloans have tried to bridge the gap, but too often they fail to deliver lasting change. Join the Breakfast Show as they sit down with Raymond Gabriel, Co-founder and Executive Director of People Systems Consultancy (PSC), a social enterprise that has helped over 100,000 people raise their incomes, and in some cases by up to 400%, without a single loan, grant, or handout.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Apple’s widely anticipated ‘Awe Dropping’ event is finally here and it features a long list of products that consumers can look forward to. From a notably slimmer phone to a smartwatch that features new ways to track sleep and alert wearers of possible hypertension, one question remains: Are consumers and investors buying it? Find out with Dan Koh and Audrey Siek as they explore Apple’s latest arsenal of smart gadgets and whether they’re enough to keep the tech giant on top.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cyber threats are escalating, and SMEs are finding themselves increasingly in the firing line, from phishing and ransomware to costly business email compromise. Yet a QBE survey shows fewer than 4 in 10 SMEs in Singapore carry cyber insurance, with many citing cost or doubts about relevance. The real challenge is understanding what’s at stake: the financial risks of downtime, how coverage fits alongside basic cyber hygiene, and whether insurance should be treated as core to risk management. Sam Russell-Vick, Senior Cyber Underwriter, QBE Asia, joins the Breakfast Show to unpack the rising risks, why uptake remains low, and how SMEs can balance prevention, protection, and preparedness in 2025 and beyond.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Have you ever opened Instagram and wondered: How on earth are Gen Zs affording all these luxury trips? We’ve seen floating breakfasts in Bali, infinity pools in Dubai, drone shots in the Maldives… all treats for some 20-somethings we see on social media. Well… spoiler alert: many aren’t affording it. At least, not in the way you think. Audrey and Emaad unpack the secrets of this business-savvy generation, and how sometimes “fake luxury” can actually pay off. Presented by Audrey Siek and Emaad Akhtar Produced by Audrey Siek Edited by Trisha Yeong Photo and music credit: Pixabay & its talented community of contributorsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

AI is everywhere in today’s business landscape, powering chatbots, crunching data, and automating tasks. But for all its promise, many organisations are still struggling to turn AI into real results. That’s where the next wave comes in: Agentic AI, a shift from tools that assist to agents that act. The Breakfast Show invites Sandeep Bhargava, Senior Vice President, Global Services and Solutions, Public Cloud Business Unit at Rackspace Technology, to unpack what Agentic AI really means, why only a small group of AI leaders are pulling ahead, and how entrepreneurs and business leaders can harness this evolution to stay competitive in a rapidly changing market.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Intermittent fasting has been popularized the world over thanks to its purported health benefits, which have been supported by science. However, a new study has raised some few alarm bells, after it found a link between time-restricted eating and a higher risk of cardiovascular complications. Have a listen! Presented by Emaad Akhtar & Audrey Siek Produced by Emaad Akhtar Edited by Trisha Yeong Photo credit: Pexels & its talented community of contributors Music credit: Pixabay & its talented community of contributorsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Alex Morris, CEO & CIO, F/m Investments, discusses the unusually strong September start for markets in a historically weak month; the sustainability of the AI revolution beyond the Mag 7 and S&P 500; expectations for PPI and CPI prints; and the current investor playbook for cash, equities and fixed income. Produced/Presented: Emaad Akhtar Photo Credi: ST Illustration: Chng Choon Hiong, Adobe StockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's no secret that Singaporeans love to travel. But you might be surprised to hear that - according to findings from a recent survey co-commissioned by global travel app, Skyscanner and digital bank, Trust Bank - 40% of us believe saving for overseas trips is more important than other financial goals. Why is that so? Cyndi Hui, Travel Trends & Destination Expert, Skyscanner, tells us more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Volkswagen has long defined luxury and performance with brands like Bugatti, Bentley, Porsche, and Audi. But now, the German auto giant is making a bold pivot: chasing the entry-level EV market with a lineup of affordable electric small cars. But can this strategy offset Chinese competition, trade headwinds, and the pressure on Porsche’s performance? Dan Koh and Audrey Siek find out if Volkswagen can reinvent itself fast enough to thrive in the new EV era.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The world’s two largest economies may have hit pause on their trade war, but the truce is fragile, and the data rolling out this week could tell us just how shaky things really are. In light of China’s August trade and inflation numbers and the all-important Fed meeting, where a rate cut now looks more likely than ever, what does this all mean for markets, from bond yields and equities? And how should investors be reading the signals amid so much uncertainty? Dan Koh finds out with Barnabas Gan, Group Chief Economist & Head, Market Research, RHB BankSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The AI chip wars are heating up. With tech giants from Google to Meta designing their own custom silicon, Broadcom has just taken a bold step, announcing a $10 billion deal with OpenAI to co-develop next-generation AI accelerators. What could this mean for Nvidia’s dominance in the AI hardware space? And with high risks, long lead times, and questions over exclusivity, will this partnership deliver on its promise, or prove too ambitious? Join Dan Koh and Emaad Akhtar as they break down what this deal means for Broadcom, the semiconductor industry, and investors betting on the future of AI.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The 15th Parliament of Singapore opened on Friday, 5 September with the swearing-in of 97 elected Members of Parliament and two Non-Constituency MPs, including a record number of women and 32 first-time MPs. President Tharman Shanmugaratnam’s address laid out the Government’s priorities for the term, touching on keeping social mobility alive, strengthening unity, adapting to a shifting global order, and ensuring inclusive growth amid economic headwinds. So what do these priorities mean for jobs, wages, and opportunities? How will they shape the way Singapore navigates global uncertainty and domestic concerns in the years ahead? Joining the Breakfast Show is Dr. Eugene Tan, Associate Professor of Law at Singapore Management University, to unpack the signals, challenges, and opportunities from this new parliamentary term.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We talk alot about money on MoneyFM 89.3: How to handle your money, how to talk to your kids about money, budgeting, companies to watch, etc. But have you ever actually talked to your parents about their money? It feels like roles have reversed when this talk happens. CPF, insurance, savings, bills, investments… all very sensitive stuff. But it’s important; because chances are that we’ll have to step in at some point to help manage our parents’ finances. Audrey and Emaad discuss how to start the conversation early before an emergency happens. Presented by Audrey Siek and Emaad Akhtar Produced by Audrey Siek Edited by Trisha Yeong Photo and music credit: Pixabay & its talented community of contributorsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mark Newton, Managing Director & Global Head of Technical Strategy, Fundstrat Global Advisors deconstructs the S&P 500's 21st record close for the year and why there's been a bifurcation in the performance of tech stocks in the past month; freshly released lower-than-expected ADP private payroll numbers and expectations for August nonfarm payrolls; and why investors should bet on emerging markets and precious metals. Produced/Presented: Emaad Akhtar See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's quiz, we change things up a little to celebrate Audrey's special day! No multiple choice options; instead, a casual rapid fire round of trivia questions that dive a little deeper into the birthday queen's personality, likes and motivations! Happy birthday, Audrey! Presented by Emaad Akhtar & Audrey Siek Produced by Emaad Akhtar Edited by Trisha Yeong Photo and music credit: Pixabay & its talented community of contributorsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Singaporeans love food, but running an F&B business here is no walk in the park. High rents, manpower shortages, and razor-thin margins mean that many eateries struggle to survive beyond their first year. But what if the kitchen itself could be reimagined? Join the Breakfast Show as they invite Crono Lee, Marketing Manager of Aikit Pte Ltd, the company behind ChefGenie, Singapore’s first AI-powered autonomous kitchen. They find out how this new proprietary technology is tackling everything from manpower gaps to ensuring food quality and scalability, and how entrepreneurs can rethink entrenched problems with fresh solutions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From DeepSeek’s AI breakthrough to Alibaba’s chip ambitions and Meituan’s open-source model, it’s no question that China’s tech is rising fast. With policy tailwinds, a massive domestic market, and a wide valuation gap, investors are asking: can China rival U.S. tech dominance? Join Dan Koh as he speaks to Sean Teo, Sales Trader at Saxo, on China’s tech momentum, Nvidia’s challenge, and how investors can position. Plus, a look at the U.S. jobs report, inflation, and whether a Fed rate cut is coming this September.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With gold prices hitting fresh highs and mining stocks glittering with potential, investors are asking: is this the start of a new golden era or just another fleeting shine? CNMC Goldmine, Singapore’s only listed gold producer, has been making headlines with its production updates, expansion plans, and the impact of global gold price movements. Embark on the journey with Dan Koh and Audrey Siek as they dive into the world of Gold, breaking down CNMC’s latest stock performance, price trends, and what the future could hold for investors chasing that elusive sparkle.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The S&P 500 and Nasdaq closed higher on Wednesday, powered by tech heavyweights Alphabet and Apple after a favorable antitrust ruling eased regulatory fears. Joseph Sroka, CIO and Founder of NovaPoint Capital, unpacks why markets rallied despite September’s reputation as a tough month for equities, the implications of rising Treasury yields and tariff uncertainty, and how the Federal Reserve’s next move hinges on Friday’s jobs report. He also shares why AI-driven investment is rippling far beyond Silicon Valley, shaping opportunities across sectors from utilities to industrials. Produced/Presented: Ryan Huang Image by Gerd Altmann from PixabaySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When you see casino, luxury hotels, fine dining, and MICE facilities: the places that come to mind include Singapore and Las Vegas. But we have another one to add to the list. Sri Lanka’s new mega resort “City Of Dreams” is a landmark partnership between John Keells Holdings and Melco Resorts & Entertainment. Gihan Cooray, Deputy Chairperson, John Keells Holdings, tells us how this innovative project could impact the luxury and travel sector in the region. Produced and Presented by Audrey SiekSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Be In Front, a special series in partnership with KPMG in Singapore, we explore the value of foresight - the ability to anticipate change, seize opportunities, and stay competitive in an increasingly complex world. Ajay Kumar Sanganeria, Partner & Head of Tax at KPMG in Singapore, shares his perspective on how businesses can navigate shifting global tax landscapes, harness digital transformation, and future-proof their strategies. With over 23 years of experience advising multinational corporations, Ajay reveals how foresight isn’t just about reacting to disruption, but about positioning organisations to thrive in what comes next.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Boustead Singapore has been a quiet stalwart in engineering, energy, and real estate solutions for decades. But today, it’s making headlines for something bigger, a billion-dollar REIT listing that could reshape its future and unlock hidden value. So how did a legacy firm get here, and what does this transformation mean for investors? Join Dan Koh and Emaad Akhtar as they explore Boustead’s journey, its market impact, and why this once-steady industrial player is suddenly on everyone’s watchlist.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hands up if you had to do chores as a kid... but here’s the real question: Did your parents ever pay you for it? Celebrity chef Ayesha Curry, wife of NBA star Steph Curry, recently admitted she paid her 13-year-old daughter and niece $20 to clean the kitchen and living room. And it sparked this age-old parenting debate: should kids be paid for chores, or should they just pitch in because they’re part of the family? Presented by Audrey Siek, Ryan Huang and Emaad Akhtar Produced by Audrey Siek Edited by Trisha Yeong Photo and music credit: Pixabay & its talented community of contributorsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Do you think beards influence how a man might be perceived by society? Some studies suggest this might be the case. On Breakfast Bites, we dive into the traits that have been commonly associated with beards as well as some surprising world records! Presented by Emaad Akhtar, Ryan Huang & Audrey Siek Produced by Emaad Akhtar Edited by Trisha Yeong Photo and music credit: Pixabay & its talented community of contributorsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

U.S. stocks kicked off September on the back foot, with all three major indexes closing lower as investors weighed rising bond yields and the latest twists in trade policy. Big Tech names like Nvidia, Amazon, and Apple saw declines during regular trading, but Apple and Alphabet rebounded sharply after hours on key legal rulings. Fabien Yip, Market Analyst, IG breaks down what the appeals court’s decision on Trump’s tariffs means for markets, why profit-taking is hitting bull market winners, and how shifting legal winds could reshape the tech landscape. Produced/Presented: Ryan HuangSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

SGX CEO Loh Boon Chye marks 10 years at the helm and his recent CEO of the Year award with reflections on a decade of transformation — from an equities-led exchange to a multi-asset global hub. He shares the challenges, surprises, and opportunities ahead for Singapore’s markets, plus the leadership lessons he draws from his passion for safari adventures. Produced/Presented: Ryan HuangSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As cities grow denser and lives move faster, the spaces we inhabit are being asked to do more. And sitting right at the intersection of these needs is the design and build industry, shaping environments that influence how we live, work, and feel. Join the Breakfast Show as they invite Oliver Goh, Founder and Managing Director of Ngee Koon to discuss how his team is reimagining the future of interiors, not just as spaces, but as experiences with impact.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For years, Alibaba has been synonymous with e-commerce. But today, the real story is unfolding in the cloud and in artificial intelligence. With triple-digit AI growth and plans to reduce reliance on foreign chipmakers, Alibaba is now trying to reshape its identity in real time. Join Dan Koh and Ryan Huang as they look into the catalysts behind Alibaba’s impressive 19% jump in stock price, and whether Alibaba can truly emerge as a leader in the next wave of AI innovation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the final quarter of the year approaches, performance reviews will soon take centre stage and for many employees it brings a mix of anticipation and anxiety. The challenge is knowing how to prepare: what evidence of impact to bring to the table, how to align with next year’s priorities, and when it makes sense to raise questions about reskilling or internal moves. Shalynn Ler, Managing Director at Ethos BeathChapman (EBC Singapore), joins the Breakfast Show to discuss how employees can approach appraisals constructively, avoid common pitfalls, and keep conversations focused on both immediate outcomes and longer-term growth.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Southeast Asia navigates a volatile mix of political unrest and economic uncertainty, investors and policymakers alike are watching developments in Indonesia and Thailand with growing concern. In recent weeks, protests have flared across Indonesia, while Thailand faces fresh political instability following the ouster of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. Against this backdrop, questions loom large over economic resilience, monetary policy direction, and investor sentiment across ASEAN. We speak today with Lavanya Venkateswaran, Senior ASEAN Economist, OCBC, to unpack the economic implications of these flashpoints, & explore what it all means for regional stability heading into the final quarter of 2025. Produced/Presented: Ryan HuangSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After 70 years of date nights, family outings, and blockbuster premieres, the lights have gone out at Cathay Cineplexes. Once a cultural icon, the chain is now shuttered for good, dragged down by debt, landlords, and the unstoppable rise of streaming. Join Dan Koh and Emaad Akhtar as they trace Cathay’s final act, the financial struggles of its parent mm2 Asia, and what this means for the future of moviegoing in Singapore.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Singapore’s skyline is shaped by cranes, silently powering the city’s infrastructure. Behind these machines is an industry that is competitive, traditional, and in need of innovation. Pollisum Group, founded in 1984, has been part of this backbone for decades. Join the Breakfast Show as they invite Chris Ang, CEO of Pollisum Group to discuss how he transformed a family business, modernised operations, navigated a competitive industry, and is shaping the future of heavy-lifting in Singapore.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A woman in Singapore shared a video on Reddit about an older stranger who told her in Chinese "you’re pretty, but fat” while she was buying fishball noodles. She just laughed it off and called it the funniest part of her day; but this has also sparked a debate on whether it is ever acceptable to comment on someone’s weight and appearance. In many parts of Asia, blunt comments are a cultural norm; but is this a good reminder that maybe some comments should be kept to yourself? Presented by Audrey Siek, Ryan Huang and Emaad Akhtar Produced by Audrey Siek Edited by Trisha Yeong Photo and music credit: Pixabay & its talented community of contributorsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When was the last time you penned a letter to a friend or loved one, or anyone for that matter? In this predominantly digital age, the art of authentic letter writing has been lost on many. And that means fewer occurrences of seeing cool handwriting styles. On World Letter Writing Day, we dive into what your handwriting style may indicate about your personality! Maybe it'll rekindle a flame to put pen to paper! Have a listen! Presented by Emaad Akhtar, Ryan Huang & Audrey Siek Produced by Emaad Akhtar Edited by Trisha Yeong Photo and music credit: Pixabay & its talented community of contributorsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Political risk is back on the radar in Southeast Asia. Intensifying protests in Indonesia have rattled investor confidence in one of the region’s biggest emerging markets. We’ll unpack how this instability is reverberating through equities, currencies, and investor sentiment. At the same time, all eyes turn to the U.S., where this week’s jobs report could anchor expectations for the Fed’s September policy decision. Oriano Lizza, Sales Trader, CMC Markets Singapore breaks down what to watch in the markets, from AI-linked earnings to retail bellwethers — and whether September’s reputation as a tough trading month could play out again. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When you swipe a card or tap an app to pay your bills, chances are AXS is behind it. What started as a simple bill-payment kiosk has grown into one of ASEAN’s leading fintech companies. The Breakfast Show invites Jeffrey Goh, Group CEO & Executive Director, AXS Pte Ltd to uncover how he scaled the business, navigated challenges, and redefined digital payments in the region.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s Spotify versus Meta, Dan Koh versus Ryan Huang, and two months of stock suspense. Who rode the market waves better? From shocking earnings twists to AI surprises and user growth stories, tune in to find out who claimed the crown in this friendly but fierce stock battle.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In Singapore’s crowded investment platform space, standing out takes more than just low fees or a slick interface. Yaki Razmovich, Managing Director of eToro Singapore and Asia, discusses how the platform is redefining what it means to invest in a connected world. We look at the rise of social investing and the distinct habits of Asian retail investors, to the technologies set to reshape the next wave of fintech. Produced/Presented: Ryan HuangSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

U.S. stocks have surged to fresh records, with the S&P 500 breaking above 6,500 for the first time, powered by resilience in tech and optimism around Fed policy. Nvidia’s blockbuster growth highlights the relentless demand for AI chips, while upward GDP revisions underscore the scale of corporate investment in software and equipment. At the same time, small caps are outperforming as markets price in a faster pace of Fed rate cuts. Sonu Varghese, Vice President & Global Macro Strategist at Carson Group, unpacks the signals behind the rally. Produced/Presented: Ryan HuangSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Every September, Singapore transforms into a playground of speed, spectacle, and culture. But before the engines roar for Formula 1, another stage sets the tone, a festival where music, gaming, sports, and entertainment collide, where ideas spark, careers launch, and moments become legendary. On this episode of Mind Your Business, the Breakfast Show goes behind the scenes with Jasper Donat, CEO and co-founder of Branded, to explore 20 years of Asia’s most influential creative platforms, and what’s the next big frontier for the entertainment landscape.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.