Posts by Mark Darwin
Mapletree Industrial Trust stays defensive, resilient amid global uncertainties
[SINGAPORE] Mapletree Industrial Trust (MIT) will adopt a more defensive leasing strategy and continue to rebalance its portfolio through divestments amid the current macroeconomic uncertainties, said the manager of the real estate investment trust (Reit) on Friday (May 2). “One word to describe (the global economic outlook) is ‘uncertain’,” said Ler Lily, chief executive officer…
Read MoreGold set for worst week in more than two months; US jobs data eyed
GOLD prices were poised for their worst weekly performance in more than two months on Friday as receding trade tensions tempered safe-haven demand, while the market’s focus shifted to the US non-farm payrolls report, due later in the day. Spot gold was steady at US$3,239.15 an ounce as of 0206 GMT. Gold has lost more than 2 per cent…
Read MoreGold set for worst week in more than 2 months; US jobs data eyed
GOLD prices were poised for their worst weekly performance in more than two months on Friday as receding trade tensions tempered safe-haven demand, while the market’s focus shifted to the US non-farm payrolls report, due later in the day. Spot gold was steady at US$3,239.15 an ounce as of 0206 GMT. Gold has lost more than 2 per cent…
Read MoreChinese EV makers sell more plugin-hybrids in the EU to avoid tariffs: research firm
CHINESE carmakers including BYD and Chery are selling more plugin-hybrids in the European Union to avoid import tariffs on Chinese-made electric cars, data released on Friday showed. The two brands sold 3,269 and 757 plugin-hybrid vehicles (PHEVs), respectively, in the bloc in March, up from near zero sales in July 2024 when provisional tariffs were…
Read MoreiFast receives MAS trust business licence, enhances wealth management capabilities
[SINGAPORE] iFast Corp announced on Friday (May 2) that its global trust, a Singapore-incorporated entity within the group, has been granted a trust business licence by the Monetary Authority of Singapore. This development expands iFast’s wealth management capabilities by enhancing its platform to support clients across the entire wealth lifecycle, from accumulation and growth to…
Read MoreAutomakers could still face up to US$12,000 impact per car from tariffs
[WASHINGTON] A Michigan-based economic consulting group said on Thursday that automakers will still face a US$2,000 to US$12,000 tariff impact per vehicle despite the White House moving to soften trade levies on imported auto parts. Anderson Economic Group said US assembled vehicles like Honda’s Civic and Odyssey, the Chevy Malibu, Toyota Camry Hybrid, and Ford Explorer faced…
Read MoreXbox joins PlayStation in hiking console prices amid US tariff pressures
Published Fri, May 2, 2025 · 06:31 AM MICROSOFT’S Xbox is hiking the prices of its gaming consoles, controllers, first-party titles and other accessories, following similar moves by competitors due to US tariffs impacting global supply chains. In a blog post on Thursday, Xbox said it will raise prices of its products in the United…
Read MoreMastercard profit beats expectations on resilient consumer spending
MASTERCARD beat Wall Street estimates for first-quarter profit on Thursday as customers kept up spending on its card network despite the economic uncertainty sparked by US President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs. Executives said the fundamentals supporting consumer and business spending remained solid despite sentiment taking a hit from tariff-driven turmoil and geopolitical tensions. “While there is…
Read MoreEmployee Exit Emails That Don’t Burn Bridges
Leaving a job can be a bittersweet experience. Whether you’re moving on to new adventures or just need a change, the way you say goodbye matters. A well-crafted employee resignation announcement can help you maintain relationships and leave a positive impression. Here’s how to write a farewell email that keeps the doors open for future…
Read MoreHSBC to lose Asia expert as chairman Mark Tucker announces retirement
[LONDON] HSBC said on Thursday (May 1) that chairman Mark Tucker will retire by the end of this year, after nearly eight years in the role at Europe’s biggest bank presiding over its dramatic shrinking and navigating of Sino-US tensions. Tucker, the bank’s first ever externally-recruited chairman, will remain as a strategic adviser to CEO…
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