Economy
Core inflation cools to 0.7% for 2025 but MAS warns of 2026 rise
Core inflation cools to 0.7% for 2025 but MAS warns of 2026 rise
Food and services were the main anchors keeping prices stable as the year ended.
COE quota cut to 18,824 for Feb-Apr
Bidding opens 2 February with revised schedule in March–April.
Singapore AI drive to sustain productivity and wage growth: Teo
Teo cites 50 centres built in 12–18 months and a digital economy share of 18.6% of GDP.
8 in 10 Singaporeans fear faster inflation in 2026 as trade wars loom
The impact of trade policies is seen to push inflation up.
Only 47% of SMEs see growth as domestic wage bills surge
Domestic sector wage bills rose 10% in Q4 2025, as 36% of SMEs cite stiff competition.
AI semiconductor boom shields SG from 7.8% pharma export crash
Volatile pharmaceutical batches saw a massive reversal in December.
Leaders abandon firms as 67% prepare 2026 exit
Corporate stability fractures as two-thirds of senior executives confirm they are ready to leave current employers.
72% of real estate pros get pay rise as median salary hits $158,000
The city-state is leading other major economies, such as the US and UK.
Cost cuts hit 51% of firms as rental, manpower pressures mount
IWG says 54% intend to rely more on co-working networks in 2026 as expenses stay elevated.
Wellness and grocery sectors outpace apparel in spending shift
State-funded SG60 and CDC vouchers are also reshaping the sector.
AI set to take 41% of Singapore service work by 2027
Service staff using AI report spending 20% less time on routine cases, freeing about 4 hours weekly.
Deloitte urges Budget 2026 support as growth slows to 1%–3%
MTI forecasts Singapore’s growth at 1%–3% for 2026, down from last year’s pace.
Outbound investment hits $8.9b in Q4 after 119.1% jump
Knight Frank cites MSCI data as rising costs and skills gaps complicate overseas expansion.
UOB lifts gold outlook toward US$5,000 as USD/SGD heads to 1.25
SGD, gold, and yen top UOB’s safe-haven asset list.
SBF, PwC propose IP financing, AI grants for Budget 2026
The Budget recommendations target growth, innovation, and workforce support.
Monday Wrap: Economy cools in 2026, cross-border legal demand grows, and insurance premiums rebound
GDP growth is expected at 1.8–3% in 2026.
Real estate investment sales up 24% in Q4
Q4 volume climbs to $13.5b as commercial deals lead
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