Market Review and Outlook
The Federal Reserve’s hawkish stance tamed markets in the Asia-Pacific on Thursday (Sep 21), with key bourses from South Korea to Australia swimming in a sea of red hours after the United States central bank’s policy rate decision.
Singapore’s benchmark, the Straits Times Index (STI) was not spared the rout as it dipped 1.2 per cent or 39.19 points to 3,202.81 points. Only four stocks of the 30-constituent blue-chip gauge closed higher.
Meanwhile, Wall Street tanked in a broad sell-off on Thursday, as investor risk appetite was dashed by worries that the Federal Reserve's restrictive monetary policy will remain in place for longer than anticipated. Singapore stocks may still face sell-off on Friday.
Local News to Watch
Minimum 4% Interest Rates Extended for Some CPF Accounts to End-2024
The Singapore government has extended the 4 percent interest rate floor for all Special, MediSave and Retirement Account monies for another year from Jan 1, 2024, to Dec 31, 2024.
The Central Provident Fund Board (CPF) and Housing and Development Board (HDB) said jointly on Thursday (Sep 21) the extension provides certainty for CPF members amid the uncertain interest-rate environment.
Savings in the Special and MediSave Account (SMA) will earn 4.04 percent interest in the fourth quarter of 2023.
Singapore Banks Step up Checks on China Clients With Investment-Linked Passports
Singapore banks are increasing scrutiny of some China clients with other citizenships, following last month’s crackdown on money laundering involving more than S$2.4 billion worth of assets that has rattled the Asian financial hub.
Some lenders have been reviewing new account openings and transactions with clients of Chinese origin carrying investment-linked passports, people with knowledge of the matter said. At least one international bank is closing some accounts of clients with citizenship from countries including Cambodia, Cyprus, Turkey and Vanuatu, one of the people said, asking not to be identified as the information is not public.
Other lenders in the city-state have started to evaluate whether to take fresh funds from clients with similar profiles on a case-by-case basis, said the people. The process is taking longer and more questions are being asked, the people added.
Comments