About this episode

The episode discusses the impact of easing US-Iran tensions on global markets and Singapore's economic outlook amidst AI valuation concerns.

In this episode, our host and Head of Research, Thilan Wickramasinghe, discusses how easing tensions between the US and Iran are helping stabilise global markets, even as concerns over AI valuations continue to weigh on Asian equities. He explores why Singapore's resilient macroeconomic outlook continues to stand out, supported by stronger-than-expected growth, benign inflation and improving domestic fundamentals. We begin with Head of Macro Economics, Chua Hak Bin, who explains why Maybank has upgraded Singapore's 2026 GDP forecast and shares his outlook on inflation, monetary policy and the key risks facing the economy in the second half of the year. Next, our Analyst, Hussaini Saifee, discusses Singtel's latest capital recycling initiatives and why the stock remains a BUY despite recent weakness. He also highlights how AI, data centres and disciplined capital management continue to support the group's long-term growth outlook. We then turn to Thilan Wickramasinghe, who explains why OUE REIT's divestment of Crowne Plaza Changi Airport strengthens its balance sheet, enhances financial flexibility and supports continued upside despite near-term revenue dilution. Finally, Thilan…

People in this episode

Host: Thilan Wickramasinghe

Guests: Chua Hak Bin, Hussaini Saifee

Topics covered

• AI valuations
• global markets
• Singapore economy
• capital recycling
• banking sector
• macroeconomic outlook

Keywords

• AI
• Singapore GDP
• inflation
• Singtel
• OUE REIT
• banking sector
• capital management
• global markets

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Maybank, Singtel, OUE REIT

Places: Singapore, Malaysia, US, Iran

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