US Markets Wrap: Markets at Record Highs - Fed Cuts, AI Alliances & the Smart Glasses Race

The U.S. Federal Reserve has just pulled the trigger on its latest rate cut — a move that could set the tone for global markets in the months ahead. As the dollar adjusts, all eyes are on Asia: Will regional currencies get a much-needed lift, or will lingering economic and geopolitical headwinds keep them under pressure? Joey Chew, Head of Asia FX Research, HSBC unpacks what the Fed’s decision means for the key Asian currencies, and how investors should navigate the shifting landscape of capital flows, carry trades, and currency risk. Produced/Presented: Ryan HuangSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Big brands are everywhere these days. They're so well marketed and advertised that you couldn't miss them if you tried.  But some of these companies may not have been founded because of the product or service that is helping them thrive in 2025. On this week's quiz, we dive into some unlikely but intriguing origin stories. Play along with the crew and see how you go!   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.

US stocks climb to fresh all-time highs after the Federal Reserve kicks off its rate-cut cycle, with small-cap stocks leading the charge. Christine Short, VP of Research at Wall Street Horizon shares what this means for investors. She also discusses the surprising $5 billion dollar partnership between Nvidia to shape the future of AI infrastructure; as well as Meta unveiling its newest Ray-Ban smart glasses, intensifying the race to dominate the wearable tech space. Produced/Presented: Ryan HuangSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The “5Cs” once defined success in Singapore: Cash, Car, Credit card, Condominium, and Country club. But as the nation turns 60, are our dreams changing? Join The Breakfast Show as they speak with Theresa Syn, founder of The Singaporean Dream and game studio SYNT, and Andrew Yeo, Chief Executive Officer at Income Insurance Limited, about how aspirations are shifting, why resilience matters, and what it means to dream boldly but sustainably in today’s uncertain world.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Puma shares jumped more than 10 percent after reports that Authentic Brands and CVC are preparing a bid for the Pinault family’s 29 percent stake. Join Dan Koh and Audrey Siek as they unpack the buyout rumors, what they reveal about Puma’s valuation, how the brand compares with Adidas and Nike, and how investors should weigh both the upside of a takeover premium and the risks if no deal happens.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Federal Reserve has cut rates and signaled two more reductions before year-end, sparking debate over whether policymakers are managing risks or overstepping in the face of persistent inflation and a cooling labor market. Ben Emons, Chief Investment Officer at FedWatch Advisors, unpacks the Fed’s latest move, the implications of its shift toward a more neutral stance, and how markets should interpret the diverging views within the FOMC.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Generation Alpha — kids born after 2010 — are growing up on TikTok and bite-sized content, and this has huge implications not just for classrooms, but also for how businesses and educators think about how to best connect and teach a new generation of students. In today's Bigger picture, Daniel Tay, Founder of BestMinds Academy, talks about the innovation needed to capture attention, and how tech is changing the education landscape. 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 unpack the values and strategies that keep organisations not just prepared, but to Be In Front. Here, we explore how Courage empowers leaders to take strategic risks, embrace bold ideas, and drive sustainable success. Anton Ruddenklau, Partner, Head of Financial Services at KPMG in Singapore, shares insights from advising more than 200 growth projects, and how courage is shaping the future of payments, fintech innovation, and responsible AI adoption.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The world is marking a very important day today... International Equal Pay Day! It is all about shining a light on the global gender pay gap, which is the persistent difference in earnings between men and women.  Globally, women earn on average about 68.8% of what men earn. At this pace, it could take over a century to reach full parity.  Audrey, Ryan and Emaad chat about how we can speed things up and how open conversation can help level the “paying” field.   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.

Baidu shares have jumped more than 16 percent to hit two-year highs, driven by optimism over its homegrown AI chip venture and signs of growth in its AI Cloud business. Join Dan Koh and Emaad Akhtar in this episode of Companies to Watch, as they break down what’s fueling the rally, how Baidu stacks up against Tencent, Alibaba, and global tech giants, and the risks investors need to weigh before buying into the hype.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.