Gold wavers as traders weigh Fed rate outlook, US-Iran talks

Gold wavers as traders weigh Fed rate outlook, US-Iran talks

Bullion consolidates after Trump delayed strikes on Iran over the weekend, says Pepperstone Group Published Tue, Aug 4, 2026 · 07:45 AM GOLD fluctuated as traders weighed the Federal Reserve’s interest-rate path after cooling tensions in the Middle East eased energy-driven inflation.  Bullion traded around US$4,050 an ounce, having seen out July with a 1…

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Firmer rates, wealth gains likely to lift Singapore banks’ Q2 results

Firmer rates, wealth gains likely to lift Singapore banks’ Q2 results

Local banks are in focus this week as investors look for clues on whether Q2 tailwinds can extend into the year [SINGAPORE] Singapore’s banks are expected to report resilient second-quarter earnings this week, buoyed by higher interest rates, robust loan growth and strong wealth management income. Investors will be watching for signs that pressure on…

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European shares start August higher on US-Iran diplomacy hopes

European shares start August higher on US-Iran diplomacy hopes

Published Tue, Aug 4, 2026 · 05:51 AM EUROPEAN shares started the month higher on Monday as oil prices fell sharply on hopes for renewed diplomatic efforts to end the Iran war, while AstraZeneca sank on reports of merger talks with US rival Bristol Myers Squibb. The pan-European Stoxx 600 index closed up 0.5 per cent…

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Lendlease Global Commercial Reit posts 3% rise in H2 DPU to S$0.0185

Lendlease Global Commercial Reit posts 3% rise in H2 DPU to Salt=

[SINGAPORE] The manager of Lendlease Global Commercial Real Estate Investment Trust (Reit) posted a distribution per unit (DPU) of S$0.0185 for the second half ended June. This was up 3 per cent from S$0.018 in the previous corresponding period. The higher DPU was mainly due to recurring earnings from a strong portfolio of operational assets,…

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China steps up protection for chip designs in revised regulations

China steps up protection for chip designs in revised regulations

Published Mon, Aug 3, 2026 · 08:03 PM [BEIJING] China has revised regulations protecting integrated-circuit layout designs, tightening registration standards and allowing punitive damages for serious infringement, as Beijing seeks to better safeguard domestic chip know-how. The revised regulations, signed by Premier Li Qiang on Jul 23, will take effect on Oct 15, the Justice…

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Singapore shares fall as local banks end mixed; STI down 0.3%

Singapore shares fall as local banks end mixed; STI down 0.3%

Published Mon, Aug 3, 2026 · 07:58 PM [SINGAPORE] Singapore stocks ended lower on Monday (Aug 3). The benchmark Straits Times Index (STI) lost 0.3 per cent or 16.22 points to finish at 5,612.28. Seatrium led the gainers on Singapore’s blue-chip index, rising 3.7 per cent or S$0.08 to S$2.23. The worst performer among STI…

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Diamond buyers are freaking out in Vietnam after gem scandal

Diamond buyers are freaking out in Vietnam after gem scandal

Consumers are increasingly questioning whether the stones they bought are worth what they thought HO CHI Minh City’s bustling jewellery quarter has fallen unusually quiet. Customers aren’t browsing for engagement rings or necklaces anymore; instead, they’re clutching old receipts and certificates, hoping to sell diamonds they no longer trust.  The discovery of what appears to be Vietnam’s biggest-ever diamond smuggling…

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First Sponsor sinks into the red with S$92.8 million loss in H1

First Sponsor sinks into the red with S.8 million loss in H1

[SINGAPORE] Property developer First Sponsor reported a net loss of S$92.8 million for the first half ended June, from a net profit of S$19 million in the previous corresponding period. Loss per share stood at S$0.0874 in H1, compared to an earnings per share of S$0.0116 in the year-ago period. Despite being in the red,…

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