Asia will be biggest growth driver: Analyst

Straits Times Singapore, December 15, 2009, Tuesday

By Robin Chan

ASIA will replace the United States as the largest source of new economic demand next year, making it the world’s biggest growth driver.

That means US demand will be less important as a growth source, said DBS Bank managing director of economic and currency research David Carbon.

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New home sales come close to 2007 levels

Straits Times Singapore, December 15, 2009, Tuesday

But with more mass market deals, total value is at 58% of that in 2007

By Joyce Teo, Property Correspondent

WITH the year nearly over, it is clear that nearly as many homes will be sold this year as in the boom year of 2007. 

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Abu Dhabi’s US$10b lifeline saves Dubai

Straits Times Singapore, December 15, 2009, Tuesday

US$4.1b will be used to meet debt obligations to stave off default

 By Fiona Chan

DEBT-LADEN Dubai was rescued from the brink of a default by fellow emirate Abu Dhabi yesterday with a surprise US$10 billion (S$13.9 billion) handout that arrived just in time. 

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Gold Rush

Sunday Times Singapore, December 13, 2009, Sunday

As gold price hits never-seen-before levels, Gabriel Chen looks at why the precious metal can make a good investment and asks analysts about its prospects

 

If some pundits are right, gold is well on its way to a dazzling US$2,000 (S$2,780) or more an ounce in the next decade – heights never even hinted at before this financial crisis struck. 

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Buying policies: Don’t go with the flow

Sunday Times Singapore, December 13, 2009, Sunday

 small change

Get insurance coverage according to your needs and circumstances

By Ignatius Low, Money Editor

 bought my first life insurance policy when I was just 19 years old.I wasn’t quite sure how it worked. All I knew was that I was about to take up a government scholarship to study overseas.

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More jobs and better pay likely next year

Sunday Times Singapore, December 13, 2009, Sunday

Employment prospects are improving in tandem with business expectations

By Shefali Rekhi

Upbeat is the word. The outlook on the job and compensation front for Singapore next year looks promising. 

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Reits an option for property investors

Sunday Times Singapore, December 13, 2009, Sunday

property

 

They offer a relatively liquid way to gain exposure to real estate sector, and dividend yields

By Joyce Teo

If you want to invest in property but cannot bear the idea of borrowing hundreds of thousands of dollars to buy that fancy condominium unit or going through the hassle of being a landlord, real estate investment trusts (Reits) might be worth considering. 

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Er, what is an SWF?

Sunday Times Singapore, December 13, 2009, Sunday

FINANCIAL QUOTIENT

 Where do you see this?

Most often in news articles, usually involving some billion-dollar investment deal.

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Surge in asset prices to fuel inflation: HSBC

Straits Times Singapore, December 12, 2009, Saturday

 

Rate could hit 4% next half-year as spending and home prices climb

By Fiona Chan

INFLATION could hit a high of 4 per cent in the next six months on account of the surge in asset prices here, according to a new report by HSBC. 

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4% interest on CPF savings extended

Straits Times Singapore, December 12, 2009, Saturday

CENTRAL Provident Fund (CPF) members will continue to receive at least 4 per cent interest on a portion of their savings until the end of next year, said the CPF Board yesterday.

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