Top Reads of The Week 21/04/2024

Singapore's $125,000-a-Month Retreats Are Latest Luxury for New Moms

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-04-12/singapore-s-125-000-a-month-retreats-are-latest-luxury-for-new-moms

Singapore is witnessing a rise in ultra-luxury postpartum retreats, with some charging up to $125,000 a month.

Powell Signals High Rates for Longer Due to Persistent Inflation

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-04-16/powell-signals-high-rates-for-longer-due-to-persistent-inflation

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell has indicated that interest rates will remain elevated for an extended period due to persistent inflation concerns.

Why the Dollar Is Causing Chaos in Emerging Markets: QuickTake

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-04-16/why-the-dollar-is-causing-chaos-in-emerging-markets-quicktake

The surging US dollar is wreaking havoc in emerging markets, causing currency devaluations, financial instability, and economic turmoil.

ROE target of 14% 'decent': UOB CEO Wee Ee Cheong

https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/companies-markets/roe-target-14-decent-uob-ceo-wee-ee-cheong

Wee Ee Cheong, the CEO of United Overseas Bank (UOB), has described the bank's target return on equity (ROE) of 14% as "decent."

This statement comes amid a challenging environment for the banking sector, with factors such as rising interest rates and economic uncertainty impacting profitability.

China's clampdown on data spreads to real-time stock information

https://asia.nikkei.com/Business/Markets/China-s-clampdown-on-data-spreads-to-real-time-stock-information

China's crackdown on data is now extending to real-time stock information, with authorities reportedly restricting access to live market data.

This move is part of Beijing's broader efforts to tighten control over sensitive information, but it has raised concerns among investors and analysts about market transparency and efficiency.

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