Gold prices soared to a new all-time high during early Asian sessions on Monday, with spot gold breaking above US$3,100 an ounce for the first time in history. The surge comes as growing political tensions and financial market jitters continue to push investors towards safer assets.
The rally was largely driven by mounting fears of a global trade war, sparked by U.S. President Donald Trump’s latest move to impose new tariffs. The development has heightened uncertainty across global markets, prompting a flight to safety and driving strong demand for gold.
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With both geopolitical and economic tensions rising, gold is once again proving to be the go-to safe-haven asset.
This sharp uptrend marks a continuation of gold’s bullish streak in recent months, supported by broader concerns around slowing global growth, volatile stock markets, and a weaker U.S. dollar. The latest price action reflects just how nervous investors have become amid shifting policies and uncertain global outlooks.
The Singapore stock market is influenced by a wide range of factors, both global and domestic. These elements shape investor confidence, market performance, and stock prices. Understanding the following factors can help investors make better decisions.
ECONOMIC CONDITIONS
The overall health of Singapore’s economy plays a big role in the stock market. Important factors like economic growth, inflation, unemployment, and trade balance affect investor confidence and stock prices.
GLOBAL MARKET TRENDS
Singapore’s stock market is connected to major international markets like the US, China, and Europe. If these markets go up or down, it can influence investor decisions in Singapore as well.
INDUSTRY PERFORMANCE
Different industries such as technology, finance, shipping, and real estate impact the stock market. If a sector is doing well, stock prices in that industry may rise. If it struggles, prices may fall.
COMPANY NEWS
Stock prices can change based on company announcements like earnings reports, new products, leadership changes, or business updates. If a company performs well, its stock price usually goes up. If it faces challenges, the price may drop.
GOVERNMENT POLICIES/REGULATIONS
Changes in government rules, taxes, and financial policies can affect the stock market. Policies that encourage business growth can boost investor confidence, while stricter regulations may create uncertainty.
INTEREST RATES
The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) controls interest rates. When interest rates go up, people may prefer safer investments like bonds instead of stocks. When rates go down, stocks become more attractive.
CHALLENGES FACING THE SG STOCK MARKET
On July 13, 2024, a report stated that Singapore’s stock market had reached its lowest point. Investors have been worried about low liquidity and weak stock prices, making the market seem less attractive. Many describe it as boring and unexciting.
One major problem is that fewer companies are listing on the Singapore Exchange. At the same time, many companies are choosing to leave the market. This has created a cycle where low activity discourages new investors, making the problem worse. Experts have noted that in the first half of 2024, Singapore had only one small new company listing on its stock exchange.
WHAT TO EXPECT THIS YEAR
As we move into 2025, experts are uncertain about how Singapore’s stock market will perform. Global interest rates and trade restrictions could impact the market, especially as the United States gets a new president.
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Economists believe 2025 could be a tougher year than 2024. Singapore’s economy relies on trade with China, the US, and the European Union. If these economies slow down, Singapore’s stock market may struggle.
IN A NUTSHELL
The Singapore stock market faces some challenges, but investors who understand these factors can make better decisions. Market conditions may be unpredictable in 2025, but keeping an eye on global trends, government policies, and industry performance can help investors find opportunities in the Singapore Exchange.
They say time is money but when it comes to investing, time is actually wealth. In Singapore’s fast-paced economy, understanding the magic of compound interest can be the key to financial freedom. So, how does it work?
POWER OF COMPOUNDING
Think of compound interest as a snowball rolling down Bukit Timah Hill small at first, but growing bigger as it gains momentum. In finance, this means your initial investment earns interest, and that interest starts earning more interest over time. The longer you leave your money to grow, the bigger the effect.
Let’s say you invest S$10,000 at an annual return of 5%. In a year, you’ll have S$10,500. But in the second year, you’re earning interest not just on your original S$10,000, but also on the extra S$500, bringing your total to S$11,025. Fast forward 20 years, and your initial sum has nearly doubled without you lifting a finger!
WHY START NOW?
Singapore’s CPF system already takes advantage of compounding, but you can supercharge your wealth with investments in ETFs, stocks, or savings plans. The trick? Start early and stay consistent. The longer you let your money grow, the more time does the heavy lifting for you.
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So, whether you’re saving for your first BTO or early retirement, remember: wealth isn’t just about how much you earn it’s about how wisely you let time work for you.
Learn how forward contracts, which lock in exchange rates for future payments and provide protection against market swings, assist firms in managing currency risk.
Currency risk may be a substantial issue for organizations doing cross-border transactions. An abrupt change in currency rates may impact the profitability and predictability of foreign businesses. A currency forward contract is a valuable instrument for companies to reduce this risk. Businesses may prevent unexpected market volatility by locking in exchange rates for future payments, resulting in better financial stability.
What’s a Forward Contract?
One kind of financial agreement is a forward contract, in which two parties commit to exchanging a certain sum of money at a predefined exchange rate at a later time. As a buffer against potential market volatility, businesses often utilize this contract to lock in currency rates for upcoming foreign payments. WorldFirst offers businesses the ability to enter into a currency forward, enabling them to plan ahead with confidence.
How Forward Contracts Help Manage Currency Risk
The ability of enterprises to obtain an exchange rate for future transactions is one of the most important functions that currency forward contracts provide in the context of currency risk management. Particularly useful in turbulent markets, where currency rates are prone to unpredictable fluctuations, this protection is particularly beneficial. By securing a rate immediately, companies are able to prevent the adverse effects that currency fluctuations have on their cash flow and profitability, so guaranteeing that their activities across international boundaries run more smoothly.
Securing Exchange Rates for Future Payments
The practice of getting exchange rates in advance may be of great use to businesses that need to conduct their operations in foreign currencies. Businesses have the ability to secure a rate of exchange for a period of up to twenty-four months via the use of a currency forward contract. This guarantees that future payments will be made at predictable rates. Especially for companies that have clients or suppliers from other countries, this is crucial for the management of budgeting and financial forecasting.
How Forward Contracts Work in Business Transactions
Currency forward contracts are often used in the context of commercial transactions to secure payments for products or services that are scheduled to be delivered at a later date. As an example, a business may want to sign a forward contract in order to guarantee the exchange rate for an invoice from an international supplier that is due in six months. As a result, this guarantees that the organization will not be impacted by any negative shifts in the exchange rate that may occur between now and the time of payment.
Key Benefits of Forward Contracts for Currency Risk Management
H3: Locking in Exchange Rates for Predictable Cash Flow
Businesses have the ability to lock in exchange rates by virtue of engaging in a currency-forward contract, which contributes to the creation of a more predictable cash flow. Because of this, businesses are able to steer clear of the unpredictability that is associated with shifting foreign exchange rates, which helps them to make more precise financial planning and decisions. Businesses can get a fixed rate via a forward contract from WorldFirst. This ensures that they are aware of the precise amount that they will pay in their own currency for transactions that take place in other countries.
Budgeting and Planning with Secured Exchange Rates
Businesses benefit from the assurance that forward contracts provide, which enables them to efficiently budget and prepare for the future. Through the establishment of a predetermined exchange rate, businesses are able to more precisely predict their expenditures and guarantee that their financial plans are in accordance with the real costs. There is no longer any confusion about the shifting currency rates, which is especially useful for businesses that deal with overseas payments on a regular basis.
Reducing Exposure to Currency Fluctuations
There are several reasons why businesses use currency-forward contracts, but one of the most significant is to protect themselves against fluctuations in currency prices. Even little changes in exchange rates may have a big effect on a company’s bottom line, and it is hard to predict how currency markets will behave. Businesses may hedge their bets against potentially disastrous market swings using forward contracts, which lock in an exchange rate for a certain future date. Forward contracts describe these agreements.
How to Effectively Book a Forward Contract for Currency Risk Management
Steps for New Customers Booking a Forward Contract
Please contact WorldFirst’s staff at your earliest convenience if you are a new customer interested in booking a currency forward contract. They would be happy to discuss your needs. They will explain everything step-by-step and make sure you understand all the key terms, such as the currencies involved, the contract rate, and the length of the contract. In addition to thinking about the initial margin needs, you should think about whether you want a flexible, variable, or window-forward contract.
Essential Terms to Understand Before Booking a Forward Contract
Before entering into a currency forward contract, it is critical to have a solid understanding of a number of important concepts. The currencies that are involved in the transaction, the rate of the contract, and the term (duration) of the contract are components that fall under this category. It is also necessary for companies to establish if they need a window forward contract, a flexible contract, or a permanent contract. Additionally, it is important to be aware of the margin requirements, which amount to a percentage of the notional value of the contract and must be paid in advance in order to guarantee your commitment.
How Existing Customers Can Leverage Forward Contracts
Customers who are already receiving services from WorldFirst may simply take advantage of currency-forward contracts by getting in touch with their team to discuss their individual requirements. When it comes to returning customers, the procedure has been simplified, and they will be provided with comprehensive information on margin calculations. If there are considerable fluctuations in the currency rate throughout the duration of the contract, which may need further margin payments, this transparency is particularly helpful since it allows for the possibility of such fluctuations.
Conclusion
Currency forward contracts are an essential instrument for companies that want to reduce their exposure to currency risk and ensure that they have access to exchange rates that are predictable for future transactions. Businesses are able to significantly enhance their financial planning, decrease their exposure to currency volatility, and lock in rates via the use of forward contracts. WorldFirst provides a streamlined method for companies to book currency forward contracts, regardless of whether they are new or current clients. This enables businesses to confidently manage their exposure to foreign exchange.
Which are the best ways for a beginner to understand forex? Learn about these different methods and how they help newbies in this market.
The rise of foreign exchange (forex or FX) trading has been quite dramatic. It has risen from around $1 trillion in the late 90s to over $8 trillion (according to the BIS Triennial Central Bank Survey).
Despite this immense value, much of the global population is still new to the foreign exchange market. This presents an exciting avenue for newbies, but it also presents challenges, given the complexities of online trading.
Thankfully, there are various ways to learn forex trading as a beginner.
Engage in Free Online Resources
The Internet is the first point of contact for first-timers who want to trade forex. Several economic aspects related to currencies may make some assume that university-level education is necessary.
However, forex is more of a discretionary activity. In other words, there is more than one way to skin a cat — even when all traders see the same chart.
Nonetheless, the Internet offers many free websites where you can learn about the currency market. Among these is Babypips, which uses a witty writing style to present all the basics of forex trading and break advanced concepts down in the simplest way possible. Newbies can navigate structured lessons through a free course that offers certification.
Other notable websites include Investopedia and DailyFX. While using a slightly more advanced tone, both resources are as comprehensive as Babypips. Thankfully, these are free platforms that provide excellent material.
Read Books on Trading
Nowadays, reading books is often seen as a forgotten pastime. Luckily, new traders can access many insightful works online related to forex, which have stood the test of time.
Below are some recommended titles to enjoy:
Market Wizards: Interviews with the Top Traders (1989) by Jack Schwager: This book covers interviews with famous, high-net-worth traders of the past, from Paul Tudor Jones to Bruce Kovner. While not exclusive to forex, the interviews provide many valuable lessons beginners can apply in the former.
Other newer versions of the Market Wizards series exist with 1992, 2001, and 2020 editions.
Trading in the Zone: Master the Market with Confidence, Discipline, and a Winning Attitude’ (2000) by Mark Douglas: As with Jack Schwager’s book, Trading in the Zone is less about forex but a must-read for all traders. Many consider this body of work as a masterpiece in trading psychology.
However, the late Douglas went beyond the latter concept, covering other technical yet interesting topics such as probabilities, financial risk, and market randomness.
Day Trading and Swing Trading the Currency Market (2015) by Kathy Lien: Kathy is a relatively young forex trader and author who contributes her high-level analysis to platforms like CNBC and Bloomberg. In its third edition, this book focuses more on trading currencies, covering advanced technical and fundamental analysis.
Join Forums Online
While trading is typically a personal activity, beginners can feed off the knowledge of other experienced traders in dedicated communities. These include Forex Factory, Babypips, Forex Peace Army, and the forex subreddit (r/forex) on Reddit.
One advantage of these discussion boards is that beginners can ask any question and get an excellent response from an existing trader. They are also a place of heated yet eye-opening debates. If you’re lucky, you may gain ‘top secret’ information from a generous, profitable trader or, at the very least, rare tips and tricks.
Use a Demo Account From a Reputable Broker
A demo account is essential for any first-time trader to learn about forex and test their strategies without financial risk. Even experienced participants will switch to this demo account from time to time to make tweaks or simulate a new trading system.
It’s also crucial for beginners to pick a reputable Singapore forex broker during the demo stage. Ultimately, the aim is to transition into a live account. Yet, using the right broker enhances the experience and ensures one receives the best trading conditions.
Get a Copy Trading Account
Even during the learning stage, newbies can earn while they learn by using a copy trading account during the learning stage. Copy trading is a system where you connect your account to an experienced trader whose positions get replicated automatically to your account.
Unfortunately, this avenue does come with a financial commitment. So, it’s not for everyone. Yet, it’s also a way to learn about trading currencies. Copiers can split their funds across many strategy providers. This exposes them to various trading methods and crucial performance metrics like drawdown, gain percentage, and profit factor.
Exploring the Numerous Ways To Learn Forex as a Beginner
The number of forex participants has yet to reach its full potential. This means millions of beginners are eager to engage in the most traded financial market.
Thanks to the Internet, the barrier to entry is low, and you can understand the game from several websites, books, online forums, a demo account, and a copy trading account. So, there is no single best way to learn forex. However, experience and never-ending learning are necessary.
MoneyDigest
Anna Agoncillo
