Bond markets are cracking, oil is spiking, and Japan's rates are hitting decade highs — so where should investors actually put their money? Correspondent Howie Lim sits down with Gary Tan of Allspring Global Investments to discuss why US Treasury buybacks won't fix America's debt problem, why AI valuations hinge on bond yields rather than headlines, and why emerging markets (EM) are quietly attracting record inflows.

Highlights:

01:01 US Treasury buybacks - fix or bandage

02:06 Oil spikes - temporary bump or new normal

04:00 AI growth - reality check or loss of faith

07:14 Japan's rate surge - who's really in control

08:31 Record inflows - EM strength or quick profit

11:22 Energy and defense - a lasting investment theme

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Written and hosted by: Howie Lim ([email protected])

With Gary Tan, portfolio manager, Intrinsic Emerging Markets Equity team, Allspring Global Investments

Edited by: Howie Lim & Claressa Monteiro

Produced by: Howie Lim & Chai Pei Chieh

A podcast by BT Podcasts, The Business Times, SPH Media

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Headline news for August 21, 2026: Large-scale Russian airstrike killed 16 people and wounded more than 40 in Kyiv. US President Donald Trump has threatened economic penalties against countries that provide any support to Iran. China Evergrande Group’s founder Hui Ka Yen sentenced to life in prison. Singapore and India strengthen cooperation in multiple areas.

Synopsis: A round up of global headlines to start your day by The Business Times. 

Written by: Nicole Teo ([email protected])

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Market news for August 20, 2026: Global markets rallied as the US Treasury’s increased debt buybacks eased bond market stress, boosting stocks. Despite persistent Fed inflation concerns and shipping delays in the Strait of Hormuz, investor sentiment improved as yields retreated from multi-decade highs.

Synopsis: Market Focus Daily is a closing bell roundup by The Business Times that looks at the day’s market movements and news from Singapore and the region.

Written by: Howie Lim ([email protected])

Produced and edited by: Chai Pei Chieh & Claressa Monteiro

Produced by: BT Podcasts, The Business Times, SPH Media

Produced with AI text-to-speech capabilities

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Headline news for August 20, 2026: United States total debt crossed a historic 40 trillion US dollar threshold. Ukraine’s lawmakers have approved Yevhenii Khmara as the country’s new defence minister. South Korea and the United States will cut short ​annual joint military drills to five days from eleven.

Synopsis: A round up of global headlines to start your day by The Business Times. 

Written by: Nicole Teo ([email protected])

Produced and edited by: Claressa Monteiro or Nicole Teo

Produced by: BT Podcasts, The Business Times, SPH Media

Produced with AI text-to-speech capabilities

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Market news for August 19, 2026: Global markets slumped as bond yields hit decade highs; oil topped $90 amid Middle East volatility; tech stocks took a heavy hit, echoing Wall Street’s slide; and investors braced for persistent inflation and elusive policy guidance from Fed minutes.

Synopsis: Market Focus Daily is a closing bell roundup by The Business Times that looks at the day’s market movements and news from Singapore and the region.

Written by: Howie Lim ([email protected])

Produced and edited by: Chai Pei Chieh & Claressa Monteiro

Produced by: BT Podcasts, The Business Times, SPH Media

Produced with AI text-to-speech capabilities

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Headline news for August 19, 2026: US President Donald Trump insists the Strait of Hormuz remains open, while Iran says the strategic waterway is still closed to shipping. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi will be visiting South Korea today and tomorrow. Facebook, Instagram and TikTok will face tougher advertiser checks under new Singapore rules.

Synopsis: A round up of global headlines to start your day by The Business Times. 

Written by: Nicole Teo ([email protected])

Produced and edited by: Claressa Monteiro or Nicole Teo

Produced by: BT Podcasts, The Business Times, SPH Media

Produced with AI text-to-speech capabilities

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Market news for August 18, 2026: Bond yields hit decade-highs as oil rose; Asian stocks faltered following a US-Iran truce expiration; Anthropic’s revenue run rate hit $65 billion, and Milky Mist Dairy jumped 30 per cent in its successful Indian trading debut.

Synopsis: Market Focus Daily is a closing bell roundup by The Business Times that looks at the day’s market movements and news from Singapore and the region.

Written by: Howie Lim ([email protected])

Produced and edited by: Chai Pei Chieh & Claressa Monteiro

Produced by: BT Podcasts, The Business Times, SPH Media

Produced with AI text-to-speech capabilities

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Do note: This podcast is meant to provide general information only. SPH Media accepts no liability for loss arising from any reliance on the podcast or use of third party’s products and services. Please consult professional advisors for independent advice. 

Discover more BT podcast series:

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Headline news for August 18, 2026: Iran says it is moving fully offensive as negotiations with the United States to end the conflict reach a stalemate. The US-Iran 60-day ceasefire deal, agreed on June 17, expires today as Washington has ruled out extending the agreement. In Singapore, late-night liquor sales in Boat Quay and Clarke Quay, as well as the weekend car-free zone at Circular Road, will be retained.

Synopsis: A round up of global headlines to start your day by The Business Times. 

Written by: Nicole Teo ([email protected])

Produced and edited by: Claressa Monteiro or Nicole Teo

Produced by: BT Podcasts, The Business Times, SPH Media

Produced with AI text-to-speech capabilities

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Do note: This podcast is meant to provide general information only. SPH Media accepts no liability for loss arising from any reliance on the podcast or use of third party’s products and services. Please consult professional advisors for independent advice. 

Discover more BT podcast series:

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Market news for August 17, 2026: Defying war, tariffs, and AI volatility, emerging markets showed surprising strength. Investor demand for EM debt reached two-decade highs as Asian stocks rose and US dollar weakness dampened expectations for an imminent Federal Reserve rate hike.

Synopsis: Market Focus Daily is a closing bell roundup by The Business Times that looks at the day’s market movements and news from Singapore and the region.

Written by: Howie Lim ([email protected])

Produced and edited by: Chai Pei Chieh & Claressa Monteiro

Produced by: BT Podcasts, The Business Times, SPH Media

Produced with AI text-to-speech capabilities

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Do note: This podcast is meant to provide general information only. SPH Media accepts no liability for loss arising from any reliance on the podcast or use of third party’s products and services. Please consult professional advisors for independent advice. 

Discover more BT podcast series:

BT Money Hacks at: bt.sg/btmoneyhacks

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Headline news for August 17, 2026: US President Trump intensifies economic pressure on Iran while scaling back South Korean military drills; a devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake strikes Indonesia, displacing thousands and Berkshire Hathaway aggressively expands its stake in Alphabet, becoming its third-largest stock holding.

Synopsis: A round up of global headlines to start your day by The Business Times. 

Written by: Howie Lim ([email protected])

Produced and edited by: Claressa Monteiro or Nicole Teo

Produced by: BT Podcasts, The Business Times, SPH Media

Produced with AI text-to-speech capabilities

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Do note: This podcast is meant to provide general information only. SPH Media accepts no liability for loss arising from any reliance on the podcast or use of third party’s products and services. Please consult professional advisors for independent advice. 

Discover more BT podcast series:

BT Mark To Market at: bt.sg/btmark2mkt 

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