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CNA938 Rewind - Stablecoins and uncertainty: Big threats to Singapore's financial stability?

Singapore's central bank says low-income households with little savings, as well as higher-earners with private housing loans, should build up savings and borrow prudently, amid more global economic uncertainty. Daniel Martin discusses further with Professor Sumit Agarwal, Professor of Finance, Real Estate and Economics at the NUS Business School.

Sumit Agarwal

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CNA938 Rewind - Stablecoins and uncertainty: Big threats to Singapore's financial stability?

Added October 21, 2025

The Big Story: US H-1B shakeup - Why Singapore could be the new hotspot for global talent

The podcast discusses how recent U.S. H-1B visa changes may push global talent to look elsewhere, with Singapore emerging as a strong alternative hub due to its business-friendly environment and stable policies.

Added October 1, 2025

Wealth Wise - What it takes to be in the gig economy

The podcast discusses the flexibility and earning potential of the gig economy, while highlighting risks like income instability and lack of benefits. It calls for policy innovations to support gig workers with protections and training.

Added June 11, 2025

Singapore's core inflation hits four-year low of 0.5 percent in March

Singapore core inflation down to 0.5% (4-year low) in March, a 6th straight drop. Overall inflation at 0.9%. NUS expert Sumit Agarwal weighs in.

Added April 23, 2025

How did some countries escape Trump's latest tariffs?

Some countries have escaped the worst of U.S President Donald Trump’s tariffs. They are Russia, Belarus, Cuba and North Korea. Lance Alexander and Daniel Martin discuss further with Sumit Agarwal, Low Tuck Kwong Distinguished Professor of Finance at the NUS Business School, and a Professor of Economics and Rea

Added April 4, 2025

'Liberation day' delivers blow to Asian tradiing nations

The Trump administration has imposed a base tariff of 10% on all trading partners, including Australia, but in an unexpected escalation of his trade war he’s singled out so-called worst offenders for ‘reciprocal tariffs’.

Added April 3, 2025

Singapore's Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with Vietnam: How will it strengthen our economies?

Today's Lance Alexander and Daniel Martin speak with Sumit Agarwal, Low Tuck Kwong Distinguished Professor of Finance at the Business School and Professor of Economics and Real Estate, NUS, about how the move could strengthen both countries’ economies.

Added March 13, 2025

When families clash; family businesses in dispute

Singapore Today's Lance Alexander and Daniel Martin speak to Professor Sumit Agarwal from the National University of Singapore Business School, and Ang Yuit, President of the Association of Small and Medium Enterprises.

Added February 26, 2025

The Big Story: A father and son tussle taken to court - Is CDL's future at risk?

A tussle between father and son for control of property giant City Developments Limited (CDL) was revealed on Feb 26, with executive chairman Kwek Leng Beng publicly criticising his son Sherman, who is CDL’s group chief executive.

Added February 26, 2025

The Big Story: Elon Musk $97.4 billion bid for OpenAI - Not worth it for Altman?

On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Sumit Agarwal, Low Tuck Kwong Distinguished Professor of Finance at the Business School and a Professor of Economics and Real Estate at the National University of Singapore, to find out more.

Added February 11, 2025

Morning Shot: What could get more expensive under Trump's tariffs?

Latest in a slew of Trump tariffs - a 25% tariff on all steel and aluminum imports into the United States with no exceptions or exemptions.

Added February 11, 2025

TalkBack: Is it too expensive to raise big families in Singapore?

Singapore Today's Lance Alexander and Daniel Martin speak with Professor Sumit Agarwal, Professor of Finance, Real Estate and Economics, NUS Business School, about whether it is too expensive to raise big families in Singapore.

Added February 10, 2025

Morning Shot: How should the finfluencer sector be regulated?

On this episode of Morning Shot, Sumit Agarwal, Professor of Finance, Economics and Real Estate at the NUS Business School shares his insights.

Added December 12, 2024

How a major Fed rate cut could impact the everyday Singaporean

Singapore Today's Lance Alexander and Daniel Martin speak with Professor Sumit Agarwal, Professor of Finance, Economics and Real Estate, NUS Business School, about how the recent major Fed rate cut could impact the everyday Singaporean.

Added September 9, 2024

Is the Lease Buyback Scheme attractive with today's soaring resale prices?

Rising HDB resale prices are shining the spotlight on HDB’s lease buyback scheme – in particular, whether it would benefit seniors more than selling their flat in order to boost their retirement funds.

Added August 29, 2024

DBS succession: What Tan Su Shan inherits from Piyush Gupta

This is an Podcast about the upcoming leadership change at DBS Bank.

Added August 8, 2024

Kiasunomics: Data shows Singaporeans are not spending right

Have you ever wondered how superstitions influence our everyday decisions? Join us as we dive into the fascinating world of "Kiasunomics," where we unravel the unique spending habits of Singaporeans.

Added August 1, 2024

Climate Change and Property Prices

Rising sea levels and property are highly pertinent topics for Singaporeans. But how are the two linked?

Added July 23, 2024

How a 1% Cashback Credit Card Campaign Boosted Spending by 32% and Increased Debt - Kiasunomics | Podcast

In a U.S. study on a credit card promotional campaign, Professor Ang Swee Hoon explores how a 1% cashback offer led to a 32% increase in user spending, resulting in higher debt levels due to delayed repayments.

Added July 16, 2024

Illicit Wealth and Property in Singapore: Part 1

Professor Sumit Agarwal and Professor Sing Tien Foo discuss insights from the Panama Papers leak, focusing on how illicit wealth has influenced property premiums in Singapore. They analyze the differences between Panama Papers-linked transactions and non-illicit ones, revealing the impact of illicit financial flows on the real estate market.

Added July 11, 2024

Water Economics Part 1: How Pricing and Policy Shape Water Usage in Singapore

In this episode, Professor Sumit Agarwal analyzes how government policies and pricing changes influence water consumption in Singapore.

Added July 11, 2024

The Impact of QR Code Payments and PayNow on Spending and Business Growth

In this episode, Marketing Professor Ang Swee Hoon, co-author of the Kiasunomics book series, explores how Singapore's introduction of QR code payments and PayNow as part of its Smart Nation vision has influenced consumer behavior, business creation, ATM closures, and credit card spending since their launch in 2017.

Added July 2, 2024

Haze and Academic Performance

Professor Sumit examines the long-term effects of haze exposure on academic performance and future wages.

Added June 25, 2024

Illicit Wealth and Property in Singapore Part 2

Professor Ang Swee Hoon reveals how illicit wealth flows into Singapore’s real estate market, using insights from the Panama Papers. She uncovers the types of properties bought, their locations, and profiles of those involved in laundering money through offshore secrecy.

Added June 18, 2024

Does marriage + BTO = forever?

This is an Podcast about the correlation between marriage, divorce, BTO application rates and other socio-economic factors in Singapore.

Added June 5, 2024

New homes in Bukit Timah: How the distribution of public housing shapes society

Asia First's Andrea Heng and Hairianto Diman take a closer look at the increasing development of public housing in prime areas

Added May 27, 2024

Concert tourism as a growth area in Singapore

Singapore Today's Lance Alexander and Justine Moss speak with Professor Sumit Agarwal

Added May 20, 2024

Singapore's Key Household Income Trends

This is an article about Singapore’s household income trends. It discusses the rise in income and the narrowing income inequality gap.

Added February 8, 2024

Attracting more tourists through large-scale developments

This is an article about attracting more tourists to Singapore through large-scale developments.

Added January 30, 2024

Heart of the Matter podcast: Why are commuters unhappy over the SimplyGo switch?

Adult EZ-Link and NETS FlashPay cards will no longer be accepted on buses and trains from June. Why is the announcement causing unhappiness among some commuters?

Added January 19, 2024

Why are commuters unhappy over the SimplyGo switch?

Commuters have expressed frustration since the Land Transport Authority announced that EZ-Link and NETS FlashPay cards cannot be used on buses and trains from June.

Added January 19, 2024

How will the GST hike impact your expenses?

On this episode of Morning Shot, Professor Sumit Agarwal from National University of Singapore’s School of Business shares his insights on how much impact that will have on consumers and businesses.

Added January 3, 2024

GST Rate Hike in Singapore and Impact on Consumer Behavior

Professor Sumit Agarwal from NUS shares insights on the recent 1% GST hike in Singapore, exploring its effects on consumer behavior, business pricing, and ways to manage expenses in response to the increased cost of living.

Added January 3, 2024

International visitors and the Singapore economy

In Singapore Today, Professor Sumit Agarwal discusses the economic impact of declining international visitor arrivals in Singapore.

Added November 28, 2023

How are local households dealing with rising interest rates

In this episode of Singapore Today, Professor Sumit Agarwal from NUS Business School discusses how local households are managing rising interest rates. He shares strategies for staying financially prudent, including refinancing, reducing spending, and prioritizing debt repayment.

Added November 28, 2023

What can residents do about high maintenance fee

Professor Sumit Agarwal discusses what condominium residents can do if faced with unexpectedly high maintenance fees. He explains the importance of reviewing financial management, forming resident committees, and requesting detailed breakdowns of expenses, as well as potential legal options in extreme cases.

Added November 27, 2023

Strengthening Singapore's anti-money laundering regime and fighting against sophisticated crimes

This podcast covers Singapore's efforts to enhance its anti-money laundering regime, sparked by a major $2.8 billion case. Experts discuss new measures, including the formation of a committee to fight financial crimes.

Added October 4, 2023

No Tears for Grey Hair: Can Singapore Care wisely for the Elderly?

In this episode, Professors Sumit Agarwal and Ruan Tianyue evaluate Singapore's Silver Support Scheme, analyzing its effectiveness in assisting retirees. They discuss how the scheme helps manage the financial pressures of aging and rising healthcare costs, and whether it is a sustainable solution for the future.

Added October 1, 2023

Highway to Riches: The Great Singaporean Money Move

Professor Sumit Agarwal and Professor Fan Yi discuss inter-generational housing wealth in Singapore, examining how housing policies and types affect the wealth of future generations. They explore the impact of these factors on economic mobility and potential solutions to address growing inequality.

Added October 1, 2023

From Pip to Price Tags: A Tale of Inflation Expectations in Singapore

Professor Sumit Agarwal and Assistant Professor Chua Yeow Hwee explore how inflation expectations influence consumer spending in Singapore. They discuss findings from an experiment involving ice cream brands and data analysis, highlighting the link between inflation perceptions and the choice between quality and price in spending behavior.

Added October 1, 2023

Dollar Bills and Tax Thrills in Singapore

Professor Sumit Agarwal discusses Singapore's income tax policies and whether they effectively reduce the income gap. He explores how these taxes impact both lower-income earners and the wealthy, weighing the balance between fairness and economic growth.

Added October 1, 2023

Bankruptcy in Close Quarters: The 3% Spending Ripple Effect

Professor Sumit Agarwal explores how the bankruptcy of a neighbor triggers a 3% drop in the spending of nearby households. He examines the psychological and social factors behind this ripple effect, shedding light on how financial struggles can influence community spending behavior.

Added October 1, 2023

Cash Splash or Cash Stash? Singapore's Spending Patterns Explored

Explore the fascinating dynamics of how Singaporeans react to government tax rebates and special payouts, as Professor Sumit delves into bank transaction data to uncover distinct spending patterns across income groups. When the government issues tax rebates during a budget surplus, do Singaporeans use the extra cash to fuel consumption, or do they stash it away in savings?

Added October 1, 2023

Bargains Beyond Borders: Are Discounts Driving Cross-Border Shopping Sprees?

Professor Sumit Agarwal explores whether discounts and favorable exchange rates drive Singaporeans, especially those living near Johor Bahru, to shop across the border. He examines whether these cross-border shopping sprees lead to genuine savings or simply fuel unnecessary spending.

Added October 1, 2023

Depreciation Dilemma: HDB Flats' Cash Value Rollercoaster

In this episode, Professors Sumit Agarwal and Sing Tien Foo discuss the depreciation of aging HDB flats, examining why cash values decline and whether it creates a negative spiral. They explore factors like lease decay and market dynamics while offering insights into how this phenomenon impacts homeowners.

Added October 1, 2023

Mix, Match, and Market: How Ethnic Integration Affects HDB Resale Prices

Professors Sumit and Sing Tien Foo explore how Singapore’s ethnic integration policy affects HDB resale prices. They analyze transaction data to identify which ethnic pairings command price premiums or discounts, shedding light on the unintended consequences of promoting social harmony.

Added October 1, 2023

From 'I Do' to 'I Don't': The Love and Housing (Dis)Connection

Professors Sumit Agarwal and Fan Yi analyze the impact of Singapore's public housing policies on young couples and singles over 35, exploring how these policies affect marriage quality and housing decisions. Their insights reveal the relationship between housing schemes and marital dynamics.

Added October 1, 2023

Dean's List or Dream Chaser? Reevaluating Grading and Co-Curricular Achievements at NUS Business School

Professor Sumit Agarwal and Dean Andrew Rose discuss the NUS Business School's new postgraduate grading system, which shifts focus from academic grades to co-curricular achievements, revealing the rationale and impact of this significant change.

Added October 1, 2023

From Pockets to Portfolios: Examining Retirement Savings and Spending in Singapore

Professor Sumit Agarwal examines how Singaporeans use their Central Provident Fund savings at age 55, based on research by Professor Allaudeen Hameed. He reveals patterns in spending and saving behavior among retirees.

Added September 1, 2023

Does Hong Kong still have the economic shine

Professor Sumit Agarwal evaluates whether Hong Kong has lost its economic edge compared to Singapore following Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee's visit to Singapore. He discusses the shifting economic landscape, key opportunities for Singaporean enterprises, and how businesses can capitalize on the evolving market conditions.

Added July 26, 2023

Singapore – Where Schools Influence Housing Prices: The Impact of Primary School Registration on Real Estate

Professor Sumit investigates how Singapore's primary school registration system affects housing prices, exploring the influence of school branding on real estate values and the stress it places on parents of pre-schoolers.

Added April 1, 2023

Train on Weekdays, Bus on Weekends?

Professor Sumit examines EZ link card data from over 150 million trips to explore whether Singaporeans prefer trains on weekdays and buses on weekends, revealing how time, money, and urgency influence public transportation choices.

Added April 1, 2023

Private Hire Surge Pricing Demystified: What Really Drives Commuter Choices?

Professors Sumit and Cheng Shih-Fen analyze private hire and taxi ride data, revealing that factors beyond pricing influence commuter choices during peak times. Their findings encourage smarter decisions after work hours and on weekends.

Added April 1, 2023

Are Realtors Saving the Best Deals for Themselves? Analyzing 15 Years of Property Transactions in Singapore

Professors Sumit and Song Changcheng analyze 15 years of property data to determine if Singaporean realtors are securing the best deals for themselves due to information access. They also assess the effectiveness of dual-agent versus single-agent negotiations.

Added April 1, 2023

The Property Investment Game in Singapore: Impact of the HDB Minimum Occupancy Period Change

Professors Sumit and Qian Wenlan explore the impact of Singapore's policy change extending the Minimum Occupancy Period for HDB flats on wealth management and consumption, highlighting its effects on the property investment landscape.

Added April 1, 2023

Heard of the Matter: Bank Runs, SVB, and implications for Asia

Professor Sumit Agarwal and Thilan Wickramasinghe discuss the causes of bank failures and the impact of recent crises involving Silicon Valley Bank and Credit Suisse. They explore how bank runs occur, their implications for Asia, and whether similar events could affect Singapore's financial stability.

Added March 24, 2023

Charging Plastic Bags an Effective Move

Professor Sumit Agarwal discusses the effectiveness of charging for plastic bags in Singapore as a measure to reduce waste. He evaluates the impact of this policy and considers whether additional steps are needed to further influence consumer behavior and enhance environmental sustainability.

Added March 22, 2023

Why it matters: How much of China’s scrapping of the zero covid policy has benefitted Singapore’s economy

Professor Sumit Agarwal discusses the economic benefits Singapore has seen following China’s decision to end its zero-COVID policy. He explains how trade, tourism, and various sectors have been positively impacted and what this means for Singapore’s future growth.

Added March 12, 2023

Why it matters: The impact of Singapore wealth taxes

Professor Sumit Agarwal discusses the impact of increased wealth taxes in Singapore, including higher buyer’s stamp duty and taxes on luxury cars. He explains how these measures can benefit the wider community by funding public services and reducing economic disparities.

Added February 17, 2023

GST Hike and how to manage your money

Professor Sumit Agarwal discusses the upcoming GST hike from 7% to 8% in January 2023, explaining why it’s necessary and how it will impact household budgets. He provides practical tips for managing finances, adjusting spending habits, and maintaining budget control amid the increase.

Added November 29, 2022

Chinese Zodiac Babynomics in Singapore

Professor Sumit discusses Professor Qian Wenlan's research on the Chinese zodiac belief that babies born in the year of the dragon will be more successful, revealing how this may instead negatively impact children in that cohort.

Added November 1, 2022

Gigs: The Future of Singapore’s Economy?

Professor Sumit explores the gig economy's potential as the future of Singapore's economy, highlighting its benefits like autonomy and flexibility for employees and its potential to better utilize the nation's manpower.

Added November 1, 2022

SOHO in Singapore Part 1

Professor Sumit analyzes Singapore's Home Office Scheme, which aims to boost SME growth by encouraging home-based businesses. He explores the scheme's effectiveness in fostering a lasting increase in SMEs.

Added November 1, 2022

SOHO in Singapore Part 2

Professors Sumit and Song Changcheng discuss the critical role of SMEs in Singapore's economic growth and evaluate the effectiveness of policies aimed at lowering entry barriers for new entrepreneurs.

Added November 1, 2022

How Sustainability-conscious are Singaporeans?

Professor Sumit discusses how Singapore is fostering sustainability awareness, particularly through creative campaigns where children educate their parents, highlighting the nation's efforts to combat consumerism and resource depletion.

Added November 1, 2022

Impact of Haze on Singapore's Resource Usage: A Study of Electricity and Water Consumption

Professor Sumit examines the impact of severe haze on electricity and water usage in Singapore, revealing how these air pollution crises strain the nation's resources and infrastructure.

Added November 1, 2022

Singapore’s Water Conservation: The Role of Plumbing and Public Housing Upgrades

Professor Sumit and Visiting Assistant Professor Fan Mingxuan from NUS Real Estate discuss the role of plumbing methods and public housing upgrades in supporting Singapore's water conservation efforts, vital for the nation’s resource management due to its limited natural water sources.

Added November 1, 2022

Pricing to Preserve in Singapore

Professors Sumit and Fan Mingxuan continue their discussion on Singapore’s water conservation efforts, focusing on the introduction of a water usage tariff.

Added November 1, 2022

Cultural Superstition and Housing Choices: The Impact of Numbers “4” and “8” in Singapore

Professor Sumit hosts Associate Professor Song Changcheng from Singapore Management University to discuss how cultural superstition influences housing purchase decisions in Singapore.

Added November 1, 2022

Transition of the world economic center from Europe and America to Asia

Sumit’s research is widely cited in leading newspapers and magazines like the Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, The Economist, and the U.S Presidents Report to Congress.

Added October 20, 2022

How Golf Can Advance Female Executives

Professors Sumit and David Reeb explore how playing golf may provide female executives with career advantages.

Added October 1, 2022

Impact of Rising Sea Levels on Singapore's Property Market

Professor Sumit delves into the gig economy, analyzing its advantages and drawbacks. He explores whether this rapidly growing sector is sustainable in the long run, considering its impact on workers and the broader economy.

Added September 22, 2022

Market View: Taking Stock of the Week

Professor Sumit Agarwal discusses key financial developments of the week, including the Federal Reserve’s July meeting minutes, China’s property debt crisis, and Singapore’s inflation outlook. The episode offers a detailed analysis of these issues and their potential impact on global and regional markets.

Added August 18, 2022

Essential Advice for First-Time Home Buyers in Singapore

Professor Sumit Agarwal offers essential advice for first-time home buyers in Singapore. He discusses how to assess mortgage affordability and manage increased household debt, providing tips for budgeting and financial planning to ensure successful home financing.

Added December 7, 2021

Breaking down the US presidential race as it happens

Professor Sumit Agarwal discusses the US presidential race with Michelle Martin, focusing on potential electoral scenarios and their impact on markets. He explains the importance of Senate control and examines how election outcomes could affect trade, climate change policies, financial regulation, and multilateral institutions.

Added November 3, 2020

Evaluating Singapore’s Fiscal Stimulus Package for COVID-19

Professor Sumit Agarwal analyzes Singapore’s Resilience Supplementary Budget, focusing on its expected multiplier effect, wage support’s role in job retention, and additional measures for economic recovery. He offers insights into how the fiscal stimulus aims to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 and suggests further strategies for navigating the economic challenges.

Added March 27, 2020

Golfing, social relationships and lower prices for land

Professor Sumit Agarwal discusses a study revealing that informal social interactions, like golfing, among senior real estate executives can lead to an 8% reduction in residential land prices. The study highlights the economic implications and spillover effects on neighborhoods, offering insights into how social ties influence real estate markets.

Added January 21, 2020

Run your business from home for a start

Professor Sumit Agarwal discusses a study showing a 23% rise in new businesses run from residential properties following the Home Office Scheme. He outlines the advantages of home-based businesses and offers practical do’s and don’ts for managing a business from home effectively.

Added March 11, 2019

Breaking Down Singapore Budget 2019

The panel, including Professor Sumit Agarwal, discusses Singapore Budget 2019, focusing on economic restructuring, the Merdeka Generation Package, and the Bicentennial Bonus. They analyze the budget’s key highlights and implications for different segments of the population and the nation’s economic strategy.

Added February 18, 2019

HDB Flats Depreciate better than Private Property

Professor Sumit Agarwal discusses a study revealing that HDB flats may depreciate less than private properties. He explores the factors behind this phenomenon and its implications for homeowners, offering insights into how HDB owners can leverage this knowledge for better property management.

Added February 14, 2019

Money Manager: CPF 101 - Maximizing Your CPF Benefits

Shikha Gaur and Professor Sumit Agarwal explain the basics of Singapore’s CPF system and offer strategies for maximizing its benefits. They cover key aspects of CPF accounts, contributions, and effective management tips to help Singaporeans optimize their CPF savings for retirement, healthcare, and housing.

Added September 26, 2018

Money Manager: Great Singapore Sale

Professor Sumit Agarwal shares his research on consumer behavior during the Great Singapore Sale, highlighting trends in spending and the economic impact of the event. His insights reveal how discounts influence shopping habits and contribute to retail revenue.

Added June 14, 2018

Being ‘Kiasu’ in Economics

In The View is a lighthearted street interview series featuring everyday people's finances.

Added