S2E22: Markets Swing on Rate-Cut Bets as Google Reshapes the AI Race

This week on Market Focus Weekly, markets flip from disappointment to optimism as bets on a December US rate cut surge. Providend’s Cheng Chye Hsern joins host Emily Liu to unpack what changed.

Plus, in tech, Google shakes up the AI race with Gemini 3 and new chip partnerships, sending ripples through Nvidia and Asian suppliers. 

They also dive into Japan’s possible rate hike, China–Japan tensions hitting tourism, the Indian rupee’s slide, and whether a weaker US dollar is pushing Singaporean investors to rethink US investments.

Highlights:

01:43 Rate cut in Dec?

03:20 Google’s AI moves

07:53 Bank of Japan rate hike

11:09 Indian rupee struggles

13:27 Temasek reassessing US dollar assets

---

Send us your questions, thoughts, story ideas, and feedback to btpodcasts@sph.com.sg.

---

Written and hosted by: Emily Liu

With Cheng Chye Hsern, head of investment, Providend

Edited by: Chai Pei Chieh

Produced by: Emily Liu and Chai Pei Chieh

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

Follow Market Focus Weekly podcasts every Friday:

Channel: bt.sg/btmktfocus

Amazon: bt.sg/mfam

Apple Podcasts: bt.sg/mfap

Spotify: bt.sg/mfsp

YouTube Music: bt.sg/mfyt

Website: bt.sg/mktfocus

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

BT Correspondents at: bt.sg/btcobt

BT Podcasts at: bt.sg/podcasts

BT Branded Podcasts at: bt.sg/brpod

BT Lens On: bt.sg/btlenson

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.