Breakfast with Ryan Huang, Emaad Akhtar and Audrey Siek

Stocks closed higher Tuesday despite growing concerns over a looming U.S. government shutdown that could freeze key economic data and rattle investor confidence. The Dow hit a new record, while the S&P 500 and Nasdaq also posted gains. But under the surface, anxiety is rising. Investors are moving into safe-haven assets like gold and Treasuries, bracing for potential fallout if the shutdown drags on. José Torres, senior economist, Interactive Brokers breaks down the market’s reaction, the latest job openings and consumer confidence reports.  Produced/Presented: Ryan HuangSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Etsy’s shares spiked after announcing two bold moves: a switch from Nasdaq to the NYSE, and a first-of-its-kind integration with OpenAI’s ChatGPT that lets users shop directly in chat. Bulls say this could be a game-changer for growth and visibility, while bears warn fundamentals and competition haven’t changed. Join Dan Koh and Audrey Siek as they break down the case on both sides for investors.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"If at first you don't succeed, try again." "Winners never quit and quitters never win." We have a lot to say about quitting something... that it’s like a failure, that you didn’t stick it out, and you didn’t try hard enough. But maybe there is a right time to drop something. Audrey, Ryan and Emaad talk about the power of knowing when to walk away, and the signs psychologists say to watch out for.   Presented by Audrey Siek, Ryan Huang and Emaad Akhtar Produced by Audrey Siek Edited by Trisha Yeong Photo and music credit: Pixabay & its talented community of contributorsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Singapore draws a firm line on freelance work. Foreigners need valid passes to take on physical gigs like food delivery, private hire driving or on-site photography, whereas the lines are more blurred for firms hiring overseas talent for remote jobs such as coding, design and content creation. The approach has sparked debate over fairness, competition, and how Singapore can protect local livelihoods while staying open to global expertise.  Dr. Clara Lee, Research Fellow at the Institute of Policy Studies at NUS, joins the Breakfast Show to unpack what this divide means for workers, businesses and the future of work.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

APAC travellers haven't held back when it comes to making overseas trips in 2025. And the proof is in the pudding. Data from Booking.com revealed some interesting patterns, including a greater interest in exploring domestic destinations and the rise in intra-regional travel. Laura Houldsworth, Managing Director, Asia-Pacific, Booking.com explains these findings and more. Produced & Presented by: Emaad AkhtarSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In 2024, more than 3,000 F&B outlets shut down in Singapore, yet new ones keep opening. Is this oversaturation, or survival of the fittest? The Breakfast Show speaks with Leo Pang, Special Projects Manager, The Fat Sparrow & Daydream Desserts about the realities of running restaurants in today’s climate, from balancing quality with affordability to staying relevant in a fast-changing dining scene.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After soaring more than 30% on its Tokyo debut, Sony Financial Group is one of the hottest new listings in Asia. But is it just IPO buzz, or a long-term play for investors? Join Dan Koh and Emaad Akhtar as they find out why Sony decided on a spin-off of its banking and insurance arm, how investors should think about this new stock, and what it signals for Japan’s corporate landscape.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

 The recent retrenchments at Agoda have stirred debate after clauses in its severance terms drew criticism from unions and the Ministry of Manpower. The saga highlights bigger questions facing workers in Singapore: What should employees expect in a layoff, what rights do they retain, and where are the boundaries of employer obligations? So how are severance agreements usually structured, what recourse exists if workers feel pressured, and should Singapore move towards stronger legal protections on retrenchment benefits? Ian Lim, Partner, TSMP Law Corporation and head of TSMP’s Employment & Labour team, joins the Breakfast Show to break down the legalities and what this means for both workers and employers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After five straight months of gains, the S&P 500 is heading into a historically volatile October with strong momentum on its side. Growth looks solid, consumption remains resilient, and AI is giving GDP a powerful boost. Conversely, inflation, Fed policy, and the looming U.S. government shutdown still cloud the outlook. Dan Koh speaks with Sonu Varghese, Vice President & Global Macro Strategist at Carson Group, to unpack the forces driving markets, the risks ahead, and what investors should be watching as we enter the final quarter of the year.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Washington edges closer to a government shutdown, contradictory signals in the US economy are keeping investors on edge, from a cooling labor market to resilient growth and consumption. Meanwhile, Trump’s tariffs remain unpredictable but markets seem largely unfazed. Mel Siew, Portfolio Manager for Asia Public Credit at Muzinich & Co, also examines how China’s Golden Week may reveal consumer strength, why EM and Asian credit are seeing strong inflows, and where opportunities are emerging in credit markets. Produced/Presented: Ryan HuangSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.