US economic growth slowed in the fourth quarter of 2015, but not as sharply as previously estimated, with fairly strong consumer spending offsetting the drag from efforts by businesses to reduce an inventory overhang.
Q1 property investment sales set to plunge to near seven-year low
Investment sales of property – or big-ticket transactions of at least S$10 million – are expected to shrink to about S$2 billion in the first quarter, according to Savills Singapore. This would be less than half the S$5 billion for Q4 last year and the lowest quarterly level since Q2 2009. Savills' Q1 2016 estimate also reflects a sharp dive from the S$3.6 billion of investment sales sealed in the same quarter of last year.
Frequency of terrorist attacks having negative impact on global tourism
THE frequency of terrorist atrocities is beginning to have a depressing impact on the US$7.8 trillion global tourism industry.
Income tax relief cap stirs debate on fairness
The government's move to cap personal income tax relief at S$80,000 stirred a debate over whether it is fair, given how high-income working mothers will end up paying more tax.
Targeted approach flags key role for trade groups, chambers
Singapore's economic restructuring is entering a new phase, declared Finance Minister Heng Swee Keat on Thursday – with the winding down of "free-for-all" help, and the ramping up of targeted support only where and when it is needed.
Sanctuary for kids closing its doors
March 26, 2016 5:00 AM
Sanctuary House, a small charity which looks after abused children and babies whose mothers are unable to care for them, is to close down soon.
Who gets SkillsFuture credit
March 26, 2016 5:00 AM
Reader Inderjit Kaur is a retired senior education officer. She wrote in to ask ST: “I am not 65 yet. I was wondering if I am entitled to this $500 credit for skills-based classes.”
Proposal to register e-bikes welcomed
March 26, 2016 5:00 AM
Retailers and users of motorised bicycles have welcomed a proposal to mandate the registration of electric bikes, though they say the extent to which it deals with errant riders will depend on enforcement.
Christians mark Good Friday in old and new ways
March 26, 2016 5:00 AM
Christians in Singapore celebrated Good Friday yesterday, with many attending church services, a candlelit procession and even a game show for children.
Drivers 'spend 9 hours weekly on road'
March 26, 2016 5:00 AM
Spending time driving might be a given for car owners, but motorists here spent a great deal more time on the road than doing other activities such as shopping and being with friends, a survey has found.
