Daily Briefing: Singapore set to forgo easing; Property investment sales plunged by 52%

Meanwhile, here’s a fresh look for Woodlands, Toa Payoh and Pasir Ris.

Singapore’s central bank will probably refrain from easing policy when it meets Thursday, saving its ammunition to fight a faltering global economy and political shocks that may spark turmoil later in the year. The Monetary Authority of Singapore, which manages the economy through the currency rather than setting interest rates, will maintain its current stance, according to 12 of 18 economists surveyed by Bloomberg. Read more here.

Total property investment sales in Singapore plunged by 52 percent on quarter to S$2.37 billion in Q1 2016 due to a dearth of big-ticket deals in the private sector, according to the latest report from Cushman & Wakefield. During the first quarter, investment volume in the private sector only reached S$1.14 billion, while the public sector accounted for the bulk of investments at S$1.23 billion. Find out more here.

The HDB has plans to upgrade the town centres of Woodlands, Toa Payoh and Pasir Ris as part of its Remaking Our Heartland (ROH) 3 programme. In Woodlands, the agency will build a town centre plaza for large-scale community activities, performances and events. The existing Woodlands Waterfront will also see more interesting landscaping, pocket greens and more shaded areas to make it more enjoyable for the public. Read more here.