In Focus

This comes despite JTC’s projection on increased demand for ndustrial spaces in 2021.

The declaration of a travel corridor between the two cities has been delayed for the second time. The travel bubble announcement between the Singapore and Hong Kong will not push through this week, as previously scheduled. According to a Bloomberg report, the announcement was cancelled last minute by the Singapore side. This will be the second delay in the anticipated quarantine-free travel measure, previously scheduled for November last year. While Singapore has eased its travel restrictions for travellers from Hong Kong, the Chinese authonomous region has done the opposite, suspending flights from Singapore Airlines budget carrier Scoot. Singapore lowered the requirements for Stay Home Notices (SHNs) for Hong Kong travellers to seven days, that can be served at their residence, from the previous 14-days at a dedicated SHN facility. On the other hand, Hong Kong suspended flights from Scoot from April 16 to 29, after two passengers from Singapore tested positive for COVID-19 upon landing. On April 21, the Singapore Ministry of Health confirmed that there had been two new cases of locally transmitted COVID-19. There were also 14 imported cases from people who had recently travelled from India and Indonesia. There are 274 active COVID-19 cases in Singapore, as of April 21. Hong Kong recorded 172 new COVID-19 cases between April 7 to 20, including 39 confirmed local cases, 1 possible local case, and 15 from unknown sources. Both cities have started implementing their respective vaccination programmes.  

Overall exports surged by 21%, leading experts to upgrade their Singapore economic forecasts.

It has grown 0.2% YoY in Q1 following contractions from three previous quarters.

Approximately 5,118 condominium units were rented out in March, as more people returned to the Lion City, and demand is expected to rise further.

Monthly volumes of units sold are expected to soon reach a decade high.

More than 70% of employers looked beyond academic records when it came to hiring in 2020.

The SG SafeEvents Certification programme will allow business events to be held amidst the ongoing pandemic.

Negative sentiment is expected to ease across all business sectors over the next six months.

February saw a positive 5.2% boost in retail sales, when compared to the same time period last year.

The IATA Travel Pass contains the passenger's pre-departure COVID-19 test result and relevant details.

Moody's Investor Services said travel disruptions would keep hospitality REITs revenue weak for the near future.

Lower dividend payouts can support its free cash flow and liquidity, if sustained.

One out of three Singaporean companies increased their investments in power management in 2020.

February's inflation figures is the last key data to be released before April's monetary policy meeting.

The group plans to consolidate its investment management platforms.