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DBS begins compensation process
The compensation process is likely to be completed by the end of the year.
Broker turned monk offers home truths on crisis
He advises former colleagues to put a jar with soil on their desks. -Reuters
HDB coverage safe, says AIG subsidiary
AHACS' president Kevin Goulding reassures that HBD coverage is financially stable.
MAS to review selling of structured investments
Customers had complained that they were misled into buying products linked to Lehman Bros.
Risky financial products under review
MAS wants complex investments explained more clearly to public. -ST
Open energy market to give S'poreans better deal
Reader urges the authorities to recalculate the electricity tariff. -myp
Time to 'bargain hunt'? No - patience is a virtue
When stock markets behave as they are now, the temptation to buy probably grows stronger. -BT
Distinguishing "good" debt and "bad" debt
Today's uncertain economic outlook calls for consumers to think about what they actually need to spend to maintain their lifestyles. -The Jakarta Post, ANN
High Notes 2 not a low-risk product
DBS says while investors can enjoy potentially higher returns, they are cautioned that their investment is subject to three areas of credit risk.
Expect slowdown, not major contraction
Need of the hour is to invest in a global balanced portfolio complemented by a portfolio of high-yielding Singapore stocks.
Market spiral hurts average guy more than Wall St boss
Few want to help the fat cats but rooting for the banks' demise now risks pushing the economy into a deep recession.
AIG keeps its Asian life insurance business
Customers in Singapore unlikely to have their policies transferred to another insurer. -ST
Let fly
The latest power rate hike has Miss Chua Kim Choo scratching her head.
Insurer ditches motorist after 2 'at-fault' accidents
Her coverage expires this month; another firm quotes premium of $6k.
MAS likely to ease S$ policy: economists
Inflation fears have lifted, growth worries take centre stage.
Dream home chase turns bad
Buyer loses unit & savings after mistake in loan application.
Buy electricity? Pick a pricing plan
Pilot programme for electricity pricing in tests.
Queries on your power bill answered
EMA replies to questions regarding the electricity price hike.
AIG to sell Philippines unit
A number of local and foreign entities have expressed interest. -AFP
Temasek unit unveils financial sector fund
Fund launched jointly with Japan's SBI to invest in undervalued assets.
Squeezed into cutbacks
Middle-income families feeling the pinch - some having problems with car and housing loans.
Will they have to give these up?
Seven-figure bonuses are now history - so bankers are tightening their Gucci belts and downscaling lifestyles.
Not cash-strapped, but still saving for a rainy day
Entrepreneur Rakesh Kumar Gupta is cutting back on his expenditure amid the financial furore.
Less flash helps them save cash
Oil trader David Goh is cutting back on expenses to cope with rising costs of living.
Small savings here and there all add up
Every little bit counts for bank officer Julia Foo.
Big family keeps an eye on cost issues
All expenditure is scrutinised by these watchful parents in a bid to cut costs.
The Big Plunge
Pessimism in Europe sends markets tumbling worldwide as panic spreads . -ST
AIG's non-life business in S-E Asia not for sale
There are also no plans to lay off staff, says insurer's regional head. -ST
Economy may slow for 'several quarters'
But strong fundamentals will see Singapore past global crisis: Finance Minister.
Financial system here safe: Tharman
No need for panic as regulatory approach ensures banks are solid.
Investors go for gold
Dealers of the precious metal are finding it hard to keep up with demand.
Undergrad may have lost $66,000 to company
She put $66,000 of her family's money into what she thought would give her quick and lucrative returns. A year on, she has no idea what happened to the controversial company in which she had invested - Sunshine Empire.
Five times more rental flats recovered
147 units seized from tenants who made profit from illegal sub-letting.
Sell, sell, sell
Finance crisis sees many Aussies dumping their fancy cars, luxury yachts.
Landlord takes $15,000 in rent and vanishes
Landlord disappears almost immediately as soon as he pockets money from prospective tenants.
S'poreans want securities probe
Former NTUC Income chief delivered a petition on Thursday with almost 1,000 names demanding an independent inquiry into the sale of credit-linked securities. -AFP
Singapore woman loses $90,000 in just 2 days
Her job is to advise bank clients and sell them investment products, but she wasn't able to save her own money as stocks plunged.
He collects rent, then says flat not available
Ten angry groups confront current tenant, claiming they were cheated by landlord.
Landlord made our lives miserable
Three-room flat in Toa Payoh North has been a source of unhappiness to many tenants.
Desperate homeowners attempt suicide
Global financial turmoil takes emotional toll.
Five dumb deals they wish they'd skipped
Some bank transactions that really should not have gone through.
Are S'poreans worried this could happen here?
Half of 100 polled say they are not concerned. -TNP
Sing$ to fall 3.7% in 6 mths
Goldman Sachs Group lowers its forecast for the Singapore dollar. -ST
KL the top choice of expatriates
More wanting to live in the country under the Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) programme.
Oh, what a week!
The financial world continues in a downhill slope in Singapore and all over the world.
Feeling the pinch
How is the financial crisis affecting the way S'poreans eat and live?
Lehman investors hold protest here
About 600 investors in Lehman-linked derivatives held a public meeting at Singapore's Speakers' Corner to protest about the way banks sold them the investment products and to discuss ways to get compensation. -Reuters
Investors say Morgan Stanley not another Lehman
US govt unlikely to allow Morgan Stanley to fail. -Reuters
S'pore investors lament Lehman losses
Among the crowd that gathered were retired middle-class and working-class investors.
We told you so
Indian & Chinese traditional banks have last laugh in the weeks since the financial meltdown in the US.
The fight for his life savings
Retired HK security guard never gambles. But he may lose his money over Lehman's bankruptcy. -AFP
Migrant workers fear for jobs
Thousands of maids, restaurant staff and labourers working in S'pore and HK are afraid of being sent back, thanks to the current crisis. -AFP
MAS will ensure stability
Singapore's central bank said it is ready to inject additional liquidity into money markets if necessary. -Reuters
Defer price increases till good times
Reader asks if price raises are timely. -myp
Good govt and huge foreign reserves will see S'pore through
Reader would like to tell all fellow Singaporeans that we can survive this recession. -myp
Falling Korean won affects people's daily lives
Industries and individuals are suffering difficulties caused by the drastic decline in the local currency's value. -The Korea Herald, ANN
The Ferrari is the first to go as high-flyers feel the crunch
More young execs seeking to offload near-new luxury cars. -AFP
Hong Kong faces higher risk of recession next year: gov't
However, financial chief says no need for the government to inject capital into the city's banks. -AFP
Global financial crisis will hit army of overseas Filipino workers
If the financial crisis continues to deepen, the impact on the Philippines could be severe.
SKorea's 'wild goose' parents reel from slumping won
Korean won plummets against the dollar and sends the bill for foreign studies and living expenses soaring.
What does the financial crisis mean for you?
Share prices affect consumers in a more direct way than they realise.
Financial roundup
A summary of what's happening in the business world today. -AsiaOne
Rogue trader loses Russian bank millions
Investment bank loses up to US$50m in risky trades during financial crisis. -AFP
Cash-rich clients place big deposits with local banks
While some bank customers in the US and Hong Kong made a beeline to banks to withdraw their savings recently, many Singaporeans are doing the exact opposite.
$250k down the drain
Last year, a retired couple invested $250,000 in three structured products. Now, their life savings are wiped out after Lehman Brothers went bankrupt. -TNP
Many Asian, European countries guarantee depositors' savings
Several EU countries have agreed on unlimited or higher guarantees.
S'pore banks in sound shape: MAS MD
(SINGAPORE) Financial institutions in Singapore are sound and operating normally, even in the wake of the ongoing global turmoil that has seen hundreds of billions of dollars lost in the mortgage and securities markets.
DBS launches investigation of Lehman-related products
Bank will compensate customers if they produce evidence of mis-selling. -AsiaOne
Luxury mall showcases wealth gap in India
Despite the effects of the credit crisis, India's rich still have plenty of cash to buy designer accessories with thousand dollar price tags. - Reuters
Financial roundup
Today's top business stories from Singapore, Asia, and the world. -AsiaOne
No money, no burial for hundreds of corpses
Funeral directors in Britain revealed that the burial of 'hundreds' of bodies is being delayed for financial reasons.
$23,000 saved on wedding through barter
UK couples trade services as housekeeper, odd job worker and get wedding cars, suits, church service and reception in return.
Tycoons take a bath as markets run dry
Thirteen titans have shed at least $6.7 billion in net worth since the start of the year.
No money, no hubby
He had proposed to, and paid the deposit for a Vietnam bride. But with the stock crash, half his life savings were wiped out - so he pulled the plugs on his wedding plans. -TNP
Better to invest in new bathroom than in stocks
The average person can't be bothered about the stock market - and some even take a perverse pleasure from the market's decline. -TNP
Earn a car by saving with Spanish bank
Europe adopts novel ways to draw deposits. -myp
Financial roundup
Today's top business stories from Singapore, Asia, and the world. -AsiaOne
How will Govt help buyers of structured products?
Let us not point fingers and wonder why these investors are in such dire straits after buying products they were uncertain about.
America's wealthy feel bite
High net worth individuals are worried about losses in their retirement and savings accounts. -AFP
How deep will the recession be?
Most economists say measures are helping confidence but will not prevent recession. -AFP
Thai advisor warns of recession
Country risks sinking into recession in 2009 if protracted political crisis does not end. -Reuters
Bailout for US middle class?
There may be a new, multi-billion dollar stimulus package for US taxpayers. -AFP
Will Asian consumers save the world?
Political leaders across Asia have been tailoring policies to encourage their people to spend rather than save.
S$ falls to near 1-year low against US$
It fell 0.8 per cent to S$1.4803 against the greenback.
Money meltdown
AsiaOne's comprehensive look at the financial crisis with timely updates, helpful tips, and a place to talk back.
Financial roundup: October 16, 2008
Today's top business stories from Singapore, Asia, and the world. -AsiaOne
MAS: Every dollar is safe
All bank deposits guaranteed to boost confidence.
Financial roundup: Oct 17
Today's top business stories from Singapore, Asia, and the world. -AsiaOne
MAS probes mis-selling of Lehman notes
About 9,700 people in Singapore stand to lose most or all of their money after they bought Lehman Brothers-linked structured products. -Reuters
Minibond holders still grappling with outcome
Retirees hardest hit; investors continue to seek answers.
$100,000 life savings gone
Retirees recount their big losses and expensive lessons.
Banks sound, system working well: Tharman
Minister says MAS response has been measured but effective.
High Notes 2, Pinnacle buyers face losses too
Investments apparently not linked to Lehman also floundering in sea of red ink. -ST
Deposits guarantee may spark 'war'
Savers could switch to foreign banks with higher returns but local banks are fighting back. -ST
MAS to banks: Do the right thing
Lowly-educated retirees who lost money to be given top priority. -ST
HK banks buy back bonds
Banks agreed to buy back controversial financial products backed by failed US investment bank Lehman Brothers at market value. -AFP
S Korea plans $44b injection
This will help banks, businesses and the currency market caught up in the ongoing global credit crisis. -AFP
Banks may compensate victims of 'mis-selling'
'VULNERABLE' customers, who were mis-sold structured products linked to Lehman Brothers, may find their cases being heard more sympathetically.
Financial roundup: October 18
Today's top business stories from Singapore, Asia, and the world. -AsiaOne
Swap counterparty for Minibond programme?
Hong Kong-based bank has expressed interest to replace Lehman as the swap counterparty for all series of the Minibond programme. -ST
What's 'Minibond' in Mandarin?
There is a language gap between cash-rich retirees and young English-educated wealth managers.
Wealth managers now Public Enemy No. 1
They have been portrayed as the bad and the greedy, the unscrupulous face of the Minibonds crash that caused 10,000 retail investors here up to $500 million in losses. -TNP
'Safer' stocks not immune to meltdown
Defensive shares like SingPost, StarHub and ST Engg suffer double-digit losses in 'irrational selling'. -ST
OCBC: S'pore economy least risky
It is best-equipped to tackle financial crisis, according to report. -ST
Managers pessimistic in Oct survey
They believe world is in recession, monetary policy is too restrictive. -BT
Less leverage shielding Asian hedge funds from distress: UBS
They could see redemptions of 10% to 40%, it says.
For a while, they allow themselves luxury of hope
The waiting area at a Meet-the-People session (MPS) looks like that of a clinic - but they're not sick; they're down and out.
MP, I want help with...
In these economically troubled times, what does the world look like for the poor man? Find out what he is saying in a Meet-the-People session. -TNP
Are banks tightening up on housing loans?
The current climate is in sharp contrast to the recent but short property boom last year.
Malaysian govt acting on financial crisis
Najib said he was confident that Malaysia would not face an economic depression. -The Star
Singaporeans find their voice in crisis
About 600 clapped and cheered in the biggest outdoor rally Singapore had seen in years. -AFP
Islamic banking escapes fallout
Islamic law prohibits the payment and collection of interest so highly complex instruments are banned. -AFP
Sales of premium cars and sports models hit the brakes
Distributors reported zero bookings over the normally busy weekends.
Financial roundup
Today's business stories. -AsiaOne
Financial roundup: October 20
Today's top business stories from Singapore, Asia, and the world. -AsiaOne
Fair value rule hurts but is best model: Experts
Pricing exotic assets at current value may spell big losses amid crisis, but it is transparent.
Investors burn incense for luck
Desperate investors, it seems, are seeking intervention of another kind by heading to the temples to pray for the recovery of their investments.
Hello? We can't repay our loans
American desperados' tales of woe stun Indian debt collectors.
S'pore banks 'unlikely to fail'
Banking system sound, Govt's deposit guarantee sufficient, says minister.
Australia extends ban
Short selling ban extended until next month. -AFP
Financial roundup: Oct 21
Today's top business stories from Singapore, Asia, and the world. -AsiaOne
MAS allows 3 local banks to retain auditor beyond five years
This is a temporary arrangement to help the banks benefit from audit continuity while they deal with the global financial crisis.
Gone: The $500 million dollar dream
The step by step coverage of the DBS minibonds debacle.
Got greedy and lost my savings
One Stomp blogger reflects on how he was affected by the financial turmoil. -myp
Financial roundup
Today's top business stories from Singapore, Asia, and the world. -AsiaOne
Cancer-stricken retiree loses $190,000 to big crash
She says she'd rather risk relapse & leave money for hubby than spend her remaining money in costly treatments. -TNP
Fire sale: Owners dump condos
Stock market losses have forced some property owners to resort to 'fire sales' for a quick return to liquidity.
$150b unlikely to be tapped
Deposits guarantee is sufficient because banks are sound, says Minister Lim Hng Kiang.
Low Thia Khiang to MAS: Be more proactive
He also asked if the investors' plight was the result of a 'less prudent regulation by the MAS'.
How much should investors get back?
MPs and financial experts give their views on how to resolve the Minibond fiasco
Asian financial regulatory body to be set up
It aims to become an Asian version of the Financial Stability Forum (FSF).
China shows financial muscle by boosting property market: analysts
China has the most flexibility in the world to fend off the impact of the global financial crisis. -AFP
Protecting the financial system
Edited excerpts from the questions and answers when MPs questioned Trade and Industry Minister Lim Hng Kiang in Parliament.
MAS advises 3 steps for misled investors
Financial dispute advice for those mis-sold a structured product.
All play part in structured product rules
MAS balances regulation with FI's responsibility for fair deal: Hng Kiang.
Financial roundup: October 23
Today's top business stories from Singapore, Asia, and the world. -AsiaOne
Local banks hit hard by falling share prices
DBS hits five-year low, with UOB and OCBC also falling ahead of third-quarter results. -ST
I go the extra mile for my customers
His biggest worry: how to support his family if the recession hits really hard. They are the most important people to him and the reason he works is to give them a good life. -ST
Job loss: Share your story
Knowing how to cope with job losses is a way of preparing for a downturn. How prepared are you emotionally to cope with a recession? -ST
Forget costly games, the hottest toy is...
With the downturn, costlier buys like computer and electronics games may no longer fly off the shelves this Christmas.
Women sell eggs to pay off debts
Women can earn $10,000 or more for just one donation.
Moving out is now on hold
Ms Jenny Chan shelved plans to rent her own place. Her biggest worry: She will not have enough money for her next generation. -ST
I could lose my job next week
Part-time cleaner, with monthly income of $500, has to live and raise her two grandchildren. -ST
I've had to cut pay, retrench, close offices
Mr Pang says he remains optimistic about his business and he will involve his staff in the decision-making process. -ST
I'll go where the jobs are
During this recession, Mr Ang attended additional classes including business etiqutte, dress sense and career talks to boost his job prospects. He is also worried for his parents, who are from the lower income group. -ST
Fitness training is recession proof
Despite the recession, personal trainer Mohamed Fazlon, left the gym where he has worked for nine years to strike out on his own. -ST
Lay off my workers? No way
Owner Eddy Tan mentioned that his occasional customer who drops by his shop now chooses the cheapest items. His biggest worry: Customers will think a lot harder before purchasing items from him. -ST
My savings of $25,000 might be zero
While large American and British banks receive billions of taxpayers' cash to maintain operations, small investors like Mrs Lim, 59, are left stranded and waiting for answers. -ST
Investors want open forum with DBS
Asks top brass to organise meeting to clarify issues.
Any time is a good time to start a business
Ms Ho and her partner put $80, 000 of their savings into Craftz 67, where children can learn skills such as glass painting. -ST
The organic truth - health comes first
Mr Chettle and his wife are confident that demand for Bunalun's organic products will be unaffected. -ST
We're scaling back on our wedding plans
The couple halved their honeymoon budget and are trying to save as much as possible as economic blues set in. Still, they feel that because it is their wedding, they should spend whatever necessary to make it memorable. -ST
We have to scrimp even harder
Mrs Agness Lee, a part-time childcare teacher, is willing to go full-time if the economic situation worsens. But she and her husband remains positive the Singapore will be okay. -ST
I may end up in an old folks' home
Amy Tan started a shipping company when she was 55, but lost $25,000. Now at 75, she is broke. She may have to stay in an old folks' home if her situation worsens. -ST
CDCs ready for rising numbers seeking help
Out of work? Look out for job fairs that feature growing industries like health care, spa and wellness, education and landscaping. The community development council will provide job interview training and career counselling.-ST
Swift relief for most vulnerable investors
Three financial institutions to give priority to the less-educated elderly.
I have jobs lined up for next 2 years
Mr Loo, head of Straits Construction, says the slowdown will give the industry a much-needed breather. -ST
It's time to expand
MD of Sheng Siong supermarket, a former farmboy, believes crisis situations are also investment opportunities. -ST
Prepare: Pain ahead
Not all Singaporeans are feeling the impact of the financial crisis yet. Experts, however, have this advice: Be prudent and be prepared. But it is not all doom and gloom- food prices will soon benefit from that. -ST
As long as I have work, no problem
Construction worker, Mr Kathamuthu, is not affected by the financial crisis at this point, but he is saving more to prepare for rainy days. -ST
Financial roundup: Oct 24
Today's top business stories from Singapore, Asia, and the world. -AsiaOne
Australia to charge fee for bank deposit guarantee
Fee will be charged for guaranteeing local-bank deposits worth more than A$1 million. -Reuters
Potential saviours for Minibonds
HSBC receives 2 proposals from financial institutions to help Minibond holders.
Hope flickers for victims of Lehman-linked notes
2 proposals to take over Minibond notes, says MAS; DBS, Hong Leong and Maybank offer to compensate 'vulnerable' investors.
Financial roundup: Oct 25
Today's top business stories from Singapore, Asia, and the world. -AsiaOne
Unit trust holders sit on losses of over 20%
Funds also see redemptions spike, sales drop as investors flock to the safety of cash.
DBS will pay up to $80m to investors
Full compensation for some customers but others may get nothing.
Anomalies in the unfolding global financial crisis
Observations made in the wake of the world recession.
Payout - why only for retirees & lowly educated?
What about us? Or, rather, why NOT us? That was the question on the minds of younger and more educated investors of Lehman-linked products. -TNP
What's mis-selling, what's not
Does a product suit your needs and risk profile? If not, there's mis-selling. But you must prove it. -ST
All mis-selling complaints to be reviewed: MAS
Investors in the DBS High Notes 5, Lehman Minibond and Jubilee Series programmes can take heart. -ST
Investors flock to 3rd rally
About 500 frustrated investors gathered at Speakers' Corner for the rally organised by former NTUC Income CEO Tan Kin Lian. -ST
Young & unfazed
Recession? The young are not worried, with some overspending or running up debts. -ST
Old & worried
Retirees plan to tighten their belts so their retirement funds will last longer. -ST
We're victims too, say relationship managers
They face abusive clients and now find it hard to make sales.
I feel bad, but I won't say sorry
For troubled bank CEOs, it's the hardest word as it means guilt. Lehman Brothers CEO Richard Fuld has come under fire for not appearing repentant for his role in the credit crisis. -TNP
Lehman saga shows need for consumer body
Now is a good time for investors to start ball rolling on such a body.
Key steps financial institutions will take
They will review all cases, and also fast track compensation for 'vulnerable customers'.
Bank clarifies mis-sold guidelines
DBS BANK has further clarified the standards that it is using to determine if its High Notes were mis-sold to customers.
AIG to freeze ex-chief's US$19m
Group will also withhold US$600m due to other execs.
Financial roundup: Oct 26
Today's top business stories from Singapore, Asia, and the world.
Crisis? Not yet, say expats in China
As the global financial crisis threatens to poison lives around the globe, many expatriates in China are finding they are largely immune to its toxicity. -China Daily, ANN
At risk: $200k insurance payout for paralysed man
A motorcyle accident robbed him of his bodily functions three years ago, leaving him paralysed from the chest down. Now, the banking crisis threatens his savings and his $200,000 insurance payout from the accident. -TNP
He buys condo for a windfall but takes a big fall instead
He jumped into a then hot property market without weighing the biggest 'if' of all - what if you lack the cash to complete the purchase? Now, he is bankrupt. -TNP
Financial roundup: Oct 27
Today's top business stories from Singapore, Asia, and the world.
Escapism is big bucks during financial crisis
Times are bad and people are tightening their belts. But some folk in the entertainment industry are laughing their way to the bank.
Mum & Dad will provide
For 20-year-old undergraduate Agnes Lin, the recession could just be academic.
POSB appreciates older customers
It has set up special counters for customers over 50 years old.
Turn dross into gold, Mr Banker
Instead of the millions spent on ways to woo investors in boom times, banks should use the money to seal their trust in the bank now. -TNP
The Ministry of Finance wants your feedback
It will be launching the Budget 2009 Feedback Exercise on 28 October 2008.
How MAS works to ensure stability
Monetary stability, financial soundness and market conduct: It starts with vigilance.
DBS: Most of Lehman-linked notes valued at zero
This includes High Notes 5 in Singapore and the Constellation series in Hong Kong. -AsiaOne
6 brokerages to help 'vulnerable' investors
They unveil compensation plans for elderly and less educated who bought Lehman-linked products. -ST
'Savings plan' was really investment policy
Reader went DBS Bank to sign up for 'savings plan but was misled to sign up for another 'savings plan'. -ST
HK restaurateur kills himself over share losses
Owner of a string of eateries jumps to his death. -AFP
Where are the desperate investors?
Despite the financial crisis, the crowd is missing at temples, churches, mosque in the CBD.
More white collars pawn goods
Pawnshops see business boom as execs pawn high-quality diamond jewellery and Franck Muller watches. -myp
Financial industry and Fair Trading Act
Case and its take on the financial products saga.
Questions on sales of financial products
In the aftermath of the minibonds and High Notes debacle, some questions can still be raised.
Japan eyeing another US$50b economic stimulus package
Govt plans to submit a second extra budget for fiscal 2008 to cover the cost. -Yomiuri Shimbun,ANN
Crisis hits China's wealthy
It has more than halved the combined wealth of China's richest people. -AFP
Review for High Notes 5 sales
They will do so even for investors who have not lodged a complaint. -ST
S'pore couple face 75 fraud charges
Their real identities are still unknown as they used false names to get credit cards for a spending spree in New Zealand.
HK watchdog may sue banks
Consumer Council considering backing mostly concerned vulnerable elderly people. -AFP
Angry HK investors protest
Frustration mounted over Lehman-linked investment losses. -Reuters
 
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