The Business Times · 21 Sep, 10:08 · Business briefing

Singapore, Asia markets end higher on Monday; STI up 0.3%

Singapore and broader Asian equity markets closed higher on Monday, signalling cautious optimism among investors.

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The briefing

The story
in brief.

What happened, who it affects, and why it landed on our intelligence desk — in plain English, sixty seconds or less.

Singapore and broader Asian equity markets closed higher on Monday, signalling cautious optimism among investors. The Straits Times Index rose by 0.3 per cent, reflecting modest gains across key sectors. This positive momentum follows a period of market volatility, suggesting that regional economic indicators are stabilising. Analysts note that foreign investor sentiment remains a critical driver for local performance. The data indicates a gradual recovery in confidence, though traders advise maintaining a watchful eye on global economic developments before committing to significant long-term positions.

Employer demand for Finance and Accounting skills — indexed growth since 2019
Indicative index of skill mentions in professional job postings for the field this story moves (2019 = 1)

Your move

What this means
for your career.

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You should interpret this modest market rise as a signal that regional economic stability is returning, which directly influences corporate hiring and strategic planning. Professionals in finance and data analysis will see increased demand for skills in interpreting market trends and risk assessment. You need to sharpen your ability to translate these macroeconomic shifts into actionable business insights. Focus on enhancing your financial modelling capabilities to help your organisation navigate this recovering landscape. Additionally, understanding cross-border investment flows becomes crucial for roles in international business. A smart professional will immediately review their current skill set against these emerging needs, ensuring they can contribute to strategic decision-making during this period of renewed market confidence.

For this story, the fields that convert it into pay are Finance and Accounting, Financial Modeling, Risk Management Strategies and Business And Management — exactly the programmes matched below. The chart shows the indicative salary uplift certified professionals report in each of those fields; every one of them is a click away, from £79, finishing in as few as 20 days.

Indicative salary uplift in the fields matched to this story
Indicative ranges from published continuing-education salary studies, by field — each field is a recommended course below

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