Dec 23 morning round-up:

1. Jobs, businesses unlikely to fall off cliff when government aid ends
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2. Legal certainty critical for Indonesia's gig economy
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3. SMEs in Singapore wary of expanding and investing, even as sentiment improves: poll
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4. Covid-19 vaccine's in town; will hospitality, aviation workers be next in line for jabs?
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5. UK student accommodation businesses taking the long view
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6. Hang Seng proposes major overhaul of HK stock index
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Brokers' take: Frencken's S$6.3m impairment does not affect outlook, analysts say

Frencken, which manufactures components and modules for various industries, would recognise a S$6.2 million impairment loss for the second half of this year.

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Dec 23 evening round-up:

1. Keppel Land to divest Keppel Bay Tower to Keppel Reit at S$657.2m valuation
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2. Top Glove says will no longer fire whistleblowers; opens helplines for workers
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3. Marina Bay Sands casino paid price for courting China whales
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4. Singapore's core, headline inflation at -0.1% in November
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5. Geylang's Advance Apartment sold for S$26.5m to local consortium
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6. COEs end the year mostly higher in final lap of sales race
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For the latest numbers on the global coronavirus situation, go to bt.sg/ncov

With The Business Times News Tablet Edition, subscribers will get the exclusive SPHtab e-paper app pre-installed on a Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite (LTE) tablet for S$39.90 a month over 30 months. No installation, no log in, no hassle. Visit btsub.sg/btnt-telegram for more information and to subscribe.

Dec 24 morning round-up:

1. GCB segment ends 2020 on high note; buoyant mood expected to continue
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2. Asiapac social bonds closing in on US$10b; robust growth seen for 2021
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3. Surge in festive takeaways at hotels, restaurants
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4. Still room for upside for hospitality Reits despite rally
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5. Increase in demand for deep freeze solutions
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6. Frasers Centrepoint Trust to divest Anchorpoint mall for S$110m
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Broker's take: AmBank upgrades Malaysia Reits to 'overweight'

Its top picks, IGB Reit and Sunway Reit, are primed to lead the recovery, underpinned by resilient local footfall as they have an adjacent community of residences, offices and universities, said AmBank.

bt.sg/4D28

Dec 24 mid-day round-up:

1. China launches probe into Alibaba over monopoly allegations
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2. Silicon Valley wins as SEC allows new direct listing
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3. Keppel to sell First King Properties for £73.6m
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4. AMTD International gets new CEO, chairman, vice-chairman
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5. Brexit deal marathon heads to the finish line
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6. US targets Ripple cryptocurrency creators
bt.sg/4D2W

For the latest numbers on the global coronavirus situation, go to bt.sg/ncov

With The Business Times News Tablet Edition, subscribers will get the exclusive SPHtab e-paper app pre-installed on a Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite (LTE) tablet for S$39.90 a month over 30 months. No installation, no log in, no hassle. Visit btsub.sg/btnt-telegram for more information and to subscribe.

OCBC lifts spirits of vulnerable groups struggling with mental health:
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UOB brings Christmas cheer to underprivileged children:
bt.sg/4D2J

Marina Bay Sands caught in net of whales and murky waters of third-party transfers

ICYMI: Marina Bay Sands - owned by American billionaire Sheldon Adelson's LVS - prohibits the use of junkets, concerned that the untraceable flow of money opens the door to money laundering.

Instead, the casino allows patrons to transfer money to other gamblers they know, covering losses or sharing winnings. Think of it as an informal lending club among millionaires.

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Dec 25 morning round-up:

1. For Singapore property investors, overseas lure will continue
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2. EU and UK clinch narrow Brexit accord
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3. Thailand's new e-ferry service a step towards greener transport
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4. Singapore factories set to end 2020 in the black
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5. US flags money laundering risk in crypto stablecoins
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6. Year of the SPAC points to rosy outlook for blank-cheque firms
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INFOGRAPHIC: Nightmares before Christmas

The North Pole was not spared from the Covid-19 pandemic, which has upended businesses across the globe. As a result, preparing for Christmas this year has been a rather interesting experience for Santa.

🎅🎄 bt.sg/4DuM

Brexit trade deal sparks relief but UK market will bear scars

UK stocks have underperformed since 2016 and lagged the global recovery, while the British currency remains around 20 per cent below its long-term fair value.

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Christmas thoughts and wishes: Industry leaders share their festive plans and reflect on this tumultuous year. #BTLifestyle

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Dec 25 evening round-up:

1. Robinhood Financial hit with class-action lawsuit for selling stock orders
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2. Elon Musk says it's 'impossible' to take Tesla private, mulls new IPO
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3. Japan’s Shinzo Abe apologises, corrects Parliament statements on funding scandal
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4. Cyberpunk 2077 maker CD Projekt sued by investor over game’s botched launch
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5. Chinese Covid-19 vaccine's efficacy uncertain despite Brazil, Turkey results
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6. Fintech firm Square discussed acquiring Jay-Z's music-streaming service Tidal
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DESIGN: A tropical Christmas

When staying home for the festive season is just as meaningful as getting away. #BTLifestyle

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Japan delays women leadership target after falling short

Just 14.8 per cent of leadership positions in politics and business in Japan are occupied by women, "lagging extremely behind internationally".

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For Singapore property investors, overseas lure will continue

GIC leads in chase for yield from investment deals; it's been snapping up mega assets in China, which remains a top destination

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DINING OUT: A taste of Euphoria

Apart from the onion theatrics, Jason Tan's new restaurant offers high-calibre cooking. #BTLifestyle

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Happy New Year - with restrictions

Despite the 10.30pm curfew, revellers are still determined to ring in the new year at F&B establishments or at home. #BTLifestyle

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Dec 28 morning round-up:

1. Singapore digital banks face hard slog but incumbents can't sit pretty either
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2. Healthcare workers of National Centre for Infectious Diseases first to get Covid-19 vaccine
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3. Domestic market a thin lifeline for tourism sector
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4. News analysis: UK, EU politicians study Brexit compromise agreement
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5. BRC Asia still keen on China expansion
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6. Rollout of 5G to be closely watched for earnings potential
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INFOGRAPHIC: Pandemic decimates Singapore's tourism arrivals and receipts in 2020

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