Two big things have smashed records this week—and both say a lot about where money’s flowing (and worrying) right now. Gold’s gone glitzy with a new all-time high, while COE prices are making drivers wince yet again.
But that’s not all: banks are tightening the reins on big transfers to keep scams at bay, and Trust Bank’s rolling out a savings plan that lets you mix and match how you earn interest. Here’s your quick, friendly catch-up on what’s been making waves in the world of money.
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Gold surges past $4,000 for the first time amid global uncertainty
Gold prices have smashed through the $4,000 mark per ounce for the first time, continuing a historic rally as investors flock to safe-haven assets. The surge comes as the US Federal Reserve is expected to deliver more interest rate cuts and as global tensions persist.
- Spot gold: $4,011.18 per ounce (+0.7%)
- US gold futures (Dec): $4,033.40 per ounce (+0.7%)
- Year-to-date rise: +53% (after +27% in 2024)
What’s driving the rally:
- Expectations of further US rate cuts (25 bps this month, another in December)
- Weaker US dollar and growing global debt
- Central bank gold buying and ETF inflows
- Political turmoil in France and Japan
- US government shutdown halting key data releases
Analysts say “fear of missing out” is also fuelling momentum, with some now eyeing $5,000 as the next target. Still, profit-taking near the milestone price could trigger short-term pullbacks.
ALSO READ: Gold Prices Hit Record High—How to Invest in Gold in Singapore (2025)
COE premiums climb again as Category A hits record $128,105
Singapore’s Certificate of Entitlement (COE) prices have climbed yet again, with premiums for smaller cars (Category A) reaching a record $128,105—the third straight all-time high.
Category | Latest Premium | Previous | Change |
A (smaller cars) | $128,105 | $119,003 | ▲ $9,102 |
B (larger cars) | $141,000 | $136,890 | ▲ $4,110 |
Commercial vehicles | $74,301 | $72,501 | ▲ $1,800 |
Motorcycles | $9,810 | $9,209 | ▲ $601 |
Open category | $140,009 | $140,502 | ▼ $493 |
A total of 5,300 bids were submitted for 3,164 COEs available.
Analysts say buyers are rushing to secure cars ahead of reduced electric vehicle (EV) incentives from 2026, even as rebates for lower-emission models continue. The latest spike also follows a major car show in late September, which likely boosted demand.
With Category A prices breaking records for the third round in a row, affordability concerns are mounting for everyday drivers—and the market doesn’t seem ready to slow down just yet.
ALSO READ: How the (COE) Certificate of Entitlement System Works: Bidding & Process
Banks to hold or reject large transfers under new anti-scam safeguard
Starting 15 Oct 2025, Singapore banks will tighten fraud surveillance with a new rule for accounts holding $50,000 or more. If withdrawals within 24 hours exceed 50% of the account balance, the triggering transaction—and any that follow—may be held for 24 hours or rejected.
Applies to:
- All current and savings accounts (including joint accounts)
- Banks: DBS, OCBC, UOB, Citibank, HSBC, Maybank, Standard Chartered
- Digital channels only (mobile apps and internet banking)
Exempted transactions:
- Recurring GIRO/eGIRO or standing instructions
- Bill payments to approved billing organisations
How it works:
- Customers get immediate in-app alerts if a transfer is held or rejected.
- The 24-hour delay serves as a “cognitive break” for potential scam victims.
- Urgent transactions can be verified at branches, ATMs, or via hotlines.
While scams dropped 26% in the first half of the year, the Association of Banks in Singapore says vigilance remains key. This safeguard, though slightly inconvenient, could stop fraudulent transfers before they clear—giving customers valuable time to act.
Trust launches customisable savings plan giving customers more flexibility
Digital bank Trust has introduced Flex, a new savings plan that lets customers choose how they earn interest — whether through spending, saving, or investing. It’s part of a trio of savings options, alongside the existing Signature and Zen plans.
Key details at a glance:
- Interest rate: Up to 2.5% p.a. on deposits of up to $1.2 million
- Customisation: Pick 3 out of 8 bonus interest categories based on lifestyle habits
- Flexibility: Switch categories anytime via the Trust app — changes take effect the next month
- Alternative plans:
- Signature plan – standard bonus categories, ideal for consistency
- Zen plan – higher base rate with no conditions
Trust says Flex was designed after customer feedback that traditional savings accounts often lack personalisation. The plan’s “mix-and-match” concept, inspired by the local caifan (mixed rice) idea, gives savers more control over how they grow their money.
Skyscanner report: Travel in 2026 gets personal with literary getaways and glow-up trips
Travel’s taking a personal turn in 2026, according to Skyscanner’s latest Travel Trends report. 90% of Singapore travellers plan to travel as much or more next year, but the way they do it is changing—think more meaningful, self-curated adventures.
Top 2026 travel trends:
- Bookbound: Trips inspired by novels and iconic bookstores
- Glowmads: Beauty-focused getaways for self-care seekers
- Family Miles: Multi-generational holidays to reconnect across generations
- Shelf Discovery: Exploring local supermarkets for cultural “souvenirs”
- Altitude Shift: Escapes to mountain destinations, even in summer
Meanwhile, Singapore’s trending destinations include Guiyang, Phu Quoc, and Padang, with Haikou, Seoul, and Fukuoka offering the best value for travellers.
That’s it for this week! Stay tuned for next week’s What’s Happening This Week to keep up with the latest in finance, business, and beyond.
This article was first drafted with the help of AI and later reviewed and refined by the author.
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