Markets swung, healthcare rules shifted, and the job market showed fresh signs of change — it’s been a busy week for money news. From new insurance rider rules that could reshape premiums, to Singapore’s hiring market getting a boost from AI demand, there’s plenty that could affect your finances. We also look at why Singaporeans are still spending in Malaysia despite currency shifts, and a global wealth trend that could reshape investing for decades. Finally, after a week of sharp swings, we break down what drove Singapore’s stock market and what it means for everyday investors.
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Ringgit nears RM3 per $1, but Singaporeans keep spending in Malaysia
The Malaysian ringgit has been strengthening against the Singapore dollar, with $1 now buying about RM3.10, compared with as much as RM3.55 in late 2023. Analysts say the exchange rate could soon approach RM3 per $1, marking a notable shift for Singaporeans who frequently cross the Causeway.
Even so, most travellers don’t appear to be cutting back. Data from multi-currency wallet providers shows that cross-border spending remains steady, suggesting that Singaporeans are still happy to head to Johor Bahru for food, shopping and short getaways.
How the exchange rate has moved
Period | SGD to MYR rate |
Late 2023 peak | ~RM3.55 |
Early 2026 | ~RM3.10 |
Possible near-term level | ~RM3.00 |
What travellers are doing instead:
- $→ringgit conversions rose nearly 42% year-on-year in January 2026, according to Revolut.
- Some travellers are locking in exchange rates early using apps like YouTrip.
- For many visitors, the stronger ringgit only adds a small extra cost to meals, transport or day trips.
Analysts say the currency move is largely driven by global factors such as US interest rate expectations, rather than big changes in Singapore or Malaysia’s economic fundamentals.
New Integrated Shield Plan riders could cut premiums by at least 30%
Singaporeans buying new Integrated Shield Plan (IP) riders from April may see significantly lower premiums, after new Ministry of Health (MOH) rules aimed at controlling healthcare costs. Insurers say premiums for the revamped riders will be at least 30% cheaper, with one insurer offering reductions of up to 84%.
All 7 insurers offering IPs are launching new rider products by 1 April to comply with the updated rules. The changes are designed to encourage more cost-sharing and curb rising medical bills.
What’s changing with the new riders
Feature | Current riders | New riders |
Minimum deductible | Can be fully covered | At least $1,500 must be paid |
Co-payment cap | $3,000 | $6,000 |
Premiums | Higher | ~30% lower or more |
What insurers are saying:
- Income Insurance expects average premium savings of about 32%.
- Singlife says some policyholders could see reductions of up to 84%.
- Existing policyholders don’t have to switch, unless their rider was bought after 27 Nov 2025.
The trade-off: policyholders will pay a larger share of their hospital bills upfront, but lower premiums could make riders more affordable in the long run.
ALSO READ: Best Integrated Shield Plans in Singapore—Which One Should You Choose?
McKinsey study: Women’s wealth set to surge past $100 trillion by 2030
Women are quickly becoming one of the most powerful forces in global wealth. According to research cited by HSBC Private Bank, women could control around $113 trillion in financial assets by 2030, roughly 40% of the world’s investible wealth.
This shift is being driven by several trends: more women building successful careers and businesses, longer life expectancy, and a massive intergenerational wealth transfer. Yet despite their growing influence, many financial institutions still struggle to serve female investors effectively.
Here’s how women’s financial power is rising:
Year | Wealth controlled by women |
2018 | ~$34 trillion |
2023 | ~$60 trillion |
2030 (projected) | ~$113 trillion |
A few other notable insights:
- 53% of assets held by women are unmanaged, compared with 45% for men.
- Closing this advice gap could represent a $10 trillion opportunity for the wealth management industry.
- Women investors often prioritise retirement security, children’s education, and purposeful investing, including philanthropy.
As women take a larger role as founders, investors, and decision-makers, the financial industry may need to rethink how it engages with this fast-growing group of clients.
ALSO READ: 5 Industries That Have Been Opening Up To Women In Singapore
Indeed report: Singapore job postings climb as AI skills surge in demand
Singapore’s hiring market may be showing signs of life again. Job postings on employment platform Indeed rose for the third straight month in January, reaching their highest level in seven months after a cooling period in 2025.
Even though postings were still 11.3% lower than a year ago, the labour market remains tight, with vacancies still 38% above pre-pandemic levels despite falling from the 2022 hiring boom.
One big driver behind hiring demand? Artificial intelligence.
AI’s growing role in Singapore jobs
Metric | Figure |
Job postings mentioning AI (2026) | 23% |
Job postings mentioning AI (2025) | 12% |
Share in the US | ~5% |
Share in the UK | ~7% |
Other hiring trends worth noting:
- About two-thirds of data and analytics roles now mention AI skills.
- Job postings rose in nearly 60% of occupational categories over the past three months.
- Growth was strongest in social science (+26%), IT infrastructure (+25%), and software development (+23%) roles.
While AI isn’t replacing jobs just yet, it’s quickly becoming a skill employers expect across a growing number of roles.
Singapore market overview: Week ending 11 March 2026
Singapore’s main stock market index—the Straits Times Index (STI), which tracks 30 of the largest listed companies—ended the week slightly higher after a volatile few days, closing around 4,860 points. Investor sentiment was mixed, with markets swinging between worry and relief as global oil prices surged and then quickly fell.
Earlier in the week, the STI dropped sharply as oil prices spiked above $100 a barrel, raising fears of inflation and higher interest rates. But markets rebounded strongly after oil prices eased following comments from US President Donald Trump suggesting the Iran conflict could end soon.
What moved the market
- Oil price volatility: Oil briefly surged close to $120 a barrel amid Middle East tensions before falling sharply, causing large swings in stock markets.
- Airline and transport stocks pressured: Higher fuel costs earlier in the week weighed on companies like Singapore Airlines and SATS, which rely heavily on fuel.
- Banks rebounded strongly: Shares of DBS, OCBC and UOB rose when markets recovered. Banks make up a large portion of the STI, so their movements often influence the overall index.
- Some energy stocks gained: Oil-related companies such as Rex International attracted trading interest during the oil price surge.
- Strong trading activity: On one rebound day alone, around 1.6 billion shares worth about $2.4 billion were traded on the Singapore market.
Global and ASEAN market impact
Global events played a major role in Singapore’s market moves this week. The conflict in the Middle East disrupted oil supply routes and briefly pushed energy prices sharply higher, raising concerns about inflation and transport costs worldwide.
Because Singapore is a small and highly open economy, global developments—such as energy prices, geopolitical tensions and US policy signals—often affect local markets quickly. When oil prices surged, investors worried that companies could face higher costs. When prices fell again, markets across Asia rebounded, including Singapore.
What this means for everyday investors
- Short-term swings are normal, especially during global geopolitical events.
- Markets react quickly to news, but these moves don’t always reflect long-term economic trends.
- Diversification helps manage risk, as different sectors respond differently to global events.
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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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