Over 70%. That's how much global oil prices have climbed since the start of the year—and it's a big reason pump prices may stay stubbornly high for a while yet. This week, Singapore's central bank made its latest policy call, while the economy posted another quarter of surprisingly strong growth (though your payslip may not feel it). Elsewhere, Singlife became the first insurer here to roll out a doctor-led weight management programme, and the Government is mulling a new way to make flexible jobs work for caregivers. Here's what you need to know.
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MAS keeps its Singdollar policy unchanged, but warns inflation will linger into 2027
If your grocery and petrol bills haven't eased up yet, don't hold your breath. On 14 October 2026, the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) kept its monetary policy settings unchanged, but warned that energy price pressures from the Iran war will keep inflation elevated well into 2027.
Unlike most central banks, MAS manages the Singdollar's value against a basket of trading partners' currencies instead of setting interest rates. A stronger Singdollar makes imports cheaper—a big deal when almost 40 cents of every dollar spent here goes to imports. Having tightened twice, in April and July, MAS is giving those moves time to work, analysts say.
Inflation measure | 2026 forecast | 2027 forecast |
|---|---|---|
Core inflation | 1.5%–2% | 1.5%–2.5% |
All-items inflation | Around 2% | 1.5%–2.5% |
- Brent crude traded at around US$106 a barrel on 14 October 2026, up more than 70% since the start of the year
- Inflation should only ease more noticeably in the second half of 2027
- MAS also flagged tighter financial conditions—think higher borrowing costs for mortgages, credit cards, and car loans
ALSO READ: Singapore Government Payouts 2026: What's Left to Collect This Year
Singapore's economy grew 5.4% in Q3, and MAS expects the AI boom to carry into 2027
Singapore's economy is on a roll. According to advance estimates from the Ministry of Energy, Trade and Industry (METI), the economy grew 5.4% year on year in the third quarter of 2026, beating the 5.1% that economists polled by Bloomberg had expected. And the AI boom isn't done yet—MAS expects AI-led growth to continue into 2027, even if it slows from this year's exceptional pace.
Sector | Q2 2026 | Q3 2026 |
|---|---|---|
Overall economy | 6.2% | 5.4% |
Manufacturing | 12.9% | 7.5% |
Construction | 6.1% | 8.8% |
Wholesale, retail, transport, and storage | 6.9% | 8% |
Finance, infocomm, and professional services | 5.1% | 4.3% |
Tech-related sectors drove around 75% of overall growth, MAS said. The catch? Retail trade and food and beverage services were the only sectors that didn't grow, and MAS expects nominal wage growth to moderate next year. As one eToro analyst put it, most households aren't seeing the growth in their wallets yet.
METI will update its 2026 growth forecast (currently 4.5%–5.5%) and release its first 2027 projection in November 2026.
ALSO READ: 12 Highest and Lowest Paying Jobs in Singapore (2026)
Singlife launches Singapore's first insurer-led weight management programme
Weight management just got an insurance twist. On 15 October 2026, Singlife launched the Singlife Chronic Care Programme with Novo Nordisk Singapore and HMI Medical—the first insurer-led programme here to help customers manage obesity. It's timely: Singapore's obesity rate rose from 10.5% in 2019–2020 to 12.7% in 2023–2024, per the Ministry of Health.
Here's how it works:
- Price: From $289/month (including GST), for a GP consultation and prescribed medication where medically suitable, with the final cost depending on medication and dosage
- Eligibility: All Singlife customers; treatment is generally for adults with a BMI of at least 30, or 27 to below 30 with at least 1 weight-related condition
- Getting started: Your first consultation must be in person at one of more than 25 participating HMI clinics; follow-ups can be done via teleconsult
- Claims: Fees aren't claimable under your Singlife policy, but CHAS or MediSave may cover eligible parts for qualifying chronic conditions
Bonus: bringing your BMI below 30 may get you preferential rates on selected Singlife plans, subject to underwriting.
ALSO READ: Cost of Health Screening Packages in Singapore (2026)—Public and Private Hospitals, Clinics and More
Government exploring grants and incentives for firms to offer fractional jobs
Need more flexibility at work? Help may be on the way. On 14 October 2026, Acting Manpower Minister Jasmin Lau said the Government is studying how to encourage employers to offer fractional work—jobs where you work a fraction of full-time hours.
Speaking at the Institute of Policy Studies' Young Singaporeans Conference 2026, Lau shared what's being explored:
- Grants and incentives for employers that offer fractional roles
- Helping employers redesign jobs into bundles of tasks, so staff can work at different rhythms
- Starting with the industries and job roles best suited to it, before scaling up nationwide
Lau said it could suit those caring for young children or elderly parents, and needn't be permanent. One thing to note: pay may differ depending on the tasks and outcomes you deliver.
Fractional work trials wrap up later in 2026, and a tripartite workgroup on senior workers will release its recommendations soon. The Marriage and Parenthood Reset Workgroup, which Lau is part of, will share its full report in early 2027.
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.
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