[Post 869] How Wingstop Became One Of The Hottest Restaurant Stocks

Summary

Wingstop is capitalizing on the American appetite for chicken and providing investors with strong, consistent growth. In the past five years, the company’s share price is up over 250%, and it has grown its store footprint to 2,352 restaurants worldwide. The chicken-wing chain has expanded its offerings and continued to grow brand awareness. Watch the video to find out how Wingstop became one of the hottest restaurant stocks of the year.

[Post 868] Funeral director opens up over high-profile cremation mix-up

Summary

Up Close: Funeral director Harmony Tee left her auditing job in the United States to continue her family’s funeral business seven years ago. She talks about the challenges in the 'business of death',  including how she handled the high-profile cremation mix-up controversy in 2019.

[Post 867] How will the US presidential election 2024 affect Asia? | CNA Explains

Summary

On Nov 5, Americans will vote for their next president. The results will affect not just the United States, but also its allies in Asia. We take a look at three key issues, namely US-China relations, trade policies, as well as security and alliances.

[Post 866] Why The U.S. Can’t Build Homes Fast Enough

Summary

Large homebuilders have used mergers and acquisitions to grow their positions in several key housing markets since the 2008 subprime mortgage crisis. The industry's consolidation coincides with a slowdown in construction productivity and contributes to escalating prices for buyers and renters, experts say. As an economic tightening cycle initiated by the Federal Reserve freezes real estate development, politicians are promoting policy tools that could alter how homes are built in the U.S.

[Post 865] What The Rise Of Fake Job Listings Says About The Job Market

Summary

Ghost jobs are on the rise, even as the U.S. labor market appears healthy. While data suggests a tight job market, many workers still struggle to find employment, revealing a gap between statistics and reality. Interestingly, the rise of ghost job listings may play a significant role in this disconnect.

[Post 864] How Google Makes Custom Cloud Chips That Power Apple AI And Gemini

Summary

Google was the first cloud provider to make its own custom AI chips, called TPUs, when they first came out in 2015 - a trend both Amazon and Microsoft followed years later. Now, Apple has revealed it uses TPUs to train its AI models, positioning Google chips as an alternative to Nvidia's market-leading GPUs. CNBC got an exclusive look inside the lab where Google makes its chips, and its top executive showcased TPU Version 6, Trillium, and its new Arm-based CPU, Axion, both coming out later in 2024.

[Post 863] How A Strong Dollar Can Backfire On The U.S. Economy

Summary

In 2022, the U.S. dollar reached its highest level since the early 2000s, but the dollar index has been trending downward as of August 2024. A weaker dollar is not necessarily a bad thing for consumers. A strong dollar may lead to higher prices for American consumers and reduced demand for U.S. exports, which can result in layoffs in key industries. Managing the value of the dollar is a balancing act, which can present challenges for the U.S. president, the Federal Reserve and other policymakers.

[Post 862] How BYD, Nio And Other Chinese EVs Compare To Tesla

Summary

Low-cost, high-tech Chinese EVs have stirred fears of a government subsidized existential threat to automakers around the world. So what do these vehicles have to offer? How do they compare to the Tesla Model Y, which in 2024 was the best-selling car in the world? CNBC’s Beijing bureau chief Eunice Yoon tested four of them from large and high-profile Chinese brands to see how they stack up, and how their rivals might compete.

[Post 861] Why ChatGPT Turned OpenAI Into A $80 Billion AI Leader

Summary

The company behind the popular artificial intelligence chatbot, ChatGPT, OpenAI was founded as a nonprofit in 2015 by a number of researchers, academics and entrepreneurs including Sam Altman, Greg Brochman and Elon Musk. Musk left OpenAI in 2018 and now has his own artificial intelligence company called xAI.

In its early years, OpenAI flew somewhat under the radar, at least from the point of view of the general public. The company released its first project in 2016, a toolkit called “OpenAI Gym” used for developing and comparing reinforcement learning algorithms. That same year, OpenAI also released Universe, a tool to train intelligent agents on websites and gaming platforms. But the release of ChatGPT in 2022 is what propelled the company to stardom. Today, OpenAI is valued at over $80 billion and counts Microsoft, which has invested around $13 billion into OpenAI since 2019, as a major supporter and partner. But OpenAI’s wild success has also raised concerns from regulators and experts who question the outsized power that artificial intelligence companies and Big Tech could have on our society as well as the toll that the technology could take on our power grid.

[Post 860] How I Grew A $100K A Year Business Without A College Degree

Summary 

Anna-Marie Ortiz, 30, started a side hustle with her last $2,000 in savings in July 2023. A year later, Cool Aunt Cleaners brings in an average of $10,000 a month, and Anna's since quit her day job to run the business full-time. Here's how she did it.

[Post 859] I Make $87K A Year As An Undertaker — And I'm Wildly Happy

Summary

Victor M. Sweeney, 33, doesn't fear death. The licensed mortician and funeral director in Warren, Minnesota observed his first embalming at age 18. Here's a look at what it takes to do his job, and why he's happy with the way his life has turned out.

[Post 858] We Run A Motel That Brings In $412,000 A Year

Summary

Roxanna Harwood, 31, and her husband Chris Harwood, 38, own and operate the Wheels Motel in Greybull, Wyoming. Their home is connected to the motel and they live there with their 4-year-old son. Their business is on track to bring in around $412,000 in 2024.

This is an installment of CNBC Make It's Millennial Money series, which profiles people across the globe and details how they earn, spend and save their money.

[Post 857] We Left The U.S. For Japan To Buy A $7,500 Abandoned Home

Summary

"The move is the best decision we ever made," says American couple Dani and Evan Benton. The millennial couple runs a guesthouse and honeybee farm on an island in Japan. Take a look inside.

Unlocked is a home tour series focused on how much people across the globe spend on their housing, what they get for the money and what they had to sacrifice to make it happen.

[Post 856] How Warby Parker Grew From Eyeglasses Upstart To $1.8 Billion Business

Summary

In 2010, Warby Parker disrupted the $150 billion global eyewear industry with a pair of $95 glasses. Started by four business school students, the pioneering direct-to-consumer eyewear brand has now sold millions of pairs of glasses, both online and in 269 brick-and-mortar stores across the U.S. and Canada. It brought in nearly $670 million in revenue last year, and currently boasts a market value of $1.8 billion.

[Post 855] I Bought A $750K House At Age 23 - Here's How

Summary

Sharon Kim, 24, saw her homeownership dreams come true in early 2024. She partnered with her older brother and his wife to purchase a $750,000 home in New York. Here's how they did it.

This is an installment of CNBC Make It's Millennial Money series, which profiles people across the globe and details how they earn, spend and save their money.

[Post 854] I Pay $460/Month To Live By A Lake In Mexico

Summary 

Janet Blaser, who relocated to Mexico in 2006, recently moved from Mazatlán to San Antonio Tlayacapan. She discovered a charming 2-bedroom yellow house with a yard for $460 a month in rent. Janet is a retired journalist and CNBC contributor.

[Post 853] Living Together On $268K A Year Near Washington, D.C. | Millennial Money

Summary

Cristina Tello-Trillo, 38, and her husband Sebastian are both economists living in the suburbs of Washington, D.C. with their five-year-old son. Cristina is also an adjunct professor at the University of Maryland and a budding real estate investor. Her and her husband's combined income in 2023 was $268,000.

This is an installment of CNBC Make It's Millennial Money series, which profiles people across the globe and details how they earn, spend and save their money.

[Post 854] How Bill Gates Wants To Be Like Warren Buffett: Retirement 'Sounds Awful'

Summary

Bill Gates shares how he defines success, what the No. 1 unsolvable problem is facing today's young people and compares developing software in the '70s to developing AI tools today.

[Post 852] I Bought A Failing Snack Company For $250K — Now It Brings In $103M A Year

Summary

Wall Street veteran Charles Coristine bought LesserEvil, a failing snack company, in 2011. Now a profitable business known primarily for its coconut oil popcorn, it brought in $103 million in gross sales in 2023. Here's how Coristine is turning LesserEvil into a household name.

[Post 851] National Heritage Board to study if 38 Oxley Road is worthy of preservation

Summary

The Urban Redevelopment Authority has put on hold a review of Lee Hsien Yang's application to demolish the property at 38 Oxley Road. Mr Lee is the sole legal owner of the house that was once home to his father, founding prime minister Lee Kuan Yew. The URA is deferring its evaluation, following a decision by the National Heritage Board to assess the site's preservation potential by studying its national, historical and architectural significance. Richa Mathew reports.

[Post 850] Tokyo Metro shines in its trading debut

Summary

Tokyo Metro is riding high in its market debut, with investors drawn in by the potential of steady returns. The public nature of its rail business makes it difficult to raise fares for more profit, but analysts say that as long as the stock remains stable, investors can look forward to consistent shareholder benefits.

[Post 849] Saving Southeast Asia's capitals from drowning

Summary

Jakarta, Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur all face major water challenges, from the sea, sky or rivers. Will it be mega-engineering or nature itself that could save them? Read: https://cna.asia/4feUfZq

[Post 848] Healthcare costs are rising. What can we do about it? | Money Talks

Summary

Singapore may have one of the best healthcare systems in the world, but this comes at a heavy price. In this week’s Money Talks, Dr Jeremy Lim from NUS Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health explains how early detection of diseases may help lower your healthcare expenses in future.

 

This podcast was produced in partnership with the Ministry of Health. 

[Post 847] Up Your Alley: Hidden gems around neighbourhoods in Singapore | Full series

Summary

From heritage food to waterfront photo spots, Singaporeans show us the hidden gems in their neighbourhood. 

[Post 846] Tips For Saving Money As An International Student In Sydney, Australia | Money Mind | Savings

Summary

Studying abroad can get expensive. International student Nhat Minh (William) Nguyen shares some of his budgeting strategies that have helped him stretch his dollar in Sydney, Australia.

[Post 845] India’s Youths Face Job Crisis: Can They Achieve Their Dreams? | Young Dreams In A New India

Summary

We explore the challenges faced by India's youth, who comprise a significant portion of the population and represent a substantial opportunity for economic growth and social progress. Despite their high aspirations, many young Indians are confronted with unemployment and underemployment, leading to frustration and disillusionment. Through personal stories and expert insights, we examine the social instability caused by this crisis, highlighted by protests and riots over job quotas. It also showcases how some young Indians are overcoming these obstacles. 

[Post 844] India’s Youths Tackle Widening Inequality: Can They Bridge The Divide? | Young Dreams In A New India

Summary

This documentary explores the nation's ambitious journey towards becoming a global superpower. But a stark reality threatens to derail this dream - unprecedented inequalities. Through profile stories and expert analysis, we uncover the widening chasm between gleaming urban centres and forgotten rural villages. 

Can India bridge this divide through improvements in infrastructure, education, and healthcare? Amidst these challenges, we discover a beacon of hope in India's youth. Meet the inspiring young visionaries and grassroots innovators who are actively driving change, from tech entrepreneurs creating jobs in unexpected places to social entrepreneurs bridging the education and healthcare gap.

As India stands at this critical juncture, we examine whether the nation can harness its demographic dividend, large labour force, and growing economy to fuel sustainable and inclusive growth. Can India's youth turn their dreams into reality and shape a more equitable future for all?

[Post 843] Multiple side hustles or a 9-to-5? | Work It podcast

Summary

Balancing multiple jobs might seem overwhelming, but for some, side hustles offer autonomy and freedom a traditional 9-to-5 job cannot. Tiffany Ang and Gerald Tan speak with 40-year-old Alvin Ong, who has four side gigs, for his advice on what to consider before embracing this career path.  

[Post 842] New pilot programme to help debt-distressed people, starts with low-income families

Summary

A new two-year pilot programme by Credit Counselling Singapore (CCS) aims to help debt-distressed people resolve their financial troubles, starting with a group of low-income families. There were close to 1,150 requests for help in the first half of this year, an 18 per cent increase from the last six months of 2023. Tan Huey Min, General Manager of CCS, talks about what it means to be debt-distressed and how someone usually ends up in this situation. She discusses the counselling services provided by CCCS and how the new programme can benefit low-income families.

[Post 841] Malaysia’s 2025 Budget to address rising cost of living

Summary

Malaysia will unveil Budget 2025 on Oct 18 and is expected to focus on addressing the rising cost of living. The government wants to ensure the bottom 40 per cent of households, known as B40, get the help they need. But the middle income earners, known as the M40 group, are crying foul. Many are worried that they will be left out once again. Melissa Goh reports from Kuala Lumpur.

[Post 840] Ask Work It: Overwhelmed at your new job? Here's how to tell your boss

Summary

You've started a new job but your boss is already making you work overtime and it's affecting your health. How do you tell your boss that you've hit your limit?

[Post 839] October BTO exercise: Only 1 "Prime" project in coming launch, located in Kallang-Whampoa area

Summary

October's BTO exercise will see the launch of the first HDB project to be classified as "Prime" flats. Three hundred and twelve such homes will be available, around 3.6 per cent of the 8,573 on offer. Seven projects are identified as "Plus" flats, with some featuring good connectivity and short commutes to the city centre, and others offering sea views. Six in 10 flats are located in "Standard" projects, the largest allocation in the exercise. At 15 projects, this is also the largest-ever launch of public housing in Singapore. Professor Sing Tien Foo, Provost's Chair Professor from the Department of Real Estate at the NUS Business School, weighs in on the effects of the MOP conditions on prospective buyers, why HDB is making this its largest offering and the traits of "Prime" project Crawford Heights that might make it more attractive to homebuyers.

[Post 838] Rising cost of living key issue for US voters ahead of November polls

Summary

American families struggling to make ends meet could be critical in deciding who wins the race for the White House in a few weeks' time. Inflation and the cost of living are key issues for voters. Both Kamala Harris and Donald Trump’s campaigns have unveiled plans to relieve the financial burden on households. Mitch McCann travelled to Lansing, in the battleground state of Michigan, to find out which plan families are buying into.

[Post 837] China operators offering pet tours to meet growing demand

Summary

For pet owners, travelling out of the country is a task fraught with logistical challenges and sometimes emotional heartaches. Finding caretakers, such as pet hotels or friends, comes with its own problems. But in China, a new service is emerging to help pet owners with wanderlust. CNA’s Tan Yew Guan reports.

[Post 836] More Singapore undergrads taking multiple internships to stand out in competitive job market

Summary

More than half of students who graduated last year took on multiple internships through the course of their university studies, despite needing just one to earn their degree. Students said they do this to get industry experience and stand out in an increasingly competitive job market. CNA’s Kate Low has more.

[Post 835] US Fed Interest Rate Cut: Should You Refinance Your Home Loan Now? | Money Mind | Interest Rates

Summary

If you’re a homeowner with a mortgage, you’ll be wondering if interest rates are heading lower and when. This comes after the US Federal Reserve made its long-anticipated first interest rate cut.

[Post 834] First Singaporean Conductor In Japan's Leading Orchestra | On The Red Dot - I'm Singaporean

Summary

From the quiet streets of Jurong to the grand concert halls of Japan, Wong Kah Chun emerges as a trailblazer in the world of classical music. As the first Singaporean to lead not one, but two esteemed orchestras — the Japan Philharmonic Orchestra (JPO), one of Japan’s leading ensembles, and The Hallé, one of the UK’s oldest orchestras. But how does he unite over 80 musicians from around the world to create perfect harmony? Host Rozz Lee finds out in this episode, as she ventures behind the scenes with Kah Chun and the JPO in preparation for their season-opening concert.

[Post 833] How To Invest In China's Volatile Stock Market | Money Mind | Investment

Summary

Big scale stimulus measures announced in recent weeks have put Chinese equities back in the spotlight. So is now a good time to buy Chinese shares?

[Post 832] Malaysia’s VEP: All You Need To Know | Talking Point | Full Episode

Summary

Foreign vehicles from Singapore will need a Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) to enter Malaysia starting from the 1st of October.

Amidst complaints over incomplete documents, deregistering old permits and slow administrative work, the Malaysian government has opened 3 new enquiry centres to cope with the increasing demand - 1 in Singapore and 2 more in Johor Bahru. Talking Point tracks the roll out of the VEP and finds out what are persistent issues that remain even after the Oct 1 deadline.

[Post 831] I Left My Stable Job In The Air Force to Play Pro Baseball In Japan | On The Red Dot | Full Episode

Summary

Host Rozz Lee meets Eleazar Ng, the first Singaporean to sign a professional baseball contract in Japan, the world’s top-ranked baseball nation. 

After being scouted by the Saga Indonesia Dreams - a unique team with 70% non-Japanese players, Eleazar is chasing his dream of becoming a top baseball player. What does it take for Singapore’s ace pitcher to elevate his game?

[Post 830] Gen Zs & Millennials: Why Are We So Lonely? | Talking Point | Full Episode

Summary

Anyone anywhere will feel lonely at some point, but loneliness can be dangerous for those who feel it for extended periods of time. When you think of people most susceptible to being lonely, you might think of the elderly, or perhaps adolescents, but you would be wrong. A recent survey in Singapore highlighted that young adults need to be looked at too. In this hour-long episode of Talking Point, our team’s producer checks in on young adults across the island through a targeted campaign, and also looks inwards, on whether she herself is perhaps lonelier than she realises.

[Post 829] I'm 29 Years Old, But I Live In A Granny Flat (And My Cat Likes It Too) | Money Mind

Summary

It used to be that a granny flat was a home within a home that allows for multigenerational living. But with ever-rising property and rent prices, granny flats are becoming increasingly popular with a new type of tenant. 29-year-old Rhod-Lee Mercado shows us around his granny flat in Sydney.   

[Post 828] Savings And Side Hustles To Achieve Filipino Millennial's Manila Condo Dream | Money Mind

Summary

How do you save up for your dream home when the average condo costs around 25 times median household income? Manila resident Mark Lorenzo Permalino strategises ways to climb the housing ladder, as he bides his time in his 22 square metre studio loft in Makati.  

[Post 826] What It's Like To Live In A Tiny Micro Apartment In Tokyo, Japan | Money Mind | Homes

Summary

The world’s biggest city also has some of its smallest homes. How small? We meet Kazuki Hirata, who lives in a micro apartment in Tokyo. It’s just 9 square metres, which is smaller than a car parking lot.