[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?