This week on Market Focus Weekly, tech stocks continue their rally with OpenAI hitting a US$500 billion valuation — but is it justified?

Host Emily Liu and guest Christopher Forbes of CMC dig into the AI boom, the staying power of the “Magnificent Seven,” and why investors might still be feeling FOMO.

We also unpack the latest U.S. government shutdown, the surprising effects of Trump’s tariffs, and whether gold at US$4,500 is really on the horizon.

Plus, could Singapore’s brand-new stablecoin be a real game changer?

Highlights:

01:25 OpenAI’s US$500B valuation

02:31 Is the Magnificent 7 still relevant?

05:00 US government shutdown

07:43 Gold races to US$4500

08:39 Oil prices head for US$60

12:14 Singapore’s XSGD stablecoin

---

Send us your questions, thoughts, story ideas, and feedback to btpodcasts@sph.com.sg.

---

Written and hosted by: Emily Liu (emilyliu@sph.com.sg)

With Christopher Forbes, head of Asia, CMC

Edited by: Chai Pei Chieh & Claressa Monteiro

Produced by: Emily & Chai Pei Chieh

A podcast by BT Podcasts, The Business Times, SPH Media

---

Follow Market Focus Weekly podcasts every Friday:

Channel: bt.sg/btmktfocus

Amazon: bt.sg/mfam

Apple Podcasts: bt.sg/mfap

Spotify: bt.sg/mfsp

YouTube Music: bt.sg/mfyt

Website: bt.sg/mktfocus

Do note: This podcast is meant to provide general information only. SPH Media accepts no liability for loss arising from any reliance on the podcast or use of third party’s products and services. Please consult professional advisors for independent advice.

Discover more BT podcast series:

BT Money Hacks at: bt.sg/btmoneyhacks

BT Correspondents at: bt.sg/btcobt

BT Podcasts at: bt.sg/podcasts

BT Lens On: bt.sg/btlenson

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Headline news for October 3, 2025:  Gaza aid flotilla seized, President Trump doubles down on the US shutdown, Munich flights grounded by drones, and Singapore’s manufacturing shows resilience.

Synopsis: A round up of global headlines to start your day by The Business Times.

Written by: Howie Lim / Claressa Monteiro (claremb@sph.com.sg)

Produced and edited by: Claressa Monteiro

Produced by: BT Podcasts, The Business Times, SPH Media

Produced with AI text-to-speech capabilities

---

Follow Lens On Daily and rate us on:

Channel: bt.sg/btlenson

Amazon: bt.sg/lensam

Apple Podcasts: bt.sg/lensap

Spotify: bt.sg/lenssp

YouTube Music: bt.sg/lensyt

Website: bt.sg/lenson

Feedback to: btpodcasts@sph.com.sg

Do note: This podcast is meant to provide general information only. SPH Media accepts no liability for loss arising from any reliance on the podcast or use of third party’s products and services. Please consult professional advisors for independent advice.

Discover more BT podcast series:

BT Mark To Market at: bt.sg/btmark2mkt

WealthBT at: bt.sg/btpropertybt

PropertyBT at: bt.sg/btmktfocus

BT Money Hacks at: bt.sg/btmoneyhacks

BT Market Focus at: bt.sg/btmktfocus

BT Podcasts at: bt.sg/podcasts

BT Branded Podcasts at: bt.sg/brpod

BT Lens On: bt.sg/btlenson

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Market news for October 2, 2025: Asian markets surge on US rate hopes, tech fired by chip deal; Samsung, SK Hynix shares climb after chips deal with OpenAI; Oil slumps to 16-week low on US shutdown and possible Opec+ plans; Cordlife tumbles 18% following notice of potential one-year suspension.

Synopsis: Market Focus Daily is a closing bell roundup by The Business Times that looks at the day’s market movements and news from Singapore and the region.

Written and hosted by: Emily Liu (emilyliu@sph.com.sg)

Produced and edited by: Chai Pei Chieh & Claressa Monteiro

Produced by: BT Podcasts, The Business Times, SPH Media

---

Follow Market Focus Daily and rate us on:

Channel: bt.sg/btmktfocus

Amazon: bt.sg/mfam

Apple Podcasts: bt.sg/mfap

Spotify: bt.sg/mfsp

YouTube Music: bt.sg/mfyt

Website: bt.sg/mktfocus

Feedback to: btpodcasts@sph.com.sg

Do note: This podcast is meant to provide general information only. SPH Media accepts no liability for loss arising from any reliance on the podcast or use of third party’s products and services. Please consult professional advisors for independent advice.

Discover more BT podcast series:

BT Money Hacks at: bt.sg/btmoneyhacks

BT Correspondents at: bt.sg/btcobt

BT Podcasts at: bt.sg/podcasts

BT Lens On: bt.sg/btlenson

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.