Market news for April 20, 2026: Strait of Hormuz closure pushed crude past $95, but Asia's stock markets shrugged off risk to near record highs; BI to keep rate unchanged and gold falls.

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 by: Howie Lim (howielim@sph.com.sg)

Produced and edited by: Chai Pei Chieh & Claressa Monteiro

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

Produced with AI text-to-speech capabilities

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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

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Headline news for April 20, 2026: The Iran ceasefire teeters on collapse as the US seizes an Iranian cargo ship, Tehran fires on commercial vessels and closes the Strait of Hormuz. Britain's Keir Starmer faces calls for his resignation, and oil surges six per cent on renewed supply fears.

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

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

Produced and edited by: Claressa Monteiro or Howie Lim

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

Produced with AI text-to-speech capabilities

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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

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BT Money Hacks at: bt.sg/btmoneyhacks

BT Market Focus at: bt.sg/btmktfocus

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Ever wondered if owning Mona Lisa's eyeball is smarter than buying a whole share? Forget high prices! Fractional investing lets you grab a slice of giants like Tesla and Amazon. Howie Lim gets the experts to demystify liquidity, costs, and security. Precision diversification without the huge upfront cost—find out how to build serious wealth, one fraction at a time.

Synopsis: Every Monday, The Business Times breaks down useful financial tips.

Highlights:

01:05 Myth vs. reality of fractional investing

03:39 The democratisation advantage

06:59 The power of bundling

10:09 Precision diversification

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

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Written and hosted by: Howie Lim (howielim@sph.com.sg)

With Jeremy Foo, country manager, StashAway Singapore and Jack Prickett, chief commercial officer, Syfe

Edited by: Howie Lim & Claressa Monteiro

Produced by: Howie Lim & Chai Pei Chieh

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

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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.

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Discover more BT podcast series:

BT Correspondents: bt.sg/btcobt

BT Market Focus at: bt.sg/btmktfocus

BT Podcasts at: bt.sg/pcOM

BT Lens On: bt.sg/btlenson

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.