Market View: Markets expect officials to hold rates at FOMC meeting; Investors fret over the possibility of more direct US military involvement in Israel-Iran air war, Asian market movements; JD’s founder vows to speed up overseas foray; China consumers’ rush for subsidies; Economists slash Singapore growth forecast to 1.7%; Thakral Corp to watch

Singapore shares were lower today as all eyes remained on the escalating conflict in the Middle East. The Straits Times Index was down 0.42% at 3,914.06 points at 2.27pm Singapore time, with a value turnover of S$508.89M seen in the broader market.  In terms of counters to watch for today, we have Thakral Corp. The mainboard-listed company yesterday announced the launch of an initial public offering (IPO) of GemLife Communities, an Australian over-50s lifestyle resort operator, to raise up to A$750 million (S$628.2 million). Thakral holds a 31.7 per cent effective interest in GemLife.  Elsewhere, from economists slashing Singapore’s growth forecast to 1.7% for the full year of 2025, to JD.com’s founder unveiling a turnaround plan for the company after a five year slump – more economic and corporate headlines remain in focus. On Market View, Money Matters’ finance presenter Chua Tian Tian unpacked the developments with Kenneth Goh, Director, Private Wealth Management, UOB Kay Hian.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.