S2E45: Peace hopes, profit-taking and a Bitcoin plunge: making sense of a rollercoaster week

Oil at US$90 even after a ceasefire. A dollar no one can replace. Bitcoin cratering while IPOs loom. AI infrastructure costs that could reshape every sector — not just tech. What's really driving markets? Why are central banks frozen? And where is the smart money quietly rotating? Howie Lim finds out from Thomas Rupf of VP Bank. Highlights: 01:05 Energy prices vs. supply security 03:00 The staggering cost of AI infrastructure 05:38 Rising rates: which stocks and bonds are most exposed? 09:09 Bitcoin's 17 per cent plunge: warning sign or IPO cash grab? --- Send us your questions, thoughts, story ideas, and feedback to [email protected]. --- Written and hosted by: Howie Lim ([email protected]) With Thomas Rupf, co-head and chief investment officer Asia, VP Bank Edited by: Howie Lim & Claressa Monteiro Produced by: Howie Lim & 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/btlensonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.