China's official manufacturing PMI dropped to 49% in April, the biggest decline in 16 months, signalling growing economic pressure. SMU Associate Professor of Finance Fu Fangjian analysed that this data reflects the gradual impact of the trade war. However, he believes the Chinese government is unlikely to resort to broad interest rate or reserve requirement cuts and is more likely to introduce targeted support policies for industries and enterprises that are severely affected.
SMU Senior Lecturer of Communication Management Tracy Loh observed that while rallies and enthusiastic crowds can impact voters, it is uncertain if these factors alone can persuade voters to change their preferences. She referenced the 2015 general election, where the Workers' Party's large rally turnout did not prevent a significant victory for the People's Action Party, noting that substance, logic, credibility, and emotion also play important roles in persuasion.
SMU Assistant Professor of Strategy & Entrepreneurship (Education) Terence Fan noted that air travel is highly sensitive to economic cycles. The impact of US tariffs on travel demand depends on their effect on GDP. He expects a greater decline in leisure travel over business travel due to tariffs affecting blue-collar industries more. Additionally, if tariffs resume, businesses might reroute goods through countries with lower tariffs, like Singapore, enhancing cargo flow there.
In the ongoing US-China tariff war, Chinese authorities have warned other countries against making trade deals with the US that harm China's interests. SMU Associate Professor of Finance Fu Fangjian noted that President Trump's inconsistent remarks make the negotiation outlook uncertain, with neither side gaining a clear advantage. China is collaborating with other nations to address concerns over US policies that disrupt international trade rules.
In a commentary on U.S. tariff policy, SMU Associate Professor of Operations Management Fang Xin opined that U.S President Donald Trump's efforts to "reshore" supply chains to the U.S. are unlikely to succeed. Instead, these policies may accelerate the global reshuffling and regional diversification of supply chains. Rather than relocating operations back to high-cost, industrially underdeveloped, and uncertain U.S. market, multinational corporations are more likely to spread their operations across emerging markets to reduce trade war risks.
in 2020, when GMG acquired Royal Sporting House - marking its foray into South-east Asia - SMU Lee Kong Chian Professor of Marketing Kapil Tuli observed in a December 2020 report the group could leverage the expanded store network to launch its Sun and Sand Sports brand in new markets.
SMU Associate Professor of Organisational Behaviour & Human Resources Kenneth Tai explained that micro habits require less self-control and allow people to overcome inertia in their daily routines. He noted that the concept is similar to goal achieving, which generates greater positive emotions and a sense of purpose and meaning. Assoc Prof Tai suggested that people can give themselves environmental cues to build micro habits
SMU Associate Professor of Finance Fu Fangjian sees both risk and opportunity in the tariff war, which he believes could accelerate China's shift from US-department trade to domestic and diversified markets. As an April 10 meeting, Zhejiang officials pledged support for businesses adapting to these changes. Assoc Prof Fu noted that Zhejiang's entrepreneurial spirit, especially in places like Wenzhou, positions it well for transformation.
China's Consumer Price Index (CPI) fell year-on-year in March for the second straight month, missing expectations despite a slower rate of decline. The Producer Price Index (PPI) drop also deepened, marking its weakest performance in four months. Academics say the data points to persistent deflationary pressure, which may worsen due to the ongoing tariff war. Exports accounted for 30.3% of China's economic growth last year, helping the country meet its 5% growth target.
SMU Professor of Marketing (Practice) Sabine Benoit listed One Stop in Tachbrook Road in The World’s Favourite Stores publication, as the store places the local community at its heart.
