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.
SMU Senior Lecturer of Communication Management Tracy Loh notes that the use of video podcasts by politicians as part of their communications and campaigning strategy allows for a more off-the-cuff approach, enabling politicians to showcase their personality and potentially increase their relatability with voters.
Commenting on private-hire operator Grab’s move to establish its own taxi fleet with second-hand vehicles and how this affects service quality, SMU Assistant Professor of Strategy & Entrepreneurship Terence Fan noted that the Land Transport Authority has set performance targets for operators. One such requirement is that at least 98% of vehicles must pass the initial vehicle inspection. If used vehicles are deployed without affecting the pass rate, passengers will have no grounds for complaints.
SMU Assistant Professor of Strategy & Entrepreneurship (Education) Terence Fan noted that Grab's partnership with BYD will enable them to acquire taxis at low prices. He also pointed out that Grab may utilise its ride-hailing strategies to achieve market dominance. However, he is also cautious that Grab's platform size could allow it to subtly favour its own taxis, potentially stifling competition.
SMU Assistant Professor of Finance (Education) Aurobindo Ghosh said that instant gratification from Buy Now Pay Later schemes regardless of one's ability to repay is particularly risky for young people in the early stages of adulthood as this may lead to a habit of accumulating debt.
SMU Associate Professor of Finance Fu Fangjian explained that China's record-high net foreign assets stemmed from both reduced Western investment in China and the overseas expansion of Chinese firms. He highlighted that companies like BYD and Geely had fuelled outbound direct investment, particularly in Southeast Asia.
SMU Associate Professor of Marketing (Education) Seshan Ramaswami said, “Regardless of how useful a product really is or how much it is going to be used, the fact that it is priced really attractively – at a big discount, or in a ‘buy two, get one free’ frame – adds to the utility of the transaction itself.” He suggested that one should consider what the recipient would appreciate when selecting a physical gift.
SMU Associate Professor of Finance Fu Fangjian believes CK Hutchison's port sale will be prolonged due to US-China tensions. He noted that a decade ago, such a deal would have been routine, but political interests now overshadow commercial decisions. Assoc Prof Fu sees the transaction as a threat to China's national interests and a potential bargaining chip in US-China negotiations.
SMU Assistant Professor of Finance Yao Tianhao said that environmental, social, and governance (ESG) risks are already impacting financial markets sooner than many realise, with current asset prices reflecting potential ESG matters in the future. He warns that consumer-facing sectors are particularly vulnerable to ESG scandals, and stresses the need for companies to improve the transparency, precision, and maturity of their ESG disclosures, and for better translation of these disclosures into reliable ESG ratings for investors.
