Stocks to watch: DBS, Riverstone, Lendlease Global Reit, Amara, Ban Leong
[SINGAPORE] The following companies saw new developments that may affect trading of their securities on Thursday (May 8).
DBS : The bank's net profit for its first quarter fell due to higher tax expenses from the implementation of the 15 per cent global minimum tax, it said on Thursday. Net profit for the three months ended Mar 31, 2025, stood at S$2.9 billion, 2 per cent lower than the S$2.95 billion from the year-ago period. The earnings beat the S$2.87 billion consensus forecast in a Bloomberg survey of eight analysts. Shares of DBS closed 0.5 per cent or S$0.23 lower at S$42.76 on Wednesday.
Riverstone : The glove manufacturer on Wednesday posted a profit of RM56.4 million (S$17.2 million) for the quarter ended Mar 31, 2025, sliding 21.8 per cent from RM72.2 million in the corresponding year-ago period. This resulted in an earnings per share of RM0.0381, compared with RM0.0487 a year ago. The lower profit is despite revenue rising 1.1 per cent to RM252.3 million, from RM249.5 million, said the company. The group's top line for the quarter rose due to higher sales volume for healthcare gloves and stable contribution from the cleanroom gloves segment. However, higher raw material costs and the depreciation of the US dollar against the Malaysian ringgit contributed to gross profit margin dropping 6.5 percentage points to 32.6 per cent in this quarter, said Riverstone. Shares of Riverstone closed at S$0.935 on Wednesday, up S$0.005 or 0.5 per cent, before the announcement.
Lendlease Global Commercial Real Estate Investment Trust (LReit) : The trust on Wednesday posted a positive retail rental reversion of 10.4 per cent for the third quarter ended Mar 31, 2025, despite a 'softer' retail landscape. The performance came even as it recorded a 0.2 per cent decline in visitation and a 5.1 per cent drop in tenant sales year-to-date. Both were affected by softer retail conditions, outbound tourism and weakness in sectors including shoes and bags, and fashion and accessories. However, LReit's retail portfolio achieved a strong occupancy rate of 99.5 per cent and a healthy tenant retention rate by net lettable area of 87.9 per cent, the manager said. Units of Lendlease Global Commercial Reit closed unchanged at S$0.515 on Wednesday, before the release of the business update.
Amara , Ban Leong Technologies : Hotel group Amara and technology products distributor Ban Leong Technologies on Wednesday separately announced that they have appointed independent financial advisers (IFAs) as they mull offers to be taken private. Amara has appointed W Capital Markets as its IFA for a voluntary conditional general offer from a consortium led by property company Hwa Hong. The offeror, a special-purpose vehicle called DRC Investments, launched the offer on Apr 28 at S$0.895 a share. The offer is final and values Amara at S$514.6 million. Meanwhile, Ban Leong has chosen Asian Corporate Advisors as its IFA as it considers a cash offer from video game distributor Epicsoft Asia, an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Nasdaq-listed GCL Global. The offer of S$0.6029 per share to Ban Leong's shareholders comes as GCL Global 'seeks to integrate Ban Leong's distribution and vendor network with (its) digital capabilities and software portfolio', GCL Global chief executive Sebastian Toke told The Business Times in a recent interview. Amara's shares were flat at S$0.885 on Wednesday and Ban Leong shares added S$0.005 or 0.8 per cent to close at S$0.595 on Wednesday.
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Best fixed deposit rates in Singapore (June 2025): Minimum deposits from $500, rates up to 2.45%, Money News
If you think that fixed deposits are only for conservative cash — rich aunties and uncles, think again. A fixed deposit (also known as a time deposit) account is a type of bank account that pays account holders a fixed amount of interest in exchange for depositing a certain sum of money for a certain period of time. Although fixed deposit rates have been falling, there's a good number of rates that are still very decent and worth giving a shot if you have some money lying around. You don't even need a large stash of cash-these days, banks are offering fixed deposits starting from as low as $500! Here's our round-up of the best fixed deposit rates in Singapore in Jun 2025 for banks like UOB, DBS, OCBC, and more. Overview of Singapore fixed deposit rates (June 2025) Which bank in Singapore has the best fixed deposit rate? These are the best fixed deposit rates in Singapore this month for various deposit amounts and commitment periods. Note: Most of these are promotional interest rates, and banks can change their rates anytime. Do check their respective websites for the latest rates. Overall highest fixed deposit rates in Singapore (June 2025) Looking for the absolute highest fixed deposit rates across all deposit amounts and commitment periods? If your deposit amount and period are flexible, these are the best fixed deposit rates you can get in Singapore in Jun 2025: DBS (2.45 per cent p.a. - min. $1,000 for 12 months) HL Bank (2.35 per cent p.a. - $100,000 for six months) State Bank of India (2.35 per cent p.a. - min. $50,000 for six months) StashAway Simple Guaranteed (2.20 per cent p.a. - three months with no minimum amount) CIMB (2.15 per cent p.a. - min. $10,000 for three months) Maybank (2.15 per cent p.a. - min. $20,000 for nine months) ICBC (2.15 per cent p.a. - $500 for three months) Syfe Cash+ Guaranteed (2.15 per cent p.a. - three months with no minimum amount) Bank of China (2.10 per cent p.a. - min. $500 for three months) RHB (2.00 per cent p.a. - min. $20,000 for three, six, or 12 months) UOB (2.00 per cent p.a. - min. $10,000 for six months) OCBC (1.90 per cent p.a. - min. $30,000 for nine months) Hong Leong Finance (1.83 per cent p.a. - min. $20,000 for nine months) Standard Chartered (1.80 per cent p.a. - min. $25,000 for five months) HSBC (1.55 per cent p.a. - min. $30,000 for one month) To view fixed deposit rates by commitment period or deposit amount, navigate our summary to jump to the section that best matches your needs. Fixed deposit rates by commitment period When it comes to fixed deposits, do you have a time frame in mind? Whether you want to stash your cash for three, six or 12 months, we've worked out the best fixed deposit rates for you. Best fixed deposit rates for a 3-month commitment period Looking for a short fixed deposit period? Here are the best fixed deposit rates in Singapore for a 3-month commitment period. Syfe Cash+ Guaranteed (2.15 per cent p.a. - three months with no minimum amount) StashAway Simple Guaranteed (2.20 per cent p.a. - three months with no minimum amount) ICBC (2.15 per cent p.a. - $500 for three months) CIMB (2.15 per cent p.a. - min. $10,000 for three months) Bank of China (2.10 per cent p.a. - $500 for three months) Citibank (2.10 per cent p.a. - $10,000 for three or six months) RHB (2.00 per cent p.a. - min. $20,000 for three, six, or 12 months) Syfe Cash+ Guaranteed Period Syfe Cash+ Guaranteed rate (no min. or max deposit amount) 1 month 2.00% p.a. 3 months 2.15% p.a. 6 months 2.05% p.a. 12 months 1.90% p.a. Rates accurate as of 5 June 2025. Do check the Syfe Cash+ Guaranteed page for the latest rates. If you're looking for a fuss-free, guaranteed way to grow your money, you might want to look beyond our traditional banks. Syfe Cash+ Guaranteed isn't technically a fixed deposit, but invests your funds into fixed deposits by with banks that are regulated by MAS. Their rates are generally higher than traditional banks, and there's also no minimum or maximum amount. As of 5 June 2025, Syfe Cash+ Guaranteed is offering up to 2.15 per cent p.a. with a 3-month tenure. It's taken a huge hit since last year, when it was offering up to 3.8 per cent. Still, 2.15 per cent is one of the highest rates this month on our list. MoneySmart Take What we like: Higher rates than traditional banks, no minimum or maximum deposit amount. What we don't like: No liquidity. You cannot withdraw the funds prematurely even if you're willing to pay a penalty. With traditional banks, you can prematurely withdraw your fixed deposit funds by paying an early withdrawal fee StashAway Simple Guaranteed rate Period StashAway Simple Guaranteed rate (no min. or max. deposit amount) 1 month 2.10% p.a. 3 months 2.20% p.a. 6 months 2.05% p.a. 12 months 1.90% p.a. Rates accurate as of 5 June 2025. Do check StashAway's Simple Guaranteed page for the latest rates. StashAway offers a cash management solution called Simple Guaranteed that earns you interest on your money. StashAway Simple Guaranteed places funds in fixed deposits with MAS-regulated banks, and you get an interest rate that's slightly higher than what you'd get with a fixed deposit at a bank. As of 5 June 2025, the highest StashAway Simple Guaranteed interest is 2.20 per cent p.a. for a 3-month period, with no minimum or maximum deposit amounts. It's just a little higher than Syfe's highest rates this month. MoneySmart Take What we like: Relatively high rates compared to traditional fixed deposits. Plus, no minimum or maximum deposit amount. What we don't like: Like Syfe's Cash+ Guaranteed, there's no way for you to withdraw your funds early, penalty fee or not. Once locked in, your cash is locked in tight. ICBC fixed deposit rates Deposit amount Period $20,000 to <$200,000 (over the counter) $500 to <$200,000 (via e-banking) 1 month 1.90% p.a. 2.00% p.a. 3 months 2.05% p.a. 2.15% p.a. 6 months 2.00% p.a. 2.10% p.a. 9 months 2.00% p.a. 2.10% p.a. 12 months 1.95% p.a. 2.05% p.a. Rates accurate as of 5 June 2025. The rates above are promotional rates subject to change at any time by ICBC. Do check ICBC's website for the latest rates. There are a few fixed deposits which have pretty low barriers to entry on this list, but Chinese bank ICBC takes the cake. If you set up your fixed deposit via e-banking, their minimum deposit is just $500 — nope, we didn't miss a zero there! Even if you only have $500 to invest, you can still get a rate of 2.15 per cent p.a. with a commitment period of three months. You have to do this via e-banking to get this rate. Set on doing it the old school way over the counter? Firstly, you'll have to hit a minimum deposit requirement of $20,000. And secondly, the highest interest rate you can get is slightly lower, at 2.05 per cent p.a. for a 3-month period. There is a plus point for ICBC's fixed deposit-there's no penalty for early withdrawal. That means you fixed deposit isn't as fixed as you might think. MoneySmart Take What we like: Ultra low minimum deposit amount of just $500 via e-banking and a low commitment period of anywhere between a month to a year, making ICBC very accessible. ICBC also doesn't penalise you for early withdrawals. What we don't like: Rates are only slightly above average. And for older folk who want to open a fixed deposit account in person, their minimum deposit amount shoots up to $20,000 while the fixed deposit rates drop slightly. Citibank fixed deposit rates Deposit amount Period $10,000 to $5 million 3 months 2.10% p.a. 6 months 2.10% p.a. Note: The promotional rates above are stated as valid until June 30, 2025. Do check Citibank's fixed deposit promotion page for the latest rates in case Citibank makes changes. The best Citibank fixed deposit rate you can currently get is 2.10 per cent p.a. for a minimum deposit amount of $10,000 and a commitment period of three or six months. That's up by 0.10 per cent since their promotional rates in May 2025. Citibank's minimum deposit is $10,000, which is fairly accessible. This amount is lowered from the previous $50,000, which is a markedly much larger sum of money. MoneySmart Take What we like: Short commitment period of just three months. For those with a lot of money to park in a fixed deposit account, there's also a high upper limit of $3 million. What we don't like: High minimum deposit amount. Not everyone has $50,000 just lying around. HSBC fixed deposit rates Deposit period Personal Banking customers Premier and Premier Elite customers without wealth holdings Premier and Premier Elite customers with wealth holdings 1 month 1.55% p.a. 1.60% p.a. 2.00% p.a. 3 months 1.40% p.a. 1.45% p.a. 1.85% p.a. 6 months 1.40% p.a. 1.45% p.a. 1.85% p.a. 12 months 1.25% p.a. 1.30% p.a. 1.70% p.a. Promotional rates valid until June 30, 2025. Do check HSBC's website for the latest rates. HSBC is offering anything from 1.25 per cent to 2.00 per cent p.a., depending on your banking relationship with them. For the bulk of us who are regular banking customers, the highest fixed deposit rate you can get with HSBC this month is just 1.60 per cent p.a. The best case scenario is if you are a Premier or Premier Elite customer who also has investments with HSBC. If you fit the bill, HSBC will give you 2.00 per cent p.a. for a deposit period of one month. No matter your banking relationship with HSBC, the minimum sum you have to put in is a hefty $30,000. Compared to other banks, it's a rather large sum for an average at best fixed deposit interest rate. MoneySmart Take What we like: Short commitment period of just three months available. What we don't like: High minimum sum. You're going to need at least $30,000 to place a fixed deposit with HSBC. Bank of China fixed deposit rates Period Fixed deposit interest rates Over the counter placement ($20,000 and above) Mobile banking placement 1 month 1.85% p.a. 2.05% p.a. (minimum amount: $500 and above) 3 months 1.85% p.a. 2.10% p.a. (minimum amount: $500 and above) 6 months 1.80% p.a. 2.00% p.a. (minimum amount: $20,000 and above) 1.95% p.a. (minimum amount: $500 and above) 9 months 1.80% p.a. 2.00% p.a. (minimum amount: $500 and above) 12 months 1.80% p.a. 2.00% p.a. (minimum amount: $20,000 and above) 1.95% p.a. (minimum amount: $500 and above) The rates above were set on June 2, 2025 and are subject to change any time by the Bank of China. We noticed they change rates every few weeks or so. Check their website for the latest rates. The Bank of China is currently offering 2.10 per cent p.a. for a placement of $500 for a period of three months — surprisingly easy to do, in terms of the minimum deposit amount and deposit period. Do note that you need to make this deposit via mobile banking to enjoy this rate. Rates aside, the best part about the Bank of China's fixed deposit rates is the low minimum deposit and tenor period. Currently, even if you only have $500 to spare for only 1 month, you can still get a pretty decent interest rate of 2.05 per cent p.a. MoneySmart Take What we like: Short commitment period of three months, and very low minimum deposit amount of $500. What we don't like: Like ICBC, the Bank of China offers different rates depending on how you place your funds — online rates are better than rates at the bank branch. This may disadvantage older folks who want to open a fixed deposit account over the counter and find that their fixed deposit rates become 0.10 per cent p.a. lower. Best fixed deposit rates for a 6-month and 12-month commitment periods Looking to stash your cash in a fixed deposit account for six months or one year? Here's a summary of the best fixed deposit rates in Singapore in 2025 for 6-month and 12-month commitment periods: Best fixed deposit rates in Singapore for 6 and 12 months (Jun 2025) Min. deposit amount 6 months 12 months No minimum 2.05% p.a. ( Syfe ); 2.05% p.a. ( StashAway ) 1.90% p.a. (Syfe); 1.90% p.a. (StashAway) $500 2.25% p.a ( ICBC ); 1.95% p.a. ( Bank of China ) 2.25% p.a. (ICBC); 1.95% p.a. (Bank of China) $1,000 2.15% p.a ( DBS ) 2.45% p.a ( DBS ) $10,000 2.05 – 2.10% p.a. ( CIMB ) 1.85 – 1.90% p.a. (CIMB) $20,000 2.05% p.a. ( Maybank ); 2.00 – 2.10% p.a. ( RHB ) 2.05% p.a. (Maybank); 2.00 – 2.10% p.a. (RHB) $30,000 – 1.85% p.a. ( OCBC ) $50,000 2.35% p.a. ( State Bank of India ) 2.25% p.a. (State Bank of India) $100,000 2.35% p.a. (HL Bank) – CIMB fixed deposit rates Deposit amount: $10,000 and above Period Personal Banking (For regular CIMB customers) Preferred Banking 3 months 2.15% p.a. 2.20% p.a. 6 months 2.00% p.a. 2.10% p.a. 9 months 1.85% p.a. 1.90% p.a. 12 months 1.85% p.a. 1.90% p.a. Promotional rates valid from June 1, 2025, subject to change anytime by CIMB. Do check CIMB's website for the latest rates. Malaysian bank CIMB is offering relatively good fixed deposit rates in Singapore this month, at up to 2.15 per cent p.a. for regular CIMB customers and 2.20 per cent p.a. if you're a CIMB Preferred Banking customer. This promo is for deposits of at least $10,000. To enjoy the highest rates, you need to lock up your money for three months and must apply and deposit your money online. If you're looking to deposit smaller amounts of your savings into a fixed deposit account, CIMB's board rates apply from deposits of $1,000 and up. However, they are a measly 0.2 per cent to 0.3 per cent p.a. or so. In this instance, you would be better off placing your money almost anywhere else. ICBC (2.15 per cent p.a. with a minimum deposit of $500 for three months) and the Bank of China (2.10 per cent p.a. with a minimum deposit of $500 for three months) are good options for small deposit amounts and small time frames. MoneySmart Take What we like: Relatively short commitment periods of three and six months. What we don't like: CIMB's best rates are reserved for their Preferred Banking customers — these are 0.05 per cent p.a. higher than the rates for regular Personal Banking customers. So if they advertise their rates as up to a certain rate, know that those rates may not apply to you. RHB fixed deposit rates Deposit amount: $20,000 and above Period Personal banking Premier banking 3 months 2.00% p.a. 2.10% p.a. 6 months 2.00% p.a. 2.10% p.a. 12 months 2.00% p.a. 2.10% p.a. Note: The rates above are correct as of 5 June 2025. They are promotional rates subject to change at any time by RHB. Do check RHB's website for the latest rates. The easiest way to place your fixed deposit with RHB is on your phone via the RHB Mobile SG App. However, if that isn't possible for you, RHB's fixed deposit rates are the same whether you use mobile banking or head down to one of their branches. The highest rate personal banking customers can get is 2.00 per cent p.a. with a minimum deposit requirement of $20,000 — slightly on the high side compared to other banks. Currently, this rate applies to two of the three available tenors — three or six months. A big advantage to RHB's fixed deposit is that they don't charge you any penalty fee for early withdrawal. That means you can take your cash out early with no penalty in the event of an emergency. MoneySmart Take What we like: No premature penalty fee if you want to withdraw your funds early! What we don't like: RHB's minimum deposit amount of $20,000 is higher than that for other banks. HL Bank fixed deposit rates Minimum placement amount Tenure Promotional rate $100,000 6 months 2.35% p.a. Do check HL Bank's latest fixed deposit promotion; HL Bank may revise rates at any time at their discretion. A member of the Hong Leong group, HL Bank's current fixed deposit promotion is for a minimum placement of $100,000. Stash this sum away with them for six months, and you'll be rewarded with an interest rate of 2.35 per cent. It's a large sum, but 2.35 per cent is a relatively high rate compared to other banks' fixed deposit promotions this month. MoneySmart Take What we like: High promotional fixed deposit rates — we've seen HL Bank hit four per cent p.a. at its peak in 2023. This month, HL Bank's 2.8 per cent is — in relative terms — also one of the highest. What we don't like: Their promotional rates require a very high minimum deposit amount of $100,000. Maybank fixed deposit rates Deposit amount: $20,000 and above Period iSAVvy Time Deposit Promotion (Online Placement) Deposit Bundle Promotion (Placement in Branch) 6 months 1.80% p.a. 2.05% p.a. 9 months 1.85% p.a. 2.15% p.a. 12 months 1.80% p.a. 2.05% p.a. Note: The rates above are promotional rates subject to change at any time by Maybank. Check the Maybank fixed deposit rate page for the latest rates. Maybank is among one of the higher fixed deposit rates this month with up to 2.15 per cent p.a. (nine months) under a deposit bundle promotion. Without the bundle, it's 1.85 per cent p.a. (nine months). To unlock the highest rate that's available under the deposit bundle promotion, you must have an eligible Maybank savings accounts or current account. For every $1,000 in the account (minimum of $2,000), you can put $10,000 into your fixed deposit (minimum $20,000). For example, if I have $3,000 in my Maybank savings account, I can do a $30,000 fixed deposit and earn 2.15 per cent p.a. on it over six months. While that's a relatively high rate this month, don't forget that you need to leave money in your current or savings account to unlock this rate. This sum of money you stash away will come with an opportunity cost. In the example above, I face the opportunity cost of the interest I would be able to earn on the $3,000 even while I earn interest on the $30,000 fixed deposit. MoneySmart Take What we like: We like that both online placements and placements in branch enjoy the same rates-those who can't access one or the other for whatever reason aren't disadvantaged. Their deposit bundle promotions also work well if you already have or intend to get a Maybank savings account. What we don't like: Low rates, longer commitment periods, and quite a large deposit amount relative to other banks on this list. OCBC fixed deposit rates Period Deposit amount of $30,000 and above 9 months 1.80% p.a. (placement in branch) / 1.90% p.a. (online banking) 12 months 1.75% p.a. (placement in branch) / 1.85% p.a. (online banking) Note: The rates above are promotional rates subject to change at any time by OCBC. See OCBC's fixed deposit rates for the latest. OCBC's highest fixed deposit rate this month is 1.90 per cent p.a. for a 9-month deposit period. That's if you use internet banking. Going down to an OCBC branch to set up your fixed deposit account is going to yield an even lower rate of 1.80 per cent p.a. While 1.90 per cent p.a. is not high, OCBC has maintained relatively low fixed deposit rates for the past few months anyway. Now that other banks have slashed theirs, OCBC's has gone from low to kinda average. MoneySmart Take What we like: Short commitment period of six months. What we don't like: Relatively high minimum deposit amount of $30,000. OCBC also has a pretty significant disparity in its in-branch rates versus online banking rates, which makes me think older folks who only can only access banking services in person are disadvantaged. Fixed deposit rates by minimum deposit amount Is cash your limiting factor? Good news — the minimum amount for a fixed deposit account starts from as low as $500! Here are the best fixed deposit rates for deposits of the following amounts: $10,000 and under $20,000 - $49,999 $50,000 and above Best fixed deposit rates for deposits $10,000 and under These are the best fixed deposit rates in Singapore 2025 for deposits $10,000 and under: DBS (2.45 per cent p.a. - min. $1,000 for 12 months) ICBC (2.15 per cent p.a. - $500 for three months) CIMB (2.15 per cent p.a. - min. $10,000 for three months) Bank of China (2.10 per cent p.a. - min. $500 for three months) UOB (2.00 per cent p.a. - min. $10,000 for six months) DBS fixed deposit rates Deposit amount Period $1,000 – $19,999 $20,000 – $999,999 1 month 0.30% p.a. 0.05% p.a. 3 months 1.00% p.a. 6 months 2.15% p.a. 9 months 2.35% p.a. 12 months – 60 months 2.45% p.a. DBS kept their fixed deposit rates consistent throughout 2024, with rates of up to 3.20 per cent p.a. But in 2025, they took a big hit. Currently, the best DBS fixed deposit rate is 2.45 per cent p.a. for those who put $1,000 to $19,999 into a fixed deposit for 12, 18, 24, 36, 48 or 60 months. That's decent compared to other promotional fixed deposit rates this month from other banks, and of course is still miles better than having your cash parked in a regular savings account. Additionally, one thing I have always liked about the DBS fixed deposit rates is their low minimum deposit amount of $1,000. Additionally, they're also pretty flexible with the deposit period. If you can only afford to lock in your cash for less than 12 months, DBS will let you choose any deposit period at 1-month intervals, from 1 - 12 months. Most other banks limit this to 3-month intervals. However, if you're looking to put $20,000 or more into a fixed deposit, the current DBS rates are a flat, unimpressive 0.05 per cent p.a. for all lock-in periods. You'd be better off investing your money almost anywhere else. MoneySmart Take What we like: Low minimum amount of just $1,000. We also like that you get so much flexibility in terms of how long you want to leave it in for — DBS offers deposit periods in 1-month intervals from 1 -12 months. What we don't like: DBS doesn't have very high fixed deposit rates (and rarely change them too). Their rates only become worth looking at from deposit periods of 12 months onwards, and even then are only relatively attractive if other banks drop their rates. Also, DBS is a poor option for investing larger sums. If you want to put in $20,000 or more, DBS fixed deposit rates plummet to just 0.05 per cent p.a. UOB fixed deposit rates UOB fixed deposit rates Period Minimum deposit amount: $10,000 6 months 2.00% p.a. 10 months 1.70% p.a. Promotion valid until: June 30, 2025, subject to change by UOB. Do check UOB's website for the latest rates. UOB's fixed deposit rate is currently 2-tiered-2.00 per cent p.a. for a deposit period of 6 months and 1.70 per cent p.a. for a deposit period of 10 months. This rate applies as long as you deposit a minimum of $10,000. If you want higher rates, consider the Bank of China (2.10 per cent p.a.) or ICBC (2.15 per cent p.a.) with just $500 for a 3-month tenor. MoneySmart Take What we like: Commitment periods start from a relatively short six months. What we don't like: UOB's current rate is below average. As aforementioned, you'd do better at other banks for the same deposit amount and period. Best fixed deposit rates for deposits $20,000–$49,999 If you have over $20,000 you want to stash away, here are your best fixed deposit rates in Singapore this month: Maybank (2.15 per cent p.a. - min. $20,000 for nine months) Bank of China (2.10 per cent p.a. - min. $500 for three months) Hong Leong Finance (1.83 per cent p.a. - min. $20,000 for nine months) ICBC (2.15 per cent p.a. - $500 for three months) CIMB (2.15 per cent p.a. - min. $10,000 for three months) RHB (2.00 per cent p.a. - min. $20,000 for three, six, or 12 months) OCBC (1.90 per cent p.a. - min. $30,000 for nine months) Standard Chartered (1.80 per cent p.a. - min. $25,000 for five months) Standard Chartered fixed deposit rates Deposit amount: $25,000 and above Period Personal Banking customers Priority Banking customers Priority Private Banking customers 5 months 1.80% p.a. 1.85% p.a. 1.90% p.a. Promotional rates valid until: June 10, 2025, subject to change by Standard Chartered. Do check Standard Chartered's fixed deposit rates for the latest figures. With interest rates from 1.80 per cent p.a. to 1.90 per cent p.a., Standard Chartered's fixed deposit rates are on the lower end this month. Plus, you only get the higher rates if you're a priority private banking customer, i.e. with a certain high net worth. If you're a regular customer, you'll only be able to get a rate of 1.80 per cent p.a. with a 5-month tenor at their current promotional rates. In any case, you can get a better rate with the Bank of China with a smaller minimum sum-deposit $500 or more to lock in 2.10 per cent p.a. over three months. MoneySmart Take What we like: Relatively short commitment period of six months. What we don't like: Standard Chartered doesn't have very high rates for the average Joe — you only get a decent one if you're a priority private banking customer. Best fixed deposit rates for deposits $50,000 and above Have a fairly sizeable sum of money? If you have $50,000 or more that you want to put into a fixed deposit account, you've got a few good options. Here are the best fixed deposit rates in Singapore 2025 for deposits $50,000 and above: State Bank of India (2.35 per cent p.a. - min. $50,000 for six months) Bank of China (2.10 per cent p.a. - min. $500 for three months) ICBC (2.15 per cent p.a. - $500 for three months) RHB (2.00 per cent p.a. - min. $20,000 for three, six, or 12 months) CIMB (2.15 per cent p.a. - min. $10,000 for three months) Hong Leong Finance (1.83 per cent p.a. - min. $20,000 for nine months) Citibank (2.10 per cent p.a. - $10,000 for three or six months) State Bank of India Singapore fixed deposit rates The State Bank of India is currently offering just two fixed deposit promotions with a minimum deposit of $50,000: Tenor Promotional interest rate Minimum deposit 6-month 2.35% p.a. $50,000 12-month 2.25% p.a. $50,000 These rates are quite high this month compared to other banks. However, so is their minimum sum you need to deposit. If we're looking at smaller sums, we're left with the board rates that only require a minimum of $5,000: SBI Singapore board rates Period Deposit amount: $5,000 to $1,000,000 1 month 0.35% p.a. 3 months 1.75% p.a. 6 months 2.25% p.a. 12 months 2.00% p.a. 24 months 1.50% p.a. The highest board rate you'll get to enjoy is 2.25 per cent p.a., which is actually comparable to some promotional rates this month from other banks. However, if you're planning to leave your $5,000 in a fixed deposit, you can still find better rates elsewhere. For just $500, you can enjoy 2.15 per cent p.a. with ICBC or 2.10 per cent p.a. with the Bank of China for a 3-month period. MoneySmart Take What we like: Relatively short commitment periods available, with decent interest rates. What we don't like: SBI asks for a high minimum deposit sum. Hong Leong Finance fixed deposit rates Deposit amount 9 months 11 months 13 months $5,000 to < $20,000 1.78% 1.73% 1.73% $20,000 and above 1.83% 1.78% 1.78% The rates above are as of 5 June 2025 and are subject to change any time at the discretion of Hong Leong Finance. See Hong Leong Finance's fixed deposit rates for the latest. Besides putting your money with banks, it's also worthwhile looking into other financial institutions which also offer competitive fixed deposit rates. Hong Leong Finance is one such institution. Don't get it confused with HL Bank, though. While the twp share the same name, they offer entirely different fixed deposit rates. With a lock-in period of nine months, Hong Leong Finance is currently offering a fixed deposit rate of 1.83 per cent p.a. for a $20,000 minimum deposit. For slightly longer tenors of 11 or 13 months, you earn 1.78 per cent p.a. instead. These rates are low this month; you'd be able to find better rates almost anywhere else. MoneySmart Take What we like: Short tenor periods for which you have to stash your cash with them. What we don't like: Hong Leong Finance isn't coming out super strong in terms of their fixed deposit rates — average at best. They also require a minimum deposit of $20,000, which is not the most beginner-friendly. Fixed deposit vs savings account - what's the difference? Anyone looking for a better alternative to their basic savings account will be faced with the same decision: fixed deposit or high-interest savings account? Both options beat the measly 0.05 per cent p.a. interest on a regular savings account, but looking at interest rate alone isn't enough to compare the two. Here are the differences between fixed deposits and savings accounts at a glance: Fixed deposit Savings account Tenure As low as 1 month, but go for at least 6 months for better rates None Interest rate Usually, the longer the tenure, the better the interest rate Usually the same regardless of tenure Deposit amount Fixed amount, usually at least $5,000, but promotional offers can go as low as $500 with ICBC and the Bank of China Smaller initial deposit and minimum monthly balance ($500 to $3,000) Currency SGD by default, but some banks offer higher interest rates for foreign currency SGD by default. There are a few multi-currency accounts, but no difference in interest rate Can you withdraw? Contrary to popular belief, yes, you can withdraw prematurely. However, you lose the interest and may have to pay a penalty. Yes, no impact on interest, but don't fall below the minimum balance Interest payments Quarterly or annually Monthly Risk level Virtually risk-free, insured up to $75,000 by Singapore Deposit Insurance Corporation (SDIC) Compare fixed deposit vs Singapore Savings Bonds (SSB) vs T-bills If you're looking for a virtually risk-free investment vehicle, you're bound to have come across fixed deposits, Singapore Savings Bonds (SSB) and Treasury bills (T-bills). Which is the right one for you? Here are some key differences you should consider. Fixed deposit SSB T-bills Tenure As low as 1 month, but go for at least 6 months for better rates 10 years 6 months / 1 year Current interest rate Up to 3.35% p.a. 2.49% p.a. ( June 2025 SSB's 10-year average return) 2.05% p.a. (cut-off yield for 5 Jun 2025 6-month T-bill ) Deposit amount Usually at least $5,000, but promotional offers can go as low as $500 with ICBC and the Bank of China $500-$200,000 $1,000, with a cap of $1 million in non-competitive bids at each auction. Currency SGD by default, but some banks offer higher interest rates for foreign currency SGD SGD Can you withdraw? Contrary to popular belief, yes—you can withdraw prematurely. However, you lose the interest and may have to pay a penalty. Yes, with no penalty. However, you must pay a $2 transaction fee each time you buy/redeem a bond. No, you cannot redeem T-bills early. Instead, you can try to sell it on the secondary market. Interest payments Quarterly or annually Every 6 months Upon maturity, full value of T-Bill refunded following initial sale at a discount Risk level Virtually risk-free, insured up to $75,000 by Singapore Deposit Insurance Corporation (SDIC) Virtually risk-free, backed by the Singapore government Virtually risk-free, backed by the Singapore government [[nid:717809]] This article was first published in MoneySmart .
Straits Times
3 days ago
- Straits Times
Chasing clout on LinkedIn: Treading the fine line between being real and self-serving
Can we be real when it comes to celebrating professional milestones and branding ourselves? The Usual Place Podcast Chasing clout on LinkedIn: Treading the fine line between being real and self-serving A recent viral post on LinkedIn - the professional networking social media platform - has cast the spotlight on how some users have pushed content about their jobs and professional endeavours into something more self-serving and performative. Just a couple of weeks ago, Ms Janney Hujic shared about what she claimed was a 'chance encounter' with former DBS CEO Piyush Gupta in a cafe in Bali. She praised his 'quiet conviction' and how he had shared wise words for her upcoming all-women's expedition in Mongolia. It read like a cool connection moment, until it turned out to be fake. Mr Gupta, whom she tagged, commented on the post to clarify that she was mistaken. He wrote: 'Sorry to disillusion you. That isn't me!' While the whole episode took a darker turn later on - with Ms Hujic claiming it was a blackmail post for money by her freelance social media manager in the Philippines - it also sparked a conversation about humble bragging, toxic positivity or exaggerating professional interactions in the quest to stand out on a platform like LinkedIn's. In this episode of The Usual Place, Ms Crystal Lim-Lange - co-founder of Forest Wolf, a leadership consultancy that specialises in leadership transformation and personal growth - dropped by to talk about how we can be real when it comes to celebrating professional milestones and branding ourselves. Talking about the viral post, Ms Lim-Lange, who is also a two-time LinkedIn Top Voice, said: 'We are all dealing with human beings, and there are many reasons why people can show up on social media in a certain way. We don't know the full story.' The post by Ms Hujic has since been deleted. Our podcast conversation turned to the importance of career visibility, how this incident highlighted the temptation to appear connected or successful, and how to avoid being performative. On the matter of showing up authentically, the entrepreneur, who also hosts a podcast called Comfort And Growth with Crystal Lim-Lange, said: 'Don't say something because you want to say something. Say something because you have something to say.' I also wanted to know how someone in Ms Hujic's position can make a comeback after a professional gaffe? Ms Lim-Lange said: 'You can't go wrong if you are doing your best and it's can hold that against you to some extent, because what else can we do other than our best?' Highlights (click/tap above): 2:12 Many reasons why people show up differently on social media 4:05 Casual racism behind the viral LinkedIn post? Why we need to be conscious of what we say 8:16 Career visibility is important, but when does it become self-serving or a humblebrag? 12:25 What this incident highlights about the temptation to appear connected or successful 13:59 Ms Lim-Lange's checklist for her LinkedIn posts: Is it educational, entertaining or inspirational? 15:30 When to shine the spotlight on your professional journey 17:16 Future jobs will require 'high touch and trust' 18:58 'If you are just a warm body, then you are replaceable.': A lesson learnt from her investing banking days 20:20 What does building career visibility entail? 25:05 'In order to be visible... you need to create value.': Ms Lim-Lange 28:17 How can I be real on a professional networking social media platform like LinkedIn? 30:39 Record and share insights from your work, avoid being performative to sell yourself 36:07 How do we recover from a professional gaffe? 38:21 'Authenticity is the ultimate cure-all.': Ms Lim-Lange's take on why doubling-down doesn't work 42:53 The difference between reacting and responding Ms Lim-Lange's podcast is available on Spotify and YouTube. Host: Natasha Ann Zachariah (natashaz@ Read Natasha's articles: Follow Natasha on her IG account and DM her your thoughts on this topic: Follow Natasha on LinkedIn: Filmed by ST Video: Joel Chng and T Kumar Edited by ST Podcast producers: Teo Tong Kai, Eden Soh and Natasha Liew ST Podcasts' executive producer: Ernest Luis Follow The Usual Place Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops: Channel: Apple Podcasts: Spotify: YouTube: Feedback to: podcast@ --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: ST Podcasts website: ST Podcasts YouTube: --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: Google Play: Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
Business Times
3 days ago
- Business Times
DBS, UOB back 6.7 trillion rupiah loan facility for data centre campus in Batam's Nongsa Digital Park
[SINGAPORE] DBS and UOB have jointly provided a 6.7 trillion rupiah (S$530 million) loan facility to finance the development of a new data centre campus in Batam, Indonesia. The project is jointly developed by DayOne, a Singapore-based data centre developer and operator, and the Indonesia Investment Authority, the country's sovereign wealth fund. It will fund the development and operations of three data centres in Nongsa Digital Park in Batam, Indonesia. As the largest rupiah-denominated financing agreement secured for such a development, it is part of the drive to build South-east Asia's digital infrastructure, said DBS and UOB in a joint statement on Thursday (Jun 5). This comes as the region is experiencing ongoing digital transformation that is boosting demand for data centre computing power. Amit Sinha, group head of telecommunications, media and technology, Western multinational corporations and digital economy at DBS, called the move a 'strategic investment' into the future of South-east Asia's digital economy. A NEWSLETTER FOR YOU Friday, 8.30 am Asean Business Business insights centering on South-east Asia's fast-growing economies. Sign Up Sign Up 'Expanding the region's data centre capacity will accelerate the digital transformation of businesses within the region as they embrace solutions such as artificial intelligence (AI), cloud services and real-time processing,' he said. South-east Asia's data centre demand is set to triple from its capacity as at 2023 to 6.5 gigawatts (GW) by 2030, said the lenders, citing data from Boston Consulting Group. The region's continued digital transformation, growing regional connectivity and acceleration of AI adoption is fuelling this growing demand. As much as half of this demand is expected to be met by the Singapore-Johor-Batam corridor, a major hub for data traffic in South-east Asia, DBS and UOB said. The corridor's capacity is set to reach up to 3.3 GW by 2030. Data centre campus to facilitate 'next wave' of digital transformation The DayOne Nongsa Digital Park Data Centre Campus is 'designed to support the next wave of digital transformation', said Jamie Khoo, chief executive of DayOne. The campus located within Nongsa Digital Park will house Indonesia's 'most advanced AI-ready data centre', she added. Upon its completion by end-2025, it will have a combined IT load capacity of around 72 megawatts (MW). This will account for around 5 per cent of Indonesia's projected data centre capacity of 1.41 GW by 2029, said DBS and UOB. Nongsa Digital Park to support digital connectivity with Singapore The digital park in Batam aims to be a 'digital bridge' connecting Singapore and Indonesia's economies, they said. 'Strengthened digital connectivity between Indonesia and Singapore better positions both markets to capture growing regional demand for computing power,' DBS' Sinha added. Given Indonesia's ambition to become a regional digital hub, Harapman Kasan, wholesale banking director at UOB Indonesia, highlighted that Batam plays a 'pivotal role' in serving as a key gateway to Singapore. The digital park will allow Singapore companies to leverage Indonesia's infrastructure and digital talent pool as well as enable Indonesia to benefit from Singapore's technological advancement and investment flows, the banks added.
