1 Gold prices rose as investors looked for a haven during the market weakness sparked by concern over a worsening slowdown in China's economy, as reflected by weaker Purchasing Managers' Index figures released yesterday.

2 Companies in Singapore are positive about their six-month business and trade outlook, with client acquisition and international expansion being key drivers of growth, says HSBC's latest Trade Confidence Index.

3 Standard & Poor's Ratings Services said it has revised the outlook on Stats ChipPac to negative from stable. This reflects the view that Stats will find it harder to improve its key financial ratios over the next year, given the weaker industry environment.

4 Q & M Dental Group has completed the acquisition of Tiong Bahru Clinics. It has also entered into a six-year service agreement with Dr Chong Tuck Fung, the vendor of these clinics.

5 Sinwa said the redevelopment of a warehouse building in Joo Koon Road is expected to cost $10.5 million, including the construction of freezer and chiller facilities, the plant, and equipment. The project will more than treble the firm's warehouse space to 5,000 sq m.