GDP

China factory activity surprises with first slump in five months

The official manufacturing purchasing managers’ index was 49.2 in July, down from 50.3 in June.

US GDP growth softens despite strong consumer spending, investment

Consumer spending, which comprises about two-thirds of economic activity, rose at a stronger-than-expected 3.2% rate.

Consumers, AI spending likely supported US growth in second quarter

People work inside Microsoft’s data centre currently under construction at Mount Pleasant, Wisconsin.

AI is driving GDP growth, but could it turn into a headwind some day?

Singapore’s manufacturing and export sectors have been big winners from the AI boom as the Republic occupies a key position in the global semiconductor supply chain.

News analysis

Singapore’s AI-powered growth masks economic risks from Iran war and US tariffs

Beyond elevated energy prices, other risks to Singapore’s economic growth include US tariffs and the El Nino weather pattern, which may push up food prices.

Market Insights

AI demand drives Singapore GDP but Q2 growth eases; global chipmakers hit hard

Semiconductor and memory chip company SK Hynix saw its shares post their biggest one-day fall in nearly two decades on the Korean Exchange on July 13.

China’s economy slows, exposing widening divide between exports and domestic demand

China’s GDP expanded 4.3 per cent in the second quarter of 2026, cooling from the robust 5 per cent growth in the first quarter.

China posts slowest quarterly growth since 2022 as imbalances worsen

China’s economic growth slowed sharply to 4.3 per cent from 5 per cent in the first quarter.

China’s growth seen weakening to bottom of official target range

Economists see the government on July 15 reporting a 4.5 per cent year-on-year rise in GDP for the second quarter of 2026, down from 5 per cent in the first quarter.

S’pore’s Q2 growth eases to 5.7% as Iran war tempers AI-powered manufacturing growth

PSA Pasir Panjang terminal in Singapore.

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MDDI (P) 046/10/2025. Published by SPH Media Limited, Co. Regn. No.202120748H. Copyright © 2026 SPH Media Limited. All rights reserved.