3 challenges for S’pore to tackle: Refreshing efforts to maintain harmony for a new generation

Recent racist incidents illustrate how issues of race and religion can easily divide society. It is helpful to air and acknowledge issues of race and religion in a candid and respectful manner. Singapore took several generations of sustained effort to bring the different races and religions together. The resulting social harmony was the fruit of mutual understanding and compromise by the majority as well as the minorities. The country has to continually adjust this delicate balance to maintain harmony as society evolves. Please subscribe or log in to continue reading the full article. Get unlimited access to all stories at $0.99/month Latest headlines and exclusive stories In-depth analyses and award-winning multimedia content Get access to all with our no-contract promotional package at only $0.99/month for the first 3 months* Subscribe now *Terms and conditions apply.

Tech shares lead Nasdaq to record as markets await Fed decision

NEW YORK (AFP) - Major US indices finished at fresh records Monday (June 14) as global equity markets began the week cautiously ahead of a much-anticipated Federal Reserve meeting. Both the S&P 500 and Nasdaq ended at all-time highs, benefiting from a resurgence in technology shares. The first session of the week reflected the latest pivot after a stretch earlier in the year when tech shares lagged other sectors such as financial companies and manufacturers. Investors now appear to be taking profits on some of those bets, and steering funds back into large tech names, which outperformed other sectors earlier in the pandemic. Apple, Facebook and Netflix all gained at least one per cent. This week’s calendar is dominated by the Federal Reserve’s two-day policy meeting, which is expected to show central bankers raising their inflation forecasts. The Fed is expected to maintain its current easy money policy, but central bank chief Jerome Powell will face myriad questions about rising prices during the news conference following the meeting’s conclusion on Wednesday. While no change in the bank’s lending rate is expected, Powell could offer more assurances that the Fed will be vigilant a...