What I'm watching in markets in October 2026: Beansprout Pro Monthly Brew

Beansprout Pro in Brief

• September’s 1.4% decline in the Straits Times Index was broadly consistent with our expectation that the Singapore market would consolidate after its strong rally.
• Singapore’s economy remains strong. The more important question for investors is whether that strength can translate into better company earnings in 2027.
• The banks will not report until November, but October should give us more evidence on the conditions shaping margins, loan growth, fee income and credit costs.
• The October Monetary Authority of Singapore review will show how policymakers are balancing firmer inflation against continued economic strength.
• The US Federal Reserve meets on 27–28 October. We will be paying at least as much attention to longer-term bond yields as to the policy decision itself.
• Across REITs and AI-related holdings, the common question is becoming clearer: can stronger operating activity translate into sustainable cash returns after financing costs?