Kopi With YP: Your Minimalist Morning Brief, 17 Mar

Get up to speed and stay smart with the latest business, tech, and local news in under 2 minutes

Business

Asian markets took the interest rate hike in their stride on Thursday, with most currencies rising against the greenback.

Singapore’s exports increased by 21.5% in February, marking the fourth straight month of expansion.

The Dow Jones and S&P 500 dipped on Thursday as oil prices retreated after a short-lived surge on Wednesday.
 

World

An Employers Competition. Tokyo has more than 2 job openings for every applicant due to Japan’s low birth rate and recovering economy.

Trump has tapped the top executive of Boeing to become deputy defence secretary.

Taiwan publicly confirms its capability to launch missiles in China following defence reports of increased Chinese threat.
 

Local

Singapore Armed Forces could be acquiring 2000 precision-guided mortar rounds from the US so as to modernise and strengthen our homeland defences.

12 fish farms affected by the Johor oil spill can now resume sale of their seafood – including fish.

Travel Freedom. The Singapore passport is top in Asia for visa-free access, moving one spot up from last year.
 

Tech

Local Dental, Q&M joins a smartphone healthcare booking platform so their patients can hail a ride to their clinics.

Making a comeback. Swatch takes on Google and Apple with their watch operating system.