#3 Global Trends: Higher For Longer Interest Rates; Rise Of AI; E-Commerce Slowdown
As a small and open economy, Singapore has to adhere to global trends to stay relevant. An environment of higher interest rates will inevitably affect global growth – including in Singapore.
With a signal that interest rates may stay elevated for a longer in 2024, investment sentiments may dampen on the back of higher borrowing costs.
At the same time, the post-pandemic explosion in e-commerce has meant that many businesses pivoted into it. Not doing so would be akin to giving up the potential growth. Now, it may be time for companies to relook their initial hires.
With technology constantly evolving, and potentially more companies jumping on the AI bandwagon now, there may be greater “churn” in the economy – as DPM and Finance Minister Lawrence Wong mentioned in his
Singapore Budget 2024 speech.
At the same time, AI and e-commerce are trends that are supposed to eventually lead to fewer headcount – and not more. Once the initial gains have been made, the sensible thing may be to stay lean.