---
title: "Daily Debrief: What Happened Today (Feb 26)"
description: "Economists have raised Singapore's 2026 growth forecast to 3.6%, with headline inflation projected at 1.5%. PM Wong noted that retail and F&B rents have decreased as a share of business costs, and war"
type: "news"
locale: "en"
url: "https://longbridge.com/en/news/277023518.md"
published_at: "2026-02-26T10:30:32.000Z"
---

# Daily Debrief: What Happened Today (Feb 26)

> Economists have raised Singapore's 2026 growth forecast to 3.6%, with headline inflation projected at 1.5%. PM Wong noted that retail and F&B rents have decreased as a share of business costs, and warned against over-reliance on taxing the wealthy. HSBC is initiating the sale of its Singapore insurance business, valued at over US$1 billion. Additionally, Singapore's factory output surged by 16.6% in January, driven by electronics, while Qantas plans to establish its first cabin crew base in Singapore by September, aiming for 650 crew members in five years.

Stories you might have missed

**Economists raise Singapore’s 2026 growth forecast to 3.6%, majority see MAS holding in April**

HEADLINE inflation is projected at 1.5%.

* * *

**Budget 2026: Retail, F&B rents make up lower share of business costs in last few years**

RENT increases have also trended below nominal GDP growth and inflation in recent years, says PM Wong.

* * *

**Budget 2026: Over-reliance on taxing the rich risks shifting burden to middle class, says PM Wong**

SINGAPORE will not pursue ‘jobless growth’, the prime minister pledges in his round-up speech.

* * *

**HSBC kicks off Singapore insurance business sale, eyes over US$1 billion value: sources**

THE bank makes the bulk of its revenues and profits in Asia.

* * *

**Singapore factory output up 16.6% in January on electronics surge, surpassing estimates**

ALL clusters record growth in factory output, except general manufacturing and biomedical manufacturing.

* * *

**Qantas to start first cabin crew base in Singapore from September, plans to have 650 crew in five years**

THE Australian national carrier says it aims to get 120 crew members on board within the first year.

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> **Disclaimer**: This article is for reference only and does not constitute any investment advice.