Top Stock Market Highlights: GDP Forecast, Keppel DC REIT, and CapitaLand-UOL Consortium

Economic Outlook - Economists have upgraded Singapore's 2025 GDP growth forecast to 4.1%, up from 2.4% in September, driven by a stronger-than-expected third quarter expansion of 4.2% year on year [2] - Manufacturing growth expectations have increased significantly to 5.4% from 0.8%, with upward revisions in finance and insurance, wholesale and retail trade, and construction sectors [2] Inflation and Monetary Policy - Fourth quarter growth is projected at 3.6%, with 2026 growth expected to moderate to 2.3% [3] - Inflation forecasts for 2025 remain steady at 0.9% for headline and 0.7% for core inflation, with expectations of slight increases in 2026 [3] - All surveyed economists expect no changes in monetary policy during the January and April 2026 reviews, with only 11% anticipating potential tightening by July 2026 [3] Keppel DC REIT Developments - Keppel DC REIT has announced the acquisition of remaining interests in two Singapore data centres for approximately S$50.5 million, achieving 100% ownership of both properties [4] - The total acquisition outlay is about S$53.9 million, which includes purchase consideration and related expenses, and is expected to be 0.8% DPU-accretive [5] - Post-acquisition, the REIT's assets under management will increase by 3.5% to S$5.9 billion, with Singapore assets rising from 57.8% to 58.8% of the portfolio [6] CapitaLand-UOL Consortium Bid - A consortium of CapitaLand Development, CapitaLand Integrated Commercial Trust, and UOL Group submitted the top bid of S$1.5 billion for a mixed-use site in Hougang Central [7] - The site spans 504,820 square feet with a gross floor area of 1.27 million square feet, and if awarded, will feature approximately 830 residential units and 300,000 square feet of retail space [8]