Singapore’s Straits Times Index (SGX: ^STI) hit a new high on Monday. This milestone achievement comes after the local index delivered a pleasing 24% in total returns in 2024. Not to be outdone, the US-based S&P 500 (INDEXSP: .INX) index rose by more than 23% last year. The performance was topped by the tech-heavy NASDAQ Composite’s (INDEXSP: .INX) strong return of nearly 29%. Said another way, investors today are spoilt for choice in choosing where they should invest their money. More importantly, where should you invest money in 2025?

Singapore’s Magnificent 3 takes on the US’s Magnificent 7 

It’s no secret that Singapore’s STI has benefitted from the growth of its three major banks. The magnificent trio of DBS Group (SGX: D05), Oversea-Chinese Banking Corporation (SGX: O39) or OCBC and United Overseas Bank Ltd (SGX: U11) or UOB have gained from the higher interest rates over the past two years. Currently, the “Big Three” banks account for over 52% of the index’s weight....