Barnabas Gan, chief economist at a Malaysian bank, said in a note that intensifying economic headwinds and global geopolitical uncertainty are likely to weigh on consumer and business confidence and curb discretionary spending in H2, notably in fashion and entertainment. Elevated fuel and transport costs could pass through to broader consumer prices, lift inflation and erode purchasing power. The bank maintains its forecast for Singapore retail sales growth of 3.0% in 2026.