UOB has downgraded its retail sales growth forecast to 3.0% from 3.5%, citing three downside risks. In a report, experts from UOB said the weakening external environment, greater-than-anticipated easing in domestic and regional labour market conditions, and a slower-than-expected recovery of inbound Chinese tourists may affect retail sales for the rest of the year. Data from the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) showed that in 3Q23, the labour market softened.