ASIA:   Walt Disney is considering various strategic options for its Star India business, such as a joint venture or a sale, according to sources familiar with the matter. The company has engaged in discussions with at least one bank to explore opportunities for growth and cost-sharing for the India business. However, the talks are […]

ASIA:   In June, China experienced a significant decline in producer prices, reaching their lowest level in over seven years, while consumer prices approached deflation. This reinforces the need for policymakers to implement additional stimulus measures to stimulate weak demand. The producer price index (PPI) has been decreasing for nine consecutive months, falling by 5.4% […]

  ASIA:   Singapore’s central bank, the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), has provided a somber assessment of the country’s economy. The MAS predicts ongoing challenges, including sluggish growth, inflation, and the possibility of a technical recession. Although the MAS has lowered its inflation forecast for 2023, it acknowledges that the battle against rising consumer […]

ASIA:   Goldman Sachs has stated that Western countries may need over $25 billion in investments to match China’s supply of rare earths. The concern arises from Beijing’s export restrictions on minor metals, leading to fears that rare earths could be the next target. Currently, China accounts for 90% of global refined output of rare […]

ASIA:   A working group of the Reserve Bank of India has stated that the increased use of the Indian rupee in international trade and capital account transactions will lead to the currency gaining international acceptance. The group suggests promoting the rupee for import and export without any limits, allowing non-residents to open rupee accounts […]

ASIA:   A private sector survey in China revealed that factory activity growth slowed in June due to concerns about sluggish market conditions. The Caixin/S&P Global manufacturing purchasing managers’ index (PMI) dropped from 50.9 in May to 50.5 in June, indicating a marginal expansion. The index mark of 50 separates growth from contraction. The survey […]

ASIA:   The major Asian stock markets had a mixed day today: NIKKEI 225 decreased 45.10 points or -0.14% to 33,189.04 Shanghai increased 19.68 points or 0.62% to 3,202.06 Hang Seng decreased 17.93 points or -0.09% to 18,916.43 ASX 200 increased 8.40 points or 0.12% to 7,203.30 Kospi increased 14.26 points or 0.56% to 2,564.28 […]

ASIA:   A recent report revealed that internet shutdowns in Manipur and Punjab, India, had a significant economic impact. The shutdowns cost the Indian economy an estimated $1.9 billion, led to a loss of $118 million in foreign investment, and resulted in approximately 21,268 job losses. This highlights India’s high risk of internet shutdowns, which […]

ASIA:   In the first five months of the year, China’s industrial firms experienced a significant decline in annual profits, with a 18.8% year-on-year slump. This decline follows a contraction of 20.6% in profits from January to April. The weakening demand and squeezed margins indicate that the country’s post-COVID economic recovery is faltering. Various indicators, […]

ASIA: In May, Asian bonds experienced a significant increase in foreign investments, with the highest monthly inflows in nearly two years. This surge was driven by expectations of a more moderate approach to monetary tightening by the U.S. Federal Reserve. Data from regulatory authorities and bond market associations revealed that foreign investors bought a net […]