ASIA:   China’s exports have experienced a significant decline, marking the fastest drop since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic three years ago. The weakened global economy has intensified the pressure on Chinese policymakers to implement new stimulus measures. In June, outbound shipments from China, the world’s second-largest economy, plummeted by a higher-than-anticipated 12.4% […]

ASIA:   The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has approved a $3 billion bailout program for Pakistan, which will last for nine months. This decision follows a staff level agreement reached between Pakistan and the IMF in the previous month. The financial support is crucial for Pakistan, which is facing economic challenges. Additionally, the United Arab […]

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 […]