Asia Economy
India courts Big Tech with long‑term tax breaks as it doubles down on AI ambitions
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman with Union Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary and other officials outside the Finance Ministry prior to the presentation of the Union Budget 2026-27 at Kartavya Bhavan on Feb. 1, 2026 in New Delhi, India. Hindustan Times | Hindustan Times | Getty Images India has announced a 20-year tax […]
Read More
China’s factory activity grows at fastest pace since October, private survey shows, beating official reading
An employee works on a carbon fiber production line at Zhongfu Shenying in Lianyungang, China’s eastern Jiangsu province on July 31, 2025. Str | Afp | Getty Images China’s factory activity gathered speed in January, according to a private survey released Monday, as manufacturers accelerated production and front-loaded cargoes ahead of the extended Lunar New […]
Read More
Asia-Pacific markets trade mixed ahead of China manufacturing data
A study of affluent Chinese released this month by consulting firm Oliver Wyman found that 22% of respondents were negative about the economy when surveyed in May. It just exceeds the 21% seen in October 2022, just before Beijing announced plans to ease its stringent zero-Covid policy. Dukai Photographer | Moment | Getty Images Asia-Pacific […]
Read More
India’s finance minister projects modest fiscal consolidation in budget
India’s government plans a modest improvement in its fiscal picture in the coming financial year, with reductions in the fiscal deficit and debt, while boosting manufacturing in sectors ranging from textiles to chips. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, in her ninth consecutive budget speech, said on Sunday that the government sees its fiscal deficit falling to […]
Read More
Is ‘America First’ starting to backfire as Washington’s allies go it alone?
Members of President Donald Trump’s cabinet, including Energy Secretary Chris Wright, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, listen to Trump address the World Economic Forum (WEF) in the Davos Congress Center on Jan. 21, 2026 in Davos, Switzerland. Chip Somodevilla | Getty […]
Read More
Scenic trains, cruises and concerts: China’s new plan to get consumers spending again
BEIJING, CHINA – NOVEMBER 6: Women wearing Qing Dynasty-style costumes take photos inside the Forbidden City on November 6, 2025, in Beijing, China. Cheng Xin | Getty Images News As Chinese households remain reluctant to spend on big-ticket goods, Beijing is leaning on a new lever to revive consumption: experiences and everyday services. China’s cabinet […]
Read More
Indonesian stock exchange CEO resigns after $84 billion market wipe out
Iman Rachman, chief executive officer of the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX), speaks to members of the media in Jakarta, Indonesia, on Friday, Jan 30, 2026. Rachman said he will step down following a two-day market rout sparked by MSCI Inc.’s warning of a possible downgrade. Bloomberg | Bloomberg | Getty Images Indonesian stock exchange CEO Iman […]
Read More
Gold prices fall over 4%; Asia-Pacific shares trade mixed after Trump says he will name new Fed chair
Low angle view of tall buildings in Tokyo, Japan, showcasing diverse architectural styles George Pachantouris | Moment | Getty Images Gold and silver prices fell on Friday after hitting a record high on Thursday. Spot gold prices declined over 4% to $5,156.64 per ounce. The yellow metal remained around 20% higher year to date. Silver […]
Read More
Trump reportedly says ‘very dangerous’ for UK to do business with China as Starmer looks to mend ties
US President Donald Trump greets Britain’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer during a summit on Gaza, Egypt, in Sharm el-Sheikh on Oct. 13, 2025. Evan Vucci | Afp | Getty Images U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday reportedly warned the U.K. that it would be “very dangerous” for the country to do business with China, after […]
Read More
How Trump’s tariffs, and forced labor, led China to new record trillion-dollar trade surplus: Supply chain data
Labors work at a factory’s workshop in Huaying, Sichuan province of China. Getty Images China’s recent record $1.1 trillion trade surplus showed that despite President Donald Trump’s efforts to use tariff policy to slow China’s manufacturing export strength, the geopolitical and economic rival has not only found global workarounds, but thrived. Trade and supply chain […]
Read More