Asia Economy
Japan exports fall at sharpest pace in 8 months as U.S. shipments plummet
Shipping container loads dock at Tokyo Bay. Japan is heavily reliant on exports (e.g., automobiles, electronics), faces risks from U.S. tariffs, especially on cars (a proposed 25% tariff during Trump’s first term was deferred but remains a concern). Higher tariffs could reduce Japan’s U.S. market access, increase consumer prices, and hurt GDP growth. However, Japan’s […]
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Shipping groups are starting to shy away from the Strait of Hormuz as Israel-Iran conflict rages on
An Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps speed boat sailing along the Persian Gulf during the IRGC marine parade to commemorate Persian Gulf National Day, near the Bushehr nuclear power plant in the seaport city of Bushehr, in the south of Iran, on April 29, 2024. Nurphoto | Nurphoto | Getty Images Some shipowners are opting to […]
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Bank of Japan to slow cuts to government bond purchases from April next year as growth risks loom
A pedestrian walks past the Bank of Japan (BoJ) building in central Tokyo on July 28, 2023. Richard A. Brooks | Afp | Getty Images Japan’s central bank on Tuesday said it would slow the cuts to government bond purchases from April next year, while it also held the benchmark rate at 0.5% amid rising […]
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Asia-Pacific markets trade mixed as investors assess Israel-Iran conflict; BOJ stands pat on rates
Sunset at Shinjuku , Tokyo – Japan. Xavierarnau | E+ | Getty Images Asia-Pacific markets traded mixed Tuesday, as investors assessed the Israel-Iran conflict after U.S. President Donald Trump urged “everyone” to immediately evacuate Tehran. The president subsequently left the Group of Seven summit a day earlier due to the Middle East crisis. Fitch Ratings […]
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SK Hynix shares extend gains to over 2-decade highs as parent group reportedly plans AI data center
Illustration of the SK Hynix company logo seen displayed on a smartphone screen. Sopa Images | Lightrocket | Getty Images Shares in South Korea’s SK Hynix extended gains to hit a more than 2-decade high on Tuesday, following reports over the weekend that SK Group plans to build the country’s largest AI data center. SK […]
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Energy giants Baker Hughes, Woodside shy away from making oil forecasts as Iran-Israel conflict escalates
Fire and smoke rise into the sky after an Israeli attack on the Shahran oil depot on June 15, 2025 in Tehran, Iran. Getty Images | Getty Images News | Getty Images The CEOs of two major energy companies are monitoring the developments between Iran and Israel — but they aren’t about to make firm […]
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Asia-Pacific markets set to open subdued as Israel-Iran tensions dent investor sentiment
Beijing Central Business District, mix of offices and apartments Ispyfriend | E+ | Getty Images Asia-Pacific markets were set to open subdued Monday, as the escalating Israel-Iran tensions weigh down investors’ sentiment. Oil prices jumped as Israel and Iran exchanged strikes, while gold prices rallied, as investors sought refuge in the safe haven metal with […]
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Nvidia-mania took over Europe this week. Here’s what I learned from Jensen Huang
Jensen Huang, co-founder and chief executive officer of Nvidia Corp., left, and Emmanuel Macron, France’s president at the 2025 VivaTech conference in Paris, France, on Wednesday, June 11, 2025. Nathan Laine | Bloomberg | Getty Images Nvidia boss Jensen Huang has been on a tour of Europe this week, bringing excitement and intrigue to everywhere […]
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Why Iran won’t block the Hormuz Strait oil artery even as war with Israel looms
Tankers depicted in the Strait of Hormuz — a strategically important waterway which separates Iran, Oman and the United Arab Emirates. ATTA KENARE | AFP | Getty Images As tensions surge following Israeli strikes on Iran, fears have resurfaced that the Tehran could retaliate by targeting one of the world’s most vital oil arteries — […]
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China’s tight grip on rare earths shows little sign of weakening
Miners are seen at the Bayan Obo mine containing rare earth minerals, in Inner Mongolia, China July 16, 2011. Stringer | Reuters China’s dominance of the global rare earths supply chain won’t dwindle easily, even if Beijing decides to approve more export licenses through deals with Europe and the U.S. Three Shenzhen-listed Chinese companies this […]
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