Asia Economy
Deflation and tariff-hit China sets lowest growth target on record at 4.5% to 5%
Xi Jinping, China’s president, center, attends the opening session of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) at the Great Hall of People in Beijing, China, on Wednesday, March 4, 2026. Qilai Shen | Bloomberg | Getty Images China on Thursday set its GDP growth target for 2026 at 4.5% to 5% — the lowest […]
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Asia markets set to rebound after steep selloff; investors watch China’s ‘Two Sessions’
People walking through the neon lit night streets of Sinchon in the heart of Seoul, South Korea’s vibrant capital city. Fotovoyager | E+ | Getty Images Asia-Pacific markets were set to open higher Thursday, rebounding after several days of steep losses as sentiment improved following overnight gains on Wall Street and easing concerns over surging […]
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Middle East conflict poses fresh test to central banks as oil shock fuels inflation
Pedestrians look out across the city skyline as they walk along the Tabiat bridge in Tehran, Iran, on Saturday, Aug. 4, 2018. Ali Mohammadi | Bloomberg | Getty Images A widening Middle East conflict has posed a fresh test for global central banks, as fears of an oil shock and renewed inflation risks complicate policymakers’ calculus […]
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China’s factory activity slumps more than expected in February as holiday disrupts production
A cargo ship is parked at a berth loading and unloading containers at the Lianyungang Port Container Terminal in Jiangsu Province, China on March 1, 2026. Cfoto | Future Publishing | Getty Images China’s factory activity faltered in February as manufacturers paused production and cargo shipment to celebrate an extended holiday, an official survey showed […]
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South Korea’s Kospi plunges 7% amid selloff in the region as Middle East war escalates
19 November 2025, China, Shanghai: Boats sail past downtown Shanghai on the Huangpu River. The tallest building on the skyline is the Shanghai Tower (rear). Bernd von Jutrczenka | Picture Alliance | Getty Images South Korea’s Kospi declined 7.24% Wednesday, extending a steep selloff from the day before when the index recorded its worst day in […]
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Canada and India move to reset ties as trust in U.S. falters
India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi (R) walks with Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney before their meeting at the Hyderabad House in New Delhi on March 2, 2026. Sajjad Hussain | Afp | Getty Images India and Canada need new friends — and customers. So this week, they put past, painful differences aside to pledge closer […]
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South Korea defense stocks soar with heavyweight Hanwha Aerospace surging 22% as traders react to Iran war
A Cheongung missile launcher is displayed during the Seoul International Aerospace and Defense Exhibition (ADEX 2025) at Seoul Air Base in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea, on October 17, 2025. Nurphoto | Nurphoto | Getty Images South Korean defense stocks saw massive gains on Tuesday after the country’s markets returned from a public holiday, as […]
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Asia-Pacific markets extend losses as Iran conflict rages on; oil prices rise
A general view of Tehran with smoke visible in the distance after explosions were reported in the city, on March 2, 2026 in Tehran, Iran. Contributor | Getty Images Asia-Pacific markets opened lower on Tuesday, as the conflict in Iran continues to rage on for a fourth day. Oil prices extended gains after Iran reportedly […]
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Why India looks especially vulnerable as conflict rages in Middle East
India’s GDP growth is expected to reach 6.4% in 2024, and will hit 7% in 2026, according to S&P Global. Kriangkrai Thitimakorn | Moment | Getty Images New Delhi is feeling the heat as tensions in the Middle East show no signs of cooling, with high oil prices likely to increase the country’s already substantial […]
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Iran conflict: Where things stand, global responses — and what comes next
People protest against the US and Israeli strikes on Iran, ICE immigration raids, and in support of Palestinians during a demonstration outside the Westwood Federal Building in the Westwood neighborhood of Los Angeles on June 22, 2025. Bing Guan | Afp | Getty Images The U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran is extending into its third day […]
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