Trusted Insights. Asian Perspective.
US allegations that COSCO vessels carry concealed intelligence equipment are placing new scrutiny on the security, trade and operational risks surrounding global shipping networks.
Malaysia-Japan trade expanded strongly in the first seven months of 2026, highlighting the durability of industrial, technology and investment ties.
South Korea retained major property-tax deductions and relaxed planned ISA restrictions after opposition, reducing immediate costs for homeowners and savers.
Southeast Asian stocks weakened as oil above US$90 and rising global yields pressured currencies, inflation expectations and emerging-market flows.
Indonesia returned to a narrow US$120 million trade surplus in July as exports rose 6.05%, while imports surged 27.02% and reduced the external cushion.
India’s stronger-than-expected 7.8% growth supported equities, while high oil prices, rising yields and foreign selling constrained sentiment.
China’s private manufacturing PMI climbed to 51.5 as output and export orders strengthened, but competition continued to pressure selling prices.
South Korean exports surged 68.7% to US$98.26 billion in August, extending a fifteen-month expansion driven by global technology demand.
Japan's corporate capital spending rose 1.6% as technology, automation and infrastructure investment supported domestic demand and policy normalisation.
Japan's manufacturing PMI rose to 54.9 as AI and semiconductor demand drove the fastest growth in new business and exports since 2018.
