Asian Currency Gains Face a Test from Diverging Central-Bank Paths
Asian currencies have strengthened, but diverging signals from the Federal Reserve, Bank of Japan and regional central banks could reshape capital flows and volatility.
National Affairs
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Tommy Koh’s Diplomatic Legacy Frames Singapore’s Relevance Strategy
Veteran diplomat Tommy Koh’s reflections show how Singapore’s institutional credibility, multilateral engagement and practical statecraft support economic relevance.
Japan’s FY2027 Budget Requests Top ¥143 Trillion as Fiscal Pressure Builds
Japan’s fiscal 2027 general-account budget requests are expected to exceed ¥143 trillion, setting a fourth consecutive record.
Singapore Growth Forecast Raised to 5% After Export and Factory Surge
Private-sector economists have raised Singapore’s 2026 economic growth forecast to 5% from 3.5% after unexpectedly strong exports and manufacturing.
Hong Kong’s Festival of Connoisseurs Targets High-Value Tourism and Luxury Trade
Hong Kong will launch a luxury exhibition featuring yachts, supercars and other premium categories as it seeks higher-value tourism and business activity.
Indian Equities Seek Rebound as US$96 Oil Tests Inflation and External Balances
Indian benchmarks were positioned for a partial rebound after three losing sessions, while Brent crude near US$96 continued to constrain investor confidence.
China’s Services PMI Rises to 51.4 as Domestic Demand Supports Growth
China’s services sector expanded faster in August, with the PMI rising to 51.4 as domestic demand improved and the composite index reached 52.1.
ASEAN Manufacturing PMI Holds at 52.3 as New Orders Sustain Expansion
ASEAN factories maintained solid expansion in August as the regional PMI reached 52.3, supported by strong orders despite softer employment and stock levels.
Japan’s Services PMI Climbs to 52.5 as Domestic Demand Offsets Export Weakness
Japan’s services economy gained momentum in August, with the PMI at 52.5 and composite output at 53.5 despite persistent weakness in export demand.
Thailand Accelerates Rooftop Solar Push to Shield Households from LNG Volatility
Thailand is accelerating rooftop solar deployment as energy-security concerns and volatile LNG costs sharpen the case for distributed renewable power.