

OECD slashes South Korea’s 2024 growth forecast to 1.5%
The OECD cut South Korea’s 2024 growth forecast to 1.5% from 2.1%, citing rising trade barriers and geopolitical risks, according to its...
Mar 18, 2025


World Bank raises Vietnam’s growth forecast to 6.8% for 2025
The World Bank has raised Vietnam’s real GDP growth forecast for 2025 to 6.8%, up 0.2 percentage points from its January estimate but...
Mar 17, 2025


Thailand gains from trade war as foreign investment rises
Thailand is seeing increased foreign investment amid global trade tensions, helping to drive economic growth toward its 3-3.5% target,...
Mar 17, 2025


Economists cut Singapore, Hong Kong growth outlook on trade risks
Economists have lowered growth forecasts for Singapore and Hong Kong in the second half of 2025, citing rising risks from higher US...
Mar 13, 2025


South Korea drops to 17th in global economic freedom ranking
South Korea fell three spots to 17th in the 2025 Heritage Foundation Index of Economic Freedom, despite its overall score rising to 74...
Mar 11, 2025


Financial conditions worsen for 31% of top South Korean firms
Nearly one-third of South Korea’s largest companies reported worsening financial conditions this year, according to a survey by Mono...
Mar 10, 2025


Japan’s corporate spending slips in Q4 amid economic uncertainty
Japanese corporate capital expenditure fell 0.2% year-on-year in the fourth quarter, marking the first decline in nearly four years, as...
Mar 6, 2025


Hong Kong’s financial sector poised for growth amid AI, China liberalisation
Hong Kong’s financial sector stands to benefit from artificial intelligence advancements, China’s financial liberalisation, and rising...
Mar 5, 2025


Singapore sees record corporate liquidations in 2024
Corporate liquidations in Singapore surged to a record high in 2024, with 307 firms shuttered, up from 201 the previous year, according...
Mar 4, 2025


IMF sees Malaysia’s economy expanding 4.7% in 2025
Malaysia’s economy is projected to grow 4.7% this year, supported by strong momentum, though external risks remain, the International...
Mar 4, 2025


China to inject USD56bn into three state banks to bolster economy
China plans to inject at least CNY400bn (USD56bn) into three of its largest banks in the coming months as part of efforts to stabilise...
Mar 3, 2025


Hong Kong’s 2025-26 budget to boosts startups: StartHub Asia
Hong Kong’s 2025-26 financial budget introduces new measures to support startups, drive innovation, and attract global investment,...
Feb 28, 2025


SE Asia CFOs more optimistic despite global uncertainty
Chief financial officers (CFOs) across Southeast Asia are showing increased optimism about economic prospects despite ongoing...
Feb 28, 2025


Chinese eases rules, pledges support to attract foreign investors
China is stepping up efforts to attract foreign businesses after inbound investment fell to its lowest level since 1992. The Commerce...
Feb 24, 2025


Finance, tech sectors drive HK hiring growth
Hong Kong’s job market is recovering, with financial services and technology sectors leading in headcount and salary growth. Recruitment...
Feb 20, 2025


Japan’s Q4 GDP surges 2.8%, beating expectations
Japan’s economy grew at an annualised 2.8% in the fourth quarter of 2024, exceeding forecasts of 0.3%, driven by steady exports and...
Feb 20, 2025


Malaysia to host ASEAN, China, Gulf summit in May
Malaysia will host a joint summit in May with China, ASEAN, and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) to strengthen economic ties amid...
Feb 20, 2025


Thailand’s 2024 GDP misses forecast
Thailand’s economy grew 2.5% in 2024, below the 2.7% forecast and lagging regional peers despite a pickup from 2% in 2023, official data...
Feb 18, 2025


Japan firms to post record earnings for fourth year
Major Japanese firms are set to post a record combined net profit for the fourth straight year in fiscal 2024, driven by Bank of Japan...
Feb 18, 2025


UK steps up private talks on finance ties with Hong Kong
The UK has intensified private discussions to strengthen financial services ties with Hong Kong, deploying Treasury officials in late...
Feb 17, 2025






