China outbound investment quotas QDII expansion is planned as regulators prepare to raise quotas under the Qualified Domestic Institutional Investor programme, allowing approved mainland institutions to channel more money into overseas assets. Zhu Hexin, head of China’s top currency regulator, said the move would better meet domestic institutions’ cross-border investment needs and support progress toward capital-account opening. He added that more than 90% of China’s capital-

Singapore MAS policy tightening inflation expectations are rising as economists increasingly expect the Monetary Authority of Singapore to raise its 2026 inflation forecasts and tighten policy in April. Core inflation accelerated to a 14-month high of 1.4% in February, while headline inflation eased to 1.2%, but MAS and the trade ministry warned imported cost pressures could rise as energy prices increase. Several banks, including Maybank, Bank of America and Standard Charter

Southeast Asia conglomerates performance lagged pure-play companies between 2016 and 2025, according to Bain & Company. Conglomerates delivered 4% annual returns, trailing pure plays by five percentage points. Top performers posted 20% returns compared with 28% for focused firms. Bain said challenges include slower growth, leadership succession and weaker advantages in capital and talent. The Southeast Asia conglomerates performance gap underscores the need for strategic rest

Vietnam new businesses 2026 surged as nearly 35,500 enterprises were established in the first two months of the year, signalling a rebound in business formation. New firms registered capital of VND313.7tr(USD12bn) and more than 167,500 workers, with enterprise numbers rising 70.7% year-on-year. However, exits also increased to around 77,000 firms. Authorities said reforms would continue to support SMEs. The Vietnam new businesses 2026 trend reflects both recovery momentum and

Hong Kong five-year plan finance strategy is being accelerated as the city prepares to complete its first blueprint this year, aligning with China’s 15th Five-Year Plan. Financial Secretary Paul Chan said Hong Kong will leverage strengths in finance and professional services to support technology innovation and cross-border integration in the Greater Bay Area. The Hong Kong five-year plan finance framework includes expanding full-chain financing, intellectual property service

China economic data rebound 2026 showed stronger-than-expected growth, with industrial output rising 6.3% and retail sales increasing 2.8% in the first two months of the year. Fixed-asset investment also grew 1.8%, supported by infrastructure spending and export strength. However, analysts warned the Iran war could raise oil prices, disrupt trade and pressure margins for manufacturers. The China economic data rebound 2026 highlights improving momentum but rising external risk

Philippine overseas listings trend is gaining traction as companies seek deeper capital pools and higher valuations outside the domestic market. Analysts said weak liquidity and risk appetite are limiting fundraising prospects locally. Jollibee Foods plans to spin off and list its international business in the United States by 2027, while fintech firm Maya is pursuing a dual listing strategy. Experts said the Philippine overseas listings trend reflects both global ambitions a

Thailand stock market performance 2025 weakened as listed firms reported declining operating results due to slower economic activity. Total sales across 799 companies fell 7.2% to THB16.33tr(USD455bn), while core profit dropped 9.5% to THB1.08tr. Net profit rose 20.5% to THB1.10tr, supported by merger gains, investments and restructuring. The Stock Exchange of Thailand said weaker demand, lower oil prices and rate cuts weighed on energy and finance sectors, while food, health

Asian wealth shifting from Dubai is being discussed among family offices and wealthy investors after Iranian missile and drone attacks raised concerns about the Gulf’s stability. Advisers said several Dubai‑based clients each holding around USD50m in assets have sought advice on immediate transfers to Singapore or Hong Kong. Consultants and wealth managers reported new enquiries from 10 to 20 family offices and high‑net‑worth clients exploring relocation options. Analysts say

Malaysia capital market master plan aims to expand the country’s financial market to between RM5.8tr and RM6.3tr(USD1.23tr–USD1.33tr) by 2030 from RM4.3tr in 2025. Securities Commission Malaysia said the fourth master plan focuses on market vibrancy, inclusivity, sustainability financing and regional opportunities. Measures include expanding retail participation, promoting ASEAN‑focused exchange‑traded funds and addressing sustainability financing needs. The Malaysia capital

Asian oil shock response measures are being introduced as governments attempt to limit the impact of Middle East conflict on fuel supplies and prices. South Korea plans to impose a domestic fuel price cap for the first time in nearly three decades, while Myanmar has begun rationing fuel for private vehicles following supply disruptions. The Strait of Hormuz, a key route for about one‑fifth of global oil and LNG shipments, has experienced severe disruption. Policymakers say th

Japan GDP growth Q4 2025 was revised higher as stronger capital expenditure and private consumption supported domestic demand. Revised figures showed annualised growth of 1.3%, compared with a preliminary estimate of 0.2%. Capital expenditure rose 1.3%, marking the strongest increase in a year, while private consumption was revised to a 0.3% gain. Separate data showed household spending fell 1.0% in January from a year earlier. Analysts warned the improved Japan GDP growth Q4

Technology for Change Asia summit organisers said the event will shift from artificial intelligence hype to practical deployment across industries. More than 600 business and government leaders attended the 2025 conference organised by Economist Impact. The 2026 programme will explore regulatory differences across Asia, scaling autonomous agents, the Greater Bay Area innovation ecosystem and smart mobility’s influence on global supply chains. Technology for Change Asia summit

Asia family office philanthropy is being urged to mobilise larger pools of capital as the United Nations faces growing funding pressure. Commentators say fragmented giving can no longer address the widening SDG funding gap. UN Secretary‑General António Guterres has warned of an imminent financial collapse as unpaid dues and peacekeeping arrears increase. The OECD estimates the annual global SDG funding gap at USD3tr to USD4tr. With 74% of Asia‑Pacific family offices already e

Korea business environment guide published by the Korea Enterprises Federation aims to help foreign institutions and investors better understand the country’s regulatory and economic landscape. The English-language booklet titled 2026 Business Environment and Labor Market in Korea outlines major economic policies, labour regulations and recent statistics. KEF said the Korea business environment guide has been distributed to about 250 organisations worldwide including the OECD

China GDP growth target 2026 was set at 4.5% to 5% in Premier Li Qiang’s annual work report to parliament, signalling policymakers’ readiness to accept slower expansion amid economic headwinds. The target is slightly below the around 5% goal used in the past three years as officials confront weak domestic demand, a prolonged property downturn and external uncertainty. Analysts said the China GDP growth target 2026 reflects a shift toward more realistic medium-term growth mana

Chinese lenders Middle East exposure is being reduced as financial firms curb lending risks linked to the escalating Iran conflict, Bloomberg News reported citing people familiar with the matter. One major Chinese bank has restricted drawdowns on a bilateral loan to an Abu Dhabi government-linked financial institution, while a mid-sized lender is seeking buyers for parts of syndicated loans to Middle Eastern borrowers. Asian and Chinese banks extended more than USD15bn of loa

Hong Kong and Macau financial infrastructure cooperation has expanded after the two regions’ monetary authorities signed a revised memorandum of understanding covering broader collaboration. The Hong Kong Monetary Authority said the updated pact extends beyond banking supervision to include financial infrastructure linkages, information exchange on currency and statistics, and industry training. HKMA Chief Executive Eddie Yue said the agreement deepens collaboration as both c

Indonesia outlook negative Fitch decision reflects rising concerns about policy credibility and fiscal risks even as the rating agency affirmed the country’s BBB long-term foreign-currency rating. Fitch said increasing policy uncertainty and more centralised decision-making could weaken fiscal guardrails, including the 3% of GDP deficit cap. The agency also highlighted risks from a review of the State Finance Law in the government’s 2026 legislative priorities. The Indonesia

South Korea banks emergency support programmes were activated after escalating Middle East tensions increased risks for financial markets and companies. Hana Financial Group said it would provide KRW12tr (USD8.2bn) in assistance including emergency liquidity of up to KRW500m per firm, loan-maturity extensions, grace periods and rate reductions. Woori Financial also tightened monitoring and strengthened cybersecurity checks. Regulators said broader market stabilisation steps w