The China Renaissance investment theme could mark the beginning of a new phase for Chinese markets, with Bank of Singapore identifying advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence and the digital economy as major long-term drivers of returns. In its 2026 investment outlook, the private bank described "China Renaissance" as one of five structural investment themes expected to shape markets through 2030. It said higher-value manufacturing and North Asia's central role in glo

The Hong Kong IPO market could stage one of its strongest years on record, with BDO raising its forecast to between 180 and 200 initial public offerings capable of raising HKD400bn (USD51bn) during 2026. The accounting firm previously expected between 150 listings raising HKD300bn to HKD350bn but upgraded its outlook after approximately 100 companies had already completed flotations, generating HKD260bn. During the first two weeks of July alone, 16 companies collectively rais

Further Thailand investment reforms are needed if the country is to attract greater European investment, according to the EU-Asean Business Council, despite continued interest from international companies in expanding operations. Vice-chair Noel Clehane identified life sciences, biotechnology, advanced manufacturing, low-carbon industries, financial services and consumer products as sectors with significant investment potential. A 2025 survey found that 57% of European busine

Hong Kong GDP is forecast to expand by 4.3% in 2026 as artificial intelligence investment, recovering capital markets and stronger domestic demand support the city's economic outlook, according to Standard Chartered. Senior economist Tommy Wu said Hong Kong is well positioned to benefit from Asia's AI-driven investment cycle through its logistics and trading sectors, noting that more than 70% of electronic products imported into mainland China pass through Hong Kong. Recoveri

The South Korea economy is expected to lose momentum during the second quarter of 2026 as weaker domestic demand offsets exceptional export growth driven by artificial intelligence-related semiconductor investment. A Reuters survey forecast quarterly gross domestic product growth of 0.4%, slowing sharply from the revised 1.8% expansion recorded during the first quarter. Annual growth is expected to ease to 3.5% from 3.8%. Exports increased by approximately 71% in June, suppor

A review of HKEX trading hours could significantly extend access to Hong Kong's equity market as the exchange explores earlier openings, continuous daytime trading and a new evening session to improve international competitiveness. According to Bloomberg, Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing is considering beginning cash equity trading at 9 a.m., eliminating the existing one-hour lunch break and introducing an after-hours trading session between 8 p.m. and midnight. The tradition

Vietnam financial planning remains underdeveloped despite investors gradually diversifying their portfolios, according to a nationwide survey by Thien Viet Securities. The study of 1,000 investors holding at least VND500m (USD19,047) in assets found that bank deposits, property and gold still accounted for 87% of total household investments. While 55% of respondents used between two and three investment channels and 39% invested across four or five asset classes, equities, bo

The Southeast Asia IPO market delivered stronger fundraising during the first half of 2026 despite a decline in new listings, as larger transactions in Malaysia and Singapore offset subdued activity elsewhere, according to EY. The region completed 35 initial public offerings that raised USD2.5bn, representing an 85% increase in proceeds despite deal volume falling 30% compared with a year earlier. Malaysia dominated activity with 28 IPOs raising USD1.4bn, while Singapore gene

Thailand business closures increased sharply during the first half of 2026 as rising operating costs, subdued consumer demand and intensifying competition forced more companies to cease operations, according to the Department of Business Development. A total of 7,024 businesses closed during the six-month period, an increase of 12.5% from a year earlier. Registered capital associated with those closures surged to THB98.9bn (USD3.02bn), up 224%, indicating that larger business

Growing Asian wealth diversification is prompting wealthy families, founders and private investors to rebalance portfolios across multiple financial centres as geopolitical tensions in the Gulf encourage broader geographic risk management. Bankers and advisers said some high-net-worth families are reviewing Middle East exposure following renewed regional instability, travel disruptions and security concerns. However, industry executives stressed that the trend reflects pruden

Japan cryptocurrency regulation is entering a new phase after parliament approved legislation recognising cryptocurrencies as financial assets and bringing them under a stricter regulatory framework. Previously governed primarily under the Payment Services Act, crypto assets will now become subject to broader financial market rules, including restrictions on insider trading and significantly stronger penalties for unregistered operators. Public broadcaster NHK reported that t

China global reputation has improved significantly, with the country now viewed more favourably than the United States across most surveyed markets, according to a new Pew Research Center study. Among 20 countries with comparable historical data, a median 48% of respondents expressed favourable views of China in 2026, compared with 36% for the United States. This represents a sharp reversal from 2023, when the corresponding figures were 32% and 58%, respectively. China achiev

A successful Malaysia family office hub will depend on far more than generous tax incentives, with economists arguing that regulatory quality, infrastructure and investor confidence will ultimately determine whether Forest City can emerge as a regional wealth management centre. The initiative offers qualifying single family offices tax concessions for up to 20 years and positions Forest City, within the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone, as a lower-cost alternative to Sin

LEAP East Hong Kong has secured a long-term future in the city after organisers confirmed a three-year partnership that will keep the technology and innovation summit in Hong Kong through 2029. The inaugural three-day event attracted approximately 25,000 participants, including 600 investors overseeing more than USD6.5tr in assets, alongside 340 speakers, 450 exhibitors and 300 startups. Organiser Tahaluf, together with the Hong Kong Tourism Board and the Innovation, Technolo

The Malaysia IPO market led Southeast Asia during the first half of 2026 after recording 36 new listings that raised USD1.3bn, according to Deloitte. Across the region, 47 initial public offerings generated USD3.07bn, more than doubling the USD1.41bn raised from 53 listings during the corresponding period a year earlier. Average deal size increased significantly to USD65m from USD26m, reflecting stronger investor demand for larger and more established issuers. Three transacti

GPIF asset allocation is unlikely to undergo a major overhaul despite recent government calls for Japan's state pension funds to increase investment in domestic assets, according to people familiar with the matter. The comments ease speculation that the Government Pension Investment Fund could significantly redirect capital into Japanese financial markets. Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama recently suggested pension funds should substantially increase investment in domestic a

Singapore expat wealth continues to grow despite higher living costs and currency volatility, with most expatriates saying overseas employment has accelerated both their financial independence and retirement plans. According to a survey by St James's Place Asia, 93% of respondents believed relocating abroad had brought financial freedom closer, while 83% said it had helped them retire sooner than expected. The study found that 96% earned more than they would in their home cou

Chinese banks continue to dominate the global banking industry, occupying seven of the world's top 10 positions by Tier 1 capital in The Banker magazine's 2026 Top 1000 World Banks ranking. Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, China Construction Bank, Agricultural Bank of China and Bank of China retained the top four positions globally, while Postal Savings Bank of China entered the top 10 for the first time. JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America and Citi were the only non-Chin

Singapore supply chain resilience is stronger than in other major developed markets, with local businesses better prepared to withstand prolonged disruptions, according to Proxima's 2026 Global Supply Chain Resilience Outlook. The findings highlight Singapore's continued focus on operational resilience and business continuity amid increasing geopolitical and technology-related risks. The survey found that 23% of Singapore companies could continue operating for between four an

Hong Kong overseas expansion remains a strategic priority for local companies despite weaker business confidence, according to UOB's Business Outlook Study 2026. The survey found that nearly four in five businesses intend to expand internationally during the next three years as they strengthen resilience and pursue long-term growth opportunities. Business sentiment declined to 63% in 2025 from 73% a year earlier, reflecting a more challenging economic environment. Nevertheles