Noda's tax success may fail to end Japan deadlock

(Reuters) - After years of policy paralysis in Japan, Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda has pushed a much-needed but unpopular sales tax hike through the lower house of parliament, but the chances of further reform in the world's third-largest economy seem unlikely.

China's 2012 growth target at risk, property curbs hurt

(Reuters) - China's annual growth target for 2012 looks increasingly in jeopardy as demand at home falters and Europe's debt crisis worsens, complicating matters for Beijing as the country heads into a once-in-a-decade leadership transition.

Indian rupee gains on hopes of government intervention

The Indian rupee has gained ahead of an announcement in which the government is expected to unveil measures to stop it falling against the US dollar.

Vietnamese economy: undertaking necessary reforms

In the face of slowing global growth, the Vietnamese economy remains well positioned to continue to grow this year , even as other export-dependent economies around the world struggle.

Govt to announce steps on Monday to improve economy

Expressing concern over signs of weakness in the Indian economy, Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee on Saturday said the government is set to announce certain measures on Monday to improve market conditions in consultations with the Reserve Bank.

China Iran oil imports rise as payment dispute resolved

China's imports of crude oil from Iran rebounded in May after the two countries resolved a payment dispute. Beijing imported almost 524,000 barrels per day, a 35% jump from the previous month.

China Housing Prices Decline at Gentler Pace

SHANGHAI—Average housing prices in China fell in May at a gentler pace for a second consecutive month, signaling that the decline in property prices is stabilizing in response to government measures.

Reserve Bank of India leaves interest rates unchanged

India's central bank, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), has left its key interest rate unchanged at 8% in a surprise move.

Chinese economy to maintain steady, robust growth: Hu Jintao

BEIJING: Allaying concerns over slowing down of Chinese economy due to a decline in exports, President Hu Jintao has expressed confidence that the world's second largest economy will maintain steady and robust growth to make contribution to global economic progress.

Asia to spearhead next wave of African investment

ABIDJAN (Reuters) - The next wave of private investment in Africa is likely to come from Asian funds, lured by sustained high growth rates and increasing economic and political stability, according to the co-head of one of the continent's top private equity groups.

China government adviser predicts second-quarter growth below 7 percent

(Reuters) - China's annual economic growth could drop below 7 percent in the second quarter, an influential government adviser said in published remarks on Wednesday, the most pessimistic forecast of any government or private-sector economist.

Japan's rising machinery orders boost the economy

Japan's core machinery orders, a key indicator of capital expenditure, rose more than forecast in April in a positive sign for the economy.

IMF warns of slower growth for S. Korea

SEOUL: The International Monetary Fund warned Tuesday of likely slower growth for South Korea this year due to the faltering global economy, joining a series of think-tanks which have slashed their predictions.

India output growth flat, adds to BRIC straggler's gloom

NEW DELHI (Reuters) - India's industrial output growth flatlined in April, piling pressure on policymakers to cut rates and revive the economic fortunes of the BRIC nation that Standard & Poor's warned could be downgraded to junk status because of political inaction.

OECD indicator sees weakness spreading to Asia

(Reuters) - There are signs that the economies of two of the world's leading emerging powerhouses, India and China, are starting to falter, while Europe continues to be handicapped by its debt woes, the latest report from the OECD showed on Monday.

China's Inflation Slowed in May

BEIJING—Inflation in China slowed significantly in May, giving Beijing additional room to loosen policy and stimulate growth.

Japan PM urged to be cautious about nuclear restarts

(Reuters) - Nearly a third of Japan's ruling party lawmakers are petitioning Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda to be cautious about restarting nuclear reactors given safety concerns after last year's earthquake and tsunami, an organizer said on Tuesday.

Turkish economy may navigate soft landing

In an interview with CNBC this week, Finance Minister Mehmet Sinsek indicated the Turkish economy would be able to navigate current economic difficulties with a so-called 'soft-landing.'

7-point strategy to boost export; Govt said

Amid global economic problems, the government on Tuesday unveiled 7-point strategy to boost exports which include extension of interest subsidy scheme by one year till March 31, 2013.

Japan PM reshuffles Cabinet over tax bill

TOKYO - Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda reshuffled his Cabinet Monday, replacing five ministers in an attempt to gain opposition support for his plan to double the sales tax.

South Korean economy may be slowing, but it’s not all bad news

The South Korean economy's ( EWY , quote ) industrial output growth slowed to 0.5% for the month of April, according to data released this week.

China's manufacturing slows to a crawl

NEW YORK (CNNMoney) -- China's closely watched manufacturing sector took a hit in May, as two reports issued Friday indicated the country's factories continue to struggle amid global economic woes.

India's Economy Grows at Slowest Pace in a Decade

NEW DELHI—India's gross domestic product grew at its slowest pace in almost a decade in the January-March period, adding weight to growing evidence the nation's economy is heading into troubled waters.

Philippine economy GDP growth at 2 year high; state spending surges

MANILA: The Philippine economy grew at its strongest quarterly pace in two years in January-March, powered by government spending, domestic demand and an export rebound, though analysts cautioned it may lose momentum quickly given headwinds from Europe.