Japan Optimism Rekindled

The latest economic data from Japan is providing some good news for Prime Minister Shinzo Abe as he tries to demonstrate that his “Abenomics” economic program is still going strong.

India gold tax hits bridal budgets; smuggling up

MUMBAI, India — With India’s wedding season in full swing, the glass sales counters in Mumbai’s famed Zhaveri gold bazaars are crowded with customers eyeing elaborate headpieces, nose rings and necklaces.

Asian Currencies Decline This Week as Fed Taper Spurs Outflows

Most Asian currencies fell this week as signs of an improving U.S. economy bolstered demand for the dollar amid tapering from the Federal Reserve that’s spurring outflows from emerging markets.

Chinese budget carrier gets approval for Japanese airline

BEIJING: Chinese budget carrier Spring Airlines has gained approval for a Japanese joint venture set to begin flying in May. The new carrier is planning flights from Japan's Narita airport to Saga, Takamatsu and Hiroshima.

Taiwan Holds Key Rate After GDP Growth Forecasts Trimmed

Taiwan held its benchmark interest rate for a 10th straight meeting after it lowered its forecasts for economic growth and inflation this year and next.

Japan drops "deflation" from economic view as prices pick up

TOKYO (Reuters) - Japan dropped the term "deflation" in describing its economy for the first time in four years amid signs of consumer prices picking up, an indication the government has made progress in its battle with 15 years of grinding price falls.

China cash squeeze persists even after central bank reassures market

(Reuters) - China's cash market squeeze showed little sign of easing on Monday, reinforcing the view the central bank has shifted to tighter monetary policy.

Economic fears expose Laos' unequal boom

VIENTIANE (Reuters) - For the Communists running Laos, the fruits of capitalism have never been so bountiful.

China to make new bid to join global procurement pact in 2014

(Reuters) - China has agreed to make a revised offer to join a global agreement aimed at creating a level playing field for foreign companies competing for government contracts, senior U.S. and Chinese officials said on Friday.

Japan forecasts GDP growth of 1.4 percent for fiscal 2014

(Reuters) - The government forecast on Saturday that Japan's real gross domestic product will grow by 1.4 percent for the fiscal year starting March 2014, slowing from an expected 2.6 percent growth for the current year as a planned sales tax increase is seen dampening consumption.

China's pollution bill may be too big for it to bear now

China's massive and long-term pollution problem is putting an economic thesis to the test.

Asia business sentiment falls but India outlook bullish

SEOUL (Reuters) - Business sentiment among Asia's top companies dropped sharply in the fourth quarter, extending last quarter's declines, with global economic uncertainty and rising costs weighing on the region's firms, a Thomson Reuters/INSEAD survey showed.

SE Asia Stocks-Firmer on global economy outlook; Fed meet eyed

Dec 17 (Reuters) - Southeast Asian markets rose on Tuesday, with most recovering from three-month lows, encouraged by upbeat data from the United States and the euro zone ahead of a crucial U.S. Federal Reserve meeting starting later in the day.

As America enjoys cheap gas, Asia's top buyers to pay more

SEOUL/PERTH: Asia's biggest economies face paying twice as much for some natural gas as old supply deals are renewed, with a North American shale glut years from helping to meet soaring demand in the region.

If China's Economy Slows, What Happens To Its Healthcare Plans?

For the last decade, guessing when China’s economy will slow down has been something of a sport. Much of this is because such a moment, or as those most pessimistic have long argued, an “inevitable” domestic financial crisis, would test the Beijing Model.

Japan in currency deals with Indonesia, Philippines, Singapore

TOKYO: Japan has expanded currency swap agreements with Indonesia and the Philippines, officials said Friday, as Tokyo looks to bolster regional relations to counter the growing influence of China.

Shares in Chinese ‘Bad Bank’ Surge in Hong Kong Debut

HONG KONG — Shares in the state-run ‘‘bad bank’’ China Cinda Asset Management rose as much as 33 percent on their trading debut in Hong Kong on Thursday after the bank raised around $2.5 billion last week on huge demand for its initial public offering.

Industrial output seen contracting in October

NEW DELHI (Reuters) - India's industrial production is expected to have contracted for the first time in four months in October, a Reuters poll showed, a sign the economy remains fragile despite a modest rebound in the September quarter.

Green Groups Get a Big Win in the Palm Oil Wars

Green groups notched a big win yesterday in the climate-change wars. For years, environmentalists have been trying to shame multinationals from using palm oil grown on land in Indonesia and Malaysia that had been rain forest.

Chinese export growth accelerates in November

China's exports rose more than expected in November adding to signs of a rebound in the world's second-largest economy.

Japan revises 3Q economic growth lower to 1.1 pct

TOKYO (AP) — Japan has revised its economic growth estimate for the last quarter downward after finding that capital investment slowed more than expected in July-September.

Taiwan and China: Best Friends Suddenly

China’s tense relationships with its neighbors have recently grown even worse.

China leaders to set policy, reform priorities for 2014

BEIJING (Reuters) - China's leaders are expected to gather at a closed-door meeting next week to set policy and reform priorities for 2014, sources with government think tanks said, following a party meeting that laid out a bold reform agenda for the next decade.

Japan approves $182 bln economic package, doubts remain

TOKYO (Reuters) - Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's cabinet approved a $182 billion package on Thursday to pull the economy out of deflation, but doubts remain about the impact.

India refuses to budge on WTO trade deal

Hopes of sealing a global trade deal at a World Trade Organization (WTO) summit in Indonesia have faded, after India said it would not budge on some rules governing food subsidies.

David Cameron defends China trade mission

British Prime Minister David Cameron has defended his trade mission to China after criticism in the Chinese media.

Insight: After massive economic stimulus, BOJ under pressure to do more

(Reuters) - A year into "Abenomics," it was not supposed to be like this for the Bank of Japan.

India economy posts surprise 4.8% quarterly growth

New Delhi (AFP) - India posted surprisingly strong quarterly economic growth of 4.8 percent Friday, on the back of robust farm output, but hopes of a sharp recovery before next year's elections still appeared faint.

Vietnam Sees Oil Output in 340,000 Barrel Range for ‘Few Years’

Vietnam is likely to maintain its current oil production level of about 340,000 barrels per day “for the next few years,” according to an official from state-owned Vietnam Oil & Gas Group.

Japan Price Gauge Rises Most Since ’98 in Boost to Abe: Economy

A gauge of Japan’s prices (JCPNEFEY) rose the most in 15 years as higher energy costs fueled broader inflation pressures, in a sign Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is making progress in stamping out deflation.

The Tailwinds For Asia's Growth In 2014

Asia, and China in particular, has been touted as the driver pulling the crisis-infested developed world away from the brink of a global financial cliff.

BOJ posts first net profit in five years in April-Sept on weak yen

Nov 27 (Reuters) - The Bank of Japan on Wednesday posted its first profit in five years at the fiscal half-year mark as a weak yen pushed up the value of its foreign currency-denominated assets.

India ready to start Iran oil cash transfer after deal

(Reuters) - India could step up imports from Iran next month and start transferring billions of dollars owed it for oil as early as next week following a deal to curb Tehran's nuclear programme.

China fights back against US accusations of blocking WTO technology deal

(Reuters) - Commerce Minister Gao Hucheng denounced the United States as "irresponsible" on Sunday after Washington accused China of jeopardizing a deal that aims to cut tariffs on technology products, saying Washington had disappointed participants in the talks.

China warns North Korea, blames Japan for tension

(Reuters) - China warned North Korea on Friday it would not tolerate chaos on its doorstep, while blaming Japan for the tension between Asia's two largest economies.

India to seek rupee trade payments to support battered currency

(Reuters) - India is preparing to lobby major trading partners including Japan, Iraq and Venezuela to accept rupee payments for some of their exports, one of a series of moves to stabilise the volatile currency and make it more globally acceptable.

U.S. says China's exemption demands jeopardize WTO technology deal

(Reuters) - The United States accused China on Thursday of jeopardizing talks on eliminating trade tariffs on billions of dollars of technology products due to its determination to claim dozens of exemptions.

BOJ's Kuroda, upbeat on global outlook, says Japan recovery on track

(Reuters) - Bank of Japan Governor Haruhiko Kuroda said the U.S. and euro zone economies are gaining strength, seeking to dispel concerns among other policymakers that Japan's export engine and broader recovery were vulnerable to weakness overseas.

Philippines Imposes Fuel Rationing in Typhoon Areas

The Philippine government imposed further rationing of fuel in areas affected by Typhoon Haiyan, with aid bottlenecks remaining even as supplies started to reach more remote areas.

Japan's Fukushima nuclear plant begins fuel rod removal

Workers at Japan's stricken Fukushima nuclear plant have begun removing fuel rods from a storage pond at the Unit 4 reactor building.

China to build power plants in Yemen, expand ports

SANAA (Reuters) - China will build power plants in Yemen with total output capacity of 5,000 megawatts and expand the Arab country's main container ports, the Yemeni president said after his return from a visit to China, state news agency Saba reported.

Malaysian Economic Growth Accelerates Before Fiscal Tightening

Malaysia’s economy expanded at the fastest pace in three quarters as exports recovered and domestic demand held up before Prime Minister Najib Razak raised fuel prices in September.

Top Japan banks' second-quarter earnings leap thanks to 'Abenomics' bull market

(Reuters) - Japan's top banks logged strong second quarter profit growth and raised their full-year outlook as a surge in the Tokyo stock market boosted equity portfolios, but other benefits of "Abenomics" have yet to spread to their core lending business.

India's industrial output picks up in September

MUMBAI, India (AP) -- India's industrial production picked up by 2 percent in September over the previous year, the government said Tuesday.

Korea Intervention Bets Prompt Aberdeen to Dump Won: Currencies

Aberdeen Asset Management Plc dumped its holdings of South Korean won as the nation’s central bank said last month it may intervene to stem the currency’s gains.

Despite human cost of typhoon, Philippines economy on track

(Reuters) - A super typhoon that devastated the central Philippines is expected to curb growth and push up inflation in the coming months, but the damage is unlikely to dent the country's new-found status as Southeast Asia's rising economic star.

China Government Investing Less In Economy

China’s government is investing less in the economy, with a 20% month over month growth rate in September the lowest on the year .

Asian Stocks Slump for Longest Weekly Losing Streak Since June

Asian stocks fell this week, with the benchmark measure capping its longest weekly losing streak since June, amid concern the U.S. Federal Reserve may soon decide the economy is strong enough to begin paring stimulus and as investors awaited a meeting of China’s leaders this weekend.

China trade data adds to recovery hopes

China's exports and imports rose in October, the latest in a series of figures indicating a recovery. Exports, a key driver of its growth, rose 5.6% from a year earlier, while imports jumped 7.6%.

China Thaw Lets Taiwan Expand Trade Deals to Add Singapore

Taiwan signed its biggest trade deal yet with a country that has diplomatic ties with Beijing, as the island tries to integrate its economy with the rest of Asia’s and to diversify economic allies beyond China.

Indonesian economy sees weakest growth in four years

Indonesia's economy expanded at its weakest rate in four years in the third quarter as a result of slowing exports and subdued domestic demand.

BOJ Kuroda offers upbeat view on China, U.S. outlook despite risks

(Reuters) - Bank of Japan Governor Haruhiko Kuroda voiced confidence on Tuesday that the economies of China and the U.S., Japan's two big export markets, will continue to recover and help achieve the central bank's 2 percent inflation target.

China’s Leaders to Start Reform Summit With Recovery

China’s Communist Party leaders will enter a policy-making summit this week with the economy on an upswing, services and manufacturing surveys show.

Bangladesh FX reserves hit record $17.35 bn in October

DHAKA: Bangladesh's foreign exchange reserves hit a record high of $17.35 billion in October on the back of rising exports and slower imports, the central bank said on Sunday.

China's economy to sustain 'mid- to high-speed' growth: premier

BEIJING (Reuters) - China's economy will keep growing at mid- to high speed in coming years, Premier Li Keqiang said on Friday, promising to lead the world's second-largest economy on a road of "comprehensive reform".

Asia factory activity picks up; India remains a worry

BEIJING (Reuters) - Asia's factory sectors grew at their fastest pace in months in October led by China, providing some signs of a pickup in global demand as export orders expand.

Taiwan Economy Grew Slowest Pace in a Year in Third Quarter

Taiwan’s economy grew at the slowest pace in a year in the third quarter, as a weak global recovery reduced demand for the island’s exports, increasing pressure on the central bank to extend an interest-rate pause.

India central bank hikes rate to fight inflation

MUMBAI, India (AP) — India's central bank raised its key interest rate for the second time in two months Tuesday, underlining the determination of its new chief to control inflation despite concerns economic growth could slow further.

Japan factory output rises on stronger demand at home

Tokyo (AFP) - Japan's factories boosted output in September, data showed Wednesday, reversing a slide in the previous month owing to stronger domestic demand and highlighting that the world's third-largest economy is gathering steam.

Asia's export engine stuck in neutral despite U.S. uptick

HONG KONG (Reuters) - Asia's once-reliable export engine remains stalled two years into a global economic recovery, raising concerns about the region's competitiveness and its ability to motor through the next tough time for emerging markets.

China Construction Bank profit growth slows

BEIJING (AP) -- China Construction Bank Ltd., one of China's "big four" state-owned commercial lenders, said Monday profit growth slowed in the latest quarter as the economy cooled.

Market Awaits 'Unprecedented' Reforms In China

Next month, China’s leaders will outline at the Communist Party’s Third Plenum precisely how they plan on slowly cracking the door open on the economy.

Japan Price Gauge Stops Slide as Abe Drives Pickup

A gauge of Japan’s prices (JCPNEFEY) ended four years of declines, signaling progress in Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s campaign to stamp out deflation and drive a sustained economic revival.

China 2013 growth seen at 7.6 percent, topping target, slowdown likely next year: Poll

(Reuters) - China's economy is set to grow 7.6 percent in 2013, beating the government's 7.5 percent target, before losing some steam next year as the government forges ahead with structural reforms, a Reuters poll showed.

Australia to raise debt limit by two-thirds to A$500bn

The Australian government has said it plans to raise the country's debt limit by two-thirds to allay concerns it could face a future fiscal crisis.

Singapore, China strengthen cooperation in financial sector

SINGAPORE: Singapore and China today agreed on new initiatives to strengthen cooperation in financial sector development and regulation.

Japan posts record string of trade deficits

TOKYO: Japan logged a record run of monthly trade deficits data showed Monday after the country's energy bill soared in September, but exports to China were buoyant after a territorial dispute a year earlier hammered demand for Japanese goods.

Asian Currencies Advance for Third Week on Fed Stimulus Optimism

Asian currencies had a third weekly gain, led by South Korea’s won, on optimism the Federal Reserve will delay any reduction in stimulus after a budget impasse threatened the world’s largest economy.

China's economic growth picks up speed in third quarter

China's economic growth picked up pace in the July-to-September period, the first rise in three quarters.

Boost for London as China agrees to loosen yuan investment rules

Beijing will give London-based institutions the right to invest directly into China using the yuan, George Osborne has announced, giving the City an edge over other financial centres fighting for business.

China’s Biggest Reserves Jump Since 2011 Shows Inflow

China’s foreign-exchange reserves rose last quarter by the most in more than two years, a sign the government’s efforts to protect growth attracted money even as developing nations from India to Indonesia saw capital exit.

India's inflation rate hits seven-month high

India's inflation rate rose to a seven-month high in September, limiting the room for authorities to ease monetary policy as they look to spur growth.

Japan eyes private sector to manage part of its $1.27 trillion forex reserves

(Reuters) - Japan is looking to allow private sector funds and trust banks to manage a part of its $1.27-trillion pool of foreign exchange reserves in a drive to manage them better, a government source told Reuters on Sunday.

China's September trade surplus down 44.7%

China's trade surplus narrowed to a disappointing $15.2 billion in September from $28.6 billion in August, customs figures showed Saturday.

Asia markets rise on US debt deal hopes

Asian stock markets have risen on hopes the US will reach a deal on raising its debt ceiling, tracking overnight gains on Wall Street.

India Trade Deficit Narrowed in September

HONG KONG — India’s trade deficit dropped to its lowest level since early 2011, data released Wednesday showed, providing a rare piece of good news from an economy that has been weighed down by inadequate infrastructure, a gaping current account deficit and a currency that has plummeted in recent months.

Disputes cloud Asia-Pacific summit focus on trade

BALI, Indonesia (AP) -- Asia-Pacific leaders vowed Tuesday to cooperate on stabilizing a global economic recovery threatened by resource scarcity and bottlenecks to growth.

Japan structural reforms critical to meeting inflation goal - IMF

TOKYO, Oct 8 (Reuters) - Japan's government needs to implement structural reforms to boost the potential growth rate or it may be forced to launch more fiscal stimulus to meet the Bank of Japan's 2 percent inflation goal, the International Monetary Fund said.

China tells US to avoid debt crisis for sake of global economy

A senior Chinese official has warned that the "clock is ticking" to avoid a US default that could hurt China's interests and the global economy.

Asia-Pacific Leaders Seeks Ways to Foster Growth

Fighting protectionism and pushing through difficult reforms are critical to the global recovery as the world's biggest economies struggle with their own internal obstacles to growth, Asia-Pacific leaders gathered for an annual summit said Sunday.

Asia to invest over $150 billion in real estate globally

DUBAI: Asian institutional investors are looking to invest over USD 150 billion in global real estate in the next five years, with a focus on cities like Dubai, London, New York and Sydney, according to a new research.

Japan sales tax hike 'welcome first step': Christine Lagarde

International Monetary Fund chief Christine Lagarde on Thursday praised Japan's planned sales tax hike as an initial step toward reducing the country's crushing debt burden and called for further efforts.

China says U.S. shutdown exposes 'ugly side of partisan politics'

(Reuters) - China on Wednesday said the U.S. government shutdown had exposed "the ugly side of partisan politics" in Washington and expressed concern about its effect on the world economy.

Japanese government to go ahead with sales tax rise

Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said his government will raise the rate of sales tax to 8% from 1 April next year, from the current 5%.

Australia central bank holds rates, opaque on policy outlook

SYDNEY (Reuters) - Australia's central bank kept its cash rate at a record low of 2.5 percent on Tuesday saying the full impact of past easing was still percolating through the economy, though it offered little guidance on the chance of further cuts.

India April-June Current-Account Gap Widens

MUMBAI--India's current-account deficit widened in the April-June period from a year earlier, as gold imports surged and merchandise exports fell in Asia's third-largest economy.

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe says Japan's economy on upswing

NEW YORK, Sept. 27 (UPI) -- Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, during a visit to New York, argued for a more active military role for Japan and said Japan's economy is poised for a comeback.

China's first FTZ in Shanghai to start new wave of reforms

BEIJING: China today unveiled a blueprint for its first free trade zone (FTZ) in Shanghai that will ease restrictions on the yuan, trade and investment to transform the world's second-largest economy under the new leadership.

China September manufacturing PMI seen hitting 17-month high

BEIJING: China's factory activity is forecast to have expanded at its fastest rate in 17 months in September, a Reuters poll showed, reinforcing signs of a turnaround in the world's second-largest economy as both domestic and external demand improve.

US-Japan deal could lead to more organic options

WASHINGTON: The United States and Japan have agreed to make it easier to import each other's organic products, the latest step in a global effort that could give consumers access to more _ and cheaper _ organic food.

India-U.S. ties lose shine over economic differences

NEW DELHI (Reuters) - When India's Prime Minister Manmohan Singh last visited the White House in 2009 he was feted at President Barack Obama's first state dinner, a star-studded affair that reflected the excitement about blooming ties between the two big democracies.

China manufacturing activity growth picks up speed

China's manufacturing activity picked up speed in September, an initial survey by HSBC has shown, adding to signs of a rebound in its economy.

Commodity Revenue at Top Banks Climbs in Asia as Loans Rise

Commodity revenue at the world’s top 10 investment banks advanced 9 percent in the Asia-Pacific region in the first half as financing increased for oil and metals producers in China, said Coalition.

Japan economy expected to withstand sales tax hike: Poll

TOKYO: Japan's economic recovery is expected to survive the impact from scheduled increases in the sales tax, a Reuters poll showed, as the government prepares economic stimulus measures to soften the blow.

Rajan’s India Inflation Battle Pressures Singh as Election Nears

Indian central bank chief Raghuram Rajan’s surprise move to raise the policy interest rate adds pressure on Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to take politically challenging steps to boost economic growth as elections near.

Indonesia Needs to Wean Itself From 'Easy Money,' Leader Says

JAKARTA — Indonesia must break an addiction to low global interest rates and take a series of measures in the coming year to prepare for a harsher international economic environment, the country’s vice president said in an interview Friday.

Japan government plans to offer more than $14 billion in corporate tax cuts: media

(Reuters) - Japan's government will include more than $14.1 billion in corporate tax cuts in an economic stimulus package intended to offset the blow from planned sales tax hikes, the Nikkei newspaper reported on Friday.

China spending helps lift farm aid from record low: OECD

BRUSSELS: Agricultural subsidies as a share of farm income bounced back in 2012 from a record low the previous year, thanks to a dip in commodity prices and increased farm spending by China and others, the OECD said on Wednesday.

India's business confidence at four-year low: survey

NEW DELHI (Reuters) - India Inc.'s self confidence has slipped from a year ago to a four-year low, according to a survey released on Monday, as Asia's third largest economy struggles to raise slow growth and businesses try to cope with a weak rupee.

World Bank chief says China to meet 7.5% growth target

China is likely to achieve its growth target of 7.5 percent this year despite planned structural reforms to rebalance the world's second largest economy, the World Bank president said Sunday.

Analysis: Energy costs keep Japan's focus on nuclear, despite risks and use of renewables

TOKYO — Japan will once again be without atomic energy as its only operating nuclear reactor goes offline Sunday for refueling and maintenance, and other plants remain closed for intensified safety checks following the 2011 meltdowns at the tsunami-stricken plant in Fukushima.

China’s Bottom Line: Slower GDP Growth, but With Steady Employment

“Though lower than the near double-digit rates seen in previous years, a growth in the neighborhood of 7.5 percent is still considered high for any major economy in the world,” Premier Li Keqiang said in a Sept. 11 speech at the World Economic Forum meeting in Dalian.

Obama to visit Asia next month to discuss economy, security

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Barack Obama will discuss economic and security issues with Asian leaders during a trip to Indonesia, Brunei, Malaysia and the Philippines October 6 - 12, the White House said on Friday.

Rising onion prices bring India woes home

Consumers in India are facing a rapidly weakening rupee and the country's slowest economic growth in a decade.

Japan PM Shinzo Abe moves toward tax hike, orders economic stimulus

TOKYO: Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe ordered his government on Tuesday to craft measures to bolster the economy to cushion the impact of an increase in the national sales tax.

Exports post double digit growth in August - trade secretary

(Reuters) - India's merchandise exports posted double-digit growth in the month of August, while imports were "contained", Trade Secretary S. R. Rao said on Monday, offering some respite for the troubled rupee.

Japan Olympic win boosts Abe, but Fukushima shadows linger

(Reuters) - Japan savored its victory on Monday in the race to host the 2020 Olympic Games, anticipating an economic boost to spur its revival from two decades of stagnation and help it recover from the devastating 2011 earthquake and tsunami.

China August exports beat forecasts, point to stabilization

(Reuters) - China's exports rose more than expected in August, boosted by improving demand for the country's goods in major markets and adding to evidence that the world's second-largest economy may have avoided a sharp slowdown.

BOJ's Kuroda: there's room for policy response if tax hike hurts economy - minutes

(Reuters) - The Bank of Japan has room to respond with monetary policy if a proposed sales tax hike hurts the economy, Governor Haruhiko Kuroda told a government panel on the tax, according to minutes released on Friday.

China says Yunnan county 'faked' economic data

China's National Bureau of Statistics has said that a county government in Yunnan province "faked" economic data, state-owned Xinhua has reported.

North Korea Could Launch a Nuclear-Weapon Strike, South Says

North Korea has the ability to “weaponize” its nuclear technology and put a warhead on a missile, the South Korean Defense Ministry said, contradicting the U.S. position that the country is years away from gaining the technology.

India's economic growth slowest since 2009

India's economy just can't seem to catch a break. The nation's gross domestic product -- the broadest measure of economic growth -- came in at 4.4% annual rate for the April to June quarter.

Japan unveils $470 million plan to stem Fukushima water leaks

The Japanese government on Tuesday unveiled a $470 million plan to stem radioactive water leaks at Fukushima, including freezing the ground underneath the stricken nuclear plant, as it pledged to lead from the front.

Sovereign Debt and Beyond: Toward a New Magna Carta?

Source: The Globalist

Alexander Mirtchev and Norman Bailey

The global debt burden appears to have gathered an unstoppable momentum, prompting divergent reactions. The world economy cannot count on growth to solve the global debt problem — and stimulus measures are not a sustainable solution. In the second installment in the series “The Search for a New Global Equilibrium,” Dr. Alexander Mirtchev and Dr. Norman Bailey explain why the solutions currently being offered are wholly inadequate to the scale of the problem, and argue the time is ripe for a “new Magna Carta” — a redefinition of the social contract among the government, Main Street and Wall Street.

Asia Pacific on Track For Another Record Year in International Visitor Arrivals

International visitor arrivals into Asia Pacific destinations have expanded at better than eight per cent over the first part of the year according to preliminary estimates released by the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) today.

China's manufacturing sees hefty rebound in August

BEIJING: China's manufacturing sector posted a strong recovery in August, offering further signs that the world's second largest economy is walking out of the shadows of protracted slowdown, official figures showed today.

Gold Output in Australia Increases in Second Quarter on Grades

Gold output in Australia, the world’s second-biggest producer, advanced in the second quarter on an increase in the amount of metal mined and higher ore grades, according to mining consultant Surbiton Associates Pty.

India oil play eases currency pain

The rupee pulled back from a record low Thursday after India announced a plan to lend dollars to state oil companies, the latest in a series of measures designed to stem the currency's decline.

Philippines growth beats forecast as it defies trend

The Philippines has posted better-than-forecast economic growth, fuelled by its services sector and higher consumer and government spending.

China's debt-fuelled growth outlives fallen politician Bo Xilai

Fallen Chinese politician Bo Xilai may have been ritually consigned to political history at his trial this week but the country's leadership has yet to abandon the debt-fuelled economic policies he epitomised.

India in crisis mode as rupee hits another record low

The Indian rupee extended losses to another record low on Wednesday as government efforts to stabilize markets failed and investors continued to pull money out of the country.

Australia's mining boom rolls on for Chinese entrepreneur in the outback

SYDNEY (Reuters) - Former Chinese commodities trader Jerry Ren, who is quietly building a mining empire in the Australian outback, scoffs at talk the resources boom is over.

Singapore-U.S. Trade High Persists on Record FDI: Southeast Asia

Singapore’s trade with the U.S. in 2013 will probably exceed $50 billion for a third year after the nation attracted the most investment from American companies in the Asia-Pacific region.

Indonesia aims to boost economy as emerging Asia struggles

JAKARTA: Indonesia today announced measures to shore up its economy as Asia's emerging nations come under huge pressure from outflows of foreign cash that have sent their stock markets and currencies plummeting.

China manufacturing activity sees sharp rebound

China's manufacturing activity rebounded in August, a preliminary survey by HSBC has indicated, easing fears of a slowdown in its economy.

Malaysia Cuts 2013 Growth Forecast as Expansion Misses Estimates

Malaysia cut its forecast for growth this year after second-quarter expansion missed economists’ estimates, adding pressure on policy makers to bolster confidence as the ringgit weakens.

Kenya's Kenyatta and and China's Xi sign $5bn deals

Kenya has signed deals worth $5bn (£3bn) with China to build a railway line, an energy project and to improve wildlife protection, officials say.

Japan trade deficit worsens on back of weak yen

Japan's trade deficit worsened in July, almost doubling from a year ago, as a weak yen boosted import costs.

China wants fewer curbs in free trade zones to lure foreign investment

BEIJING: China hopes to suspend its laws governing foreign investment in proposed free trade zones, the cabinet said, in a sign the world's second-biggest economy could open further to foreign competition.

Hong Kong Raises ’13 Growth Outlook on Second-Quarter Spurt

Hong Kong’s economy expanded more than estimated in the second quarter on consumer spending and investment, prompting the government to raise its estimate for the full-year expansion.

Analysis: Asia's great investor rotation flows to North from South

(Reuters) - Alongside the great rotation from bonds to equities and from emerging to developed markets that has been 2013's overriding investment theme, Asia is seeing its own migration in portfolio flows: from the South to North.

India inflation rate rises amid weakening currency

India's inflation rate rose by more-than-expected in July as a weaker currency brought higher import costs. India's main gauge of inflation, the Wholesale Price Index, rose 5.79% from a year earlier, up from 4.86% in June.

Australia's Commonwealth Bank posts record profit

SYDNEY (AFP) – The Commonwealth Bank on Wednesday posted the biggest ever profit by an Australian banking institution, underlining a buoyant financial position despite "mixed" business conditions.

China to spend more to tackle dire pollution

BEIJING: China plans to accelerate investment in technology to save energy and tackle the dire pollution blamed for a series of health crises that have generated widespread public anger.

Japanese stocks down after growth disappoints

BANGKOK (AP) -- Slower-than-expected economic growth weighed on Japan's stock market Monday but gains were posted elsewhere in Asia following signs that China's economy may be picking up.

Japan's national debt: One quadrillion yen and counting

TOKYO: Japan's eye-watering national debt has topped one quadrillion yen, official data showed today, a record figure that underlines Tokyo's struggle to curb its huge borrowing.

Exclusive: China to let banks sell off loans in prelude to possible bailout

(Reuters) - China is developing a new trading platform to enable banks to sell off loans to a wider range of investors, in a move that could pave the way for a government bailout of lenders or distressed asset sales to private investors.

India's central bank in new measures to boost rupee

India's central bank has announced new measures to reduce volatility in currency markets and support the weakened rupee.

Japan $80 bn public fund may shift funds to stocks from bonds: Sources

TOKYO: The pension fund for Japan's civil servants is considering changing its ultraconservative investment strategy to allow more of its $80 billion to go into stocks and less into domestic government bonds, people familiar with the matter said.

IMF calls for Japan reforms, plan to clear debt

TOKYO (AP) — The International Monetary Fund said Japan's economy is recovering from years of stagnation, but that far-reaching reforms and a "credible plan" are needed to reduce its debt mountain and sustain growth in the long run.

India's central bank 'intervened to rescue rupee'

MUMBAI (AFP) – India's central Reserve Bank of India was believed to have intervened in the foreign exchange market Friday to rescue the rupee from near-record low levels, dealers said.

Asia's exports stutter, missing out on U.S. revival

HONG KONG: The U.S. economy may have stopped sneezing, but Asia's exports are still laid up with a nasty cold. Growth in exports from seven of East Asia's biggest exporters - Japan, China, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Hong Kong and Singapore - slowed to a halt in the second quarter, according to national trade data compiled by Reuters, led by a 9 percent drop in exports to the European Union compared to a year earlier.

China tops global consumption of materials, UN report says

BEIJING: China, whose domestic material consumption is four times that of the US, is the world's largest consumer of minerals and fossil fuels, but this has lead to intense environmental pressures, a new UN report says.

Australia budget deficit blows out, deposit tax unveiled

SYDNEY: Australia said Friday its budget deficit has blown out to AUD 30 billion and revenues are shrinking, as it unveiled a pre-election mini-budget that includes a controversial plan to tax bank deposits.

Lufthansa sees Asia as particular challenge, no recovery signs yet

FRANKFURT (Reuters) - Lufthansa AG said markets in Asia remained particularly challenging in the second quarter with no signs yet of recovery, indicating it might be forced into more measures to respond to the tough conditions.

Asian countries decide to create trade pact for A-Pac

NEW DELHI: Business leaders of Asian nations today decided to promote new free trade agreements and strengthen the existing pacts to use them as building blocks for creating a Free Trade Area of the Asia Pacific (FTAAP).

Taiwan HTC's Q2 profits pummelled amid grim Q3 outlook

TAIPEI: Taiwan's leading smartphone maker HTC said Tuesday it may swing to a loss in the third quarter after reporting an 83 percent fall in net profits in the three months to June due to higher costs and inventories.

China and European Union strike deal on solar panels

China and the European Union have reached an agreement over low-cost solar panels that should help reduce tensions between the key trading partners.

China orders audit of government debt: Reports

BEIJING: China has called for an audit of all government debt, the national auditor announced Sunday, as concerns grow over official liabilities in the world's second-largest economy.

Japan's PM calls for high-level talks with China

(Reuters) - Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe called on Friday for a leaders' summit or a foreign ministers' meeting between his country and China as soon as possible, drawing a cool reaction from Beijing which accused Japan of lacking sincerity.

Japan recovery seen intact despite likely June output fall

TOKYO: Japan's industrial production likely fell in June for the first time in five months as automakers curbed production to avoid an excessive increase in inventories, but this decline is likely to be temporary as exports to the United States remain strong.

China says it will spend $275 billion on pollution

BEIJING (AP) -- China will spend $275 billion to tackle air pollution over the next five years, a state newspaper reported Thursday, highlighting how the issue has become a priority for the leadership.

Shanghai Economy Posts Faster Growth on Services Expansion

Shanghai’s economy expanded 7.7 percent in the first half of the year as expansion for its service industries enabled China’s commercial hub to outpace the national average.

Japan's temples, universities, hospitals haunted by yen bets

KOYA (JAPAN): Ryusho Soeda, 66, has taken on a job for which his career as a Buddhist priest never prepared him: forensic accounting.

Philippine leader loses patience over corruption

MANILA, Philippines (AP) -- The Philippine president said Monday three years of anti-corruption reforms have banished his country's image as the "sick man of Asia" but added he has lost patience over continuing problems such as large-scale smuggling and declared a tougher crackdown against wrongdoing in government.

Chinese economy set to turn around, no hard landing: Finance minister

SHANGHAI: China's finance minister denied that the world's second-largest economy was entering a crisis period, adding that he believed growth could even accelerate, as quoted by the official Xinhua news service in an interview.

Japan says will aim for mid-term fiscal plan by September

MOSCOW: Japan will endeavour to fashion a credible medium-term fiscal plan by the time of a G20 leaders' summit in September, Finance Minister Taro Aso said on Saturday.

China Eases Bank Loan Rules, in a Step Toward a Market-Driven Economy

SHANGHAI — China stepped up its effort to restructure its weakening economy on Friday by lifting some controls over bank lending rates.

Economy to recover slowly as RBI defends rupee: Reuters Poll

BANGALORE (Reuters) - A recovery in developed markets later this year will boost India's flagging economy, but growth will be lacklustre at best as the RBI refrains from cutting interest rates in order to keep a battered rupee currency from falling further.

I.M.F. Tells China of Urgent Need for Economic Change

WASHINGTON — China’s growth has slowed significantly in recent months. But even its current pace of expansion may not be sustainable, the International Monetary Fund warned on Wednesday, unless China starts making significant and systemic economic changes — and soon.

Asia Rubber-China sniffs around; Qingdao stocks down 3.4 pct

SINGAPORE, July 17 (Reuters) - China has started to make inquiries after rubber prices sank to multi-year lows, but the country's tyre makers are likely to turn to cheaper stocks in the bonded warehouses due to uncertainties over the economy, dealers said on Wednesday.

Iran’s Next President Faults Ahmadinejad on Economy

TEHRAN — Iran’s president-elect, Hassan Rowhani, painted a bleak picture of the country’s economy on Monday, blaming the departing administration of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad for high inflation and unemployment, and saying it “has left much work to be done.

China's Cooling Economy: GDP Fell To 7.5%, Will Drop To 6.9% Next Year

The global economy may no longer be able to rely on China to be the growth engine it’s been in the past.

India ready for investment treaty talks with US

NEW DELHI (AFP) – India is ready for talks with the United States on a bilateral investment treaty to reinvigorate commercial ties between the world's two biggest democracies, a report said on Saturday.

Japan pours on stimulus as others ponder retreat

While other central banks are coming under pressure to scale back their stimulus programs, the Bank of Japan indicated Thursday that it will continue its big bang plan for the foreseeable future.

Asian Economy's Big Move to Lure Capital Back

Southeast Asia's largest economy Indonesia surprised with a rate hike twice the size of what the market expected, which its senior central banker says will bring capital back into the country and support its flagging currency.

China to hand over documents for US accounting probes

SHANGHAI/NEW YORK: China's securities watchdog said it is ready to turn over audit documents of a Chinese company listed in the United States to US regulators, signalling the latest breakthrough in a two-year international dispute over accounting scandals.

Rupee recovers; still above 61 mark Vs dollar late morning deals

MUMBAI: After slumping to a new record low of 61.19 against the dollar in early trade, the rupee on Monday recovered a bit to 61.04 in late morning deals on suspected intervention by the Reserve Bank.

Koreas hope to reopen stalled joint factory park

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) -- North and South Korean delegates agreed on a desire to restart a stalled jointly run factory park after overnight talks that ended early Sunday, but they couldn't immediately reach an accord to reopen the complex that had been a symbol of inter-Korean rapprochement.

Singapore unlikely to overtake Switzerland in wealth management

SINGAPORE: Singapore is unlikely to overtake Switzerland as the biggest wealth centre in the world any time soon, but it should strive to play to its strength in world of global finance, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has said.

China to Resume Trading of Treasury Futures After 18-Year Halt

China will resume trading of government bond futures for the first time in 18 years to provide investors with a hedging tool and help boost the fixed-income market.

Pakistan, IMF agree to $5.3 billion bailout

ISLAMABAD (AP) -- Pakistan took a major step toward averting an economic crisis Thursday, reaching an initial deal with the International Monetary Fund on a bailout of at least $5.3 billion to help shore up the country's rapidly diminishing foreign reserves.

India might impose anti-dumping duty on US, China, Malaysia, Taiwan, major importers of solar cells

NEW DELHI: India might impose anti-dumping duty on four major importers of solar cells and modules in the country after listening to the grievances of domestic manufacturers.

China Banks’ Golden Era Fades as Crunch Raises Default Risk

Chinese banks’ valuations are close to their lowest on record as the nation’s interbank funding crisis exacerbated investors’ concern that earnings growth will stall and defaults may surge as the economy slows.

Japan business mood turns positive, BOJ may upgrade econ view

(Reuters) - Japanese manufacturers' sentiment turned positive in the three months to June for the first time in nearly two years, a closely-watched central bank survey showed, a sign the recent market turbulence has yet to hurt the feel-good mood created by the government's reflationary policies.

China canal project in Nicaragua has investors

A mysterious Chinese businessman with plans to cut a second canal across Central America said Tuesday that the ambitious project has already attracted some initial investment.

Why China's Economy May Be Heading for a Crash

China's central bank sent global markets reeling when it attempted tighten credit and rein in the country's shadow banking system.

Kerry to Assure Asia on Pivot Armed With Stronger Economy

When John Kerry makes his first trip to Southeast Asia as secretary of state this weekend, he’ll have an easier time convincing allies of a message his colleagues often repeat: The U.S. military shift to the region is sustainable.

High-stakes bidding to build Myanmar's mobile phone business

Myanmar is considered one of the world's last untapped business markets, and a lot of companies and business titans want a piece of the action.

PM Shinzo Abe says will stay focused on Japan economy

TOKYO: Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe today said he will spend the next three years rebuilding the nation's fragile economy, having banished the gloom that covered Japan when he came to power.

India's ONGC, Oil India to buy 10 pct in Mozambique gas field

MUMBAI (Reuters) - Indian state oil firms ONGC and Oil India Ltd have signed an agreement to buy a 10 percent stake in a Mozambique gas field from India's Videocon Group for $2.48 billion, the state companies said on Tuesday.

China pledge to avoid credit crunch lifts markets

LONDON (AP) -- Global stocks recovered on Tuesday after China's central bank eased concerns about a credit crunch in the world's second-largest economy and U.S. indicators showed the economic recovery is gathering pace.

Japan nuclear safety upgrades dazzle, mask industry woes

(Reuters) - Japan's nuclear utilities face shareholders this week promising restarts of idled plants as soon as next month after costly safety upgrades, plans that look wildly optimistic given they are yet to secure either regulatory or local approval.

China, Taiwan sign service trade agreement

Beijing: Setting aside their acrimonious differences, China and Taiwan today signed a trade agreement under which they will substantially open their service sectors to each other.

Indian rupee falls to an all-time low against US dollar

The Indian rupee dipped to an all-time low against the US dollar after the Federal Reserve signalled that it could start pulling back on its monetary stimulus later this year.

Asia business sentiment rises in second quarter, global growth risk still dominates

SEOUL (Reuters) - Asia's top companies have become more optimistic about their business outlook with the retail and shipping industries rebounding sharply in the second quarter of 2013, the latest Thomson Reuters/INSEAD Asia Business Sentiment Survey shows.

Investors back away from emerging markets on China fears: BofA survey

(Reuters) - Emerging markets are suffering a sharp pullback by investors fearful of a shock from China just as confidence in the world economy, and the euro zone in particular, rises, according to a survey of fund managers.

Indonesia MPs seal fuel price hike after backing help for poor

JAKARTA (Reuters) - Indonesia's parliament paved the way on Monday for a jump in gasoline and diesel prices after months of delay that have undermined confidence in the government and the ability of Southeast Asia's biggest economy to continue growing rapidly.

Japan PM Shinzo Abe to tout nuclear exports at central Europe summit

WARSAW: Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe meets the leaders of four ex-communist European countries on Sunday at a regional summit in Warsaw, where he is expected to promote the country's nuclear technologies.

Hong Kong Protesters Call on Government to Protect Snowden

Protesters marched to Hong Kong’s government headquarters demanding their leaders protect Edward Snowden, the former National Security Agency contractor who fled to the city after exposing a U.S. surveillance program.

Singapore raps banks in rate-rigging probe

SINGAPORE: Singapore on Friday censured 20 banks, including top global lenders, over attempts to manipulate local benchmark rates -- part of a widening rate-rigging scandal being investigated by financial regulators worldwide.

World Bank cuts China's economic growth forecast

BEIJING: The World Bank has slashed its growth forecast for China's economy this year to 7.7 per cent from 8.4 per cent, warning of a potential "sharp" slowdown triggered by a fall in investment.

South Korea jobless rate edges up in May

SEOUL: South Korea's unemployment rate inched up in May, with fewer jobs being created in the manufacturing sector, government data showed Wednesday.

As Dubai’s economy rebounds, so do all its bad habits

Dubai’s economy is roaring back to life, and so are the careless bets that got it into trouble. Dubai’s economy posted its best performance in 2012 since five years ago, growing 4.4%.

Japan growth data revision adds to recovery hopes

Japan has revised up its growth numbers for the first three months of the year, adding to hopes of a recovery in the world's third-largest economy.

Obama and Xi end 'constructive' summit

US President Barack Obama and Chinese leader Xi Jinping have ended a two-day summit described by a US official as "unique, positive and constructive".

France's Hollande says EU, China must resolve trade disputes

(Reuters) - French President Francois Hollande said on Saturday the European Union must work with China and called for a balanced resolution to an escalating trade dispute that began with solar panels but has since spread to European wines.

Chinese leader Xi Jinping set for Obama summit

Chinese President Xi Jinping has arrived in California for summit talks with US President Barack Obama. The two-day meeting, at a private estate, is the first between the two since Mr Xi became president in March.

China likely to tolerate 7 percent growth before hitting stimulus button

(Reuters) - China's new leaders have adopted a greater tolerance for a slowdown in the economy than their predecessors and are likely to allow quarterly growth to slip as far as 7 percent before triggering fresh stimulus to lift activity, sources say.

Asia stocks fall after US data disappoints

BANGKOK (AP) -- Asia stock markets extended losses Thursday after weak U.S. indicators sparked fears of a slowdown in the world's biggest economy.

Cybersecurity tops Obama's agenda for China talks

WASHINGTON: President Barack Obama will be looking for signs from China's leader at their upcoming meeting that Beijing is ready to address its reported high-tech spying, which the White House sees as a top threat to the US economy and national security.

As Philippines booms, overseas workers eye return home

MANILA: Mateo Ragonjan took a leap of faith in August last year. The executive sous-chef of a seven-star luxury hotel in Abu Dhabi packed his bags to take up a similar job back home in the Philippines.

South Korea’s May Exports Unexpectedly Rise on Smartphone Sales

South Korea’s exports unexpectedly increased in May as surging smartphone shipments and improving demand from the U.S. and China countered a decline in the yen.

Japan to offer $ 10 billion aid to Africa: Reports

TOKYO: The Japanese government is to pledge at least $ 10 billion in aid to Africa for the next five years, reports said today, as Tokyo prepared to host a major development conference for the resource-rich continent.

India's economic growth at slowest rate in a decade

India's economy grew at its slowest pace in a decade during the 2012-13 financial year, figures show.

Japan deflation ebbs, output up; Bank of Japan target still elusive

(Reuters) - Japan's factory output picked up in April and deflation abated slightly as a weaker yen and firmer overseas demand boosted growth, boding well for Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's efforts to shake the world's third-largest economy out of nearly two decades of stagnation.

Half of EU members 'oppose China solar tariffs'

The UK and Germany are among at least 14 European Union members opposed to punitive tariffs on Chinese solar panel imports, according to diplomats.

BOJ board rift over ambitious price goal will test Governor Haruhiko Kuroda

TOKYO: A rift within the Bank of Japan's board over how to steer its radical monetary stimulus to end nearly two decades of damaging deflation underlined the early challenges Governor Haruhiko Kuroda faces in his efforts to foster sustained growth.

Taiwan to Unveil Economic Stimulus Plan by May 31 to Spur Growth

Taiwan plans to announce stimulus measures this week to boost the economy after lowering its forecast for expansion in 2013 as the global recovery falters.

Chinese PM meets German chancellor amid trade row

BERLIN: China's new Premier Li Keqiang will meet German Chancellor Angela Merkel today amid a looming trade spat between Asia's economic giant and the European Union.

Asia's Week: China Still on (Economic) Flu Watch

While Asia basked another week in generally favorable economic winds–minus that little 7% stock squall in Japan in Thursday, whatever that was about–there remained an undercurrent of worry about China.

India’s Economic Recovery Seen Subdued as Risks Persist

India’s economy probably expanded less than 5 percent for a second quarter as political gridlock that threatens Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s growth agenda tempered gains from farm output and lower interest rates.

Asia stocks extend losses after big sell-off

BANGKOK (AP) -- Asian stocks continued to retreat Friday after being routed the day before by unexpectedly weak Chinese manufacturing and fears the Federal Reserve will start withdrawing its monetary stimulus.

Nomura eyes Asia alliances, boosts Japan asset target

TOKYO: Japan's largest brokerage firm Nomura Holdings Inc said on Wednesday it was seeking partners to expand its retail and asset management operations in Southeast Asia and was in talks with several financial institutions in the region.

China 'cannot be free rider on trade'

China cannot be a "free rider" in global trade, the EU's trade commissioner has warned. Karel De Gucht said that China had to take responsibility for the global trading system, just as the EU did.

Asia-Pacific may soon have more outstanding corporate debt than the US, the euro zone and the UK combined

For better or worse, Asian companies are loading up on debt at a staggering rate. By 2017, Standard & Poor’s estimated in a report this week, non-financial corporate debt for Asia-Pacific countries will balloon to $29.9 billion, assuming corporate debt is issued at the rate of economic growth (as pictured above).

As yen falls, goods from Japan get more affordable

Japanese goods are getting more affordable. For consumers worldwide and for Japan's economy, it's welcome news. Credit Japan's drive to pump cash into its economy to stimulate growth.

EU braces for China telecoms trade fight

The European Union said Wednesday that it had enough evidence to begin an investigation into Chinese telecoms network suppliers over unfair subsidies and dumping products below market prices.

Taiwan Rebuffs Aquino on Sea Death as Economic Ties at Risk

Taiwan President Ma Ying-jeou recalled his representative from the Philippines and froze the hiring of workers from the Southeast Asian country, rebuffing the government’s response to the killing of a fisherman at sea.

China Stocks Fall Amid Economy, Property Concerns

China’s stocks fell the most in three weeks after JPMorgan Chase & Co. cut its growth outlook for the nation’s economy and concern grew the government is introducing more property restrictions to limit gains in housing prices.

India Data Give Mixed Signals on Economy

NEW DELHI--Data released by the Indian government on Monday gave mixed signals on the economy--retail inflation indicated an encouraging downtrend, but trade numbers highlighted continuing risks.

China's debt problem sparks worries

China's credit boom has saddled unworthy businesses with large loans, fueled the country's shadow banking system and put local governments on the hook for billions.

Global Financial Leaders Avoid Public Rift With Japan Over Monetary Policy

Finance ministers from leading global economies on Saturday avoided a public rift with Japan over policies driving down the value of its currency, while keeping up pressure on Germany to help lift growth in Europe.

Vietnam Cuts Interest Rates as Global Monetary Easing Spreads

Vietnam said it would cut interest rates to boost economic growth, joining nations from Sri Lanka to Australia in easing monetary policy.

EU agrees on China solar panel duties; Beijing urges dialogue

(Reuters) - The European Commission agreed to impose punitive import duties on solar panels from China in a move to guard against what it sees as dumping of cheap goods in Europe, prompting a cautious response from Beijing which called for further dialogue.

Bank of Korea cuts interest rates to spur economy

South Korea has cut interest rates in a surprise move aimed at boosting growth and countering the weak Japanese yen. Its central bank, the Bank of Korea, lowered its benchmark rate from 2.5% to 2.25%, the first cut in seven months.

Vladimir Putin can't blame global ills for Russia's economic crunch

MOSCOW: He is one of a few people who can stand up to Vladimir Putin, but even Russia's former finance minister failed to persuade the president his economy's problems lie at home not abroad.

Bangladesh, ILO Agree on Labor Reform After Factory Death

Bangladesh’s government, workers, employers and the International Labour Organization agreed to a plan to improve employee rights and safety after more than 600 people were killed in a factory building collapse last month.

Subbarao Says India Policy-Easing Room Practically Non-Existent

India’s central bank governor signaled the nation has almost no space left to ease monetary policy further, following the third interest-rate cut this year to bolster a struggling economy.

Philippines Beats Indonesia in Gaining S&P Investment Grade

Philippine stocks rose to a record after it beat Indonesia to win an investment grade from Standard & Poor’s, as President Benigno Aquino outshines Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono in improving government finances and spurring growth.

China Service Industries Expand at Slower Pace: Survey

China’s service industries expanded at a slower pace last month, adding to the drag on growth in the world’s second-biggest economy after manufacturing lost momentum.

India Central Bank Sees Limited Room to Cut Rates

MUMBAI--India's central bank Thursday said it sees "very limited" room to ease monetary policy further, sounding a cautious note a day before it is widely expected to cut rates to help boost economic growth.

Asia stocks down, China manufacturing growth slows

BANGKOK (AP) — Asian stock markets fell Wednesday in holiday-thinned trading after the pace of China's manufacturing growth slowed in April, raising fears of a weaker recovery in the world's second-largest economy. Shares in other regions were poised to post gains, however.

China becomes biggest PC market in 2012 - IHS report

China has overtaken the US as the world's biggest market for personal computers, according to a market data report.

IMF: Asia's economy expected to grow 5.75 percent this year

SINGAPORE, April 29 (UPI) -- Asia's economy, aided by robust domestic demand, is forecast to grow at 5.75 percent this year, the International Monetary Fund said Monday.

India Faces Reality Check In Latest Global 2000

India, a nation that has earned a reputation for churning out some of the wealthiest billionaires in Asia, if not on the planet, has curiously enough, never produced a candidate in the top 100 ranks of the annual Global 2000 list of biggest publicly-traded companies.

Asia joins world economy’s new normal as China loses its edge

UNITED NATIONS — “Asia Pacific economic economies will see subdued growth in 2013 after last year’s sharp slowdown caused by external factors,” is the prognosis from a recent UN survey.

Slowing savings growth weighs on Chinese bank earnings

HONG KONG: Weak deposit growth weighed on China's banks in the first quarter, forcing lenders including the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China Ltd to pay more for savers' money and eating into their margins.

Asian shares rise on US data, regional earnings eyed

TOKYO (Reuters) - Asian shares rose on Friday, tracking global equities higher after an upbeat U.S. labour market report, while the dollar eased on caution ahead of first quarter growth data from the world's biggest economy.

South Korea economic growth hits two-year high

South Korea's growth rate hit a two-year high in the first three months of the year, boosted by a rebound in construction, investment and exports.

Chinese stocks underperform on growth concerns

LONDON (AP) — Chinese shares underperformed Tuesday after a downbeat manufacturing survey renewed concerns over the world's second-largest economy.

Japan PM Abe and "Abenomics" enjoy strong voter support: polls

TOKYO (Reuters) - Japanese voters maintain strong support for Prime Minister Shinzo Abe as his "Abenomics" economic policy helps weaken the yen and boost share prices, but have little interest in his plan to revise the pacifist constitution, newspaper polls showed on Monday.

India has $1 trillion infrastructure deficit: FM tells WB

WASHINGTON: India has a $1 trillion infrastructure deficit over the next five years, Finance Minister P Chidambaram has told the World Bank, which wants private sector participation to bridge the funding gap.

Hong Kong to Manage Yuan Inflation Risk While Holding Dollar Peg

Hong Kong Monetary Authority can manage inflation risks caused by an appreciating yuan and is committed to its currency’s dollar peg in place since 1983, Chief Executive Norman Chan said.

Japan PM Shinzo Abe previews 'third arrow' economic policy to boost growth

TOKYO: Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Friday previewed the "third arrow" of a three-part economic policy aimed at boosting growth in the long-stagnant economy, promising to open the economy through free trade deals, make it easier for women to work and promote growth sectors with private and public support.

SKorea plans $15 bln extra budget to boost economy

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — South Korea's government announced a $15.3 billion stimulus plan Tuesday to boost slowing growth in Asia's fourth-largest economy.

India 3-Year Low Inflation Signals Rate Cut

India's wholesale price inflation dropped to the lowest level in more than three years in March, giving more room for the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to reduce interest rates at the next month's meeting.

China economic growth lower than forecast

China's economy, the world's second-largest, has slowed and performed worse than many analysts expected in the first three months of the year.

World Bank cuts East Asia growth estimate; welcomes BOJ stimulus

SINGAPORE (Reuters) - The World Bank on Monday scaled back slightly its 2013 growth forecasts for emerging East Asia and warned about possible over-heating in the region's larger economies, but the global lender said the Bank of Japan's sweeping monetary expansion should provide a fillip to developing countries.

China's March inflation eases to 2.1 percent

WASHINGTON – The Obama administration said on Friday that China's currency remained "significantly undervalued," but again stopped short of labeling the world's second-biggest economy a currency manipulator.

Japan, U.S. agree on Tokyo joining Trans-Pacific trade talks

TOKYO/WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Japan and the United States on Friday agreed on a deal paving the way for Tokyo to join talks on an Asia-Pacific free trade agreement, increasing the economic weight of the proposed pact and triggering a loud protest from U.S. automakers.

China and Australia in currency pact

The Australian dollar has become the third currency, along with the US dollar and the Japanese yen, to trade directly with the Chinese yuan.

China Tightening Pressure Eases With March Inflation

China’s inflation eased more than forecast from a 10-month high as food-price gains ebbed, reducing pressure on policy makers to tighten credit as the world’s second-largest economy recovers from a slowdown.

Japan PM Abe aide: BOJ has further easing options

TOKYO (Reuters) - The Bank of Japan still has options at its disposal to ease monetary policy further if needed, including boosting purchases of government bonds, exchange-traded funds and real-estate trust funds, a key economic adviser to Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said on Tuesday.

China 'ultra high-speed growth could be over'

China’s “ultra-high speed” economic growth, which many see as key to a global recovery, is probably over, according to the country’s president.

Yen tumbles on aggressive BOJ; U.S. jobs weigh on stocks

SYDNEY (Reuters) - The yen resumed its precipitous slide early Monday to hit fresh lows against a host of major currencies as reports the Bank of Japan would begin buying longer-dated bonds immediately underlined its determination to beat deflation.

Nepal GDP growth rate may slump to 6-year low in current fiscal

KATHMANDU: Hit by lower government spending and fall in production of key agricultural products, Nepal's economic growth rate is expected to slacken to 3.56 per cent in 2012-13 fiscal as against 4.48 per cent in previous year.

Bank of Japan's Haruhiko Kuroda in aggressive growth move

Japan's central bank has surprised markets with the size of its latest stimulus package, as it tries to spur growth and end years of falling prices.

Singapore manufacturing PMI turns positive in March

SINGAPORE: Manufacturing activity in Singapore recovered in March as orders expanded, reversing from a slowdown in February, as the city-state's factories continued to post a choppy performance.

PM Manmohan Singh: India economic downturn temporary

India's PM Manmohan Singh has said he is confident the country's economy will bounce back and that the current downturn is "temporary".

Recovery on track, chinese factories abuzz

China's manufacturing expanded at a faster pace last month, indicating a recovery in the world's second-largest economy is sustaining momentum.

Tankan: Japanese business mood improves on weak yen

Japanese business sentiment improved in the January to March quarter, the Bank of Japan's Tankan survey has indicated. But the improvement was less than expected, highlighting the challenge facing Prime Minister Shinzo Abe as he tries to revive economic growth.

Chinese government tightens real estate rules, sparks panic selling

BEIJING: Frantic home sellers and buyers swarmed housing registration centres in the Chinese capital to beat further tightening restrictions of house sales including 20 per cent tax on capital gains.

China's Xi signs multi-million-dollar deals in Congo

BRAZZAVILLE: China's new President Xi Jinping on Friday signed deals worth several million dollars with his Congolese counterpart in sectors as varied as banking and infrastructure, on the final leg of his three-nation Africa tour.

BOJ chief says Japan economy on the mend

TOKYO (AP) — Japan's economy has stopped weakening and should show signs of recovery by midyear, the newly appointed central bank governor said Thursday, as weaker-than-expected retail sales for February underscored the challenge he faces in restoring consumer confidence.

South Korea lowers growth forecast as exports slow

South Korea has cut its growth forecast for the second time in three months, amid a slowdown in its exports.

Malaysia's Najib says economy at risk from weak election result

PUTRAJAYA, Malaysia (Reuters) - Malaysian leader Najib Razak has warned that nascent reforms can't be done "overnight" and that Southeast Asia's third-largest economy risks slipping backwards if he does not win a strong majority in an election he must call within weeks.

Fed study says China's growth could slow sharply by 2030

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Economic growth in China faces mounting headwinds and could fade dramatically in the years ahead due to declining productivity and an aging population, according to a U.S. Federal Reserve study.

India to unveil shale gas policy within 2 weeks: minister

NEW DELHI (Reuters) - India plans to unveil its shale gas policy within the next two weeks as it seeks to exploit unconventional resources to fuel its expanding economy and cut subsidies, oil minister Veerappa Moily said on Sunday.

China Vice Premier says economy faces headwinds, urges broad reforms

BEIJING (Reuters) - China's economy faces more headwinds as it struggles with surplus production capacity and risks to the financial system, a member of the country's top decision-making body said on Sunday, calling for sweeping reforms, including lessening state control.

OECD urges China to free markets, ease migration

BEIJING (AP) — The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development urged China to make good on pledges to force state companies to compete in more open markets and ease movement of migrants into cities to keep its economic growth strong.

Japan posts trade deficit for eighth straight month

Japan has posted a trade deficit for the eighth straight month, underlining the challenge the new government faces in spurring on the country's economy.

China "extremely concerned" about US-Japan island talk

TOKYO: Japan and the United States have started talks on operational plans in the case of armed conflict over a group of East China Sea islets claimed by Tokyo and Beijing, Japanese media said on Thursday, prompting China to complain of "outside pressure".

India cuts interest rates for second time this year

India has cut its main interest rate for the second time in three months as it looks to revive its sluggish economic growth.

China's new premier seeks "new type" of ties with U.S.

BEIJING (Reuters) - New Chinese Premier Li Keqiang pledged on Sunday to work with U.S. President Barack Obama to forge "a new type of relationship" for the sake of peace in the Asia-Pacific region, and said the war of words about cyber-hacking must end.

Despite Tension, India Eyes Trade With Pakistan

Despite a spike in tensions between South Asia's nuclear rivals, India's ambassador said Friday her country wants closer trade ties with Pakistan.

Vietnam Tries to Tame Its Corporate Offspring: Southeast Asia

Vietnam’s state coal miner may make it onto a list of the world’s top mining companies by just one measure: its workforce. With almost 140,000 staff, it has more than BHP Billiton Ltd. (BHP) and Rio Tinto Plc (RIO) combined.

Haruhiko Kuroda confirmed as BOJ governor

Japan's parliament has approved Haruhiko Kuroda as governor of the Bank of Japan, who is expected to push for monetary stimulus to boost growth in the world's third-largest economy.

Japan's lower house clears Kuroda to head BOJ

TOKYO (AP) — The lower house of Japan's parliament has endorsed Haruhiko Kuroda, a finance ministry veteran and president of the Asian Development Bank, to become central bank governor and spearhead efforts to break the world's third-largest economy out of its long bout of deflation.

China's auto sales up 19.5 percent in Jan-Feb

BEIJING (AP) — China's auto sales accelerated in the first two months of this year, rising 19.5 percent over the same period of 2012 in a possible positive sign for an economic recovery.

Japan economy grew in last quarter of 2012

TOKYO (AP) — Japan's economy did better than first thought in the last quarter of 2012, eking out a slight expansion instead of shrinking in a boost for Prime Minister's Shinzo Abe's policies for ending two decades of deflationary stagnation.

China eyes India trade by boosting spending in Nepal

KATHMANDU: China's ambassador to Kathmandu was recently pictured in a traditional Nepali cap and silk scarf, digging with a spade to symbolise the laying of the foundations of a new dry port near the Tibet border.

India On The Mend, Moody's Says

India may be heading for a rebound, Moody’s Analytics said on Friday.

ASIA MARKETS: Asia Shares Mixed; Tokyo Outperforms On Weak Yen

HONG KONG (MarketWatch) -- Japanese stocks climbed for a seventh session on Friday, reaching a fresh multiyear high, as the yen fell against the U.S. dollar, while Hong Kong and Australian markets rose after trade figures kicked off China's monthly economic data.

India Said Likely to Start Year With $13.7 Billion of Cash

India’s government will probably have a 750 billion rupee ($13.7 billion) cash balance at the start of the next fiscal year after reining in spending, a Finance Ministry official with knowledge of the matter said.

China property curbs may trigger home buying rush

HONG KONG: China's property-related shares fell by the most in nearly five years on Monday on plans to tighten curbs on the housing market, though some economists predict a near-term spike in existing home prices, at least until local governments work out how to implement the changes.

ASIA MARKETS: China Stocks Stage Strong Bounce, Lead Asia Gains

HONG KONG (MarketWatch) -- Asian markets rebounded Tuesday as a higher finish on Wall Street attracted buyers a day after most regional equities suffered a sell-off, with Japanese stocks extending gains on hopes for further monetary easing under a new central bank chief.

BOJ nominee Haruhiko Kuroda promises to beat deflation

Haruhiko Kuroda, nominated to be the next head of Japan's central bank, has promised aggressive steps to raise inflation to 2%, sending Japanese shares higher.

China Monetary Tightening Pressure Eases as Growth Rebound Slows

China may hold off tightening monetary policy after growth in services and manufacturing weakened, underscoring challenges for the nation’s leaders as they open the annual session of parliament tomorrow.

Philippines May Shun Borrowing Abroad This Year, Treasurer Says

The Philippines may shun the global bond market this year as record-low interest rates at home and flush money supply supports increased domestic borrowing, Treasurer Rosalia de Leon said.

India announces rise in spending to help spur growth

India's finance minister has announced an unexpected rise in public spending for the next financial year in an attempt to revive its sluggish economy.

Japan's Abe to advance reforms with free trade decision

TOKYO (Reuters) - Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe appears poised to raise the curtain on Act Three of his "Abenomics" drama with a decision to join talks on a U.S.-led free trade pact, seen by some as a test of his appetite for vital economic reform.

India to put investors before voters in election-year budget

NEW DELHI (Reuters) - India's finance minister had a bruising battle with cabinet colleagues in the run-up to the budget he unveils this week, rebuffing demands for pre-election spending and insisting on austerity to shore up investors' faith in a troubled economy.

Japan to sell $10 billion stake in tobacco company

Japan's government has announced plans to sell almost 17% of Japan Tobacco, a long-held state asset that is also one of the world's largest cigarette producers.

China's manufacturing sector stumbles

A key gauge of momentum in China's manufacturing sector fell unexpectedly in February, raising concerns about the strength of recovery in the world's second largest economy.

Indonesia Central Bank Choice Elicits Mixed View: Southeast Asia

President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono’s surprise choice of Agus Martowardojo to run Indonesia’s central bank met with mixed reactions, with some questioning his record as finance minister and others praising his banking experience.

Vietnam Inflation Rate Eases as Economy Struggles to Revive

Vietnam’s inflation eased in February as domestic consumption struggled to rebound after a credit crunch that slowed economic growth to a 13-year low.

IMF approves $278.8 million aid to Bangladesh

WASHINGTON: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has approved a financial aid of $278.8 million to Bangladesh.

Fearing stumble, Japan PM eyes opposition for smooth BOJ succession

TOKYO: Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is keen to avoid a rerun of the debacle in 2008 when the seat for the Bank of Japan governor was left open for weeks, so he is carefully calculating the odds that potential candidates will win vital opposition support.

India Cuts Borrowing Program as Chidambaram Curbs Spending

India cut its annual borrowing program as Finance Minister Palaniappan Chidambaram reined in spending and raised as much as 220 billion rupees ($4 billion) selling stakes in state companies.

Thailand economic recovery picks pace in fourth quarter

Thailand's economic growth exceeded expectations in the last three months of 2012 as it continued to recover from the previous year's devastating floods.

Singapore Q4 GDP likely to be revised upwards

SINGAPORE: Singapore's economy likely expanded at a faster pace during the fourth quarter of 2012 than was earlier estimated, helped by higher production of oil rigs and pharmaceuticals in the final weeks of the year.

Japan's economy contracts for third straight quarter

The world's third-largest economy failed last quarter to pull out of a mild recession, further raising prospects of aggressive fiscal and monetary stimulus.

India industrial output drops for 2nd month in Dec

MUMBAI, India (AP) -- India's industrial output fell for the second straight month in December, government data showed Tuesday, adding to worries over a marked slowdown in Asia's third-largest economy, now predicted to grow at its slowest rate in a decade.

China's trade still smaller than that of US: China Commerce Ministry

BEIJING: The Chinese Commerce Ministry today contradicted reports that China has overtaken the US to emerge as the world's biggest trading country.

North Korea nuclear test: Asian stock markets mixed

Asian markets have had a mixed reaction to the nuclear test carried out by North Korea, its third since 2006. South Korea's Kospi index dipped 0.3%.

China becomes the world's biggest trading nation, beats US dominance

BEIJING: China surpassed the US to become the world's biggest trading nation last year as measured by the sum of exports and imports of goods, a milestone in the Asian nation's challenge to the US dominance in global commerce that emerged after the end of World War II.

India cuts economic growth forecast to 5%

India has lowered its growth forecast for the second time in two weeks, underlining the challenges it faces in reviving its sluggish economy.

Germany Focusing on Southeast Asia for Growth, Westerwelle Says

Germany plans to expand its economy through free trade as it seeks more collaboration with Southeast Asian nations, the country’s Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle said in Singapore today.

China reports better than expected trade data

China has reported better-than-expected trade data, fuelling optimism that its economic growth may be rebounding from the recent slowdown.

China, Japan lead Asian stocks lower

HONG KONG (AP) — Most Asian stock markets retreated Thursday, led by declines in Japan that followed a huge rally and China, which was preparing to shut down for a weeklong holiday.

Indonesia Economy Expands On Investment, Domestic Demand

Indonesia's economy managed to expand at an above-6 percent level again in the fourth quarter on robust investment and domestic demand.

Japan Pension Fund’s Bonds Too Many If Abe Succeeds, Mitani Says

Japan’s public pension fund, the world’s biggest manager of retirement savings, is considering the first changes to its asset structure in seven years as a new government pursues policies that could erode the value of $747 billion in local bonds.

N. Korea Seen Preparing for Nuclear Test Amid Tighter Sanctions

North Korea is showing signs of resuming work for a third nuclear test a week after it threatened to conduct one in response to strengthened United Nations sanctions.

Japan raises growth forecast as yen slides

TOKYO (AP) — Anticipating a boost from stimulus spending and a weakening yen, Japan's government on Monday raised its growth forecast, predicting the economy will emerge from recession and expand 2.5 percent in the coming fiscal year.

Uneven recovery for China's factories

Activity in China's manufacturing sector increased again in January, but separate surveys of purchasing managers' sentiment painted a mixed picture on the pace of recovery and hinted at continued weakness in export markets.

Powering the Philippine Economy With Elvis and Zeppelin

MANILA — For more than 30 years, Josetoni Tonnette Acaylar has been singing and playing the piano throughout Asia.

Japan PM shrugs off global criticism over latest stimulus steps

(Reuters) - Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe waded into the growing global debate about currency wars for the first time on Wednesday, shrugging off criticism that Tokyo was trying to intentionally weaken the yen with its monetary and fiscal stimulus measures.

India's long wait for rate cut seen ending as RBI reviews policy

MUMBAI (Reuters) - The Reserve Bank of India is widely expected make a modest cut in interest rates later on Tuesday to support an economy set for its slowest growth in a decade, with a deeper cut unlikely due worries over the fiscal and external deficits and inflation.

China's growth to hit 8% in 2013

China's economy will pick up pace a little in 2013 and inflationary pressures will increase, the deputy governor of the country's central bank said Saturday.

Asian Currencies Fall Most in 6 Months as Yen Fuels Intervention

Asian currencies fell this week by the most since July as a slide in the yen fanned concern regional central banks will intervene to prevent exchange-rate gains that may hurt exports.

Indonesia readies for $1 trillion trade talks

DAVOS, Switzerland (AP) — Indonesia may hold the key to a $1 trillion injection into the global economy. That's how much the World Trade Organization believes is riding on talks later this year in Bali, when trade ministers hope to cut through some of the red tape that slows global commerce.

South Korea central bank questions Bank of Japan easing

DAVOS, Switzerland (Reuters) - South Korea's central bank governor on Saturday questioned the efficacy of Japan's decision to ease monetary policy, saying its decision to start buying assets in 2014 could have unintended long-term consequences.

Japan posts record high trade deficit in 2012

Japan has posted a record high trade deficit for 2012, as exports to Europe and China continued their plunge.

In China, the Appearance of Consensus Is Breaking Down

GUANGZHOU, China — For two decades after the Tiananmen Square crackdown in 1989, China seemed on the surface like a country where free-market and even laissez-faire principles prevailed.

India, Largest Gold Buyer, Raises Import Tax to Cut Deficit

India, the world’s largest bullion buyer, raised taxes on gold imports to reduce a record current- account deficit and moderate demand for the precious metal that’s rallied for 12 straight years.

Asia-Pacific banks to comply with new Basel III reforms: Standard & Poor's

MUMBAI: Standard & Poor's Ratings Services on Monday said that it expects most of the Asia-Pacific banks to be able to comply with the new requirements of the Basel III capital reforms without significant difficulty, due to primarily to their relatively strong core capital.

Hong Kong ETFs to Surge in 2013? - ETF News And Commentary

Although the lingering effects of the global economic recession left Hong Kong distressed since the second half of 2011, it was on a slower recovery trail in 2012.

Japan government, BOJ 'getting closer' on monetary policy statement

TOKYO: Japanese Economics Minister Akira Amari said on Sunday that the government and the Bank of Japan were getting closer to an agreement on a joint statement on monetary policy expected to be issued next week.

Analysis: Budget woes could hurt outreach to Asia

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama wants Asia to be a growing focus of his foreign policy, but as his second terms starts, success could hinge on his ability to manage hot spots elsewhere in the world and avert a fiscal crisis at home.

China Set to Exit Slowdown as Government Supports Infrastructure

China’s economy is set to exit a seven-quarter slowdown as the government rolls out infrastructure projects and limited inflation lets officials hold off from tightening monetary policy.

Japan cabinet approves 13.1 trln yen extra budget

TOKYO: Japan's cabinet approved on Tuesday a 13.1 trillion yen ($146.8 billion) extra budget, which includes 10.3 trillion yen in economic stimulus spending announced last week, as the government tries to boost a flagging economy.

Indian inflation eases to 11-month low in December

Indian inflation slowed last month, boosting hopes of an interest rate cut when the central bank meets later this month.

China economy to rebound in 2013: AFP survey

BEIJING: China's economy is poised finally to end a long downward trend in 2013, economists polled by AFP say, as the new communist leadership vows to retool the nation's investment-led development model and promote a "happy life" for all.

US takes Indonesia to WTO over import restrictions

The US has filed a complaint with the World Trade Organization (WTO) against Indonesia's restrictions on imports of horticultural and animal products.

Deutsche Bank Says Philippine Economy Will Perform Well in 2013; Warns of Overheating

The Philippine economy will likely continue performing well in 2013 on improving external demand, Deutsche Bank's chief economist for Asia-Pacific said Thursday, but warned that the Southeast Asian nation's economy could overheat given that it has been growing faster than its potential in the last three years.

China Loan Share at Record Low Shows Financing Risks

China’s bank loans as a share of funding in the economy may have fallen to a record low, highlighting the growth of alternative financing channels that have prompted warnings of rising credit risks.

Exclusive: Bank of Japan may ease again, double price target as government keeps up heat

TOKYO (Reuters) - The Bank of Japan will consider easing monetary policy again this month and also perhaps doubling its inflation target to 2 percent, sources said, as the economy's weakness threatens to delay its escape from two decades of deflation.

China Takes Cue From U.S., Expands Budget Deficit

The U.S. isn’t the only nation with a budget problem. First there is all of Europe. And now there is China.

Private equity pours money into India primary healthcare

MUMBAI (Reuters) - Private equity funds quadrupled their investment in India's primary healthcare, betting the sick and ailing will stop seeing family doctors in often cramped and dingy quarters and check into modern chains sprouting up across Asia's No.3 economy.