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.