Philippines growth slows sharply in first quarter

Growth in the Philippine economy slowed in the first quarter of the year to its weakest annual pace since 2011, official figures showed.

Rupee Return Seen Best in Emerging Markets as Growth Beats China

The rupee’s retreat this quarter hasn’t dented forecasts for returns in the high-yielding currency as India overtakes China as the world’s fastest-growing economy.

Chinese local governments agree to settle bills after being sued

A Chinese infrastructure tycoon who is suing local governments for allegedly failing to pay their construction bills said on Monday that he had reached settlement agreements totaling about Rmb700 million ($113 million).

Asian Currencies Post Weekly Loss as Fed Rate Bets Boost Dollar

Asian currencies completed a weekly loss, led by the Singapore dollar and Malaysia’s ringgit, as the U.S. dollar climbed amid speculation the Federal Reserve is on track to raise interest rates this year.

BOJ slightly more upbeat on economy, Kuroda sees no need for more easing

TOKYO (Reuters) - The Bank of Japan offered a slightly more upbeat view of the economy on Friday and its governor shrugged off the need for more monetary stimulus, dismissing market concerns that the recovery is too slow to accelerate inflation toward the bank's target.

China's factory activity contracts for third month

China's manufacturing sector contracted for a third straight month in May as output shrank at the fastest rate in a year, a private survey showed on Thursday.

Aussies Most Confident in 16 Months After Budget, RBA Rate Cut

Australians are the most confident they’ve been since January 2014 after the central bank cut interest rates and the government announced a A$10 billion ($7.9 billion) boost for families and small businesses.

Japan's economy grows faster than expected

Japan's economy staged an encouraging comeback in the first quarter, expanding at its fastest pace in a year, data showed on Wednesday.

Why Russia fears an Iran nuclear deal

Immediately after six world powers, including Russia, reached an interim deal with Iran on curbing its nuclear program, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree lifting a ban on the delivery of S-300 anti-missile rocket systems and Moscow announced the start of an oil-for-goods swap with Iran.

Has Japan Emerged from the Lost Decade(s)?

Let’s look now at Japan’s inflation, one of the prime factors that forced Japan to undertake unprecedented monetary policy measures.

China Shares Fall Most in Asia on Concern IPOs to Drain Funds

Chinese stocks fell, paring a weekly gain, on concern new share sales will lure funds from existing equities and sluggish economic growth will hurt earnings. Energy and utility stocks led losses as nine out of 10 industry groups on the CSI 300 Index slid.

Pacific trade deal or no, Japan eyes US gas riches

The Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal could accelerate and expand energy US-Japan energy trade as Japan looks to fill a gap left by a nuclear power ban.

China April Economic Reports Signal PBOC Has More Work Ahead

China’s economy showed little evidence of an acceleration at the start of the second quarter, with slower lending and investment data signaling that the central bank has more to do to shore up growth.

Reform doubts grow as India's Modi marks year in office

Narendra Modi marks the first anniversary of his landslide election win in a bullish mood about his mission to transform India into a great power, despite doubts about the delivery of economic reforms.

Japan first-quarter GDP growth seen moderate, weak consumption a concern

TOKYO (Reuters) - Japan's economy was expected to post a second straight quarter of moderate growth in January-March, led by a pickup in exports and business investment, a Reuters poll found, pointing if realized to a steady recovery from recession after last year's sales tax hike.

Political tensions mount for Indonesia's Widodo as economy skids

JAKARTA (Reuters) - When Indonesian President Joko Widodo summoned his economy ministers to the palace this week to discuss growth slumping to its lowest level since 2009, they weren't the only ones to show up.

Rupiah Leads Asia Currencies Lower This Week Amid Global Selloff

Asian currencies fell this week, led by Indonesia’s rupiah and South Korea’s won, amid a global selloff in equities and debt.

China's Very High Mountain of Debt

China's debt mountain is casting a shadow over the world's second-largest economy.Total debt has reached 282 percent of GDP, according to the McKinsey Global Institute.

China exports, imports fall sharply in April

China's exports and imports tumbled in April, dashing hopes of a seasonal rebound and underscoring concerns over the soggy trade picture in the world's second biggest economy.

Australia central bank cuts growth forecasts

The Reserve Bank of Australia has lowered its growth and inflation estimates for 2015 and 2016, saying the economy will continue to grow at a subpar rate for a longer than expected period.