S Korea current account surplus almost halves in April

South Korea's current account surplus has almost halved in April after exports of computer and phone chips and oil products slowed.

China and Japan to start direct yen-yuan trade in June

China will allow direct trading of the yuan and the Japanese yen, in a move aimed at promoting trade between Asia's two biggest economies.

India Inc exposed by unhedged dollar debt

SINGAPORE: As the rupee hits record lows against the US dollar, Indian companies, holding nearly US$100 billion in foreign-currency debt, are finding themselves dangerously exposed, and unhedged dollar debt could spell billions in losses for local borrowers.

Thailand exports fall in April as global demand slows

Thailand has reported a surprise fall in its exports for April because of falling demand from key markets such as Europe and the US. Shipments fell 3.7% from a year earlier.

Chinese manufacturing activity 'contracts in May'

China's manufacturing activity contracted in May, a survey has shown, indicating that the rate of growth in the economy is continuing to slow.

Japan exports rise less-than-forecast in April

Japan's exports rose less-than-forecast in April hurt by a drop in shipments to China and Western Europe. Exports rose by 7.9% from a year earlier.

Asia Currencies to Extend Slide on Growth, Citigroup Says

Asian currencies are poised to keep falling after the biggest decline in eight months as the region’s economy slumps more than investors expect, spurring more interest-rate cuts, according to Citigroup Inc.

China to become biggest IT consumer in Asia-Pacific

BEIJING: China will soon surpass Japan to become the biggest consumer of IT products and services in the Asia-Pacific region, according to the International Data Corporation (IDC).

US relaxes some Burma sanctions, appoints ambassador

The United States has eased some sanctions on investment and relations with Burma in response to political reform there.

Japan's economy grows 1.0% on rebuilding spending

Japan's economy grew 1.0% between January and March compared with the previous three months, as government spending helped fuel a gradual recovery from last year's earthquake and tsunami. That translates to annualised growth of 4.1%, the Cabinet Office said.

Analysis: As funds flee, India's pain is Southeast Asia's gain

HONG KONG (Reuters) - Southeast Asian nations are swallowing an outflow of money from India, as foreign investors lose patience with its policy paralysis and slowing growth and aim instead for more promising emerging markets such as Indonesia.

China growth to bottom in Q2, 100 basis points RRR cuts seen: Poll

BEIJING: China is likely to cut the amount cash lenders must hold as reserves by another 100 basis points this year and lean more on fiscal policy to support the economy's growth, which is likely to bottom out in the second quarter at 7.9 per cent year on year, a poll shows.

Europe debt crisis biggest risk for Japan economy: Yoshihiko Noda

TOKYO: The European debt crisis is the biggest risk for the Japanese economy, Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda said in a weekend interview with Dow Jones Newswires, citing it as a factor behind the yen's strength.

Amid Signs of Economic Weaknesses, China to Free Cash for Lending

China’s central bank announced late Saturday that it would loosen monetary policy in a clear effort to stimulate the economy after the release on Thursday and Friday of a batch of economic indicators for April that were considerably weaker than most economists had expected.

Can Singapore serve as economic model for NKorea?

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — Less than two weeks after being punished with new U.N. sanctions, North Korea has sent its ceremonial head of state and two top economic officials to Singapore and Indonesia on a trip that appears aimed at drumming up outside investment.

India factory output dips 3.5% as manufacturing shrinks

India's industrial production fell unexpectedly in April, led by a drop in manufacturing, raising concerns about a slowdown in its economy.

Singapore Airlines full-year net profit down 69%

Singapore Airlines' full-year profit slumped 69 percent year-on-year after a fourth-quarter loss due to high oil prices and global economic uncertainty, the leading Asian carrier said Wednesday.

China ruling on funds sourcing a blow to foreign private equity: WSJ

(Reuters) - China's top economic-planning agency, in a setback for foreign private equity funds, has ruled that all capital in a yuan-denominated fund must come from local Chinese investors, failing which the funds will be treated as foreign, the Wall Street Journal said.

Japan to 'monitor' Europe reaction to Hollande win

Japan said Monday it will "carefully monitor" how Europe reacts to the election in France of Socialist Francois Hollande as the continent seeks to navigate a series of debt crises.

China vows change in trade, finance at US talks

BEIJING (AP) — China agreed Friday to let foreigners own bigger stakes in its securities firms and promised to limit export subsidies after a high-level dialogue with the United States went ahead despite a standoff over a Chinese legal activist.

East Asia boosts safety net as euro zone crisis lingers

(Reuters) - China, Japan and South Korea took steps on Thursday to tie their markets closer and agreed with their smaller Asian neighbors to boost their emergency protection against financial shocks.

India, China next destination for talent from the West

DUBAI: The booming markets of India and China, where a new war for professional talent is hotting up, will see incredible opportunities for Western professionals, a noted marketing expert has said.

China data points towards economic recovery

BEIJING (Reuters) - China's official purchasing managers' index (PMI) rose to a 13-month high in April, signaling the economy has found a footing and may be recovering from a first-quarter trough, but smaller factories are still struggling.

Taiwan Sees Growth After Period of Contraction

TAIPEI—Taiwan emerged from a half-year of economic contraction in the first quarter, as expected, but an uncertain outlook for its major trading partners—China, the U.S. and Europe—and a rising local currency prompted the government to trim its export and economic growth forecasts for the year.

China to cut trade tariffs as US visit looms

China has announced plans to cut import tariffs just days before US Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner arrives in Beijng for the latest round of talks between the two superpowers.