China, Japan factories slow to respond to stimulus

SYDNEY (Reuters) - China's mammoth manufacturing sector showed some tentative signs of stabilizing in June, according to a non-official survey, without finding the momentum needed for a lasting recovery in the world's second-largest economy.

Growth in China's service sector picks up

China's service sector grew at its fastest pace in six months in May, helping allay fears of a sharp slowdown in its economy.

China factories lose some of their mojo

China's factories lost some momentum in December, adding to worries that growth in the world's second-largest economy may soften in the new year.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

China economy may grow 8.2 per cent in 2013: Top think-tank

BEIJING: China's economic growth may quicken to 8.2 percent in 2013 from an expected 7.7 per cent this year in response to official growth-promoting polices, but downside risk remains from global uncertainties, the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS) said on Wednesday.

Singapore PMI contracts for second month in August on lower orders

SINGAPORE: Manufacturing activity in Singapore contracted for a second consecutive month in August as new orders declined further, in line with slowing output across Asia as demand weakens in Europe, United States and China.

China's official PMI seen hitting 9-month low in August

BEIJING: China's official manufacturing managers' index (PMI) may have eased to a 9-month low of 50 in August, supporting the case for fresh easing measures by the central bank as the world's second-largest economy struggles against stiff global headwinds.

Chinese inflation hits fresh 2-1/2 year low

NEW YORK (CNNMoney) -- Prices continued to decline in China last month, clearing the way for the country to ramp up its stimulus efforts.

China's manufacturing slows to a crawl

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

India February industrial output slows to 4.1%

India said on Thursday that industrial output grew a worse-than-expected 4.1 percent year-on-year in February, as sluggish manufacturing and weakening exports drag on the economy.

China says manufacturing expands

NEW YORK (CNNMoney) -- China watchers got a mixed view this weekend of the country's all-important manufacturing sector.

Europe drags on global economy, few policy options

LONDON/BEIJING (Reuters) - Prospects for a strong recovery in the global economy darkened on Thursday as sputtering factory activity in Europe overshadowed more upbeat data from Asia, at a time when central banks are running out of policy options and reluctant to do more.

Singapore's economic growth slows as manufacturing dips

Singapore's economic growth slowed in the last quarter of 2011 as reduced demand and supply chain disruptions hurt manufacturing.