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.