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.