Showing 1 - 10 of 14
Fragile, uneven recovery
Asia focus, Nareerat Wiriyapong, Published on 24/01/2022
» The world has entered 2022 facing numerous uncertainties. After two years of fighting the coronavirus pandemic, the emergence of the Omicron variant now poses challenges to economies even in countries where vaccination rates are high.
Year of Turbulence
Asia focus, Published on 27/12/2021
» Pandemic drags on recovery: In the early stages of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, many Asian countries had enviable success, avoiding large-scale outbreaks and mass deaths. But the arrival of the more transmissible Delta variant this year and sluggish vaccine rollouts compounded by low availability sent cases surging. Combined with poor monitoring and easy movement among countries, often unofficially, Southeast Asia became a virus hotspot. The ballooning health crisis collided with churning political discontent in the case of Myanmar, Thailand and Malaysia. Economically, the new wave of infections, and attendant restrictions imposed to curb the spread, stalled recoveries. After nearly two years of strict border controls, many countries started to loosen up and live with Covid. But the rise of the Omicron variant now threatens to scuttle those tentative reopening plans and usher in a third year of economic anxiety.
All eyes on Fed next week as global shares steady
Business, Published on 24/07/2021
» Recap: Global stocks had a volatile week before picking up on Friday. The MSCI World Index steadied after three days of gains. The market is looking ahead to next week's Federal Reserve meeting after the European Central Bank pledged on Thursday to continue with heavy stimulus spending. Emerging markets and Asian shares slid, pressured by coronavirus worries.
Stuck in neutral
Asia focus, Published on 27/01/2020
» Amid ongoing uncertainties including trade tariffs and geopolitical tensions, global economic growth prospects look dim for 2020, partly due to a disappointing performance in major Asian economies.
Time to deliver
Asia focus, Larry Jagan, Published on 25/11/2019
» The Myanmar government knows it needs to improve the country's economic performance and extend the benefits of development more evenly across society. With elections only a year away, the ruling National League for Democracy (NLD) needs some big wins to prove to the country's entrepreneurs and the urban middle class that it is pro-business.
Opec output-cut deal provides lift for equities
Business, Published on 03/10/2016
» Recap: Global stock markets see-sawed last week with news developments. The relief rally that followed the previous week's Fed meeting ebbed, but Hillary Clinton's strong performance against Donald Trump in the first US presidential debate cheered investors. Also buoying sentiment was Opec's surprise agreement to cut oil output, but worries about the health of Deutsche Bank, which faces huge US fines for dodgy business practices, capped gains. The Opec decision helped the energy-heavy Thai stock market recoup some earlier losses.
Politics key to growth, warns ADB
Business, Published on 07/05/2015
» BAKU: Local politics and external uncertainties are the major threats to Thailand's economic growth, but the Asian Development Bank (ADB) is maintaining its 2015 growth forecast at 3.6% on the expectation that exports will gain pace.
Asean plus 3 pledge further structural reform
Published on 04/05/2015
» BAKU, AZERBAIJAN — Financial chiefs from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations plus Japan, China and South Korea on Sunday agreed on the need to promote structural reforms to remove bottlenecks to sustainable growth and to be vigilant against risks arising from large capital outflows.
High speed rail coming to Laos
Jon Fernquest, Published on 11/04/2013
» Paying for high speed rail through Laos to China will take 80% of the Laos national budget but China govt banks will help with loans.
Pensions: Saving money for old age
Jon Fernquest, Published on 26/09/2012
» When older people stop work, children may not be there to help them, as in the past, so savings for retirement even more important now.