Showing 1 - 10 of 11
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.
Casualties of the trade war
Asia focus, Nareerat Wiriyapong, Published on 23/07/2018
» It seems the US-China trade war is going to affect more people in the two countries than first thought, in addition to the potentially devastating implications for the global economy.
Oil price rout dims equity sentiment in Asia
Business, Published on 26/06/2017
» Recap: Asian stock markets were subdued last week, weighed down by oil prices that have fallen close to a one-year low as Opec-led efforts to reduce a worldwide glut have stalled. The Thai stock market remained rangebound but investors bought energy stocks on Friday, betting that the oil price fall would be limited.
Worries about korea and france keep trade subdued
Business, Published on 24/04/2017
» Recap: Global stock markets were subdued earlier last week amid concerns over mounting geopolitical tension on the Korean peninsula and Sunday's first-round presidential election in France. However, sentiment for risk assets improved later as optimism spread about US tax reform. The Thai stock market moved back and forth amid a dearth of positive catalysts.
Finance minister backs policy rate, calls for new growth areas
Business, Published on 06/05/2015
» Baku: The current policy rate of 1.5% is accommodative enough to support economic growth, says Finance Minister Sommai Phasee.
Economic bubble to burst by year's end?
Jon Fernquest, Published on 19/03/2013
» Hot money inflows from foreign investors have created bubbles in stock & bond markets. Bubble burst by end of the year a real risk, says Virabongsa Ramangkura.
For poor people: Loans, insurance, savings
Jon Fernquest, Published on 31/01/2012
» For the many poor people not able to use banks, Japan funds a program to provide them these essential services.
High dam water levels: Flood risk
Jon Fernquest, Published on 23/01/2012
» With rainy season arriving in May, high dam water levels could lead to flood repeat.