Showing 1 - 10 of 11
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.
Ensuring a well-fed world
Asia focus, Pattama Kuentak, Published on 09/08/2021
» Food is the one of the main pillars of our life. However, this essential pillar is being tested in this highly challenging time. Covid-19 has reduced incomes, caused economic shock and threatened food systems around the globe.
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.
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.
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.
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.
China and Japan data, fed worries depress stocks
Business, Published on 14/09/2015
» Recap: Global stock markets sagged last week on concerns about the economies of China and Japan after their disappointing economic data. Investors also unloaded equities ahead of the US Federal Reserve's much-awaited meeting this week, even though expectations of an interest-rate rate increase appear to have receded for now.
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.
Measures to reduce damage from floods in Bangkok
Jon Fernquest, Published on 01/11/2010
» Possible economic damage due to climate change and flooding in the future was the subject of an important report issued last week.
Myanmar plans for new monetary policy
Published on 17/09/2012
» Myanmar's central bank plans to implement an independent monetary policy in the first half of next year to keep prices and banks stable as investors prepare to inject money into the former military regime.