Latest Business News
Global bond selloff deepens as inflation fears hit stocks
Rising yields are putting pressure on global equities as investors reassess the outlook for inflation and interest rates. Bloomberg’s Asia Trade notes that bond traders now see a possible tipping point toward a new era of higher yields, with stock rallies losing momentum.
Trump warns Iran that the “clock is ticking”
President Trump renewed pressure on Iran, saying time is running out for a deal, after drones targeted a nuclear power plant in the UAE. The comments intensified concern that the fragile ceasefire could unravel further, adding a geopolitical risk premium to markets.
Oil prices climb, worsening inflation concerns
Brent crude is rising sharply, adding to worries that higher energy costs will keep inflation elevated and squeeze consumers and businesses. Bloomberg reports that oil gains are helping drive the global bond rout and fueling broader risk aversion across markets.
China’s economy slows sharply in April
Chinese data showed weaker momentum across key indicators, with fixed-asset investment unexpectedly shrinking and retail sales missing forecasts. Industrial production also grew at its weakest pace in nearly three years, raising concerns about domestic demand in the world’s second-largest economy.
US says China will buy $17 billion of farm products annually
A U.S. announcement said China agreed to buy $17 billion of American farm products each year, a development that could help support agricultural exporters. Bloomberg’s coverage suggests the deal may improve ties, even if it does little to change the overall trade balance.
Trump-Xi summit improves ties, not trade balance
Bloomberg Economics says the recent Trump-Xi meeting appears to have eased some diplomatic tensions, but has not materially changed the underlying trade relationship. The assessment suggests markets should expect limited near-term economic relief despite the more positive tone.
Samsung in last-chance talks with labor union to avert strike
Samsung Electronics shares rose as management entered late-stage negotiations with its largest labor union. The talks are aimed at preventing a strike that could disrupt operations at the world’s largest memory chip maker.
Japan banks seen posting another record year
Japanese banks are on track for another strong year despite concerns over the Middle East and wider market turbulence. Bloomberg’s Asia Trade highlighted the sector as relatively resilient even as global yields and geopolitics weigh on sentiment.
Singapore non-oil exports jump 24.5%
Singapore’s April non-oil domestic exports rose 24.5% year over year, far above the estimated 10.9% increase. The stronger-than-expected data points to improving external demand and offers a bright spot in an otherwise cautious regional macro backdrop.
CDC escalates Ebola response after WHO emergency declaration
The CDC is stepping up its response after the WHO declared an Ebola emergency, signaling concern about containment and public health readiness. While not a market-moving story directly, it is a major global risk item with potential supply-chain and travel implications.
Evergrande liquidators pursue claims against PwC in Hong Kong court
Liquidators for Evergrande are advancing claims against PwC in Hong Kong, adding another legal and financial chapter to the China property crisis. The case underscores ongoing efforts to recover value and assign responsibility in one of the world’s biggest real-estate failures.
Duterte trial opens next phase of Philippine political turmoil
The trial marks a new stage in the Philippines’ political turbulence, keeping investors attentive to potential policy and stability implications. Bloomberg flagged the development among the day’s major Asia headlines.