Latest Finance-Economy News
Investors Rotate Out of Tech Stocks in Asia
Investors are shifting away from tech stocks in Asia, mirroring Wall Street trends, as markets open lower in South Korea and Japan. This rotation follows concerns over potential Trump tariffs on chips ahead of TSMC earnings.
Turnover hit nearly 4 trillion yuan yesterday amid volatility.
Citi Slumps Despite Earnings Beat
Citigroup shares fell despite beating earnings expectations, amid broader bank worries over President Trump's populist policies. Trading has been upbeat for banks like Bank of America with equity traders outperforming.
M&A advisory fees surged 84%, boosting results.
Bank of Korea Holds Rates Steady
The Bank of Korea maintained its policy rate, signaling a nudge toward neutral stance amid resilient economy. Goldman Sachs’ Goohoon Kwon discussed BOK outlook.
This follows Japan producer prices rising only 0.1% m/m, below estimates.
China Raises Margin-Financing Ratio to Curb Risks
China tightened margin-financing rules to slow the market bull run and manage risks, dragging investor sentiment. PBOC set yuan fixing at strongest level since May 2023.
Markets showed sideways to lower movement with Nikkei down 1%.
Global Growth Projected at Subdued 2.6% in 2026
UNCTAD forecasts global economic growth at 2.6% in 2026, with developing economies excluding China slowing to 4.2%. Major partners like US, China, Europe lose momentum, weakening demand.
Trade faces pressures from fragmentation and transitions.
Tariffs Rise Globally, Boosting Protectionism
Global tariffs increased in 2025, led by US measures on manufacturing, expected to continue in 2026 for strategic goals. This heightens policy uncertainty, disrupting supply chains especially for smaller economies.
Firms face investment discouragement from shifts.
Value Chains Reconfigure Amid Geopolitics
Nearly two-thirds of global trade occurs in value chains reshaped by tensions, policy, and tech, with diversification to reduce risks. Carbon pricing and green standards redefine competitiveness.
Developing nations need green finance access.
Critical Minerals Oversupply Hits Prices
Critical minerals prices dropped sharply post-2022 due to supply outpacing demand, easing clean tech costs but hurting mining investments. Trump sets process to secure these minerals.
Geopolitics may destabilize trade.
Trade Regulations Tighten with 18,000 New Measures
Since 2020, 18,000 discriminatory measures introduced, with technical regulations now affecting two-thirds of global trade. Compliance costs rise for smaller exporters.
National policies reshape commerce.
Emerging Trade Patchwork Model for Resilience
World Economic Forum outlines a multi-nodal trade patchwork scenario amid nationalism, allowing continued growth despite tariffs. US pursues 'America first' with interventions; China focuses self-sufficiency.
Trade remains resilient without collapse.
Japan's Ruling Bloc Calls Snap Election
Japan's PM Takaichi confirmed to call snap poll for new coalition mandate amid economic pressures. Follows weak producer price data.
Markets watch policy shifts.
Canadian PM Carney Visits China
Mark Carney visits China, first Canadian leader since 2018, supporting Beijing amid US policy concerns. Discussions occur as Trump influences global trade.
Ties into broader geopolitical realignments.