Economy
The Bank of Japan kept its policy rate unchanged at 0.75 percent in a closely divided decision, with three policymakers voting for an increase to 1 percent. The 6 to 3 split highlights rising concern within the central bank as the war in Iran drives energy prices higher and intensifies inflationary pressures.......
Japan’s Nikkei 225 index crossed the 60,000-point threshold for the first time in its history on Thursday, marking a major milestone after decades of market evolution. The benchmark briefly reached an intraday high of 60,013.98 points early in Tokyo trading before reversing course and slipping......
Asian equity markets surged to new highs as strong demand for artificial intelligence technologies and easing geopolitical tensions lifted investor sentiment. Japan’s Nikkei 225 closed at a record level, while South Korea’s KOSPI broke above 6,400 points for the first time, driven by gains......
Crude imports across Asia are declining as the closure of the Strait of Hormuz approaches its eighth week, exposing the limits of alternative supply routes. Major importers including China, India, South Korea and Japan are struggling to replace Middle Eastern crude that previously moved through the corridor,......
China’s exports of rare earth magnets and materials to Japan dropped sharply in March, reaching their lowest level in nine months and underscoring growing strain in a critical global supply chain. The decline follows export restrictions imposed by Beijing earlier this year amid escalating diplomatic......
A fire at a major Australian refinery has intensified fuel supply pressures across Asia, as regional markets already strain under disruptions linked to the Middle East conflict. At the same time, Japanese refiners are resorting to complex offshore oil transfers to secure crude supplies while avoiding......
Asian stock markets rose sharply on Thursday as investors reacted to renewed expectations of diplomatic progress between the United States and Iran. The surge pushed Japan’s benchmark Nikkei 225 beyond its previous closing record during intraday trading, reflecting growing confidence across regional......
Rising oil prices linked to tensions in the Strait of Hormuz are driving a sharp divide among leading economic forecasters over the outlook for global inflation. With crude holding above 100 dollars per barrel, Oxford Economics and Royal Bank of Canada present contrasting scenarios, underscoring uncertainty......
Public debt levels across the Group of Seven have increased significantly in recent years, raising concerns about the long-term stability of government finances in the world’s most advanced economies. Countries including the United States, Germany, and Japan are facing mounting fiscal pressure......
A six-week conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran has triggered Asia's worst energy crisis in decades, with surging fuel prices, severe LPG shortages, and widespread economic fallout. A fragile two-week ceasefire announced April 7 offers only tentative relief. Wood Mackenzie's......
The world is facing an unprecedented energy crisis as disruptions to oil and gas supplies continue to intensify, raising concerns about global economic stability and inflation. According to the head of the International Energy Agency (IEA), the current situation represents one of the most severe energy......
Asian stocks and emerging market currencies edged higher on Monday as reports of a possible temporary ceasefire between the United States and Iran lifted investor sentiment, despite an approaching deadline set by US President Donald Trump for Tehran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Trading volumes remained......
The war in the Middle East has upended global energy markets, but for China the disruption is proving to be an accelerant. As oil-importing nations grapple with crude prices above $110 a barrel and scramble for alternatives to volatile fossil fuel supplies, Chinese electric vehicles, solar panels, and......
