Asian Economy News
Interest rate surprises in Southeast Asia reveal deep political and economic shifts
Unexpected rate moves across Southeast Asia show how easily economists can be misled by central bank cues. Politics, currency pressures and shifting global trends are reshaping decisions—a reminder to treat guidance from the top with the scepticism it often deserves.
3 min read30 Oct 2025China is using a Pacific Islands huddle to squeeze out Taiwan
The air at this year’s Pacific Islands Forum was heavy with tension. Beijing has been upping the diplomatic ante on what it considers its ‘rebel province,’ adding to global anxiety over Chinese designs on this critical supplier of semiconductor chips.
3 min read9 Sep 2025Campus conundrum: Educators lack clarity on how to deal with AI in classrooms
A furore in Singapore has erupted over the issue and educators might be erring by barring AI tools that could help students. Although the impact of AI on education is far from clear, adaptation should be the aim. Resistance seems futile.
4 min read8 Jul 2025Asian factories bear scars of Trump's tariff blast
While India's PMI edged up in April, it fell in rival export hubs such as China, Vietnam, South Korea and Malaysia. However, the advantage from the Donald Trump tariffs won't be permanent.
5 min read19 May 2025Singapore has voted for familiarity and stability in uncertain times
The ruling People’s Action Party (PAP) had been in charge since the city-state’s independence in 1965 and delivered much prosperity. Amid trade worries, it has been re-elected. But the government under Prime Minister Lawrence Wong mustn’t take the electorate for granted.
4 min read6 May 2025Asia more exposed to US trade shocks than others, says IMF's Krishna Srinivasan
According to the IMF, growth in emerging markets and developing economies is seen easing to 3.7% in 2025 and 3.9% in 2026, with China among the hardest hit by recent trade measures.
2 min read24 Apr 2025The Asian Dream is waking up to the challenges of being middle-class
Upwardly mobile Asians are finding that reaching middle-class status is one thing but staying so can be a struggle. Countries like Indonesia have seen their middle-class ranks shrink over the pandemic-impacted half decade.
3 min read8 Jan 2025South Korea's impeached president fends off arrest attempt over martial-law decree
Yoon Suk Yeol’s bodyguards thwarted investigators in another tense showdown resulting from his short-lived martial law decree.
4 min read3 Jan 2025Economic crisis: Pakistan in talks with China, Saudi Arabia to secure $11 billion
Pakistan is in talks with China and Saudi Arabia for $11 billion to secure an IMF bailout and avoid a full-blown economic crisis.
1 min read29 Sep 2023Pakistan’s forex reserves double to $8.73 billion, reach nine-month high
Pakistan's foreign exchange reserves have reached a nine-month high of $8.73 billion following a financial bailout from the IMF and support from other nations. However, Pakistan still faces challenges with its external debt, which has reached $100 billion.
1 min read21 Jul 2023Popular Topics
Budget
The Union Budget contains details about the estimated receipts and the expenditure of the government for a particular fiscal year. The Budget is allotted for the upcoming fiscal year, which runs from 1st April to 31st March of the next year. Here is a quick guide on how the Union Budget is prepared