Japan's Financial Services Agency is targeting legislative changes by 2027 to boost startup lending by relaxing rules for nontraditional lenders. This comes as loans to Japanese startups fell 10% last year.
South Korea plans to launch a 5 trillion won ($3.5 billion) semiconductor fund to support materials, parts, equipment, and fabless companies. The government will also offer an additional 5 trillion won in trade finance for suppliers.
Alo Yoga, a competitor to Lululemon, has entered the Chinese market by launching an online store on Alibaba's Tmall platform. This move aims to tap into China's growing demand for athleisure wear.
China is actively working to reshape its global image and counter Western narratives, particularly those that frame its economic and political rise as a challenge to the existing international order. The country aims to control its own story and promote a more favorable view of its role in the world.
Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman met with India's envoy to discuss improving bilateral relations and urged the extradition of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who is residing in India.
Bangladesh PM Tarique Rahman met India's envoy, seeking a better environment to improve ties and urging Hasina's extradition.
Bangladesh's foreign ministry expressed outrage over India allowing ousted PM Sheikh Hasina to address journalists, calling it an affront to sovereignty.
Donald Trump and 18 associates face racketeering and conspiracy charges in Georgia for alleged efforts to overturn the 2020 election results. The indictment follows a grand jury investigation into actions taken in the state.
Thousands of Indian youth protested alleged job exam wrongdoing, leading to police using water cannons and the state government accepting some demands.
Thousands of protesters in Jharkhand, India, continue to demand reforms in recruitment exams despite government acceptance of some demands.
Indian police used tear gas and batons against Jharkhand protesters, and linked Delhi protests to Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation.
Germany's trade deficit with China expanded significantly in the first half of 2026, as German exports to China dropped over 12% year-on-year. China, despite remaining Germany's top trade partner, increased its sales to Germany by 8.9%.
The guest list for Beijing's annual summer retreat, a key event for setting policy direction, indicates a strong focus on artificial intelligence, semiconductors, and advanced manufacturing. Attendees included leaders from key tech firms and research institutions, signaling government support for these strategic sectors.
Japanese multinational companies are experiencing significant advantages due to the weak yen, leading many to increase their full-year profit forecasts during the recent earnings season. Corporate yen expectations have shifted, with the median figure for Topix constituents nearing 154 to the dollar.
Malaysia is looking to strengthen its economic relationship with South Korea, focusing on key sectors such as semiconductors, artificial intelligence, and the halal industry. The move aims to foster mutual growth and technological advancement between the two nations.
China has released a five-year plan for its civil aviation industry, aiming for world-class standards in safety, services, and infrastructure by 2030. The plan emphasizes smart, green, and integrated development, with a focus on technological innovation and international competitiveness.
A resurgent IPO market and proposed tax exemptions for fund managers are drawing foreign financial professionals back to Hong Kong, signaling a turnaround for the Asian hub. The city saw a significant increase in employment visas for the financial sector in 2025.
Hong Kong faces challenges retaining billionaires as China implements stricter tax regulations.
Hong Kong is attracting foreign financial professionals back with a revived IPO market and proposed tax exemptions.
Australian shares declined, led by a significant drop in Westpac's stock after the bank reported a 20% fall in mortgage applications due to tax changes. Miners gained amid strong metal prices, while investors await the Reserve Bank of Australia's policy decision.
Westpac reports a 20% drop in mortgage applications following Australian tax changes, with investor housing credit growth expected to halve.
Australian shares declined as Westpac's quarterly results and forecast impacted the financial sector, while miners gained.
China Resources New Energy Holdings Co. Ltd. (CRNE) achieved the largest IPO on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange, with shares surging 137% on debut and briefly valuing the company at over $44 billion, despite broader market realities for China's renewable energy sector.
Ultra-fast fashion retailer Shein is significantly reducing its warehouse operations in Vietnam, a year after establishing a large export base. The move follows changes in U.S. trade policies, including the end of de minimis duty exemptions and increased tariffs on Chinese goods, which have diminished the cost advantage of manufacturing in Vietnam.
Indonesia's economy expanded by 5.11% in the first quarter, driven by household consumption and investment. However, analysts note that the recovery remains uneven, with certain sectors lagging and external demand weakening.
