Economy & Markets
Asian central banks, currencies, trade flows, commodities and the supply chains wiring the Indo-Pacific.
AI Access Divide Widens as Tech Giants Prioritize Corporate Users Over Public
Major AI platforms are sharply reducing public access and functionality to manage costs, creating a two-tier system. Meanwhile, large corpor
China's Industrial Overcapacity Reshapes Global Trade, Pressures Asian Economies
Economists warn a 'China Shock 2.0' is underway as overcapacity in advanced sectors like EVs and AI fuels global price wars. The trend, stem
Asia's Semiconductor Dominance Drives AI's Tangible Profits
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company reported a 58% surge in quarterly profit, highlighting where AI demand is translating into concre
The End of Cheap Oil: A New Reality for Asia's Economies and Consumers
The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has added a lasting risk premium to global oil prices. Higher costs are now rippling through everything
Iran Conflict Generates Billions in Windfall Profits for Global Oil Giants
The world's largest oil and gas companies have earned an estimated $30 million in extra profit per hour since US-Iran tensions escalated. Th
Iran Conflict Puts Global Economy at Risk, Strains Asian Energy Importers
A blockade threat in the Strait of Hormuz has sent oil prices soaring above $100 a barrel, disrupting a fifth of global oil output. Asian ec
Chinese Tech Firms Find Lucrative Testing Ground in Gulf States
Baidu and WeRide launched fully driverless robotaxi services in Dubai in late March, marking the first parallel commercial operations by mul
U.S. Inflation Surges on Iran War Energy Shock, Treasury Adviser Admits No Pre-War Planning
U.S. inflation accelerated to 3.3% in March, driven by a sharp spike in energy prices following military action against Iran. A senior Treas
Non-Rich Asian States Bear Brunt of Iran Crisis, Ration Energy
The Iran conflict has blocked the Strait of Hormuz, spiking oil above $100 a barrel. Poorer Asian states like Bangladesh and Pakistan ration
Iran Ceasefire Fails to Stem Capital Flight from Asia's Emerging Economies
A reported US-Iran ceasefire has not calmed financial turbulence for Asia's emerging economies. Capital outflows are accelerating, pressurin
Canada's Alberta Offers Asia a Stable Energy Alternative Amid Global Volatility
Canada's Alberta province holds the world's third-largest oil reserves, offering a stable supply source for energy-hungry Asian economies. C
Trump's Policies Could Accelerate Yuan's Rise as Global Safe Haven
US President Donald Trump's trade wars and military interventions are eroding the dollar's credibility. This could inadvertently elevate the