U.S. World Business Lifestyle
Today: April 26, 2026
Today: April 26, 2026

Asia

Asia|Business|Economy|World

Indian refiners pay for Iran oil in yuan via ICICI Bank, sources say

Indian refiners are settling payments for rare cargoes of Iranian oil purchased under a temporary U.S. sanctions waiver using

Indian refiners pay for Iran oil in yuan via ICICI Bank, sources say
Asia|Business|Economy|Finance|Political|World

India fails to pass parliament expansion bill linked to quotas for women

An Indian government bill to expand assemblies that would have brought forward plans to reserve a third of the seats for women did not get enough votes to get through

India fails to pass parliament expansion bill linked to quotas for women
Africa|Americas|Asia|Business|Economy|Europe|Finance|MidEast|Political|Stock Markets|US|World

Macron and Starmer welcome Hormuz reopening and push for permanent navigation security

France and the U.K. have welcomed the announcement by Iran and the U.S. that the Strait of Hormuz is open

Macron and Starmer welcome Hormuz reopening and push for permanent navigation security
Arts|Asia|Entertainment|Sports|World

Olympic pairs figure skating gold medalists Riku Miura and Ryuichi Kihara retire

Riku Miura and Ryuichi Kihara have announced their retirement from figure skating, two months after winning the Olympic gold medal with a record-breaking skate

Olympic pairs figure skating gold medalists Riku Miura and Ryuichi Kihara retire
Asia|Political|World

Iran negotiators, citing possible Israeli attack, got Pakistan escort home from peace talks

Pakistan's air force escorted Iranian negotiators home from inconclusive peace talks with the U.S. last weekend, launching a major

Iran negotiators, citing possible Israeli attack, got Pakistan escort home from peace talks
Asia|Business|Economy|Environment|Political

Sri Lanka's Energy Minister resigns

Sri Lanka's Energy Minister Kumara Jayakody and ministry secretary Udayanga Hemapala resigned on Friday following an outcry over coal imports for

Sri Lanka's Energy Minister resigns
Asia|Political|World

China says its military activities around Taiwan are 'reasonable, justified'

China's regular military activities around Taiwan are "entirely justified and reasonable" and any tensions are the fault of the government in Taipei, the Chinese defence

China says its military activities around Taiwan are 'reasonable, justified'
Asia|Crime|Travel|World

Record number of Rohingya refugees died at sea last year, UNHCR says

Nearly 900 Rohingya refugees were reported missing or dead in the Andaman Sea and Bay of Bengal in 2025, making it the deadliest year on record for

Record number of Rohingya refugees died at sea last year, UNHCR says
Asia|Crime|Environment|World

South Koreans breathe sighs of relief as escaped wolf is returned to zoo safely

The South Korean internet as erupted in celebration as a 2-year-old wolf that escaped from a zoo in South Korea was safely captured Friday after a nine-day search that drew national attention

South Koreans breathe sighs of relief as escaped wolf is returned to zoo safely
Asia|Business|Economy|Finance|Stock Markets|World

Malaysia's economy grew 5.3% yr/yr in Q1, official advance estimate shows

Malaysia's economy grew 5.3% in the first quarter from a year earlier, official advance estimates showed on Friday, moderating from its pace at the end of 2025 as

Malaysia's economy grew 5.3% yr/yr in Q1, official advance estimate shows
Asia|Political|World

South Korea says it is unaware of US protest over minister's remarks on North Korea nuclear site

South Korea's Unification Ministry said on Friday it was unaware of any U.S. protest or curbs on intelligence sharing after a media report said Washington

South Korea says it is unaware of US protest over minister's remarks on North Korea nuclear site
Asia|Crime|Political|World

Myanmar to free more than 4,000 prisoners in amnesty

Myanmar's new President Min Aung Hlaing has approved an amnesty for 4,335 prisoners, state television reported on Friday, the third such move in the past six months. 

Myanmar to free more than 4,000 prisoners in amnesty
Asia|Business|Economy|World

South Korea draws back investors even as Iran war exposes cracks

South Korea's capital markets are luring back foreign buyers after a brutal March, as hopes of stability in the Middle East, a red-hot AI memory

South Korea draws back investors even as Iran war exposes cracks
Asia|Crime|Environment|World

Eight people killed in helicopter crash in Indonesia's West Kalimantan, authorities say

All eight people on board a helicopter were killed when it crashed in Indonesia's West Kalimantan province, authorities said on Friday as search teams tried to retrieve 

Eight people killed in helicopter crash in Indonesia's West Kalimantan, authorities say
Asia|Business|Economy|Travel

Pricier fuel hits Tokyo cherry blossom river cruises ​

A few dozen tourists hopped onto a small cruise boat in Tokyo to admire the cherry blossoms lining the Meguro River -- a seasonal

Pricier fuel hits Tokyo cherry blossom river cruises ​
Asia|Political|US|World

Look at Hong Kong and don't be naive about China, US senator says on Taiwan trip

Taiwan should look at what happened to Hong Kong and not be naive about China's

Look at Hong Kong and don't be naive about China, US senator says on Taiwan trip
Asia|Economy|Environment|World

Indonesian forest loss surges by 66% in 2025, driven by Prabowo's self-sufficiency drive, report shows

Forest loss in Indonesia surged by 66% in 2025, hitting its highest rate in eight years as a result of weak environmental

Indonesian forest loss surges by 66% in 2025, driven by Prabowo's self-sufficiency drive, report shows
Asia|Crime|Political|World

UN says initial findings show roadside blast killed Lebanon peacekeepers

A roadside explosion appears to have struck the convoy of two Indonesian peacekeepers killed in southern Lebanon, the U.N. peacekeeping chief said on Tuesday, citing initial

UN says initial findings show roadside blast killed Lebanon peacekeepers
Asia|Business|Economy|World

China's new home prices rise in March; big cities see seasonal pickup, private survey shows

China's new home prices edged up in March, reversing a decline in the previous month, supported by a seasonal pickup in demand in major cities, a private survey showed on

China's new home prices rise in March; big cities see seasonal pickup, private survey shows
Asia|Economy|MidEast|Political|World

China, Pakistan call for Iran peace talks, normal navigation in Strait of Hormuz

China and Pakistan on Tuesday called for an immediate ceasefire in the Gulf and the wider Middle East, urging the swift launch of peace talks and the restoration of normal

China, Pakistan call for Iran peace talks, normal navigation in Strait of Hormuz
Asia|Business|Economy|World

China's factory activity expands but price pressures intensify, private PMI shows

China's manufacturing sector expanded in March for a fourth straight month as output and new orders continued to grow, but rising price pressures sharply intensified, a

China's factory activity expands but price pressures intensify, private PMI shows
Asia|Business|Economy|Environment|World

China set to extend fuel export ban with small exemptions, sources say

China is poised to extend its ban on refined fuel exports into April, five industry sources with knowledge of the matter said, though

China set to extend fuel export ban with small exemptions, sources say
Asia|Business|Economy|Political|World

South Korea and Indonesia discuss energy security, sign agreements on minerals and tech

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung held talks on Wednesday with Indonesian leader Prabowo Subianto, discussing energy security and agreeing

South Korea and Indonesia discuss energy security, sign agreements on minerals and tech
Asia|World

Pakistan, Afghanistan open fresh talks in China to end conflict, say sources

Afghanistan and Pakistan have opened a new round of talks in China to end the deadliest fighting between two Muslim

Pakistan, Afghanistan open fresh talks in China to end conflict, say sources
Asia|Europe|MidEast|Political|World

French navy chief says China will have to engage more in Strait of Hormuz discussion

China will at one point have to engage more directly on how to restore oil traffic flows in the Strait of Hormuz because the number of vessels it has going through is

French navy chief says China will have to engage more in Strait of Hormuz discussion
Asia|Business|Economy|Finance|World

Vietnam's infrastructure push to boost growth and deficit, S&P Ratings says

Vietnam is forecast to remain Asia's fastest-growing nation after India through 2028, supported by exports and infrastructure investments, although heavy public spending may

Vietnam's infrastructure push to boost growth and deficit, S&P Ratings says
Asia|Business|Economy|Political|World

Myanmar parliament to hold vote to elect president on Friday, house speaker says

Myanmar's parliament will hold a bicameral vote to elect a president on Friday, house speaker Aung Lin Dwe said on Thursday, with the country's former military chief and junta

Myanmar parliament to hold vote to elect president on Friday, house speaker says
Asia|Business|Crime|Technology|World

Singapore charges one more individual with AI chip fraud 

Singapore prosecutors charged one more person with fraud on Thursday for making false representations to U.S. server supplier Dell Technologies, linking

Singapore charges one more individual with AI chip fraud 
Asia|Business|Economy|World

India factory activity cooled in March with oil costs rising amid Middle East turmoil, PMI shows

India's manufacturing sector grew at its slowest pace in nearly four years in March as the war in the Middle East stoked uncertainty, disrupted supply chains and dented

India factory activity cooled in March with oil costs rising amid Middle East turmoil, PMI shows
Asia|Political|World

Taiwan to strengthen Pratas islands' defences as China steps up pressure

Taiwan will strengthen its defences of the Pratas as China steps up its activities around the islands which lie at the top end of the South

Taiwan to strengthen Pratas islands' defences as China steps up pressure
Asia|Business|Economy|Technology|World

South Korea, Vietnam leaders to meet in Hanoi next week, sources say

Vietnam's president To Lam is set to meet his South Korean counterpart

South Korea, Vietnam leaders to meet in Hanoi next week, sources say
Asia|Business|Economy|Europe|Finance|Stock Markets|World

Mercedes investors warn luxury focus could hamper China recovery

Investors pressed Mercedes-Benz on its recovery plans for China on Thursday, warning that a luxury-focused strategy could hurt the German

Mercedes investors warn luxury focus could hamper China recovery
Asia|Europe|MidEast|Political|World

Macron says it is unrealistic to open Hormuz Strait by force

French President Emmanuel Macron said on Thursday it would be unrealistic to launch a military operation to force open the Strait of Hormuz, after U.S.

Macron says it is unrealistic to open Hormuz Strait by force
Asia|Crime|Political|World

Pakistan, Afghanistan hold talks in China to end months of conflict

Pakistan and Afghanistan are holding talks in China to try to end the worst conflict between the South Asian neighbours since ‌the

Pakistan, Afghanistan hold talks in China to end months of conflict
Asia|Business|Economy|Europe|MidEast|Political|Science|Technology|World

Russia will ask US and Israel to cease fire while it evacuates staff from Iranian nuclear plant, RIA reports

Russia will ask the United States and Israel to ensure a ceasefire while it evacuates more Russian staff from the Bushehr nuclear power plant in Iran, RIA news agency

Russia will ask US and Israel to cease fire while it  evacuates staff from Iranian nuclear plant, RIA reports
Asia|Economy|Environment|Political|World

China calls for promoting Middle East ceasefire in talks with EU, Germany

China on Thursday repeated calls for a ceasefire in the Middle East and safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz in conversations with Western counterparts, widening its

China calls for promoting Middle East ceasefire in talks with EU, Germany
Asia|Business|Economy|Political|World

China's detentions of Panama-flagged vessels raise concerns, Rubio says

Detentions of Panama-flagged vessels by China that followed a Panamanian court ruling raise serious concerns about efforts to

China's detentions of Panama-flagged vessels raise concerns, Rubio says
Asia|Business|Economy|World

Japan's services growth slows as Middle East war dents confidence, PMI shows

Japan's services sector grew at its weakest pace in three months in March, a private survey showed on Friday, as rising uncertainty over the Middle East war crushed business

Japan's services growth slows as Middle East war dents confidence, PMI shows
Asia|Political|World

China says peace talks advance between Afghanistan, Pakistan

Negotiations between Afghanistan and Pakistan are advancing steadily, China said on Friday following reports that the South Asian neighbours were meeting there to try to

China says peace talks advance between Afghanistan, Pakistan
Asia|Crime|Political|World

Myanmar junta chief Min Aung Hlaing elected president by pro-military parliament

Myanmar junta chief Min Aung Hlaing was elected president on Friday after breezing through a parliamentary vote, formalising his grip on political power in the war-torn nation five

Myanmar junta chief Min Aung Hlaing elected president by pro-military parliament
Asia|Business|Economy|Finance|Stock Markets|World

IMF urges BOJ to keep raising rates even as Iran war poses new risks

The International Monetary Fund urged the Bank of Japan to continue raising interest rates, even as the Middle East war posed "significant new risks" to the

IMF urges BOJ to keep raising rates even as Iran war poses new risks
Asia|Business|Economy|Finance|Stock Markets|World

Vietnam Q1 growth slows as costlier Middle East energy tests 2026 target

Vietnam's economy slowed in the first quarter from the three months prior, data showed on Saturday, as heavy exposure to Middle Eastern oil

Vietnam Q1 growth slows as costlier Middle East energy tests 2026 target
Asia|Business|Economy|Environment|MidEast|World

India makes first Iranian oil buy in seven years with no payment problems

Indian refiners have purchased Iranian oil amid the Middle East conflict that has disrupted supplies through the Strait of Hormuz, the oil ministry said on Saturday.

India makes first Iranian oil buy in seven years with no payment problems
Asia|Business|Economy|Finance|MidEast|Political|World

South Korea asks Gulf nations for steady energy supply, safety of Korean vessels

South Korean Finance Minister Koo Yun-cheol met with envoys from Gulf countries to shore up energy security and the safety of Korean vessels near the Strait of Hormuz, the

South Korea asks Gulf nations for steady energy supply, safety of Korean vessels
Asia|MidEast|Political|World

China ready to cooperate with Russia to ease Middle East tension, foreign minister says

China is willing to continue to cooperate with Russia at the U.N.

China ready to cooperate with Russia to ease Middle East tension, foreign minister says
Asia|Economy|Political|World

North Korea distancing itself from Iran to leave door open for US talks, Seoul says

North Korea appears to be distancing itself from longtime partner Iran and carefully managing its public messaging to preserve the possibility of a new relationship with the

North Korea distancing itself from Iran to leave door open for US talks, Seoul says
Asia|Crime|Political|World

Myanmar's new president Min Aung Hlaing faces genocide complaint in Indonesia

JAKARTA, April 6 - A criminal case against Myanmar's newly-elected President Min Aung Hlaing was filed in Indonesia on Monday by a group of civil society organisations, accusing the leader of acts of

Myanmar's new president Min Aung Hlaing faces genocide complaint in Indonesia
Asia|Political|Travel|World

Taiwan opposition leader to visit China as Beijing ramps up 'reunification' push

Taiwan opposition leader Cheng Li-wun leaves on Tuesday for China and a potential meeting with President Xi Jinping on what she says is a peace mission as Beijing makes a

Taiwan opposition leader to visit China as Beijing ramps up 'reunification' push
Asia|Business|Economy|Environment|Finance|World

South Korea's Lee says country must balance risk as Hormuz disruptions threaten oil supplies

South Korea must accept a degree of risk in importing crude oil from the Middle East amid blockages of the Strait of Hormuz, President Lee Jae Myung said on Monday.

South Korea's Lee says country must balance risk as Hormuz disruptions threaten oil supplies
Asia|Political|World

North Korea says South Korea's Lee is 'wise' for expressing regret about drones

North Korea said on Monday it was "very fortunate and wise" for South Korean President Lee Jae Myung to convey regret to Pyongyang for drone incursions in a rare

North Korea says South Korea's Lee is 'wise' for expressing regret about drones
Asia|Political|World

South Korea says 'credible intelligence' indicates North Korean leader's daughter is successor

South Korea's spy agency now believes North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's teenage daughter has been positioned as his successor, lawmakers said on Monday,

South Korea says 'credible intelligence' indicates North Korean leader's daughter is successor
Asia|Business|Economy|World

Foreign investors flee Thailand as Iran war, energy shock dash hope for economic revival

Foreign investors are selling Thai assets as an energy shock from the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran threatens to snuff out hopes for

Foreign investors flee Thailand as Iran war, energy shock dash hope for economic revival
Asia|Business|Economy|Finance|Stock Markets|World

Instant View: China's Q1 growth beats forecast as economy braces for fallout from Iran war

China's economy expanded 5% in the first quarter compared with a year earlier, according to official data on Thursday, surpassing analysts' expectations even as policymakers

Instant View: China's Q1 growth beats forecast as economy braces for fallout from Iran war
Asia|Business|Economy|Finance|World

China to retain ultra-long special bond tenors this year, sources say

China's finance ministry will keep this year's ultra-long special treasury bond issuance to 20-, 30- and 50-year maturities, the same as last year, people with knowledge of the

China to retain ultra-long special bond tenors this year, sources say
Asia|Business|Economy|Finance|World

China's Q1 economic rebound faces rough seas as Iran war jolts global outlook

China's economy picked up speed early in 2026, riding an export surge before the Iran war sent energy costs soaring and put global

China's Q1 economic rebound faces rough seas as Iran war jolts global outlook
Asia|Business|Economy|Political|World

South Korean President Lee to make state visits to India and Vietnam

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung will make a state visit to India, the first by a South Korean leader in eight years, before heading to Vietnam, a presidential adviser

South Korean President Lee to make state visits to India and Vietnam
Asia|Business|Economy|Technology|World

Samsung asks court to block illegal strike activities by unions

Samsung Electronics asked a court on Thursday to block its South Korean labour unions engaging in illegal activities during strike, a spokesperson said, as a wage dispute

Samsung asks court to block illegal strike activities by unions
Asia|Business|Economy|Technology|World

TSMC lifts revenue forecast, pledges more capital spending to meet AI chip demand

TSMC raised its annual revenue forecast on Thursday and said it was stepping up capital spending this year as the world's

TSMC lifts revenue forecast, pledges more capital spending to meet AI chip demand
Asia|Political|World

South Korea says Pyongyang's response to drone apology marks progress in easing tensions

South Korea's Unification Ministry said on Tuesday that North Korea's rare conciliatory response to President Lee Jae Myung’s expression of regret over drone incursions

South Korea says Pyongyang's response to drone apology marks progress in easing tensions
Asia|Economy|Political|World

Vietnam's top leader To Lam consolidates power, gets China-style mandate

Vietnam's lawmakers unanimously elected Communist Party Secretary General To Lam as the country's state president for the

Vietnam's top leader To Lam consolidates power, gets China-style mandate
Asia|Political|World

Key facts on relations as Taiwan opposition leader visits China

Taiwan opposition leader Cheng Li-wun arrived in China on Tuesday on what she says is a mission of peace, happening at a time Beijing has ramped up its military and political

Key facts on relations as Taiwan opposition leader visits China
Asia|Business|Economy|Political|World

Vietnam's top leader To Lam wins state presidency, gets China-style mandate

Vietnam's lawmakers on Tuesday unanimously elected Communist Party Secretary General To Lam as the country's state

Vietnam's top leader To Lam wins state presidency, gets China-style mandate
Asia|Economy|Political|World

Vietnam's top leader To Lam expands power, new PM elected

Vietnam's lawmakers on Tuesday unanimously elected Communist Party Secretary General To Lam as the country's state

Vietnam's top leader To Lam expands power, new PM elected
Asia|Business|Economy|Finance|Stock Markets|World

Japan sees weakening economic momentum, early signs of war-induced pain

An index measuring the health of Japan's economy slid in February, government data showed on Tuesday, highlighting a soft spot in the economy even before it

Japan sees weakening economic momentum, early signs of war-induced pain
Asia|Business|Economy|Environment|Europe|Finance|MidEast|Stock Markets|US|World

Oil surges on US blockade of Iran

A look at the day ahead in European and global markets from Tom Westbrook Oil futures jumped back over $100 at the open in Asia on Monday, the dollar fell and stocks were down as U.S.-Iran talks

Oil surges on US blockade of Iran
Asia|Political|World

Afghanistan, Pakistan hold 'useful' peace talks in China, says Kabul

Afghanistan and Pakistan made "useful" progress in talks in China to resolve the conflict that broke out between the South Asian neighbours last

Afghanistan, Pakistan hold 'useful' peace talks in China, says Kabul
Asia|Crime|Political|World

Kazakhstan sentences 19 for protest against repression in China's Xinjiang region

A Kazakh court has convicted 19 Kazakh activists after a protest against Beijing’s crackdown in China’s far-western Xinjiang region last year, in what advocates call an extraordinary move by the Kazakh government to silence dissident at the behest of Beijing

Kazakhstan sentences 19 for protest against repression in China's Xinjiang region
Asia|Business|Economy|World

China's economy grows at 5% in first quarter, shrugging off initial impact of Iran war

China’s economy accelerated in the first quarter of this year, expanding 5% from a year earlier as it largely shrugged off impacts from the Iran war so far

China's economy grows at 5% in first quarter, shrugging off initial impact of Iran war
Asia|Business|Economy|Political|World

Vietnam's To Lam plans China visit next week after winning presidency, sources say

Vietnam's top leader To Lam is planning a visit to China next week to meet his counterpart Xi Jinping, three people briefed on the

Vietnam's To Lam plans China visit next week after winning presidency, sources say
Asia|Business|Economy|World

China's Xi urges demand‑driven growth in services sector

China's President Xi Jinping has called for a demand-driven approach coupled with reform and technological empowerment to develop the service sector, the official Xinhua

China's Xi urges demand‑driven growth in services sector
Asia|World

China says Afghanistan and Pakistan agree to explore comprehensive solution in peace talks

China's foreign ministry said on Wednesday that Afghanistan and Pakistan agreed during peace talks in Urumqi to explore a comprehensive solution to the conflict that broke

China says Afghanistan and Pakistan agree to explore comprehensive solution in peace talks
Asia|Business|Economy|Political|World

Spanish prime minister to make fourth trip to China in as many years

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez will make his fourth trip to China in as many years this month, as had been widely expected, as Madrid seeks to build on its

Spanish prime minister to make fourth trip to China in as many years
Asia|Business|Economy|Political|World

China and Russia veto UN resolution on protecting Hormuz shipping

China and Russia on Tuesday vetoed a U.N. resolution encouraging states to coordinate efforts to protect commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, calling

China and Russia veto UN resolution on protecting Hormuz shipping
Asia|Business|Economy|World

Global banks scale back China rate-cut calls, see policy rate on hold this year

Major global investment banks now expect China to keep official interest rates steady this year, scaling back earlier rate-cut calls, as the impact from the Middle East

Global banks scale back China rate-cut calls, see policy rate on hold this year
Asia|Business|Economy|Political|World

South Korea to push for the release of ships in the Strait of Hormuz

South Korea's presidential Blue House said on Wednesday that the government would do its best to ensure the country's ships can pass through the Strait of Hormuz as soon as

South Korea to push for the release of ships in the Strait of Hormuz
Asia|Economy|Political|World

Taiwan opposition leader pledges reconciliation at memorial for founding father in China

Taiwan opposition leader Cheng Li-wun pledged on Wednesday to channel the spirit of her party's founder Sun Yat-sen and seek

Taiwan opposition leader pledges reconciliation at memorial for founding father in China
Asia|Political|World

China's foreign minister to visit North Korea to bolster loosened ties

China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi will visit North Korea this week, his ministry said on Wednesday, signalling efforts by the East Asian neighbours to revitalise ties that

China's foreign minister to visit North Korea to bolster loosened ties
Asia|Business|Economy|Technology

Grab to lean on scale, AI to navigate rising fuel costs, CEO says

Southeast Asia's top ride-hailing and delivery firm Grab believes artificial intelligence-led products and services will

Grab to lean on scale, AI to navigate rising fuel costs, CEO says
Africa|Asia|Europe|MidEast|Political|World

Turkey's Erdogan welcomes Iran ceasefire, urges full implementation

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday welcomed a ceasefire declared in the Iran war, urging its full implementation on the ground and warning against any

Turkey's Erdogan welcomes Iran ceasefire, urges full implementation
Asia|Business|Europe|MidEast|Political|World

Iran could open Strait of Hormuz in a controlled way ahead of meeting with US, senior Iranian official says

Iran could open the Strait of Hormuz in a limited and controlled way on Thursday or Friday ahead of a meeting between U.S. and Iranian officials in Pakistan, a senior

Iran could open Strait of Hormuz in a controlled way ahead of meeting with US, senior Iranian official says
Asia|Business|Economy|Europe|World

Developing countries in Europe, Central Asia face slowdown, World Bank says

Emerging and developing economies in Europe and Central Asia face a sharp slowdown this year under a scenario of a large but temporary rise in energy prices from the

Developing countries in Europe, Central Asia face slowdown, World Bank says
Asia|Business|Economy|World

World Bank says South Asia growth to slow to 6.3% in 2026 amid Middle East conflict

South Asia's growth is expected to slow to 6.3% in 2026 from 7.0% in 2025 as the conflict in the Middle-East and disruptions in global energy markets

World Bank says South Asia growth to slow to 6.3% in 2026 amid Middle East conflict
Asia|Business|Economy|Technology|World

Samsung Electronics' shareholder Shinhan Bank launches $2.1 billion share sale - term sheet

Samsung Electronics shareholder Shinhan Bank launched a sale of about $2.1 billion worth of shares in the South Korean company,

Samsung Electronics' shareholder Shinhan Bank launches $2.1 billion share sale - term sheet
Asia|Business|Economy|World

Japan business mood slumps, bankruptcies seen rising as Iran war lifts costs

The Japanese business mood worsened in March to levels not seen since the start of the Ukraine war in 2022, a government survey showed, a sign surging oil

Japan business mood slumps, bankruptcies seen rising as Iran war lifts costs
Asia|Business|Economy|Political|World

Bangladesh seeks more fuel from India as neighbours repair ties

Bangladesh on Wednesday sought to increase fuel purchases from India, as foreign minister Khalilur Rahman made the new government's first ministerial visit to New

Bangladesh seeks more fuel from India as neighbours repair ties
Asia|Business|Environment|Political|World

China moves to block entrance to disputed South China Sea shoal, images show

China is employing ships and a barrier to tighten control of the entrance to the Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea amid

China moves to block entrance to disputed South China Sea shoal, images show
Asia|Business|Economy|Europe|Finance|Stock Markets

Recruiter Robert Walters posts smaller fee drop as hiring improves

Recruitment firm Robert Walters on Wednesday posted a narrower drop in first-quarter net fees following double-digit quarterly declines for nearly three years,

Recruiter Robert Walters posts smaller fee drop as hiring improves
Asia|Crime|World

UN human rights office raises concern around trial of Chinese dissident artist

The United Nations human rights office on Wednesday said it was concerned by the trial of Chinese dissident artist Gao Zhen, ​famous for making

UN human rights office raises concern around trial of Chinese dissident artist
Asia|Business|Political|World

Myanmar's Min Aung Hlaing appoints new cabinet, military still dominates

Myanmar's parliament approved a list of 30 ministers to serve in the cabinet of junta chief Min Aung Hlaing on Thursday following his appointment as president last week, with the

Myanmar's Min Aung Hlaing appoints new cabinet, military still dominates
Asia|Political|World

US senator urges Taiwan parliament to pass stalled defence spending plan

Taiwan's parliament should pass a stalled special defence budget to send a signal to China and the world that it is serious about peace through strength, U.S.

US senator urges Taiwan parliament to pass stalled defence spending plan
Asia|Business|Economy|World

BOJ chief says Japan's financial conditions remain accommodative

Bank of Japan Governor Kazuo Ueda said on Thursday real interest rates are clearly negative and keeping the country's financial conditions accommodative.

BOJ chief says Japan's financial conditions remain accommodative
Asia|Business|Economy|Finance|MidEast|Stock Markets|US|World

There's a Gulf between market hopes and reality

A look at the day ahead in European and global markets from Wayne Cole. It's the day after and reality is intruding into market hopes of peace and prosperity in the Middle East.

There's a Gulf between market hopes and reality
Asia|Economy|Election|Finance|Political|World

Millions vote as India begins series of state elections

Millions of Indians queued to vote in local elections in two states on Thursday, kicking off four key contests this month amid a war in the Middle East that has

Millions vote as India begins series of state elections
Asia|Political|Travel|World

Taiwan opposition leader talks peace with China as her party skips defence talks in Taipei

Birds not missiles should fly in the skies, Taiwan opposition leader Cheng Li-wun said on Thursday in Shanghai in a plea for peace, as government lawmakers in Taipei

Taiwan opposition leader talks peace with China as her party skips defence talks in Taipei
Asia|Business|Economy|World

Japan's consumer mood worsens as Iran war clouds chance for April rate hike

Japan's consumer confidence worsened in March at a pace unseen since the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, a government survey showed, swelling the toll on a

Japan's consumer mood worsens as Iran war clouds chance for April rate hike
Asia|Business|Economy|Europe|World

Mercedes Q1 sales down in tough 'transition year' for China business

Mercedes-Benz reported a sales slump at the start of 2026 as the tough Chinese market continued to pressure the German premium carmaker during an overhaul of its model

Mercedes Q1 sales down in tough 'transition year' for China business
Asia|Business|Economy|Finance|Stock Markets|World

India to grow at 6.6% in FY27, says World Bank; risks from West Asia crisis persist

India's expected economic growth of 6.6% for fiscal 2027 could face significant risks as the Iran war fans inflation

India to grow at 6.6% in FY27, says World Bank; risks from West Asia crisis persist
Asia|Business|Economy|World

China's car exports accelerate despite disruption from Mideast crisis

Car exports, an increasingly important source of growth for China's hyper-competitive auto sector, picked up pace in March despite shipment disruptions from the crisis in

China's car exports accelerate despite disruption from Mideast crisis
Asia|Business|Economy|Technology|World

Gulf states eye cheap Ukrainian interceptor drone as Iranian attacks drain missile stocks

Gulf states including Saudi Arabia and the UAE are exploring a $2,500 Ukrainian-designed interceptor drone as a cheaper way to counter Iranian

Gulf states eye cheap Ukrainian interceptor drone as Iranian attacks drain missile stocks