Asia markets tumble as rate hike fears take hold

HONG KONG (AFP): Equity markets suffered another sell-off Friday on fears that an expected strong global economic recovery this year will fan inflation and force central banks to hike interest rates, despite reassurances that ultra-loose monetary policies will be kept in place for as long as needed.

Thai economy signals recovery on stimulus, local demand

Thailand’s economy continued to climb back from the pandemic blow in the final quarter of 2020, supported by government stimulus and local demand, though full-year performance was the worst since the Asian financial crisis more than two decades ago.

Banks, property could be losers from S’pore budget

Banks, property stocks could be losers from Singapore’s budget

SINGAPORE: Equity investors expecting a big boost for Singapore’s benchmark index from its upcoming annual budget could be disappointed: heavyweight blue chips are unlikely to benefit from government largess.

Asian markets track Wall St records on reopening hopes

HONG KONG (AFP): Equities pushed ever higher in Asian trade on Tuesday (Feb 9) following another record-breaking performance on Wall Street as vaccinations are rolled out, infections fall and investors bet Joe Biden will be able to push through his massive stimulus.

Thailand open to more stimulus If GDP growth misses target

BANGKOK, Feb 6 (Bloomberg): Thailand’s government is ready to take more fiscal steps if economic growth falls below its base-case forecast, driven by the latest Covid-19 outbreak or delays in vaccinating the public, a senior Finance Ministry official said.

Apec forecasts 5.7% economic growth this year amid challenges

PETALING JAYA: The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) is forecasting the region’s economy to expand 5.7% this year and 4.1% in 2022, but growth is expected to be uneven

Aiming for resilient recovery

AFTER the economic shock of last year threw many businesses off their feet, there has been a growing conversation around the need to build resilience in local SMEs to enable them to endure further and future disruptions.

Thailand relaxes virus curbs to reopen most parts of economy

BANGKOK (Bloomberg): Thailand's Covid-19 task force approved loosening restrictions across the country to allow businesses and schools to resume operations as the biggest coronavirus wave to hit the nation eased in most regions.

‘Lift quarantine for the vaccinated’

JOHOR BARU: Tourism and business groups here hope that the Federal Government would start discussions with Singapore to allow those who have been vaccinated in the island republic to enter Malaysia without the need for a quarantine.