Global trade finance gap at US$2.5 trillion as global trade tensions rise, ADB says
SINGAPORE: Financial institutions globally failed to meet $2.5 trillion in financing that companies needed for trade last year, holding back the global economy, according to a new survey by the Asian Development Bank.
Local qualifying salary for workers to be refined
The local qualifying salary (LQS) – the minimum monthly wage firms must pay Singaporean employees in order to hire foreign workers – will see refinements in the upcoming budget, says Manpower Minister Tan See Leng.
Retailers to hold steady amid resilient spending
While there are multiple anticipated tailwinds for the consumer sector, much of the upside has already been priced in by the market, says Rakuten Trade head of equity sales Vincent Lau.
Guardedly optimistic year
There is optimism tinged with caution over Malaysia's 2026 economic outlook, as the advanced estimates for fourth quarter of financial year 2025 (4Q25) gross domestic product (GDP) figures come out Friday.
Option traders see no Fed cuts this year
Traders focused on options are increasingly pricing out expectations for any Federal Reserve (Fed) interest rate cuts in 2026, making wagers instead that would pay off if the central bank stays on hold all year.
Cherry supplies in China sidestep pre-holiday woes
For much of the past decade, Chile's export of cherries to China ran on a narrow calendar.
Jakarta sees minimal fallout from tariff hike
Indonesia is not overly concerned about potential new tariffs announced by United States President Donald Trump targeting countries that trade with Iran, the government says, citing the relatively small size of bilateral trade, as Jakarta focuses on wrapping up a trade deal with Washington.
Indonesia’s reduced import quota threatens beef supply, jobs
Several associations of the national meat processing and import industry have raised concerns over a sharp reduction in the beef import quota for private companies.
South Korean manufacturers brace for slowdown amid volatility
Nearly four in 10 South Korean manufacturers expect an economic slowdown in the country this year.
