Why Japan’s central bank is caught between a rock and a hard place
The wrong kind of inflation and the effects of the war in Iran complicate the outlook for Japanese interest rates
· Nicholas Spiro
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Newest first · UTC+11:00Woori deepens Viettel ties for Vietnam push
Woori Bank said Thursday it signed a memorandum of understanding with Viettel, Vietnam's largest mobile carrier, deepening ties between the two companies.
· Choi Ji-won
KB to cancel W2.3tr shares after record Q1 profit
KB Financial Group on Thursday announced plans to cancel 14.26 million shares worth 2.3 trillion won ($1.55 billion) in May, one of the largest such moves in the industry, as the firm posted a record first quarter earnings.
· Choi Ji-won
Manus on Markets: Tesla goes big on AI bet | The National
From tariff turmoil and stock shocks to market meltdowns, the global financial system has never been in such flux.
· Manus Cranny
Japan's Nikkei average briefly tops 60,000 for 1st time before losing steam
Optimism surrounding the Iran war and the global tech rally sent the Nikkei Stock Average to a historic intraday high on April 23. (Photo by Hazumu Urushiyama)
· JADA NAGUMO
First Abu Dhabi Bank and Emirates NBD report strong first-quarter earnings despite war uncertainty | The National
First Abu Dhabi Bank and Emirates NBD on Thursday reported robust first-quarter earnings despite war-driven uncertainty.
· Sarmad Khan
(LEAD) Honda to exit S. Korean car market after 23 yrs
(ATTN: UPDATES with details in paras 6-8)
· Chang Dong-woo
L'Oreal stock pops 8% after 'impressive' earnings
Shares of the world's largest cosmetics company L'Oreal popped as much as 10% after it reported strong growth ahead of expectations after the bell on Wednesday.
· Elsa Ohlen
Honda to exit S. Korean car market after 23 yrs
SEOUL, April 23 (Yonhap) -- Honda Korea, the South Korean sales unit of Japan's Honda Motor Co., said Thursday it will withdraw from the country's automobile market, ending its 23-year operation in the country.
· Chang Dong-woo
Mainland China’s ultra-wealthy numbers rise as Hong Kong tipped for faster growth
China’s ultra-wealthy population has grown 23 per cent in five years, while Hong Kong is forecast to see a 25 per cent rebound by 2031
· Cheryl Arcibal
Roche CEO laments Swiss franc strength as drugmaker doubles down on U.S. investment
Roche reported falling sales in the first three months of the year, as the strength of the Swiss franc and generic competition for some of its older drugs weighed on the drugmaker.
· Elsa Ohlen
Shinhan posts record Q1 profit on brokerage boost
Shinhan Financial Group on Thursday reported record first-quarter net profit of 1.62 trillion won ($1.1 billion), as stronger brokerage earnings boosted non-interest income.
· Choi Ji-won
China's economy tops tensions as US companies' main concern: AmCham
U.S. businesses in China say deflationary pressure, weak consumer confidence and a property slump are dragging on the country's growth. © Reuters
· Staff Writer
(LEAD) Shinhan Financial's net profit hits record high in Q1
(ATTN: RECAST headline, lead; UPDATES throughout with more info; ADDS photo)
· Oh Seok-min
Eximbank Korea seals nuclear financing pact with Vietnam
Export-Import Bank of Korea has signed a four-way agreement in Vietnam to deepen financing cooperation for nuclear projects, while supporting Seoul's push to expand exports of Korean nuclear technology.
· Choi Ji-won
S. Korean envoy urges Iran cooperation on Hormuz transit amid tensions
Since 2017, I have covered South Korea’s political and economic landscape as a reporter, with a focus on foreign affairs, inter-Korean relations and security.As a foreign affairs reporter, I closely follow developments from the Ministry of Unification, the Foreign Ministry and the Defense Ministry, tracking shifts i…
· Jung Min-kyung
More bookings, shorter trips: Chinese adjust to higher fuel prices for Labour Day break
Domestic flight bookings up about 8 per cent and domestic package-tour reservations up about 10 per cent, survey finds
· Ralph Jennings
More bookings, shorter trips: Chinese adjust to higher fuel prices for Labour Day break
Domestic flight bookings up about 8 per cent and domestic package-tour reservations up about 10 per cent, survey finds
· Ralph Jennings
European stocks to open in negative territory as oil prices gain
LONDON — European stocks are expected to open in negative territory on Thursday as regional market sentiment remains downbeat and oil prices tick higher.
· Holly Ellyatt, Chloe Taylor
Hanwha zeroes in on India’s video surveillance market
Hanwha Vision is doubling down on India as a strategic frontier to expand its video surveillance business, aiming to take the lead there to bolster its global presence.
· Kan Hyeong-woo
ASEAN inflation: Vietnam and Philippines hit hardest by Iran war
A motorist fills up in Bangkok on April 2: Transportation costs are rising in Southeast Asia as the conflict in the Middle East pushes up fuel prices. (Photo by Ken Kobayashi)
· KENTARO TAKEDA
Asian stocks retreat and oil tops $100 despite a rally on Wall St
A person looks at an electronic stock board showing Japan’s Nikkei index at a securities firm Thursday, April 23, 2026, in Tokyo. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)
· Chan Ho Him
AI-driven Hong Kong stock inflows from mainland China slow as investor options multiply
Wave of listings provides more ‘pure-play’ AI investment options across mainland and Hong Kong exchanges, BNP Paribas says
· Yulu Ao
AI-driven Hong Kong stock inflows from mainland China slow as investor options multiply
Wave of listings provides more ‘pure-play’ AI investment options across mainland and Hong Kong exchanges, BNP Paribas says
· Yulu Ao
Yonhap News Summary
The following is the first summary of major stories moved by Yonhap News Agency on Thursday.-----------------■ (2nd LD) S. Korea logs fastest GDP growth in 5 1/2 yrs on strong semiconductor exports
· Kang Jae-eun
'Sa Cebuana Lhuillier, Goods Ka': Advancing financial inclusion through a connected financial ecosystem
AS the Philippines’ leading microfinance services provider, Cebuana Lhuillier has witnessed how financial inclusion continues to evolve alongside the realities of everyday Filipino life. For many, financial participation does not begin with investments or formal banking relationships — it starts with immediate needs…
· The Manila Times
Seoul denies discriminatory treatment of US firms after Republican letter on Coupang
Since 2017, I have covered South Korea’s political and economic landscape as a reporter, with a focus on foreign affairs, inter-Korean relations and security.As a foreign affairs reporter, I closely follow developments from the Ministry of Unification, the Foreign Ministry and the Defense Ministry, tracking shifts i…
· Jung Min-kyung
Number of billionaires globally could reach 4,000 in next five years
There are now 3,110 billionaires but analysis shows ‘deep structural acceleration’ in wealth creation around world
· Lauren Almeida
Japan's Nikkei average tops 60,000 intraday for 1st time
Optimism surrounding the Iran war and the global tech rally sent the Nikkei Stock Average to a historic intraday high on April 23. (Photo by Hazumu Urushiyama)
· JADA NAGUMO
Hundreds left broke after alleged Malaysian scammer vanishes with US$25 billion
More than 300 foreign nationals flock to Malaysia in pursuit of justice over the ‘High Inspirations’ scam
· The Star
'Salt to the wound': Australia's biggest bank to slash 119 jobs
Property News: Suburbs where house values rose most in the past 12 months.
· April Glover
Prediction market platform Kalshi suspends 3 congressional candidates who bet on their own races
Three candidates for the US House and Senate were suspended and fined by Kalshi for engaging in “political insider trading,” the prediction market platform announced Wednesday.
· Victor Nava
From paint to planes, Iran war lifts costs, darkens outlooks
LONDON (Reuters) -- Companies from consumer goods to travel and mining warned Wednesday that the US-Israeli war with Iran is driving up costs, disrupting supply chains and hurting consumer confidence, clouding financial outlooks.
· Yonhap
LG Electronics unveils built-in package to target Europe’s premium market
LG Electronics said Thursday it had unveiled its “LG Built-in Package” at Milan Design Week 2026, stepping up its push into Europe’s premium built-in kitchen appliance market.
· Jeon Ji-woo
Impunity drives rising sexual violence against Palestinians by Israeli settlers, rights group says | The National
Sexual violence by Israeli settlers against Palestinians in the West Bank has increased in frequency and intensity, and changed in nature, a new report has found.
· Nada AlTaher
US Treasury Secretary Presses Senate To Pass Crypto Market Structure Legislation
Authored by Micah Zimmerman via BitcoinMagazine.com,
· Tyler Durden
(2nd LD) S. Korea logs fastest GDP growth in 5 1/2 yrs on strong semiconductor exports
(ATTN: RECASTS headline, lead with more details; ADDS comments, details in paras 6, 11-13, additional photo)
· Oh Seok-min
CBA cuts more jobs, citing changing skills mix and ‘simplification’
Commonwealth Bank is cutting 119 jobs, saying the reductions are the result of programs inside the bank coming to an end, work being “simplified”, and a changing mix of skills and roles needed across the group.
· Clancy Yeates
MGS strengthens smart living as market demand grows
MGS Philippines began as a pioneer in advanced smart locks, offering reliable solutions focused on home security.
· The Manila Times
Hong Kong’s education hub cannot be a one-market wonder
If the sector is to become a robust economic driver for the city, it must look beyond mainland student numbers for growth. Diversification is key
· Ken Ip
Hong Kong’s education hub cannot be a one-market wonder
If the sector is to become a robust economic driver for the city, it must look beyond mainland student numbers for growth. Diversification is key
· Ken Ip
Japan's Nikkei average breaches 60,000 in intraday trading for 1st time
Optimism surrounding the Iran war and the global tech rally sent the Nikkei Stock Average to a historic intraday high on April 23. (Photo by Hazumu Urushiyama)
· JADA NAGUMO
Travel scheme could allow Hong Kong, Macau yachts to sail to 6 Greater Bay Area ports
Guangdong provincial government document also shows several routes recommended for leisure, such as Pearl River Delta, Castle Peak Bay
· Lam Ka-sing
Travel scheme could allow Hong Kong, Macau yachts to sail to 6 Greater Bay Area ports
Guangdong provincial government document also shows several routes recommended for leisure, such as Pearl River Delta, Castle Peak Bay
· Lam Ka-sing
S. Korea's GDP expands 1.7% in Q1, fastest growth in 5 1/2 yrs: BOK
Despite the ongoing crisis in the Middle East, the South Korean economy posted its fastest quarterly growth in 5 1/2 years in the first quarter, supported by solid exports and resilient domestic demand, central bank data showed Thursday.
· Yonhap
Step aside Tesla, BYD: Japanese carmakers deepen their hold on India's auto market with hybrids
This report is from this week's "Inside India" newsletter, which brings you timely, insightful news and market commentary on the emerging powerhouse — Subscribe today
· Priyanka Salve
DRC: first eurobond draws massive demand [Business Africa]
The Democratic Republic of Congo has made a remarkable entry into international financial markets. The country raised $1.25 billion in its first Eurobond issuance, with investor demand nearly four times greater than the amount sought.
· AfricaNews
Smuggled chicken find hints at Cambodian shortages amid Thai border conflict
The Cambodian public is maintaining a boycott of Thai businesses even if the country’s economy is reeling from the global fuel crisis
· Aidan Jones
Smuggled chicken find hints at Cambodian shortages amid Thai border conflict
The Cambodian public is maintaining a boycott of Thai businesses even if the country’s economy is reeling from the global fuel crisis
· Aidan Jones
BOK chief, finance minister vows enhanced policy coordination during 1st meeting
SEOUL, April 23 (Yonhap) -- New Bank of Korea (BOK) Gov. Shin Hyun-song and Finance Minister Koo Yun-cheol agreed Thursday to strengthen policy coordination amid heightened market volatility stemming from the ongoing Middle East crisis, the central bank said.
· Oh Seok-min