Asian shares fall after Trump's Iran threats
Traders work on the floor at the New York Stock Exchange in New York, Thursday, March 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
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Newest first · UTC+11:00China developing first tourist submersible for trips 1,000 metres under the sea
The Chinese prototype would enter commercial operation offering adventure-seeking holidaymakers spectacular deep-sea experiences by 2030
· Ralph Jennings
Family of ‘serial home builders’ sells architect-designed property for non-riverfront record
Just days after an interest rate hike and a $260 billion share market wipeout, a sprawling architect-designed home in a flood-free pocket of Kenmore has defied consumer jitters – selling for more than $4 million and setting a new local benchmark.
· Sarah Webb
Trump’s $56 trillion problem is spiralling out of control
March 23, 2026 — 11:59am
· Stephen Bartholomeusz
Trump touted bigger tax refunds this year, but Americans will likely spend them on gas
WASHINGTON — The U.S. economy was supposed to start the year with a bang, fueled by an unusually large jump in tax refunds from President Donald Trump's tax cut legislation. Yet spiking gas prices are on track to eat up those refunds, leaving most Americans with little extra to spend.
· Associated Press
Israeli settlers smash cars and set fires in the West Bank as 4 Palestinians killed in Gaza
RAMALLAH, West Bank — At least 10 Palestinians were injured Sunday night in attacks in the occupied West Bank by Israeli settlers, who rampaged through nearby villages after holding a funeral for a settler killed in a car crash a night earlier.
· Associated Press
Younger, more violent and elusive: A picture of Australia’s new organised criminals
Australian criminal networks are increasingly weaponising digital and financial technology to wash cash at an unprecedented scale, creating pools of dirty money that can be used to fund an ever-expanding portfolio of criminal enterprises.
· Marta Pascual Juanola
Hong Kong developer banks on arts and finance synergy in West Kowloon cultural hub
Sun Hung Kai Properties pushes its ‘Central 2.0’ vision in West Kowloon, linking arts, culture and wealth management despite market headwinds
· Ambrose Li
Third time lucky? US denim giant Gap returns to Australia
Having been revitalised by a girl group, US denim brand Gap is making another play for the Australian market.
· Damien Woolnough
Energy watchdog chief warns Australia, says oil shock worse than past crises combined
International Energy Agency executive director Dr Fatih Birol told the National Press Club that the Australian government was doing its best to increase fuel stock levels. Source: AAP / LUKAS COCH/AAPIMAGE
· Sbsaustralia
UK’s Starmer calls emergency meeting on economy as Iran war risks mount
Britain’s high inflation, stretched public finances and dependence on imported natural gas have pushed its government bonds into a decline
· Reuters
Not just buying 'things': Why China's emotional economy is on the rise
28-year-old Rebecca Zhou, born in China's Sichuan province, owns an assortment of Moomin merchandise — bags, mugs, and figurines featuring the white hippo-looking cartoon character from Finland — that she has accumulated over the years.
· Matthew Chin, Evelyn Cheng
California launches probe into price gouging as some gas stations hit over $8 per gallon
California is taking aim at gas stations charging sky-high prices, with some pumps hitting over $8 a gallon. The state’s petroleum market watchdog, part of the California Energy Commission, has launched an investigation to see if any retailers are engaging in illegal price gouging.
· Daniel Farr
Kalshi promo code NYPMAX: Trade $10, get $10 for Texas Tech vs. Alabama
Kalshi has upped the ante for March Madness, continuing to make its mark in the sports prediction market.
· Malik Smith
Emerging from latest blackout, Cuba says ready for any potential US attack
The Cuban government has said it is prepared for any potential United States attacks as the island-nation begins to recover from yet another blackout under a punishing oil blockade imposed by Washington that has pushed its economy to the brink.
· Al Jazeera Staff
Sri Lanka to gain substantial economic and cultural dividends - DailyNews
Sri Lanka stands to gain substantial economic and cultural dividends by strategically positioning its film industry to serve the global market, according to film director Dr. Arosha Fernando.
· Gayan Abeykoon
Reclaiming your professional narrative - DailyNews
As the Sri Lankan job market navigates the complexities of 2026, the traditional rulebook for hiring is undergoing a silent but radical revision. Between a global “hiring deceleration” noted by the International Labour Organization (ILO) and a domestic economy grappling with the “brain drain” of outward migration, t…
· Gayan Abeykoon
Sri Lanka maintains growth momentum amid volatile global and domestic indicators - DailyNews
Sri Lanka’s economy continued to demonstrate resilience in 2025, recording a steady growth rate of 5.0%, supported by contributions from all key sectors. According to the latest weekly economic highlights, industrial activity led the expansion with a robust 7.8% growth, while the services sector grew by 3.3% and agr…
· Gayan Abeykoon
ADB President Masato Kanda here today - DailyNews
Asian Development Bank (ADB) President Masato Kanda will arrive in Sri Lanka today on a three day official visit to discuss long-term development cooperation.
· Gayan Abeykoon
People’s Bank completes Rs. 25 Bn debenture issue - DailyNews
People’s Bank has reached a significant milestone with the successful completion of Sri Lanka’s largest debenture issue, mobilizing Rs. 25 billion through a Basel III compliant, Tier 2, Unlisted, Rated, Unsecured, Subordinated, Redeemable Debenture.
· Gayan Abeykoon
Seylan Bank introduces ‘3-day loan decision’ to help SMEs - DailyNews
Seylan Bank PLC has introduced a new feature to its SME loans portfolio, offering loan decisions within three working days for facilities below Rs. 25 million, once the required documentation is submitted.
· Gayan Abeykoon
HNB introduces ‘The Happiness Card’ for New Way of Living - DailyNews
HNB PLC, one of Sri Lanka’s leading private sector bank, has rolled out its Happiness Cards campaign, bringing together a new positioning and way of living with seasonal savings, flexible payment options and lifestyle benefits through a card proposition built around what matters most to cardholders during the season.
· Gayan Abeykoon
People’s Bank leading Lanka’s digital banking revolution - DailyNews
People’s Bank has solidified its position as the vanguard of financial technology in Sri Lanka, by aggressively expanding its digital ecosystem.
· Gayan Abeykoon
CDB Champions Women Entrepreneurs through CAN Market partnership - DailyNews
In a strong move to empower women entrepreneurs reflecting the IWD 2026 theme ‘Give to Gain’, Citizens Development Business Finance PLC (CDB) reinforced its commitment to empowering women entrepreneurs and sustainable local businesses by partnering with The Creative Isle (Pvt) Ltd for the International Women’s Day e…
· Gayan Abeykoon
China has advantages to achieve its 2026 GDP growth target - Justin Lin Yifu - DailyNews
China’s GDP growth target of 4.5-5 percent is realistic and achievable, as the economy has significant advantages in multiple aspects, Justin Lin Yifu, a member of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) and dean of the Institute of New Structural Economics at Pe…
· Gayan Abeykoon
President discusses global energy crisis, impact on SL economy with party leaders - DailyNews
A meeting between President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and party leaders was held in Parliament on Friday (20).
· Gayan Abeykoon
Iran war's damage to economy could worsen yet markets remain complacent
The International Energy Agency says this is the greatest "supply disruption in the history of the global oil market". (Reuters: Vivek Prakash)
· Alan Kohler
ASX set for more losses as oil prices jump
Another climb for oil prices shook stock markets, as hopes collapsed for a possible cut to interest rates this year by the Federal Reserve.
· Stan Choe
Albanese steps in on fuel supply as Coalition calls for Russian sanctions pause
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will use his weight to push Asian countries to keep supplying oil to Australia as the Coalition proposes dropping sanctions on Russian fertiliser to avoid a food inflation should the Strait of Hormuz remain blocked.
· Paul Sakkal
Ukraine’s Zelenskyy urges allies to pressure Russia ahead of US talks
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has urged allies to keep up sanctions pressure on Russia’s economy ahead of a second day of talks between Ukraine and United States officials on ways to end the more-than-four-year Russia-Ukraine war.
· Edna Mohamed
The economy has a Strait of Hormuz deadline for Trump: Two weeks
With oil prices at levels not seen in years and global business supply chains across sectors of the economy shut down by the de facto closure of the Strait of Hormuz, faith in the C-suite that the worst isn't yet to come is being tested. On Friday, United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby said he is planning for $175 oil, an…
· Eric Rosenbaum
Israeli settlers carry out series of West Bank attacks as security forces stand by
Witnesses describe coordinated raids in which homes and vehicles were set on fire and several Palestinians injured
· Lorenzo Tondo
High-speed rail tickets selling fast as Hongkongers opt for short-haul trips amid war
With war raging in the Middle East, tickets for mainland Chinese destinations are being snapped up
· Emily Hung
Does China need world-leading forex reserves? Globalising yuan revives debate
As Chinese currency ‘becomes more adopted globally’, report says it can replace many functions of a foreign exchange stockpile
· Frank Chen
Major events help lift Brisbane’s tourism economy to record $17 billion
Brisbane’s visitor economy reached a record $17 billion in 2025, driven by a surge in international spending and strong domestic demand, according to new tourism data.
· Cameron Atfield
Hong Kong arts hub strengthens global links with 12 new partnerships
West Kowloon Cultural District Authority signs MOUs with 12 international institutions from Australia, the UK, Saudi Arabia and elsewhere
· Ambrose Li
Globe fiber subscribers grow by 43 percent
MANILA, Philippines — Globe has continuously strengthened its position as a leading enabler of the Philippines’ digital economy, with its fiber subscribers growing by 43 percent or 2.1-million in 2025 from 1.7-million the previous year, its president and CEO Carl Cruz said on Sunday.
· Arlie O. Calalo
The price of menstrual products is skyrocketing from inflation, tariffs
Rising inflation and ever-changing tariff policies have led to higher prices across store shelves over the past few years, squeezing consumers' budgets.
· Laya Neelakandan
Alibaba chairman Joe Tsai credits China’s AI edge to power grid, open-source models
Investment in power and open-source models, plus industrial depth, highlights China’s vast potential for AI applications, Joe Tsai says
· Ji Siqi
Wealthy consumers are turning to jewelry as an investment, especially colored gemstones
When the gavel came down in December, Christie's had set a record that created a buzz in the auction world.
· Lisa Kailai Han
Israeli settlers rampage across West Bank torching homes and cars
Dozens of Israeli settlers rampaged across the occupied West Bank overnight on Saturday, torching cars and houses.
· Middleeasteye
Prediction markets’ latest ‘Wild West’ accusations: Users are getting suckered by insider trading
Hours before US and Israeli forces killed Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, a bet that would result in a $553,000 pay off was placed on the prediction market website Polymarket.
· Michael Kaplan
Israeli settlers rampage across West Bank torching homes and cars
Dozens of Israeli settlers rampaged across the occupied West Bank overnight on Saturday, torching cars and houses.
· Middleeasteye
Hong Kong vows to boost green finance and innovation role for sustainable growth
Finance chief Paul Chan says Hong Kong will channel capital and innovation into the global green transition for carbon-neutral development
· Edith Lin
BAP elects first female president, eyes for a resilient financial system
ANA Maria Aboitiz-Delgado, president and CEO of Union Bank of the Philippines, has been elected president of the Bankers Association of the Philippines (BAP), becoming the first woman to lead the group in its nearly 80-year history.
· The Manila Times
Govt allows sale of low-grade fuel
MANILA, Philippines — As part of efforts to ease the impact of the Middle East war on the Philippines, the Department of Energy (DOE) on Sunday said it is temporarily allowing the sale of lower-grade fuel in the local market.
· Ed Paolo Salting
Israeli settlers attack Palestinian villages in West Bank violence
This is a locator map of Israel and the Palestinian Territories. (AP Photo)
· Sam Metz
Hong Kong firms face profit squeeze as US importers cut orders amid oil crisis
City’s business leaders also say government should bolster ties with Central Asia and Asean nations to diversify market risks
· Kevin Li
International capital flowing to China as investors seek certainty during Iranian conflict
Conflict in the Middle East and growing global turbulence following US-Israeli strikes against Iran has seen foreign investors look to China
· Sylvia Ma
BIS executive committee member tapped as Bank of Korea governor
President Lee Jae Myung tapped Shin Hyun-song, an executive committee member of the Bank for International Settlements, as the new governor of the Bank of Korea, Cheong Wa Dae announced Sunday.
· Son Ji-hyoung