When capital is an engine of humanity's collapse - Asia Times
On paper, the global financial system was built to allocate capital toward the most productive uses. But in practice, it has often become a force that
· Setyo Budiantoro
Follow the story
Economy & Finance
A focused view of neutral reporting on Economy & Finance, brought together across publishers.
Explore all topics →
Neutral reports only
Newest first · UTC+11:00
China’s Xi doubles down on self-reliance, rallying officials to bolster manufacturing | South China Morning Post
Call comes during the president’s visit to a bearings factory in Henan province, as China remains locked in a trade and tech rivalry with the United States
China’s largest EV battery maker CATL celebrates strong debut at Hong Kong stock market | South China Morning Post
The world’s largest initial public offering (IPO) of the year got off to a sizzling start on May 20, 2025, with shares of China’s largest EV battery maker Contemporary Amperex Technology (CATL), trading at 12.5 per cent above the offer price of HK$263. The stock, which surged to HK$307.60 at the local noon trading b…
Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang unveils plan to build ‘AI supercomputer’ in Taiwan | South China Morning Post
Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang has announced plans to expand his company’s office in Taipei to develop an AI “supercomputer”. Huang unveiled the plan during the keynote speech for Taipei’s annual Computex tech hardware show on May 19, 2025. He said the company will partner with a network of Taiwanese tech firms in a new of…
China, US slash most tariffs on each other after first round of trade talks | South China Morning Post
Beijing and Washington agreed after two days of negotiations to remove most of the tariffs imposed since the US ‘Liberation Day’ package was introduced in April
China unveils policy package to guard against US tariffs ahead of trade talks in Switzerland | South China Morning Post
China’s major financial regulators announced more measures to shore up the country’s economy and capital markets as the trade war ramps up
This Lender Said Its Loans Would Help Tennesseans. It Has Sued More Than 110,000 of Them.
These highlights were written by the reporters and editors who worked on this story.
· Adam Friedman
Recap | South China Morning Post
Recap | Quirky tales from old Hong Kong, from exorcised ghosts to nudistsExplore quirky stories from PostMag’s archives, featuring a woman waking up at her own funeral and a bank’s very costly blunder, to supernatural goings-on and naturists letting it all hang out.
‘We won’t survive’: Thai rice farmers brace for impact of US tariffs | South China Morning Post
Thai farmer Daeng Donsingha was already worried for her family of nine when rice prices crashed this year as the world’s second-largest exporter of the staple faced a resumption of Indian exports. Now, she is also worried about tariffs unleashed by US President Donald Trump that could slash demand for Thai rice in t…
China moves to protect economy from trade war, vows to hit 5% growth target | South China Morning Post
Beijing announced new measures to protect jobs and boost consumption, while insisting it was ‘fully confident’ of achieving its economic goals
Global carmakers cede world’s largest auto show to Chinese EVs | South China Morning Post
The 21st Shanghai Auto Show, the world’s largest auto exhibition, kicked off on April 23, 2025. At least 15 companies did not show at this year’s event, underscoring growing evidence that cutthroat competition and rapid consumer movement toward electric vehicles (EVs) are edging more players out of the world’s large…
China’s economy grows 5.4% in first quarter ahead of full-blown US trade war | South China Morning Post
The country’s GDP growth beat expectations to March, but worries persist about the looming impact of the US trade conflict
Chinese EV maker Xpeng CEO unveils newest vehicles in Hong Kong | South China Morning Post
Chinese premium electric vehicle maker Xpeng has been rapidly expanding its global reach and range of products. Hong Kong has been a key market for the company. Xpeng recently chose the city as its first stop outside mainland China for self-branded supercharging stations. The Post got a first look at Xpeng’s newest …
South Korea’s presidential front-runner Lee Jae-myung enters leadership race | South China Morning Post
Lee has pledged to take a pragmatic approach to foreign policy and the economy in sharp contrast with impeached president Yoon Suk-yeol
China condemns US ‘bullying’ as Trump’s 104% tariffs kick in, vows resolute measures | South China Morning Post
China’s foreign ministry on April 9, 2025, called on the United States to stop its “arrogant and bullying behaviour” after US President Donald Trump’s 104 per cent duties on Chinese imports kicked in. Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian said the US continues to impose tariffs on China “indiscriminately”. Tru…
Stock markets in Asia resume slump as hefty US tariffs on China take effect | South China Morning Post
The stock market slump followed a rebound during the previous day and left most traders expecting volatility for the near term
US tariff storm disrupts global business expansions, but some see opportunities | South China Morning Post
Asian businesses rethink plans after Trump unleashes whirlwind of tariffs amid stock market slump
Indonesia's new sovereign wealth fund is focused on economic growth amid market jitters | South China Morning Post
Pandu Sjahrir, Chief Investment Officer of Danantara, discusses investor concerns and market uncertainties surrounding Indonesia’s new sovereign wealth fund, which is set to manage over US$900 billion in assets from state-owned enterprises. In an interview with the Post’s Asia reporter Amy Sood, he explores the fund…
China’s Xi urges foreign firms to resist ‘acts that turn back the wheel of history’ | South China Morning Post
In a high-profile meeting with representatives of the international business community on March 28, 2025, Chinese President Xi Jinping criticised forces he said were seeking to politicise trade and offered reassurances that “China will remain fertile land for foreign investment for a long time to come”. The meeting …
Chinese vice-premier pledges more policy support and Asian partnerships at Boao Forum | South China Morning Post
Chinese Vice-Premier Ding Xuexiang has reaffirmed Beijing’s commitment to propping up the economy with more proactive macro policies and the fostering of emerging industries. In a speech at the Boao Forum for Asia on March 27, 2025, Ding also reaffirmed that China was “confident” in being able to reach its annual gr…
‘Absolutely wrong’: Jeffrey Sachs rejects US claims of Chinese overcapacity
US economics professor says China’s manufacturing heft essential to global green transition, dismisses Western charges of trade disruption
· Sylvia Ma
‘Killed on their way to the market’: Myanmar junta bombs village twice in a single week | South China Morning Post
The village of Letpanhla is controlled by an anti-junta militia called the People’s Defence Forces
Danantara: Indonesia's ticking financial time bomb - Asia Times
Keep independent journalism alive
· Phar Kim Beng
US economy on edge with uncertainty over tariffs
No media source currently available
· Carolyn Presutti
Mind the wage gap: China’s subway farmers highlight inequality | South China Morning Post
As the economy took centre stage at a key political meeting in China’s capital Beijing, thousands of kilometres away, pensioners went about their daily rush into the city centre to sell chives, lettuce and goose eggs for meagre earnings. The image of farmers hauling their wares on foot past Chongqing’s futuristic sk…
China’s ‘two sessions’: small businesses voice concerns as they face economic headwinds | South China Morning Post
As leaders gather for the annual ‘two sessions’ meetings, Beijing faces a tough task to boost the nation’s economy amid deflation risks and a real estate slump. Pledges have been made to stimulate consumption and jobs, but Shanghai business owners say targeted measures are needed
‘Two sessions’ 2025: key takeaways from Chinese premier’s work report to top legislature | South China Morning Post
Li Qiang said China has set a GDP target of around 5 per cent, announced measures to stimulate economy
China’s top political advisory body convenes annual session in Beijing | South China Morning Post
China’s top political advisory body, the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) convened its annual meeting in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on March 4, 2025. President Xi Jinping and other Chinese leaders attended the opening meeting. The CPPCC, along with the meeting of China’s parlia…
High prices overshadow start of Ramadan in Pakistan | South China Morning Post
While prices have spiked, inflation has eased leaving the consumer price index inflation at 2.4% in January, compared to 24% in the same period in 2024.
Prabowo's budget cuts threaten loss of medical and financial aid to Bali bombing survivors | South China Morning Post
Survivors fear losing access to life-saving treatments following cuts
Americans discuss US economy after first month of Trump’s presidency
No media source currently available
· Veronica Balderas Iglesias
Economists weigh in as US inflation rises
No media source currently available
· Veronica Balderas Iglesias
Chinese cities offer cash and other incentives to boost marriage registrations | South China Morning Post
Local authorities are also offering more cash, financial subsidies and medical insurance contributions for each newborn child
Pakistan family chooses private over public schools despite financial strain
No media source currently available
· Sidra Dar
Zimbabweans turn to cheaper informal markets as economy struggles
No media source currently available
· Columbus Mavhunga
Hong Kong is promoting its panda economy, but can the bears really boost tourism? | South China Morning Post
Hong Kong welcomed its first locally born giant panda cubs in 2024 and the city has been trying hard to promote a “panda economy” with hopes of boosting tourism and consumption. Following the surprise gifting of two giant pandas from Beijing and the birth of a pair of cubs to the city’s resident pandas, the governme…
Canada’s Naija Market showcases African cultures
No media source currently available
· Arzouma Kompaore
Trump tells Davos ‘make your products in America’ or pay tariffs | South China Morning Post
US President Donald Trump told world business leaders gathered at the World Economic Forum on January 23, 2025, that they must manufacture in the United States or face tariffs. In Trump’s first major speech at the gathering in Davos, Switzerland, since his return to the White House, he also voiced optimism about Sin…
Brazil officials say Chinese EV maker BYD subjected workers to ‘slavery-like conditions’ | South China Morning Post
Chinese electric vehicle producer BYD brought hundreds of Chinese workers on irregular visas to build a factory in Brazil, according to authorities
Why are UK borrowing costs rising and what does it mean for me?
UK government borrowing costs have been rising, with some now at their highest level since 1998 as investors around the world worry about inflation.
· Bbcnews
How can Hong Kong save itself from its nearly HK$100 billion deficit? | South China Morning Post
Hong Kong aims to cut costs as its deficit is expected to hit nearly HK$100 billion in the 2024-25 financial year. The Post spoke to analysts on how to fix the city’s snowballing debt.
New Year’s tuna fetches US$1.3 million in Tokyo at Toyosu fish market auction | South China Morning Post
The ‘motorcycle-sized’ tuna weighing 276kg (608lbs) was the first sale of 2025 at Tokyo’s Toyosu fish market
Market blaze in China’s Hebei province kills 8 people, injures more than a dozen others | South China Morning Post
The fire erupted at a market in Zhangjiakou, a city in the northern province of Hebei, and was put out just over an hour later
Xi urges confidence in China’s economy in televised New Year’s Eve message | South China Morning Post
Chinese President Xi Jinping has released his annual New Year's message on television
Macau, a Portuguese trading colony that became Asia’s gambling mecca, now seeks another makeover | South China Morning Post
Macau is the smaller of China’s two special administrative regions, and the world’s largest gambling hub. Its colonial history dates back to when the Ming dynasty started to lease a small strip of land to Portugal in 1557, which later became an important trading hub connecting China to Europe and other parts of the …
Trump promises lower prices, more oil for US economy
No media source currently available
· Scott Stearns
How Sands China is driving ‘Macau 3.0’ with NBA Legends, better infrastructure | South China Morning Post
In a bid to lure more international visitors, casino operators and the city’s government have been on a mission to diversify Macau’s economy. The initiative, which emphasises non-gaming offerings like tourism, events and entertainment, has been dubbed “Macau 3.0.” In an exclusive interview, Sands China president and…
Symptom of Germany's faltering economy, Volkswagen's crisis deepens
No media source currently available
· Ricardo Marquina
Can Hong Kong cope with the rapid rise of electric cars? | South China Morning Post
Electric vehicles (EVs) are fast overtaking the consumer market in Hong Kong as the city strives to become a net-zero emissions economy by 2050. Phasing out gas-guzzling cars, also known as ICE (internal combustion engine) vehicles, is an important component of that plan. But while the ambition is there, Hong Kong l…
Hong Kong’s Airport Authority pursues ambitious Airport City project to boost city's competitiveness | South China Morning Post
Hong Kong’s Airport Authority is spearheading a HK$100 billion (US$12.9 million) expansion project amid growing competition in the region. Vivian Cheung Kar-fay, acting CEO of the Airport Authority Hong Kong, said the Airport City project aims to transform the air transport centre into a multifunctional landmark, al…