[2026-02-26 19:32 UTC+10:00] [JAPAN] [Factuality: 95]

Source: The Japan Times

Title: Takaichi eyes aid program for 'ice age' generation by March

Snippet: Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi expressed eagerness Thursday to compile a support program for the so-called employment ice age generation within fiscal 2025, which ends on March 31.

Read full article: https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/02/26/japan/japan-pm-ice-age-worker-support-measures/

[2026-02-26 19:28 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: The Korea Herald

Title: SKC to raise W1tr for glass substrates, debt reduction

Snippet: SKC said Thursday it will raise about 1 trillion won ($750 million) through a rights offering to accelerate growth in future businesses and improve its financial health.

Read full article: https://www.koreaherald.com/article/10683364

[2026-02-26 19:15 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: AfricaNews

Title: Merz tours Forbidden City during key China trade discussions

Snippet: German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s first official visit to China continues with a tour of Beijing’s Forbidden City on Thursday, a symbolic stop during talks focused on trade and global tensions. Merz said Germany and Europe want a partnership with China that is balanced and reliable. His visit comes as Beijing looks for allies against renewed US tariffs.

Read full article: http://www.africanews.com/2026/02/26/merz-tours-forbidden-city-during-key-china-trade-discussions/

[2026-02-26 19:01 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: Hong Kong Economy | South China Morning Post

Snippet: Breaking down the key figures in Hong Kong 2026-27 budgetA deep dive into the data from Hong Kong finance chief Paul Chan’s latest budget announcement, looking at the government’s growing revenue and increasing investment in infrastructure.

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/infographics/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy

[2026-02-26 18:50 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South Korea

Title: (2nd LD) KEPCO's 2025 net spikes 141.2 pct to 8.73 tln won amid efforts to improve fiscal health

Snippet: (ATTN: ADDS more info in paras 7, 9)

Read full article: https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20260226009552320

[2026-02-26 18:21 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South Korea

Title: (LEAD) KEPCO's 2025 net spikes 141.2 pct to 8.73 tln won amid efforts to improve fiscal health

Snippet: (ATTN: RECASTS headline; UPDATES throughout with more info; ADDS photo)

Read full article: https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20260226009551320

[2026-02-26 17:08 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: China sees rise in Chinese New Year travel, but per capita spending remains flat

Snippet: The country logged a record 596 million domestic trips over the extended holiday, but consumers are still reluctant to loosen their purse strings

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3344699/china-sees-rise-chinese-new-year-travel-capita-spending-remains-flat

[2026-02-26 16:58 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: Long-term gains worthwhile, Paul Chan says amid budget sweetener complaints

Snippet: ‘I am disappointed that giving out money or consumption vouchers has fallen off the radar,’ resident says

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3344698/long-term-gains-worthwhile-paul-chan-says-hongkongers-slam-lack-budget-sweeteners

[2026-02-26 14:57 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: Hong Kong budget: everything you need to know from tax breaks to a big bet on AIFinancial Secretary Paul Chan unveiled a slew of initiatives in his annual budget address, ranging from relief measures to spending big on AI.

Snippet: Financial Secretary Paul Chan unveiled a slew of initiatives in his annual budget address, ranging from relief measures to spending big on AI

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3344674/hong-kong-budget-everything-you-need-know-tax-breaks-big-bet-ai

[2026-02-26 13:38 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: The Manila Times

Title: GSIS posts P344B total income in 2025 as assets near P2 trillion

Snippet: THE Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) closed 2025 with total assets of P1.96 trillion, up 8.2 percent from the previous year, placing the state pension fund within striking distance of the P2 trillion threshold.

Read full article: https://www.manilatimes.net/2026/02/26/tmt-newswire/gsis-posts-p344b-total-income-in-2025-as-assets-near-p2-trillion/2285518

[2026-02-26 12:48 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: AP News

Title: Supreme Court litigator convicted of tax evasion over poker winnings

Snippet: Tom Goldstein, who writes SCOTUSblog.com, poses for a photograph in front of the Supreme Court, Oct. 31, 2013, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, file)

Read full article: https://apnews.com/article/thomas-goldstein-supreme-court-blog-tax-evasion-f9ef42db6375c5fb2be60c3f6c2198fd

[2026-02-26 12:30 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: Hong Kong 2026-27 budget: ‘Symphony of Lights’ to go dark under tourism revamp

Snippet: Tourism Board to launch light festivals ‘across various locations at different times of year to replace A Symphony of Lights,’ Paul Chan says

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3344644/hong-kong-2026-27-budget-symphony-lights-go-dark-under-tourism-revamp

[2026-02-26 12:29 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 90]

Source: South Korea

Title: S. Korea stresses its submarine production capabilities; Canada pledges 'fair' procurement process

Snippet: WASHINGTON, Feb. 25 (Yonhap) -- Top South Korean officials on Wednesday highlighted the Asian country's "cutting-edge" technologies and capabilities to deliver submarines "on time" and "on budget" as their Canadian counterparts pledged to have a "fair" process for its high-profile project to procure next-generation submarines.

Read full article: https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20260226004000315

[2026-02-26 11:05 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: BBC News

Title: Food banks 'essential' for new generation of students

Snippet: When most people think about the quintessential student experience, they may conjure up images of late night parties, early morning lectures and spending time in the student union bar between classes.

Read full article: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cp85jd321p5o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss

[2026-02-26 11:00 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: Budget reveal: government turns matchmaker with stronger hand in shaping economyThis year’s budget and clear adoption of national goals show Hong Kong government playing a greater role in the economy.

Snippet: This year’s budget and clear adoption of national goals show Hong Kong government playing a greater role in the economy

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3344650/budget-reveal-government-turns-matchmaker-stronger-hand-shaping-economy

[2026-02-26 10:59 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 92]

Source: AP News

Title: IMF sees 'buoyant' US economy accelerating this year but warns of risks from tariffs, rising debt

Snippet: WASHINGTON (AP) — A “buoyant’’ U.S. economy is poised to see accelerated growth and lower unemployment this year. But big federal budget debts ”represent a growing stability risk,’' the International Monetary Fund said Wednesday.

Read full article: https://apnews.com/article/economy-imf-debt-inflation-gdp-a24bc87a8fc1447e84fa1e6366202fd8

[2026-02-26 10:15 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: Editorial | Budget sets Hong Kong up for its next phase of growth

Snippet: The city’s improving economy and public finances have enabled a raft of tax allowances and concessions, but a volatile global environment means sustaining fiscal discipline remains critical

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/opinion/comment/article/3344630/budget-sets-hong-kong-its-next-phase-growth

[2026-02-26 09:39 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: AP News

Title: Renuncian polémico fiscal general y defensor del Pueblo de Venezuela

Snippet: CARACAS (AP) — El polémico fiscal general de Venezuela, Tarek William Saab, un cercano aliado del depuesto presidente Nicolás Maduro que ha sido blanco de constantes críticas de opositores y organizaciones de derechos humanos, renunció al cargo, anunció el miércoles la Asamblea Nacional, de abrumadora mayoría oficialista.

Read full article: https://apnews.com/article/venezuela-renuncia-fiscal-general-maduro-7751301e6aff92a4af5be07ad230c4f2

[2026-02-26 08:42 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: AfricaNews

Title: South Africa's debt stabilises for first time in 17 years

Snippet: South Africa's debt burden is stabilising for the first time in nearly two decades, Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana announced Wednesday, as Africa's most developed economy shows cautious signs of recovery and pledges increased spending on security.

Read full article: http://www.africanews.com/2026/02/25/south-africas-debt-stabilises-for-first-time-in-17-years/

[2026-02-26 07:00 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: ABC News

Title: Abetz to consider slashing high-earner public servant retirement payments

Snippet: This year will be Eric Abetz's first major budget after only small tweaks post-election last year. (ABC News: Maren Preuss)

Read full article: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-02-26/tasmanian-government-considers-superannuation-liabilities-cut/106386722

[2026-02-26 06:56 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: AP News

Title: What California’s planned power outages are costing schools: darkness, disruption and debt

Snippet: One windy morning in December 2024, teachers at Orange Vista High School rushed students into a line that stretched to the street. Southern California Edison had cut the power for parts of Riverside County to prevent its equipment from sparking a fire.

Read full article: https://apnews.com/article/schools-ford-motor-co-utilities-california-aa3edc0fa5e1520ddc2fc2155bf56961

[2026-02-26 06:55 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: Daily News

Title: NDB reports all-time high earnings doubles PAT on normalised basis - DailyNews

Snippet: National Development Bank PLC (NDB) announced its results for the financial year ended December 31, 2025 to the Colombo Stock Exchange recently. Full year results tabled by the Bank showcase a strong growth across all business lines with Net Banking Revenue increasing by a 45.2% on a comparable basis. Like most other peers, the Bank’s 2024 financial performance was positively impacted following the successful conclusion of the ISB debt restructure with a one-off impact on interest income, fee income and

Read full article: https://dailynews.lk/2026/02/26/business/957751/ndb-reports-all-time-high-earnings-doubles-pat-on-normalised-basis/

[2026-02-26 06:41 UTC+10:00] [Australia news] [Factuality: 100]

Source: Guardian Australia

Title: News live: Australian government evacuates families of diplomats as tensions rise in Middle East

Snippet: Embassies in Tel Aviv and Beirut remain open but Dfat warns situation is ‘unpredictable’. Follow today’s news live

Read full article: https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2026/feb/26/dfat-middle-east-evacuation-syria-isis-families-wives-children-anthony-albanese-angus-taylor-budget-cost-of-living-capital-gains-tax-reform-ntwnfb

[2026-02-26 05:39 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: ABC News

Title: How much compromise is too much? Labor's capital gains conundrum

Snippet: Topic:Federal Government

Read full article: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-02-26/labors-capital-gains-tax-conundrum/106388456

[2026-02-26 05:17 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: AP News

Title: Outside groups' spending has Senate primary in Texas shattering records

Snippet: Texas state Rep. James Talarico, D-Austin, a Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate, speaks to supporters during a campaign stop, in Austin, Texas, Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

Read full article: https://apnews.com/article/senate-texas-talarico-crockett-cornyn-paxton-e41d41fd66a43bf638b69f702e77faa3

[2026-02-26 04:25 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: The Jerusalem Post

Title: Why pouring billions into the Israel Police has made Israelis less safe - opinion

Snippet: In any private business, if you doubled the budget and got a decrease in output, the CEO would be fired. In the Israel Police and justice system, it’s exactly the opposite: failure is the engine for requesting more budgets.

Read full article: https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-887879

[2026-02-26 03:30 UTC+10:00] [News] [Factuality: 100]

Source: Michael West Media

Title: Inflation woes to cast shadow over next federal budget

Snippet: February 26, 2026 03:30 | News

Read full article: https://michaelwest.com.au/inflation-woes-to-cast-shadow-over-next-federal-budget/

[2026-02-26 03:22 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: The Manila Times

Title: Unprogrammed funds boost budget to P6.5T

Snippet: THE government exceeded the 2025 national budget by more than P160 billion via unprogrammed appropriations (UAs) based on data from the Department of Budget and Management (DBM).

Read full article: https://www.manilatimes.net/2026/02/26/business/top-business/unprogrammed-funds-boost-budget-to-p65t/2284960

[2026-02-26 02:12 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 92]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: Hong Kong’s virtual asset sector considered for taxation under policy review

Snippet: Latest budget announces new government committee to be tasked with reviewing Hong Kong’s tax policies

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3344648/hong-kongs-virtual-asset-sector-considered-taxation-under-policy-review

[2026-02-26 01:30 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: ABC News

Title: Japan to deploy missile systems on island near Taiwan by 2031, defence minister says

Snippet: Japan's defence minister said the deployment on Yonaguni island would take place in the 2030 fiscal year. (Reuters: Kyodo )

Read full article: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-02-26/japan-to-deploy-missile-systems-on-island-near-taiwan-by-2031/106389506

[2026-02-26 01:28 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: BBC News

Title: Man Utd post profit but debt rises to £1.3bn

Snippet: Manchester United are fourth in the Premier League

Read full article: https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/articles/c4gq70yqv0do?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss

[2026-02-26 01:24 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: Hong Kong bets big on innovation, AI and finance in line with national goals

Snippet: Northern Metropolis, San Tin Technopole cornerstones of innovation and technology strategy, finance chief Paul Chan says in budget address

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3344642/hong-kong-bets-big-innovation-ai-and-finance-line-national-goals

[2026-02-26 01:00 UTC+10:00] [Tax] [Factuality: 100]

Source: Guardian Australia

Title: Finally fixing capital gains tax is good – but linking it to another tax cut for Australia’s rich is bollocks | Greg Jericho

Snippet: Undoing bad policy does not require rewarding those who have benefited from it

Read full article: https://www.theguardian.com/business/grogonomics/2026/feb/25/capital-gains-tax-discount-federal-budget-coalition-tax-cuts-for-the-richest

[2026-02-25 23:20 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: Zero Hedge

Title: Diageo Shares Plunge Most In Two Years On Weaker Guidance, Dividend Cut

Snippet: Shares of Diageo Plc fell the most in 2 years after the maker of Guinness beer and Johnnie Walker whiskey cut its guidance for the second time this fiscal year amid soft demand in the US and China markets. The move marks an early challenge for new CEO Dave Lewis.

Read full article: https://www.zerohedge.com/markets/diageo-shares-plunge-most-two-years-weaker-guidance-dividend-cut

[2026-02-25 22:45 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: Paul Chan’s new budget sets aside HK$30 billion to kick-start Northern Metropolis

Snippet: Companies overseeing megaproject’s Hetao Hong Kong Park, San Tin Technopole and Hung Shui Kiu Industrial Park to each get HK$10 billion

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3344632/paul-chans-new-budget-sets-aside-hk30-billion-kick-start-northern-metropolis

[2026-02-25 20:33 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: Here is how you and businesses will benefit from Hong Kong budget sweeteners hike

Snippet: Authorities will offer sweeteners of about HK$22 billion to residents and businesses, up from HK$7.8 billion

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3344602/hong-kong-budget-sweeteners-residents-and-businesses-climb-hk22-billion

[2026-02-25 19:47 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: IMF urges China to focus on consumption-led rebalancing, curb industrial policyGlobal monetary body calls on Beijing to roll out more forceful fiscal stimulus to bolster domestic demand amid record trade surplus.

Snippet: Global monetary body calls on Beijing to roll out more forceful fiscal stimulus to bolster domestic demand amid record trade surplus

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3344557/imf-urges-china-prioritise-consumption-led-rebalancing-curb-industrial-policy

[2026-02-25 19:40 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: Investments, tax breaks: what’s in it for you in Hong Kong’s budget 2026-27

Snippet: From industry funding to relief measures for ordinary Hongkongers, here are eight key takeaways from finance chief Paul Chan’s latest budget

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3344584/surpluses-investments-tax-breaks-whats-it-you-hong-kongs-budget-2026-27

[2026-02-25 19:30 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South Korea

Title: Gov't uncovers record 992 cases of fraudulent receipt of state subsidies in 2025

Snippet: SEJONG, Feb. 25 (Yonhap) -- A record high 992 cases of fraudulent receipt of government subsidies totaling 66.77 billion won (US$46.17 million) were detected last year, the budget ministry said Wednesday.

Read full article: https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20260224006900320

[2026-02-25 18:45 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: Zero Hedge

Title: Saudi Arabia Records Largest Budget Deficit Since 2020

Snippet: Saudi Arabia recorded its widest quarterly budget deficit in five years in the final three months of 2025, as lower crude oil prices weigh down the kingdom's finances, Bloomberg is reporting.

Read full article: https://www.zerohedge.com/geopolitical/saudi-arabia-records-largest-budget-deficit-2020

[2026-02-25 18:00 UTC+10:00] [Buy now, pay later] [Factuality: 95]

Source: Guardian Australia

Title: Buy now, pay later: how to use it without getting into risky debt

Snippet: BNPL can be a fee-free way to manage cashflow for an essential purchase but keep track of the payment schedule

Read full article: https://www.theguardian.com/business/2026/feb/25/buy-now-pay-later-use-debt-problems-bnpl

[2026-02-25 16:36 UTC+10:00] [News] [Factuality: 100]

Source: Michael West Media

Title: ‘Dumbest option’: top economist slams housing tax break

Snippet: February 25, 2026 16:36 | News

Read full article: https://michaelwest.com.au/dumbest-option-top-economist-slams-housing-tax-break/

[2026-02-25 15:32 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 90]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: HSBC to boost spending in Hong Kong, other high-growth markets to US$1.8 billionHSBC reported a 7 per cent profit drop, but shares rose on its CEO’s comments on higher return goals, steady dividends and new growth plans.

Snippet: HSBC reported a 7 per cent profit drop, but shares rose on its CEO’s comments on higher return goals, steady dividends and new growth plans

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/business/banking-finance/article/3344541/hsbcs-2025-profit-falls-7-beats-estimates-despite-property-woes-madoff-lawsuits

[2026-02-25 14:30 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 92]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: Letters | A fourth cross-harbour tunnel could link Kennedy Town to Tsing Yi

Snippet: Readers discuss a new harbour crossing, road safety, election campaign spending, and tariff refunds

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/opinion/letters/article/3344404/fourth-cross-harbour-tunnel-could-link-kennedy-town-tsing-yi

[2026-02-25 14:00 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South Korea

Title: Overseas card spending hits record high in 2025 on rising travel demand

Snippet: SEOUL, Feb. 25 (Yonhap) -- South Koreans' overseas card spending reached an all-time high in 2025, driven by increased overseas travel and cross-border purchases, data showed Wednesday.

Read full article: https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20260225003400320

[2026-02-25 13:45 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: Budget 2026-27: what can Hongkongers expect from Paul Chan’s financial plans?Financial secretary has repeatedly stressed the need to maintain adequate reserves to support growth and guard against geopolitical shocks.

Snippet: Financial secretary has repeatedly stressed the need to maintain adequate reserves to support growth and guard against geopolitical shocks

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3344514/budget-2026-27-what-can-hongkongers-expect-paul-chans-financial-plans

[2026-02-25 13:15 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: Exclusive | All eyes on latest Hong Kong investment darling HKIC

Snippet: HKIC set to come up as key highlight in finance chief Paul Chan’s budget blueprint, sources say

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3344529/hong-kong-investment-company-hkic-get-expanded-remit-after-early-gains

[2026-02-25 13:13 UTC+10:00] [Politics / Federal] [Factuality: 100]

Source: The Age

Title: ‘No sugarcoating it’: Inflation continues to climb, rate rise tipped before budget day

Snippet: The Reserve Bank is under increasing pressure to consider a rate rise before the next federal budget in May after new figures showed inflation growing through the start of the year.

Read full article: https://www.theage.com.au/politics/federal/no-sugarcoating-it-inflation-continues-to-climb-rate-rise-tipped-before-budget-day-20260225-p5o58s.html?ref=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_source=rss_feed

[2026-02-25 12:51 UTC+10:00] [National / Victoria] [Factuality: 100]

Source: The Age

Title: Melbourne council seeks to double rate hike to avoid $57m budget black hole

Snippet: Glen Eira City Council will try to become the first municipality in Melbourne to hike rates above a statewide cap to avoid running out of cash.

Read full article: https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/melbourne-council-seeks-to-double-rate-hike-to-avoid-57m-budget-black-hole-20260224-p5o56o.html?ref=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_source=rss_feed

[2026-02-25 11:00 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: Exclusive | Tech hub, aerospace industry set for major boost in Hong Kong budget: sourcesGovernment insiders say finance chief Paul Chan’s budget speech will boost development of San Tin Technopole and emerging ‘NewSpace’ sector.

Snippet: Officials eye ‘tripartite cooperation’ between developers and tech firms to drive Northern Metropolis progress

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3344512/huge-funds-tech-hub-incentives-aerospace-sector-hong-kong-budget-sources