Asia Economics Update Malaysia: Q1 slowdown masks resilience to energy shock GDP growth in Malaysia slowed in the first quarter of the year, but the slowdown cannot be attributed to the conflict in the Middle East. The country is better placed than most in the region to deal... 17th April 2026 · 3 mins read
Japan Economics Update Government fiscal health still set to improve further Changes to the way the IMF measures Japan’s government debt mean that the net debt position now looks less favourable. But we still expect it to decline faster than the IMF is anticipating. 17th April 2026 · 3 mins read
Japan Economics Weekly BoJ will wait until June before tightening policy again Bank of Japan Governor Ueda signaled this week that a rate hike at the Bank’s April meeting is off the table. While there’s a risk of prolonged inaction, a reopening of the Strait of Hormuz over the... 17th April 2026 · 6 mins read
Capital Daily We don’t think China’s markets have lost their allure China’s stock and bond markets have been left behind, to some extent, during the recent global relief rally, but we suspect they’ll be on the front foot again before long. 16th April 2026 · 3 mins read
China Rapid Response China GDP (Q1) & Activity (Mar. 2026) The March activity data point to some loss of economic momentum last month. Seasonal distortions are partly to blame, however, and growth accelerated in Q1 overall. We think growth will soften a bit... 16th April 2026 · 3 mins read
Emerging Europe Economics Update Thoughts on Hungary’s incoming geopolitical reset The incoming Tisza government is likely to realign Hungary’s foreign policy stance towards the EU, but economic pragmatism will mean that ties with Russia (energy) and China (FDI) adjust only... 15th April 2026 · 5 mins read
India Economics Update Weak monsoon would compound Iran war impact The weaker-than-normal monsoon that is now being forecast by experts for this year threatens to compound the impact of the Middle East conflict on India’s economy. Crop yields could come under... 15th April 2026 · 3 mins read
Japan Economics Update Business investment boom not on the cards The recent surge in machinery orders seems to vindicate concerns by some BoJ Board members that the Bank is falling behind the curve. However, other indicators are less upbeat and with the energy cost... 15th April 2026 · 3 mins read
Asia Economics Update MAS tightens policy as oil price shock lifts inflation outlook Singapore’s central bank today tightened monetary policy and raised its inflation forecast for this year in response to the crisis in the Middle East and the resulting surge in global energy prices... 14th April 2026 · 3 mins read
China Rapid Response China Merchandise Trade (Mar. 2026) Exports slowed last month and fell short of expectations, but this reflects seasonal distortions. For Q1 as a whole, export growth rose to its highest level in four years. Despite the energy price... 14th April 2026 · 3 mins read
China Rapid Response China Bank Lending & Broad Credit (Mar.) The slowdown in credit growth resumed in March as weakening household demand dragged bank loan growth down further. 13th April 2026 · 2 mins read
Capital Daily Two steps forward, one step back for markets The weekend’s news is potentially another blow to markets, although investors have so far interpreted it fairly cautiously. Even in a benign scenario, though, we suspect there’s little medium-term... 13th April 2026 · 5 mins read
India Economics Weekly India local elections, RBI on hold India’s state election cycle has resumed, with voting now underway in Kerala and Assam, to be followed by Puducherry, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal later in April, with results due on 4th May. These... 10th April 2026 · 3 mins read
China Economics Weekly ASEAN shifting closer to China, EV demand soaring New survey data suggests that China's geopolitical influence among ASEAN economies has increased since last year amid concern over the Trump Administration's tariffs and foreign policies. Meanwhile, a... 10th April 2026 · 8 mins read
Asia Economics Weekly Asia inflation: mostly benign, Philippines the outlier Inflation across most of Asia remains well contained, as subsidies and administrative price controls help cushion the impact of higher energy prices. The Philippines stands out as a key exception... 10th April 2026 · 6 mins read
