International News

Seoul’s Thriving Office Market Boasts Over 98% Occupancy Amidst Dwindling Demand Elsewhere

In a world where office spaces face a downturn, Seoul’s office market stands as a beacon of success, boasting an impressive occupancy rate of over 98% for grade-A offices, coupled with a remarkable 15% surge in rents compared to the previous year.  This is according to a Bloomberg study published on 15 November 2023. The […]

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Japan to Propose New Legislation to Unlock Loans for Businesses Based on Growth Potential Without Property Collateral

The Japanese government is set to introduce groundbreaking legislation aimed at enabling emerging startups and small to midsize enterprises (SMEs) to secure loans based on their growth potential, rather than traditional collateral like real estate, according to The Japan News published on 16 October 2023. This strategic move is part of a comprehensive economic stimulus […]

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Thai Political Situation Impacting Real Estate Sector

Real estate experts have expressed concern over the impact on the sector due to political uncertainty stemming from the May general elections which saw the installation of a new Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, despite the Move Forward party winning the most votes. The real estate sector contributes around 10% of Thailand’s GDP, so any negative […]

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China’s Economy Rebounds: Factory Activity Signals Stabilisation

China’s economy is showing signs of stabilisation as factory activity expands for the first time in six months. The Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI), which measures the performance of major manufacturers, rose to 50.2 in September, up from 49.7. This figure is above the critical 50-point threshold, indicating a shift from contraction to expansion. Economists had […]

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Behind Thailand’s Visa-Free Strategy: A Closer Look Role in Facilitating Chinese Capital Flight

Behind Thailand’s audacious plan to attract up to 30 million Chinese tourists and the swift implementation of visa-free access lies a more profound hidden agenda—facilitating the transfer of capital from mainland China. The veneer of tourism and visa-free access masks the real story: Chinese investors are utilizing the financial systems in Hong Kong and Thailand […]

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Vietnam Airlines Commits US$7.8 Billion for a Fleet Boost with 50 Boeing 737 Max Aircraft

Vietnam Airlines has inked an agreement worth US$7.8 billion to acquire 50 Boeing 737 Max aircraft from the United States. The strategic move is aimed at modernising the airline’s fleet to cater to surging flight demands, according to Reuters on 11 September 2023. The announcement of this significant agreement between Vietnam Airlines and Boeing was […]

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New Thai PM Unveils Bold Plan: Thailand to Welcome Chinese 30 Million Visitors

Immediately after taking office, Thailand’s new prime minister unveiled a strategic plan aimed at attracting 30 million international tourists by the end of the year. The launch of the Thai economic recovery plan came on 25 August after he stressed the important role of tourism in the country’s short-term economic recovery, according to channelnewsasia on […]

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Three Catalysts for Potential Growth of Asian Stocks​ in H2 2023

As the global stock market maintains a “neutral” stance, propelled by the resilience of labor markets and the services sector, analysts find themselves in a cautious but optimistic stance. While uncertainties persist, and a definitive macroeconomic trend remains elusive, experts foresee three potential catalysts that could invigorate Asian stocks in the latter half of 2023, […]

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VinFast Shares Hit US$85.5 billion, Surpassing Mercedes, Honda, Ford & Tesla

In a resounding debut on the prestigious NASDAQ stock exchange, VinFast Auto Pte Ltd. (VinFast) orchestrated a dazzling display of market prowess, propelling its market capitalization to an astounding US$85.5 billion. This remarkable achievement on the very first trading day, marks a staggering ascent from its initial valuation of US$23 billion, underscoring the profound investor […]

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Zombification of China Property Crisis: A Case Study of Evergrande’s Bankruptcy

Amidst the labyrinthine landscape of China’s property market, a distressing trend is emerging, encapsulated by the term ‘zombification’. This phenomenon, characterized by stalled construction projects due to insurmountable financial constraints, is casting a pall over the industry. A closer examination reveals the intricate web of challenges facing property developers, with the predicament rippling out to […]

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