business

Bank of Japan holds interest rates steady at 0.75 percent, upgrades growth and inflation forecasts

An 8-1 vote reveals divided opinions on potential rate hikes amid Japan's economic recovery efforts

U.S. economy hits strongest growth in two years with 4.4 percent GDP surge

Household consumption and AI investments drove Q3 performance to its highest levels since 2023 

Foreign investors pump $212 billion into U.S. economy as long-term securities demand surges

Net purchases of long-term U.S. securities by foreign residents reached $221.8 billion 

China retains world’s largest online retail market title for 13th consecutive year with $3.39 trillion digital spend

China e-commerce sector emerges as primary economic engine supporting 78 million jobs

U.K. economy rebounds in November with 0.3 percent GDP growth driven by rising car production

British economy defies stagnation warnings with fastest growth since June outpacing forecasts

South Korea’s central bank holds rates at 2.5 percent, signals shift away from further easing

BOK's latest meeting shows a commitment to steady interest rates amidst rising inflation

U.S. budget deficit hits $145 billion in December, up 67 percent due to record outlays and calendar shifts

Customs revenue reached $27.9 billion while the Supreme Court reviews emergency tariff sanction laws

China’s consumer inflation surges to 34-month peak as Beijing misses annual growth target

The Producer Price Index decline narrowed to 1.9 percent in December as government policies targeted excessive industrial competition 

Korea posts record current account surplus on export strength

According to the Bank of Korea (BOK), the country posted a current account surplus of $12.24 billion in November of last year

China’s central bank extends gold buying streak to 14 months as reserves surpass $319 billion

Holdings now represent 5-6 percent of China’s foreign exchange reserves 

China maintains benchmark lending rates for seventh consecutive month

Economic indicators suggest ongoing struggles, with the property sector and consumer spending driving concerns 

Ukraine reaches agreement with IMF for new 48-month funding arrangement providing up to $8.1 billion

Total financing gap for Ukraine is projected at around $136.5 billion through 2026-29 

South Korea’s card payments market to reach $1.1 trillion by 2029 amid government efforts to promote cashless transactions

The market is expected to reach KRW1,510.2 trillion ($1.1 trillion) by 2029, supported by the country’s exceptionally high card penetration, robust payments infrastructure, and continued government efforts to promote cashless transactions

Singapore’s card payments market set for 6.2 percent growth in 2025

Card payments market is driven by contactless adoption and strong banking access

Trump secures major trade deals in Southeast Asia to reduce reliance on China’s critical minerals

Agreements cover 68 percent of U.S.-ASEAN trade, reshaping economic ties in the region

U.S. and Australia launch $2 billion investment to reduce reliance on Chinese minerals

A joint venture will fund a plant with an estimated capacity of 100 tons of gallium 

$20 billion currency swap finalized as U.S. buys Argentine pesos

The currency swap aims to stabilize Argentina's economy amid severe liquidity shortages and volatility

Sri Lanka secures $347 million IMF deal as part of $3 billion economic recovery program

The deal supports ongoing reforms and debt restructuring essential for long-term economic stability

U.S. to impose 25 percent tariff on imported medium and heavy-duty trucks

The new tariff will significantly impact costs for truck buyers and various industries reliant on these vehicles

China unveils new K visa to attract global STEM talent amid U.S. immigration restrictions

The K visa simplifies entry for young professionals, eliminating job offer requirements for STEM fields 

U.K. economy grows 0.3 percent in Q2 2025 despite global trade pressures, policy tightening

Moderate growth reflects resilience amid high inflation, tariff disruptions, and cautious business investments 

U.K. inflation climbs to 3.8 percent in July on rising restaurant, hotel, and food prices

Transport costs surged 3.2 percent, driven by a 30.2 percent increase in airfares

Australia’s central bank lowers rates by 25 basis points, revising economic growth forecast to 1.7 percent 

RBA cited weaker public demand as key factor in lowering annual economic outlook for 2025 

India holds interest rates steady as U.S. tariffs loom over exports

Economists suggest limited easing opportunities as U.S. tariffs impact India's export landscape