December brought disappointing news for China’s manufacturing sector as the official purchasing managers’ index (PMI) fell short of analysts’ expectations. With a reading of 50.1, the data released by the National Bureau of Statistics indicated that production levels had stagnated despite government efforts to revitalize a faltering economy. A figure above 50 typically indicates growth,
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The Asia-Pacific markets concluded a volatile trading session on the penultimate day of the year, largely influenced by developments in Wall Street, where stocks faced a notable decline the previous Friday. Amidst a landscape characterized by political instability and adverse economic indicators, the performance of various markets varied significantly, reflecting localized challenges and investor sentiment.
In a significant escalation of ongoing tensions, Gazprom, the Russian state-owned energy conglomerate, announced plans to cut gas supplies to Moldova starting January 1. This decision is cloaked in claims of unpaid debts, asserting that Moldova owes approximately $709 million for past gas deliveries. However, the Moldovan government disputes this figure, arguing that an international
The ongoing saga surrounding TikTok, the widely popular social media platform owned by China’s ByteDance, has recently captured national attention as President-elect Donald Trump has made a significant appeal to the Supreme Court. On January 19, a law prohibiting TikTok from operating in the U.S. if not sold to an American entity is set to
In a continuing trend of economic concern, China’s industrial profits have seen a successive decline for four months, experiencing a 7.3% drop in November compared to the same period last year. This decline marks an ongoing challenge for Beijing’s economic policy measures, notably the stimulus initiatives designed to reinvigorate corporate earnings. While the recent dip
On Thursday, stock markets across the Asia-Pacific region exhibited predominantly positive movements, with only a few key exchanges left in the green amid Boxing Day closures. Japan stood out as a notable player, reflecting a broader trend fueled by robust fiscal policies. However, the market activities were tempered by a blend of economic reports and
The year 2024 in the Indo-Pacific region was marked by a striking juxtaposition of tribulations and celebrations. Despite economic uncertainties and persistent geopolitical tensions still being felt throughout the area, glimmers of hope and signs of resilience emerged. Our focus here will be to dissect the events that shaped the region’s narrative, exploring who faced
The recent crash of an Embraer passenger jet en route from Azerbaijan to Russia has unsurfaced multiple layers of complexity surrounding air travel safety, airline operations, and geopolitical tensions. With 62 passengers and a crew of five onboard, this incident not only prompts immediate concerns for those affected but also raises critical questions about procedural
On a grim Wednesday morning, Ukraine’s eastern region faced a wave of missile assaults orchestrated by Russian forces, explicitly targeting both urban areas and crucial energy systems. Reports from local officials highlight a series of attacks that left at least six civilians injured in the northeastern city of Kharkiv. The regional governor, Oleh Syniehubov, confirmed
The tech industry has seen an unprecedented surge over the past two years, becoming a cornerstone of financial markets and largely driving the gains witnessed in 2024. As we approach 2025, however, some of these favorite stocks could experience a decline, marking a potential shift in investor sentiment and market dynamics. While the Nasdaq-100 index