Briefings.
Short analysis, fast: one question, one evidenced answer, in under ten minutes’ reading.
How do US$100 oil and 5% US yields divide ASEAN currencies?
Analysts observe a significant split in regional currency performance, with some benefiting from trade surpluses and capital inflows while others face import cost pressures.
How will RBI's September 16 reverse repo affect India's liquidity?
The Reserve Bank of India will conduct an overnight variable rate reverse repo operation on September 16, 2026, aiming to absorb surplus funds from the banking system.
SoftBank Group shares drop 11% after OpenAI delays IPO
The Tokyo-listed investment firm saw its stock decline significantly earlier this week, following an announcement from OpenAI that it would delay its initial public offering and advocate for slower AI development.
Vietnam's Canadian seafood imports soar: Premium products, pricing
Vietnam's imports of Canadian seafood grew to $61 million in 2025, a nearly 40% rise over two years, fuelled by competitive pricing for premium products such as lobster and snow crab, alongside favourable trade agreements.
WTO: AI demand drives global trade growth through 2026
The World Trade Organisation's Goods Trade Barometer registered 102.0 in September 2026, indicating trade volumes are above trend, driven by demand for AI-related components.
Kiyosaki's US$1.2bn Debt: China Property Investors Reassess Leverage
The revelation of author Robert Kiyosaki's US$1.2 billion investment debt has intensified debate among Chinese property investors, prompting critical re-evaluation of leverage strategies amidst a protracted market downturn.
Singapore, Hong Kong banks lead H2 2026 capital market gains
Singaporean and Hong Kong banks are primary beneficiaries as Asia’s capital markets deepen in the second half of 2026, driven by wealth accumulation and financialisation. Select Malaysian and Thai banks also stand to gain, according to analysis from Morgan Stanley.
Eu Family S$40m GCB Sale Signals Strong Singapore Luxury Market
The S$40 million sale of a Good Class Bungalow by the Eu Yan Sang founding family in central Singapore demonstrates sustained high-value capital movement within this exclusive property segment, despite a noted moderation in overall transaction volumes during the first half of 2026.
EM Bonds Offer Diversification Amid Developed World Volatility
Emerging market sovereign bonds are demonstrating resilience and offering income diversification as developed market government debt experiences volatility. Contained inflation, proactive monetary policy, and strengthening fiscal positions in several developing economies underpin this divergence.
Singapore new home sales slow as buyers turn selective
Singapore's private residential market is exhibiting a shift towards increased buyer selectivity and price sensitivity, despite underlying demand, as new launches prepare to enter a more discerning market.
What drove Japan's banks' mixed fiscal 2025 earnings?
Japan's major financial groups and regional banks reported increased net income for fiscal 2025, driven by core profitability and realised stock gains. This occurred despite losses from bond sales, while shinkin banks experienced a decline. Capital adequacy ratios across all bank types remained above regulatory thresholds, as detailed by the Bank of Japan in its September 2026 analysis.
Hong Kong commercial property: Will creditor-led sales persist?
Despite signs of financial distress lessening in Hong Kong's commercial property market, highly leveraged owners continue to face refinancing difficulties, ensuring creditor-led sales remain a significant market feature.
Why did the Vietnamese dong weaken against the US dollar on 21 August?
The Vietnamese dong depreciated against the US dollar across official and parallel markets on 21 August 2026, even as the greenback experienced a three-month low against the euro globally.
State Capital Drives 23% A-Share Premium for China's Dual-Listed Firms
The valuation gap between mainland-traded A-shares and Hong Kong-listed H-shares for dual-listed Chinese companies has widened to a near one-year high, primarily due to targeted state capital deployment and a resurgence of investor interest in artificial intelligence within mainland markets.
HK's Affluent Prioritise Travel; Property Last Among Life Goals, Standard Chartered Reveals
Affluent Hong Kong residents increasingly view travel as an intangible investment, with a Standard Chartered report from August 2026 showing property ownership ranks last among life goals.