Singapore economy beats expectations in Q1 with 6% annual growth, risks ahead
World 12:19 25/05/2026Singapore's economy grew a greater than expected 6.0% in the first quarter of 2026 from a year earlier, data showed on Monday, but officials said the Middle East conflict had weakened the outlook with downside risks ahead.
Bangladesh central bank unveils $4.9 billion in stimulus as growth slows
World 10:20 24/05/2026Bangladesh’s central bank on Saturday announced a 600 billion taka ($5 billion) stimulus package to revive shuttered factories and support businesses as economic growth slows.
Food makers changing food packaging amid naphtha supply woes
World 16:43 19/05/2026TOKYO -- Japanese food makers are changing the packaging of their products due to concerns over the supply of naphtha-derived ink amid tensions in the Middle East, although the government has maintained that sufficient amounts have been secured to cover nationwide demand.
Japan pledges to back Asian nations over crude oil, inflation
World 17:16 06/05/2026SAMARKAND, UZBEKISTAN -- Japan has pledged to fully support developing Asian nations struggling amid crude oil shortages and inflation blamed on the ongoing Middle East tensions, at a series of gatherings held in Uzbekistan on Sunday and later, including an annual meeting of the Asian Development Bank.
Australia commits $7 billion to boost fuel stockpiles, create government reserve
World 10:10 06/05/2026Australia will spend A$10 billion ($7.22 billion) to boost its national fuel stockpiles and establish a permanent government-owned fuel reserve, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said on Wednesday.
Singapore and NZ sign deal to keep supply chains open, say they are open to interest from other countries
World 17:19 04/05/2026The leaders of Singapore and New Zealand signed an agreement to keep their supply chains open during times of crisis on Monday, and said they hoped the agreement would be a model for other countries to create a network of trusted partners.
Iran conflict hits Asia's polyester suppliers to global fast fashion
World 14:26 26/04/2026SURAT, INDIA -- A surge in fossil fuel prices since the Iran conflict is squeezing polyester suppliers and garment makers across India and Bangladesh, threatening to raise costs for fast-fashion retailers like Zara and H&M.
Asian airlines report Europe demand surge as Gulf hub disruption shifts traffic
World 17:10 20/04/2026HONG KONG - Major Asian airlines have reported surging demand on European routes as travellers shun disrupted Middle Eastern hubs, in a shift analysts suggest could persist for some time even after the Iran conflict ends.
Foreign investors flee Thailand as Iran conflict, energy shock dash hope for economic revival
World 15:48 16/04/2026SINGAPORE - Foreign investors are selling Thai assets as an energy shock from the U.S.-Israeli attack on Iran threatens to snuff out hopes for an economic revival under Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and exposes the policy paralysis that is gripping Bangkok.
Geneva watch fair set to show conflict's effect on luxury sector
World 12:29 16/04/2026GENEVA -- The Geneva watch fair, the watchmaking industry's biggest annual showcase, opened Tuesday with the impact of the Middle East conflict throwing up challenges for the luxury goods sector.
IMF cuts growth outlook, warns world already drifting toward more adverse scenario
World 17:29 15/04/2026WASHINGTON - The International Monetary Fund cut its growth outlook on Tuesday due to Middle East conflict-driven energy price spikes but said the world was already drifting toward a more adverse scenario with much-weaker growth as Strait of Hormuz shipping disruptions continue.
AirAsia X committed to opening Bahrain hub despite Middle East conflict
World 17:13 06/04/2026KUALA LUMPUR -- Budget carrier AirAsia X (AIRX.KL) said on Monday that it remained set on opening a planned hub in Bahrain in June, though the airline's chief executive was non-committal on whether the plans would go ahead if the Middle East conflict drags on.
