Asia

Japan export growth slowed to 0.1% in November

Declines in machinery exports offset growth in transport equipment and manufactured goods.

APAC dominates global IPO activity with US$97.1b worth of deals in 2018

It accounted for five of the top ten exchanges globally by proceeds.

China's robust crude appetite may be a boon for exporters in 2019

Crude oil imports surged 15% YoY to a record 42.7 million tonnes in November.

Chinese railways set to grow 2.8% from 2019-2027

Public-private partnerships will help extend the 27,000 km network.

APAC's life and P&C insurance sector will remain stable in 2019: Moody's

Ageing populations will boost demand for long-term investment and health coverage.

Restoration and upgrade works may boost Japan's construction expenditure to US$61.93b

Its government will spend an additional US$26.5b to upgrade infrastructure affected by natural disasters.

Australia's GDP growth may fall to 2.5% in 2019

The weakening housing market and China's economic slowdown are to blame.

Thailand weathers currency downturn on bloated current account surplus

At 7.6% of GDP, its account surplus is amongst the strongest in the ASEAN-6.

Thailand's economy growth falls below consensus as trade war looms: Fitch Solutions

Budget cuts and social instability may also further hamper its 2019 growth.

SEA GDP growth may slow to 5% in 2019: ICAEW

Singapore and Malaysia may see the biggest GDP hit, whilst Indonesia and Philippines will be relatively unscathed.

US-China trade war will divert trade and investment to ASEAN: analyst

Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia and Malaysia may benefit the most.

Possible Fed pause in late 2019 bullish for ASEAN: report

The Indian rupee, Indonesian rupiah and Thai baht could outperform the rest.

India's fintech investment fall 30.1% YTD at US$1.59b

Telco One97 Communications bagged the largest deal at US$365m.

Asian banks rev up fintech partnerships to keep China's tech titans at bay

Incumbents are launching VC arms and innovation labs to avoid being outpaced.

SEA hits $12b in IPOs before last stretch of 2018

Vietnam’s IPO capital market was the top performer with $6.2b.