GCC DCM to cross $1 trillion
Sukuks are expected to grow further through the remainder of 2024 – albeit slowed from 1Q24 – and the GCC debt capital market (DCM) is well on its way to cross $1 trillion outstanding, says a Fitch Ratings report. The...
Top 100 fastest-growing fDi destinations 2024
fDi’s inaugural list of the world’s hottest cities and regions for foreign investment. Global capital pledges were strong last year despite higher interest rates, inflation and a challenging geopolitical backdrop. More than $1.33tn-worth of greenfield foreign direct investment (FDI) was...
Green investments in Asean rise 20% to US$6.3 billion in 2023
Private sector investments for the purposes of the green economy transition in South-east Asia increased 20 per cent to US$6.3 billion in 2023, compared to US$5.2 billion the previous year. This comes after green investments into the region fell for...
China’s Q1 GDP grows faster than expected
China’s economy grew faster-than-expected in the first quarter, data showed, offering some relief to officials as they try to shore up growth in the face of protracted weakness in the property sector and mounting local government debt. The government has...
APAC payments gateway market to rise 30% as cashless economy expands
The market is expected to grow by over 11% between 2023-2027. The global payments gateways market is expected to expand by 11.72% over the next five years, with APAC playing a pivotal role in propelling this growth. APAC’s regional market is...
US Banks’ profit picture less clear with cloudy rates trajectory
The uncertain trajectory of interest rates is making it hard for U.S. banks to forecast profits and leading some to adopt a cautious stance for the remainder of the year. Banks have reaped high profits in recent quarters as the...
China’s central bank keeps discount rate unchanged and withdraws cash from banking system
China’s central bank on Monday left a key policy interest rate unchanged as widely expected when rolling over maturing medium-term loans, and drained some cash from the banking system through the bond instrument. Keeping the medium-term lending facility (MLF) rate...
No record-high earnings for Singapore banks in 2024, but loans to recover
The US Federal Reserve is expected to start cutting rates in mid-2024. Don’t expect Singapore banks to hit new record earnings this year– thinner interest margins are in the books, although loan growth should be higher, says S&P Global Ratings. The...
DBS, OCBC, and UOB post combined net interest income of $8.3b in 4Q23
4Q23 marks the 5th consecutive quarter that the combined NII of the big three was above $8b. DBS Group Holdings (DBS), Oversea-Chinese Banking Corporation (OCBC) and United Overseas Bank (UOB) have reported a combined net interest income (NII) of $8.3b...
Climate investors target Japan’s top banks
A coalition of climate groups filed shareholder proposals with Japan's top three banks, including Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, calling for stricter board oversight of climate-related risk. The proposals from Australia's Market Forces, Japan's Kiko Network and a representative of Rainforest...
