Asia Economics Update Korea: what higher energy prices mean for inflation Inflation in Korea was muted again last month, but it would rise sharply in the event of a prolonged conflict in the Middle East that led to a sustained increase in global energy prices. Against such... 6th March 2026 · 3 mins read
Australia & New Zealand Economics Weekly Energy price spike more bane than boon for Australia Despite being a net energy exporter, Australia is unlikely to gain much from the ongoing surge in energy prices. This is largely because oil and gas firms are not reinvesting their profits to boost... 6th March 2026 · 4 mins read
Japan Economics Weekly Middle East conflict lowers odds of near-term rate hike Japan looks better placed than most Asian economies to weather the disruption to energy supply caused by the conflict in the Middle East. However, a slowdown in economic activity in other countries in... 6th March 2026 · 5 mins read
China Economics Focus China's economic roadmap for 2026 China’s government has set some low-key targets for 2026 at the National People’s Congress. The official growth target has been reduced, fiscal policy will be looser, but only a touch, and monetary... 5th March 2026 · 31 mins read
Global Markets Update EM assets have further to fall if Iran conflict intensifies While EM financial markets have started to stabilise following the recent selloff, they are vulnerable to a further deterioration in risk sentiment. Markets in EMEA appear most exposed due to... 5th March 2026 · 4 mins read
Japan Rapid Response RENGO 2026 Shunto Pay Request The wage requests unveiled by the Japanese Trade Union Confederation (RENGO) today suggest that this year’s spring wage negotiations will result in a pay hike of similar magnitude as last year. 5th March 2026 · 2 mins read
Capital Daily Why Asia’s markets have been the most affected by the war East Asian equities – and Korea’s in particular – have been more sensitive to news about the war than most, but we remain cautiously optimistic about them over the medium term. 5th March 2026 · 3 mins read
Australia & New Zealand Rapid Response Australia Monthly Household Spending Indicator (Jan. 26) The tepid rise in consumer spending lessens the urgency for the RBA to hike rates at its upcoming meeting in mid-March. Even so, the Bank has more work to do in order to close the positive output gap... 5th March 2026 · 2 mins read
Commodities Update The underlying factors shaping the oil price shock While the closure of the Strait of Hormuz dominates the near-term outlook for energy prices, shifting behaviour in the wider oil market – not least a greater willingness from India and China to import... 4th March 2026 · 6 mins read
Emerging Markets Economics Update Could higher energy prices trigger an EM crisis? The energy price shock caused by the conflict in the Middle East will worsen current account positions in net energy-importing EMs. But unlike recent energy shocks, the external balance sheets of most... 4th March 2026 · 3 mins read
China Economics Update China’s rebalancing conundrum A major policy push to boost domestic demand would both reflate China’s economy and reduce its large current account surplus, which is a source of tension with other countries. But this looks unlikely... 4th March 2026 · 9 mins read
China Economics Update How to interpret China’s budget China’s government will lay out its fiscal plan for 2026 at the National People’s Congress on Thursday. While the headline deficit target and special bond quota figures will get the most attention... 4th March 2026 · 8 mins read
China Rapid Response China PMIs (Feb. 2026) The PMIs point to an improvement in economic momentum last month, driven by manufacturing and services. The recent decline in US tariffs should provide a modest tailwind to exports and manufacturing... 4th March 2026 · 2 mins read
Australia & New Zealand Economics Update Australia's public sector adding to inflationary pressures Australia’s public sector can’t be blamed for the renewed acceleration in inflation across the second half of last year. But the inexorable surge in public spending in recent years is a key reason why... 4th March 2026 · 3 mins read
