| 1. | US Tariffs Spark Volatility Across APAC Markets: The surprise announcement of new U.S. tariffs by the Trump administration has sent ripples through stock markets across the Asia-Pacific region. Trade-sensitive sectors in countries like China, Japan, and India have seen significant volatility as investors brace for the potential economic fallout. | https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/hub/us-china-trade-war/us-tariffs-send-shockwaves-through-apac-markets |
| 2. | China’s Manufacturing Sector Shrinks Amid Export Woes: A new S&P PMI report indicates that China’s manufacturing activity has contracted, largely due to a slowdown in exports. The data highlights the challenges facing the country’s economy as it grapples with global trade uncertainties and shifting demand. | https://www.klsescreener.com/v2/news/view/1565607/china-s-manufacturing-activity-shrinks-as-exports-drag-s-p-pmi-shows |
| 3. | Hong Kong Eases Listing Rules to Boost IPO Market: In a move to attract more companies and stimulate its financial sector, Hong Kong has announced it is easing some of its listing rules. The decision is aimed at boosting the city’s red-hot IPO market and strengthening its position as a global financial hub. | https://www.scmp.com/business/banking-finance/article/3272991/hong-kong-exchanges-eases-listing-rules-revitalise-ipo-market |
| 4. | Japan’s Nikkei Slips on Tech Sector Concerns: Japan’s Nikkei 225 stock index slid, dragged down by a poor performance in the chip-related sector. Concerns over technology investment were compounded by a major chip equipment maker slashing its profit forecast, a move that weighed on the overall market. | https://m.economictimes.com/markets/stocks/news/japans-nikkei-slips-on-tech-investment-concern-tokyo-electron-plunges/articleshow/123039192.cms |
| 5. | Indian Markets React to Trump’s Tariff Threats: Indian markets and economic analysts are responding with concern to President Trump’s new tariffs. A report from The Indian Express warns that the tariffs could significantly impact the country’s economic growth. | https://indianexpress.com/article/business/economy/trumps-surprise-25-tariff-could-pull-down-indias-gdp-growth-below-6-9524021/ |
| 6. | Lululemon Doubles Down on Physical Expansion in Southeast Asia: The popular apparel brand Lululemon has announced an aggressive plan to expand its physical store footprint in Singapore and across Southeast Asia. The strategy underscores the company’s belief in the importance of in-person retail to connect with customers. | https://www.retailinasia.com/lululemon-doubles-down-on-physical-expansion-in-singapore/ |
| 7. | JR East Gets Approval to Raise Fares, First Hike Since 1987: East Japan Railway Co. has received government approval to raise fares by an average of 7.1 percent, marking the first such increase since its privatization in 1987. The hike is intended to offset rising operational costs for the operator of Tokyo’s busy rail lines. | https://japantoday.com/category/business/jr-east-gets-ok-to-raise-fares-for-yamanote-other-lines-in-march |
| 8. | Cambodia’s Garment Sector Averts Collapse with New US Tariff Rate: Cambodia’s Deputy Prime Minister has stated that a newly implemented 19% U.S. tariff rate will help to prevent the collapse of the country’s crucial garments manufacturing sector. The tariff is a softer rate than initially feared and provides a much-needed reprieve for the industry. | https://www.phnompenhpost.com/business/cambodia-deputy-pm-says-19-us-tariff-rate-averts-collapse-garments-manufacturing |
| 9. | Cettire Shares Plunge as US Suspends De Minimis Exemptions: Australian luxury dropshipper Cettire has seen its share price plummet after the U.S. suspended “de minimis” exemptions for shipments under $800. The change in U.S. trade policy has a direct and negative impact on the company’s business model. | https://www.afr.com/markets/equity-markets/cettire-shares-plunge-as-us-suspends-de-minimis-exemptions-for-shipments-under-us-800 |
| 10. | Mahindra & Mahindra Acquires Majority Stake in SML Isuzu: Indian automotive giant Mahindra & Mahindra has completed the acquisition of a 59% majority stake in SML Isuzu for over Rs 555 crore. This strategic move strengthens M&M’s position in the commercial vehicle segment. | https://www.business-standard.com/companies/news/mahindra-mahindra-completes-acquisition-of-59-stake-in-sml-isuzu-125080201037_1.html |
