An open-pit mine for rare-earth elements in California. The U.S. has expanded production of the metals to reduce dependence on China.
Commodities

No longer rare: China's overproduction sends rare-earth prices tanking

Beijing's new restrictions on industry fail to reverse trend

19 July 2024
Former President Donald Trump said in a recent interview that a weak yen is a problem for the U.S.
Currencies

Uncertainty over Trump, dollar plays havoc with yen carry trade

Republican presidential contender has slammed Japan's weak currency

19 July 2024
Though nickel is also used in EV batteries, its primary use is in stainless steel.
Commodities

Nickel prices hit 5-month low on sluggish China consumption

Country's ongoing property slump saps demand for new building materials

18 July 2024
Workers oversee nickel refining at a smelter in South Sulawesi province, Indonesia.
Commodities

Indonesia to launch nickel, tin online tracking next week

SIMBARA system already used to track coal, bauxite and copper next in line

18 July 2024
Stream article image
#techAsia

Rare earths in the red and an overhaul for AI infrastructure

The inside story on the Asia tech trends that matter, from Nikkei Asia and the Financial Times

18 July 2024
The yen's appreciation follows recent likely BOJ interventions to save the currency, which had been dipping past 160. (Photo by Nanami Sato)
Currencies

Yen climbs to 155 per dollar, a five-week high, following U.S. pressure

Comments by Trump on Taiwan, Fed on rates drive up yen; exporters, chip stocks fall

18 July 2024
Tighter U.S. restrictions on exporting chip technology to China could be a big blow to companies like Tokyo Electron and ASML.
Semiconductors

Chip stocks tumble on fears of China tech curbs, Trump's Taiwan remarks

TSMC, Tokyo Electron, Nvidia decline in global tech sell-off

18 July 2024
Georges Elhedery, HSBC's new chief executive, is pictured in Dubai in 2017.
Finance

HSBC names Georges Elhedery new chief executive

Current CFO to replace veteran Noel Quinn, who announced retirement in April

17 July 2024
Energy Absolute, a leader in Thailand's renewable energy market, also makes electric vehicles for public transportation, lithium-ion batteries, and builds charging stations. (Photo by Adryel Talamantes)
Equities

Thai green energy producer shares halve after fraud allegation

Regulators say Energy Absolute CEO, CFO committed $94.5m fraud

17 July 2024
BHP has struggled with plunging nickel prices recently. 
Commodities

BHP reports record output at Australian iron ore mines

Push into copper pays off as volumes grow by 9%

17 July 2024
Containers are offloaded from the freighter Alula Express at South Korea's Busan Newport International Terminal, one of the largest container ports in the world.
Economy

Developing Asia's growth revised up by ADB as tech exports grow

Regional lender keeps forecasts for ASEAN economies, China, India unchanged

17 July 2024
Chinese investors now can put money into exchange-traded funds that track top Saudi Arabian companies such as oil giant Saudi Aramco. 
Markets

Saudi ETFs surge in China debut as financial ties deepen

Funds touch upper limit on first day of trading in Shanghai, Shenzhen

16 July 2024
Investors are paying close attention to the Bank of Japan's next move with a monetary policy meeting scheduled for July 30 and 31. (Photo by Mizuho Miyazaki)
Currencies

BOJ data suggests additional $13bn yen intervention on Friday

Possible back-to-back moves late last week intended to stop yen slide

16 July 2024
The restaurant at Mori Trust's 'Shisui, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Nara', located in the city of Nara, the 8th century capital of Japan. (Photo by Tetsuo Takada) 
Travel & Leisure

Japan's Mori Trust bets on wealthy tourists in bullish forecast

Real estate developer predicts a surge in foreign arrivals and spending this year

16 July 2024
A rare-earth mine in China's Inner Mongolia region.
Materials

China's state rare-earth players bleed red ink as prices fall

Loss warnings for first half come amid Beijing-led consolidation, controls

16 July 2024
A policeman stands guard near a closed road leading to the Jingxi Hotel in Beijing, where the Communist Party's Central Committee is understood to be holding its third plenum, on July 15.
Economy

Banks trim China's GDP forecasts as its leaders huddle at plenum

Weak Q2 growth and sluggish consumption put policymakers in hot seat

16 July 2024
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries will play a crucial role in Japan's effort to bolster its military capabilities. (Japan Ground Self-Defense Force)
Aerospace & Defense Industries

Mitsubishi Heavy is one of Japan's hottest stocks. It wasn't always

Industrial group benefits from defense buildup, greater efficiency

16 July 2024
As Japanese companies shift away from cross-shareholding, more shares are finding their way into the hands of retail investors and activists. (Photo by Kai Fuji)
Finance

Japanese retail investors rally around activism

Activists still see challenges in winning over institutional investors

16 July 2024
Staff from housekeeping services provider Bears. While a severe labor shortage in Japan means many companies are keen to hire from overseas, comparatively low wages and the historically weak yen are blunting the country's appeal. (Photos by Yuji Murakami and Ryosuke Matsui)
Asia Insight

Japan's new enemy in fight to lure immigrant workers: The tumbling yen

Visa rules eased, but currency weakness tarnishes Japan's appeal for overseas hires

16 July 2024
The Marunouchi and Otemachi business districts in central Tokyo. (Photo by Konosuke Urata)
Opinion

Japan's M&A market thrives despite global deal downturn

International investors attracted by stable investment environment

16 July 2024
Apollo Global Management CEO Marc Rowan is focused on developing the company's business in Japan. (Photo by Kosuke Imamura)
Interview

Apollo CEO says investors will capture more of the lending market

Demand booms for low-liquidity, higher-return credit assets, Marc Rowan says

16 July 2024
Brightland Homes is one of Sumitomo Forestry's U.S. builders. (Sumitomo Forestry)
Construction

Florida and Texas property markets draw Japanese homebuilders

Daiwa House, Sekisui House and Sumitomo Forestry sell more homes in U.S. than in Japan

16 July 2024
The Chinese government announced plans in May to buy unsold homes to bolster the property market. (Photo by Mizuho Miyazaki)
Property

China's new home prices extend slide despite steps to prop up market

91% of top cities logged declines in June with average price falling for 13th month

16 July 2024
Indonesian and U.S. flags flying alongside in Jakarta. Indonesia is rich in nickel, copper and bauxite, and keen to promote itself as a production hub for batteries and electric vehicles.
International relations

U.S. approaches Indonesia to join Mineral Security Partnership

EU and 14 countries already collaborating on critical mineral supply chains

15 July 2024
Beijing-based Ping An Insurance Group intends to strengthen its capital position and fund growth in health care and the aged care sector. 
Finance

Ping An Insurance to raise $3.5bn in bond deal, document shows

Convertible bonds increasingly popular with Chinese companies for funding

15 July 2024