The Bank of Korea has joined the U.S. Federal Reserve in reversing the unconventional easy-credit policy once led by the Fed and other central banks.
Looking ahead 2018

QE unwinding is more dangerous than it appears

Asia's emerging markets remain dependent on central bank liquidity

26 December 2017
Japanese strawberries are known for their sweet taste.
Economy

Japan eyes Australia as new market for its strawberries

Imports of Japanese beef, banned in 2001, are also set to resume

26 December 2017
Bitcoin has almost topped $20,000. The cryptocurrency's meteoric rise this year has Asian central bankers worried.
Economy

Asian central bankers on high alert over bitcoin frenzy

BOJ's Kuroda warns of the crypto's 'undoubtedly abnormal' rise

21 December 2017
The People's Bank of China was the first central bank in Asia to respond to the latest U.S. rate hike.
Economy

When it comes to rate hikes, Asia still follows the US lead

China, Hong Kong first to follow suit, and Philippines, Malaysia may be next

21 December 2017
© Nikkei photo illustration/Source photo of Kim Jong Un by Reuters
Economy

North Korean cyberheists fan fears amid bitcoin frenzy

US points to Pyongyang as culprit behind WannaCry attacks

20 December 2017
Bitcoin plunged to $15,600 in Tokyo on Wednesday morning. Some observers attributed the fall to funds flowing to Bitcoin Cash.
Business

Bitcoin flash crashes as investors move to '2nd Bitcoin'

Looming bankruptcy of hacked South Korean exchange also seen affecting cryptocurrency

20 December 2017
A man walks past an electric board showing exchange rates of various cryptocurrencies including Bitcoin at a cryptocurrencies exchange in Seoul.
Economy

South Korea says 'No' to minors trading cryptocurrencies

Seoul brings in new rules aimed at curbing rampant speculation and crime

14 December 2017
U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres shakes hands with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe at the prime minister's official residence in Tokyo on Dec. 14. (Photo by Uichiro Kasai)
Economy

Guterres, Abe reaffirm vow to maximize pressure on North Korea

Denuclearization, abduction issues top the agenda for U.N. chief, Japan PM

14 December 2017
The headquarters of the People's Bank of China in Beijing (Photo by Akira Kodaka)
Economy

US rate hike triggers Asian increases

China, Hong Kong follow suit; Philippines, Malaysia may be next

14 December 2017
A security guard walks past a directory board of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) in Hong Kong.
Economy

Hong Kong follows US lead in monetary tightening

Move is expected to cool region's overheated property market

14 December 2017
The value of the virtual currency Bitcoin grew more than 16-fold in 2017.
Economy

South Korea joins in Asia-wide bitcoin crackdown

Cryptocurrencies receive the cold shoulder as security fears come to the fore

14 December 2017
Economists are concerned that the corporate tax hike will undermine investments and employees' wages.
Economy

South Korea bucks the global trend with corporate tax hikes

Critics flag concerns over an impact on wages and investment

14 December 2017
A woman looks at recruiting information during a job fair in Seoul.
Economy

A 'lost generation' in South Korea bears the brunt of rising inequality

Youth unemployment runs double the national average, with few solutions in sight

14 December 2017
A worker looks on at a BYD assembly line in Shenzhen, China. (Reuters)
Economy

ADB keeps 5.8% Asia growth outlook for 2018, hikes 2017 view

Growth in China to slow to 6.4% next year on weaker investment spending

14 December 2017
Secretary of State Rex Tillerson declares that the U.S. is "ready" to sit down with North Korea "without preconditions" in Washington on Dec. 12.
Economy

Tillerson's North Korea shift stirs little hope

Asia prematurely rejoices, neglecting a dysfunctional White House

13 December 2017
Bottles of beer move along a production line at a factory of Saigon Beer Corporation (Sabeco) in Hanoi
Business

ThaiBev unit sole bidder for over 25% of Vietnam brewer Sabeco

Vietnam seen as tempting market due to young population, beer-drinking culture

12 December 2017
A woman looks at recruiting information during a job fair in Seoul.
Asia Insight

South Korean job market leaves young 'remainders' in cold

Gulf between 'chaebol' and smaller employers sows frustration

12 December 2017
Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe speaks to the media at a European meeting in Brussels, May 2016.
Economy

Japan's free trade campaign could sputter without US or China

Bringing two biggest economies to multilateral framework seen as crucial

12 December 2017
Stream article image
Economy

South Korea joins Asian trend as it mulls ban on bitcoin

Chicago futures trading kicks off amid debate over regulating cryptocurrency

11 December 2017
A ship under construction at Hyundai Heavy Industries' shipyard in Ulsan, South Korea
Economy

Seoul gives creditors more power in corporate restructuring

Debt-ridden companies to receive less government support, easing burden on taxpayers

8 December 2017
Fresh tuna is ready for auction at Tomari fish market in Naha, Okinawa. (Photo by Kiyoshi Karasawa)
Economy

Pacific bluefin tuna to get flexible catch quotas

Commission to set catch limits for popular fish based on recovery of stocks

8 December 2017
A construction site in Ahmedabad, India: The country's GDP is likely to top $6 trillion by 2028.
Economy

India's economy to be world's No.3 by 2028: forecast

Philippines and Vietnam look like standout performers in coming years

7 December 2017
Stream article image
Economy

Russia Olympics ban brings new headache for South Korea

Absence of winter sports titan hurts games already weakened by North's threats

7 December 2017
The Bureau of Engraving and Printing in Washington: The U.S. money-creating spree has flooded the world with dollars.
The Big Story

Asia braces for the end of easy money

Higher foreign exchange reserves should help avoid a 'taper tantrum' but other risks remain

6 December 2017