Vietnam’s Trade Surplus With US Jumps as Exports Surge and China Imports Hit Record 
Thailand Inflation Remains Negative for 10th Straight Month in January 
India–U.S. Interim Trade Pact Cuts Auto Tariffs but Leaves Tesla Out 
Bank of Japan Signals Readiness for Near-Term Rate Hike as Inflation Nears Target 
Trump’s Inflation Claims Clash With Voters’ Cost-of-Living Reality 
Singapore Budget 2026 Set for Fiscal Prudence as Growth Remains Resilient 
South Korea’s Weak Won Struggles as Retail Investors Pour Money Into U.S. Stocks 
Dollar Steadies Ahead of ECB and BoE Decisions as Markets Turn Risk-Off 
Oil Prices Slide on US-Iran Talks, Dollar Strength and Profit-Taking Pressure 
U.S.-India Trade Framework Signals Major Shift in Tariffs, Energy, and Supply Chains 
Japanese Pharmaceutical Stocks Slide as TrumpRx.gov Launch Sparks Market Concerns 
South Korea Assures U.S. on Trade Deal Commitments Amid Tariff Concerns 
Asian Stocks Slip as Tech Rout Deepens, Japan Steadies Ahead of Election 
Dow Hits 50,000 as U.S. Stocks Stage Strong Rebound Amid AI Volatility 
Fed Governor Lisa Cook Warns Inflation Risks Remain as Rates Stay Steady 
Trump Lifts 25% Tariff on Indian Goods in Strategic U.S.–India Trade and Energy Deal 
RBI Holds Repo Rate at 5.25% as India’s Growth Outlook Strengthens After U.S. Trade Deal 
Japan’s corporate investment in factories and equipment grew 2.9% in the July–September quarter compared with the same period a year earlier, according to new data from the Ministry of Finance. Although this marks a slowdown from the strong 7.6% increase seen in the previous quarter, capital expenditure remains a crucial driver of domestic demand and a key indicator of Japan’s economic resilience.
Economist Kazutaka Maeda of the Meiji Yasuda Research Institute noted that the weaker pace of growth is “slightly concerning,” especially when evaluating the outlook for the coming months. However, he maintains that business investment should stay relatively firm. Companies continue to show strong interest in software, automation, and digital tools—areas critical for addressing Japan’s chronic labor shortages, particularly as its population ages.
Seasonally adjusted data shows capital spending declined 1.4% from the previous quarter, introducing potential downward pressure on Japan’s revised third-quarter GDP, scheduled for release on December 8. Preliminary figures already indicated the economy shrank at an annualized rate of 1.8% during the quarter due to weakened exports and the impact of U.S. tariffs, marking Japan’s first contraction in six quarters.
Despite broader economic headwinds, Monday’s report highlighted pockets of strength. Corporate sales edged up 0.5% year-on-year, while recurring profits surged 19.7%, suggesting many Japanese companies remain resilient even as global trade tensions linger. The electrical machinery and equipment sector posted particularly strong profit growth, while the auto industry continued to face challenges.
Capital expenditure has remained solid in recent years, supported by heavy investment in information technology and automation as businesses work to overcome persistent labor shortages. Analysts expect this trend to continue, helping stabilize the economy as high inflation squeezes household spending and exports remain under pressure from U.S. trade policies.
The government is also prioritizing investment as part of its economic strategy. It recently approved a 21.3 trillion-yen ($136 billion) stimulus package—its largest since the COVID-19 pandemic—aimed at bolstering key sectors tied to economic security and long-term growth.
