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Asia

Market Chatter: Japan Official Warns of Higher Bid Prices for Bus and Sewage Fuel after Tender Failures Amid Crude Oil Surge

Bid prices for municipal fuel may have to be raised for July to September if the current supply disruption to municipal services, particularly public transit and sewage, persists, Nikkei Asia reported, citing a government official.The official noted that fuel for the January-March period was already secured by the municipal bus sector at 199 yen per litre, nearly double the previous quarter's price, amid a global crude oil surge, the news agency said.A tender in Japan's Tochigi Prefecture for heavy oil used in sewage treatment failed on March 24 after wholesalers withdrew amid supply disruptions and sharp price hikes, the publication said.While the government helped coordinate with distributors to secure heavy oil for April, talks for May and beyond are still ongoing, it added.Similar bidding failures occurred in Nagoya for diesel fuel for buses, and in Yokohama for kerosene and heavy oil used in rainwater drainage pumps, though April-to-June supplies in Yokohama were later arranged through negotiated contracts, the news daily said.(Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)

Nikkei 225
International

Middle East Outlook Elevates Asian Stock Markets

Asian stock markets tracked higher Wednesday amid reports that Iran and the US may again meet to negotiate a possible settlement to Middle East hostilities.Hong Kong and Tokyo finished in the green, as did most other regional exchanges. Exchanges in Bangkok remained closed on holiday.In Japan, the Nikkei 225 opened higher and held ground, finishing up 0.4% as the risk-on mood among traders was sustained on the Persian Gulf outlook.The benchmark Nikkei 225 rose 256.85 to 58,134.24, as gaining issues outnumbered losers 130 to 91.Leading the upside was consultancy BayCurrent, up 14% after reporting earnings, while memory-device maker Kioxia declined 7.4%.In Hong Kong, the Hang Seng Index opened higher and closed in the green, up 0.3% on hopes that oil prices may ebb in coming months, if conflicts in the Persian Gulf are resolved.The broad gauge Hang Seng rose 75 to 25,947.32, as gaining issues outnumbered losers 48 to 40. The Hang Seng TECH Index gained 1.2% on the day, while the Mainland Properties Index was steady.Leading the upside was Laopu Gold, rising 6.8%, while New Oriental Education and Technology declined 5.9%.On the mainland, the Shanghai Composite was almost flat, closing at 4,027.21.On the other regional exchanges, the S. Korean KOSPI rose 2.1%; the Taiwan TWSE inclined 1.2%; the Australian ASX 200 declined 0.1%, and the Singapore Straits Times Index rose 0.3%. In late trading in Mumbai, the Sensex was up 1.6%The MSCI All Country Asia Pacific Index rose 0.9% on the day.

Hang SengNikkei 225Shanghai Composite
Asia

IMF Lowers 2026 Growth Outlook for Most Asian Economies Amid Middle East War

The International Monetary Fund has lowered its growth estimates for most Asian economies for 2026, according to a recent release.The organization revised down its growth outlook for emerging Asian economies to 4.9% from a previous prospect of 5% in January, which was before the start of the conflict in the Middle East.Growth for the group will continue to decline to 4.8% in 2027, the IMF said.The organization projects China's economy growing 4.4% this year and 4% next year, while India will post growth of 6.5% for the next two years.Cumulative growth among Southeast Asia's five biggest economies, including Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand, will fall to 3.7% in 2026 from 4.9%, although this will recover to 4.7% next year, the organization said.Individually, Vietnam will post the strongest growth of 7.1%, although this is still lower than the 8% growth last year.The rest of the economies in the group will also see lower growth, with Indonesia at 5%, Malaysia at 4.7%, the Philippines at 4.1%, and Thailand at 1.5%.Among advanced economies in Asia-Pacific, Korea's growth will rise to 1.9% from 1% last year, while that of Australia will remain flat at 2%.Japan's growth will slow down to 0.7% in 2026 and 0.6% in 2027 from 1.2% last year, according to the IMF.Taiwan will see lower expansion of 5.2% from 8.7% in 2025, while Singapore's growth will come to 3.5%, down from 5% last year.Hong Kong will also observe lower growth of 2.4%, compared to 3.5% in 2025.The IMF forecasts global economic growth to weaken to 3.1% this year from 3.4% last year, accounting for the impacts of the continued conflict in the Middle East.

ASX 200^BSE^DSE^HNX^HOSEHang Seng^JKSEFTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI^KOSDAQKOSPINikkei 225Nifty 50^PSEI^SETShanghai Composite^STI^SZSETaiwan Weighted^YSX
Asia

Market Chatter: China Increasingly Looks to Southeast Asia for Chip Tool Imports Amid Tighter US Controls

The share of Malaysia and Singapore in China's chipmaking equipment imports surged in 2025, exceeding those from the US, Nikkei Asia reported Wednesday.Imports from the Southeast Asian nations hit an all-time high, with those from Singapore rising more than 17% year over year to $5.7 billion and those from Malaysia more than doubling to $3.4 billion, according to the report.The increase is driven by the expansion of US chip equipment makers' manufacturing capacity in Southeast Asia to cater to non-US clients, the report cited Needham & Co. semiconductor analyst Charles Shi as saying.US imports dropped more than 34% to about $2 billion, setting an eight-year low, the report cited Chinese customs data as saying.Increased tariffs and export controls targeting China's chipmaking industry under President Donald Trump have contributed to the slowdown, according to the report.However, China continues to be a key revenue source for major US chip equipment producers last year, the report said.The Netherlands and Japan are still China's main foreign sources of key semiconductor manufacturing machines by shipment origin, Nikkei Asia said.Meanwhile, China's domestic chipmaking equipment manufacturing industry is seeing material expansion amid government efforts promoting locally produced tools, the report said.(Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)

FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCINikkei 225Shanghai Composite^STI^SZSE
Asia

Credit Losses for Asia-Pacific Banks to Rise by $180 Billion Under Prolonged Middle East War, S&P Says

Credit losses for Asia-Pacific banks could surge by about $180 billion over the next two years under a downward scenario of a prolonged war in the Middle East, S&P Global Ratings said in a Wednesday release.Total biennial credit losses could hit $910 billion over 2026 and 2027 under this scenario, compared with $730 billion under S&P's base case.The rise in credit losses to total loans would hit Vietnam, Indonesia, and India the most under this scenario, S&P said.Under S&P's base case, banks will feel a weaker impact from the war since direct exposures to the Middle East are low and indirect ones are manageable.In a downward scenario, banks will likely be hit by secondary effects on the household, corporate, and government sectors, credit analyst Gavin Gunning said.The impact will be felt more by banks with sizable exposures to susceptible corporate sectors such as airlines, energy, chemicals, and transportation.However, S&P expects bank buffers to be resilient at current rating levels under a downside case.Of more than 400 S&P-rated financial institutions in the region, 92% have ratings with a stable outlook, while only 2.9% are negative.

ASX 200Hang SengNikkei 225Shanghai Composite^SZSE
Asia

Japan Shares Rise as US-Iran Talks Fuel Hopes of Easing Tensions

Japanese shares ended higher on Wednesday after reports that the United States and Iran were preparing a second round of talks, raising hopes for a potential easing of tensions in the Strait of Hormuz despite an ongoing standoff that has disrupted global energy supplies.The Nikkei 225 rose 0.44%, or 256.85 points, to close at 58,134.24.The parties aim to hold further talks before the April 7 ceasefire expires next week, with Pakistan among the potential venues after hosting initial negotiations over the weekend, Bloomberg reported.U.S. President Donald Trump said talks could resume "over the next two days" in Pakistan, the New York Post reported, following an inconclusive session in Islamabad on Saturday. He said in a Fox Business interview that the conflict is "close to over."In economic news, Japanese manufacturer sentiment fell at the sharpest pace in over three years in April as rising oil prices and Middle East-linked supply disruptions weighed on confidence, a Reuters Tankan poll showed.The IMF said the Bank of Japan is likely to raise rates gradually toward 1.5% as Japan's economic growth slows and inflation moderates over the coming years.Japan's total machinery orders fell in February, though core private-sector orders rebounded strongly, pointing to resilient business investment.On the corporate front, On the corporate front, Toyokumo (TYO:4058) rose 3% after reporting a 30% on-year increase in March sales to 474 million yen, with cumulative sales reaching 1.39 billion yen.Copro Holdings (TYO:7059) fell 1% despite reporting a sharp increase in technical workforce and improved utilization rates at end-March. Meanwhile, Katitas (TYO:8919) gained 1% after saying the impact of TOTO's suspension of unit bath orders would be limited, citing low reliance on new equipment procurement.

Nikkei 225TYO:4058TYO:7059TYO:8919
International

Japan Core Machinery Orders Rise in February

Japan's total machinery orders fell in February, while core private-sector orders posted a sharp increase, according to government data released Wednesday.Total machinery orders received by 280 manufacturers declined 5% from the previous month on a seasonally adjusted basis.However, core private-sector orders, which exclude volatile bookings for ships and those from electric power companies, rose 13.6% on a seasonally adjusted basis.

Nikkei 225
Asia

Japanese Stocks Rise on US-Iran Talks Optimism Despite Manufacturer Confidence Plunging to Three-Year Low

Japanese shares rose at the start of trading on Wednesday, mirroring overnight gains on Wall Street, as renewed optimism over further US-Iran dialogue helped ease crude prices and lift market mood.The Nikkei 225 gained 387.8 points or 0.7% to open at 58,265.18.With tensions in the Strait of Hormuz worsening the global energy crunch ahead of a ceasefire expiration next week, Washington and Tehran are preparing for another round of talks in the coming days.On Tuesday, the IMF forecast that the Bank of Japan would raise interest rates gradually but at a somewhat steeper pace than previously anticipated six months ago.The IMF's World Economic Outlook projects that Japan's growth will slow from 1.2% in 2025 to 0.7% in 2026 and further to 0.6% in 2027, a forecast largely unchanged from its October estimates.The Reuters Tankan poll for April showed Japanese manufacturers' confidence plunging by 11 points to plus 7, the largest monthly drop since January 2023.The reading also translated into the first decline in three months, driven by surging oil prices and supply chain disruptions from the Middle East conflict.

Nikkei 225
International

Japanese Manufacturer Confidence Plunges Most in Three Years on Oil Shocks from Iran War

Confidence among Japanese manufacturers fell at its steepest monthly rate in over three years in April, driven by rising oil prices and supply chain disruptions linked to the Middle East conflict, according to the latest Reuters Tankan poll.The survey, conducted from April 1 to 10 and serving as a precursor to the Bank of Japan's quarterly Tankan index, showed a drop of 11 points to plus 7, the first downturn in three months and the largest fall since January 2023, the report said.With Japan relying on the Middle East for roughly 95% of its oil, firms are highly vulnerable to any supply shocks; the closure of the Strait of Hormuz has choked energy shipments and undone recent optimism fueled by chip-led demand, according to the report.The materials sector was hardest hit: chemicals industry sentiment plunged from plus 21 in March to minus 8 in April, with managers citing rising raw material costs, unstable procurement, and limited supply of inputs constraining shipments, the report said.In contrast, transport machinery (including autos) saw a milder pullback, dropping from plus 36 to plus 20, while non-manufacturers' confidence actually improved to plus 31 from plus 25, supported by steady demand in construction, real estate, and information services, Reuters wrote.Looking ahead, manufacturers expect sentiment to worsen further to plus 2 by July, and non-manufacturers also see a cooling to plus 14; one machinery maker warned that a prolonged Iran conflict would likely cause clients to delay investment, according to the report.

Nikkei 225
International

IMF Expects Bank of Japan to Hike Rates Slightly Faster, Even as Growth Moderates and Deficit Widens

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) expects the Bank of Japan to raise interest rates gradually, at a slightly faster pace than projected six months ago, moving toward a neutral rate of about 1.5%.Japan's economic growth is projected to decline from 1.2% in 2025 to 0.7% in 2026 and further to 0.6% in 2027, according to its latest World Economic Outlook report released Tuesday.The 2026 growth forecast was revised upward from the October 2025 figure due to a new fiscal stimulus package, stronger domestic-demand-driven carryover from 2025, and government measures to limit higher energy prices.Inflation in Japan is expected to moderate in 2026 relative to 2025 and converge toward the country's target by the end of 2027 as food and commodity prices ease.Japan's fiscal deficit is projected to widen by 1 percentage point of GDP in 2026, with moderately expansionary fiscal policy expected to continue through 2030.

Nikkei 225
International

Persian Gulf Outlook Lifts Asian Stock Markets

Asian stock markets rallied on Tuesday after US President Donald Trump indicated that Tehran-Washington negotiations to end Persian Gulf hostilities might resume, and as relative calm prevailed in the Strait of Hormuz.Hong Kong, Shanghai and Tokyo finished in the green, as did other regional exchanges, led by 2.7% rise on Seoul's KOSPI index. Exchanges in Bangkok and Mumbai were closed on holiday.In Japan, the Nikkei 225 opened higher and rose to the close, finishing up 2.4% on Middle East outlooks and after US military ships navigated the Strait of Hormuz without incident.The benchmark Nikkei 225 rose 1,374.62 to 57,877.39, as gaining issues outnumbered losers 136 to 87.Leading the upside was tech-financiers SoftBank, up 12.7%, while property-concern Haseko declined 5.7%.In Hong Kong, the Hang Seng Index opened higher, wobbled, but closed up 0.8% on strength in property issues.The broad gauge Hang Seng rose 211.47 to 25,872.32, as gaining issues outnumbered losers 61 to 29. The Hang Seng TECH Index gained 0.6% on the day, while the Mainland Properties Index rallied 3.2%.Leading the upside was toymaker Pop Mart International, gaining 6.5%, while Xinyi Solar declined 3.4%.On the mainland, the Shanghai Composite rose 1% to 4,026.63.In economic news, China's export growth slowed to 2.5% on-year in March, down from 21.8% on-year logged in the first two months of the year, reported the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).In contrast, China's imports rose 27.8% on year in March, up from the 19.8% on-year gain recorded in the first two months of the year.On the other regional exchanges, the Taiwan TWSE inclined 2.4%, the Australian ASX 200 inclined 0.5% and the Singapore Straits Times Index rose 0.5%.The MSCI All Country Asia Pacific Index rose 1.9% on the day.

Hang SengNikkei 225Shanghai Composite
Asia

Japan Stocks Rise as Wall Street Gains Lift Sentiment Amid Iran Talks Hopes

Japanese equities closed higher Tuesday, tracking Wall Street gains as improved risk sentiment followed U.S. President Donald Trump's comments that Iran remained open to talks despite tensions over the Strait of Hormuz.The Nikkei 225 rose 2.43%, or 1,374.62 points, to close at 57,877.39.The US and Iran are exploring another round of talks to extend a ceasefire after negotiations over the weekend ended without an agreement.The move comes after Trump ordered a naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz to increase pressure on Tehran, despite the ongoing diplomatic efforts. The blockade threatens to disrupt global energy flows and escalate regional tensions, with key allies urging Washington to de-escalate.On the corporate front, Orix (TYO:8591) rose 3% after agreeing to sell its full stake in IX NTI Holdings to an Olympus Partners affiliate, with the deal subject to approvals and uncertain financial impact.Shiseido (TYO:4911) fell 3% after a report said foreign brands are relying on premium strategies to navigate weak consumer spending in China amid rising local competition.Fujitsu (TYO:6702) gained 4% as the company is reportedly pivoting toward AI services to tap global demand for alternatives to U.S. technology.

Nikkei 225TYO:4911TYO:6702TYO:8591
International

Middle East Escalation Could Cost Asia Up to $299 Billion, UNDP Warns

The ongoing military escalation in the Middle East could inflict economic losses of up to $299 billion across Asia and the Pacific, as higher fuel, freight and input costs ripple through regional economies, UNDP's latest assessment report release Tuesday showed.The report said the shock is weakening household purchasing power, increasing food insecurity, straining public budgets and undermining livelihoods, particularly in countries heavily reliant on imported energy and food, as well as those exposed to Gulf trade routes, labor markets and remittance flows.It estimated that under a 28-day disruption scenario, regional output losses could range between $97 billion and $299 billion, equivalent to 0.3% to 0.8% of GDP, with South Asia facing the most pronounced impact.Around 8.8 million people across 14 countries could fall into poverty, including more than 5 million in Iran, where the poverty rate may rise from 36% to 41.5%, according to the simulations.The report, prepared as of April 9, draws on inputs from 22 UNDP country offices covering 36 countries, alongside modelling and external data. It noted that outcomes will depend heavily on the duration and intensity of the conflict, with risks rising further if disruptions persist.

^BSE^DSE^HNX^HOSEHang Seng^JKSEFTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI^KOSDAQKOSPINikkei 225Nifty 50^PSEI^SETShanghai Composite^STI^SZSETaiwan Weighted^YSX
Asia

Market Chatter: OSP Holdings Acquires US Peer Merchant To Expand Overseas

OSP Holdings has acquired U.S.-based Merchant Investments to expand in North America and capture rising demand for packaging labels, Nikkei reported Tuesday.The deal gives OSP its first manufacturing base in the U.S., strengthening its ability to respond to customers with shorter lead times, according to the report.The move comes as Japan's shrinking population pressures domestic growth, prompting OSP to lift overseas sales from a low base, the report said.Demand for packaged food, including meal delivery, continues to support growth in the U.S. label market, according to the report.(Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)

Nikkei 225
Asia

Market Chatter: Shanghai Backs Foreign Investment Despite Japan-China Tensions

Shanghai officials signaled continued support for foreign businesses, citing Toyota Motor (TYO:7203) and Japan External Trade Organization as part of efforts to attract investment, Nikkei reported Tuesday.The city plans to deepen reforms, expand free trade zones and ease restrictions to encourage foreign companies to grow operations, according to the report.Authorities pointed to progress on a Lexus plant in Shanghai and said nearly 80,000 foreign firms operate in the city, the report said.The push comes despite strained Japan-China ties, with officials aiming to speed up market entry and improve support for overseas investors, according to the report.(Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)

Nikkei 225TYO:7203
Asia

Market Chatter: Japan PM Seeks Momentum on Constitutional Changes

Japan PM Sanae Takaichi urged her ruling party to speed up discussions on constitutional reform, a push that could reshape Japan's security posture but risks losing public backing without broader support, Bloomberg reported Monday."I hope that we can go into next year's party congress saying that there is a clear prospect for initiating constitutional revision," Takaichi said at a party meeting. She called for setting out a vision of Japan's future and committing it to a new constitutional framework, according to the report.Her remarks came as tensions in the Middle East intensified after US President Donald Trump warned of a full naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, raising concerns for Japan, which depends heavily on energy imports from the region.Takaichi has resisted sending ships to the strait, citing constitutional limits that restrict overseas military action unless Japan is directly attacked. The stance has helped her avoid involvement in a conflict that lacks United Nations backing and has limited domestic support, even as it draws frustration from Washington, according to the report.(Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)

Nikkei 225
Asia

Japanese Stocks Jump on Iran Deal Hopes Even as Hormuz Blockade Takes Effect

Japanese equities soared at Tuesday's open, tracking Wall Street gains after U.S. President Donald Trump raised hopes for potential peace talks with Iran, even as a naval blockade of the strategic Strait of Hormuz took effect.The Nikkei 225 surged 582.9 points or 1% to open at 57,085.65.Oil prices retreated slightly on the news, with Brent crude falling 1.9% to $97.46 a barrel.Trump claimed Iran had reached out to his administration regarding negotiations, but with Tehran yet to confirm any talks, investors remain cautious.The blockade represents Trump's latest effort to pressure Iran over the strait, a critical chokepoint through which roughly one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas flows.

Nikkei 225
Asia

Market Chatter: Japanese Export Ship Orders Fall for Fourth Straight Year as Labor Shortage Threatens 2035 Capacity Goal

New contracts for Japanese export vessels fell for the fourth consecutive year in fiscal 2025, totaling 9.04 million gross metric tons, down 15% from a year ago, Nikkei Asia reported on Tuesday, citing Japan Ship Exporters' Association data.A severe labor shortage is preventing the country's shipbuilders from expanding capacity, threatening the government's goal of doubling output by 2035, the publication said.Despite strong global demand for replacing 2010-era ships, Japanese shipyards are booked through 2029, leaving them unable to meet even domestic needs, the news agency reported, citing Imabari Shipbuilding's president Yukito Higaki.(Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)

Nikkei 225
Asia

Market Chatter: Japan to Deepen Alliance with Asian Neighbors as Oil Supply Risks Mount

Japan will deepen cooperation with Asian neighbors that make essential petroleum-based products to alleviate supply chain bottlenecks, Bloomberg News reported Sunday, citing Economy Minister Ryosei Akazawa.Japan holds ample oil reserves, but struggles to identify constraints as distribution networks have become more complex, Akazawa reportedly said during a debate program aired on broadcaster NHK.Akazawa said authorities are now using AI tools and are gathering information to pinpoint bottlenecks, the report said.Gasoline subsidies will continue as Japan is set to face a prolonged period of elevated prices, as oil is unlikely to return to $60-$70 per barrel anytime soon, the report quoted Akazawa as saying.(Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)

Nikkei 225
Asia

Market Chatter: KKR's Japan Unit Eyes 450 Trillion Yen Property Sell-Off Market for Expansion

Private equity firm KKR Japan plans to expand acquisitions by buying corporate divestment properties, tapping a 450 trillion yen market, Bloomberg reported Monday, citing Naoki Suzuki, president of KJRM -one of the nation's largest asset managers.KJRM sees substantial profit potential in this trend, with the KKR unit's real estate holdings surging 20% to approximately 2.53 trillion yen in 2025, the publication said.Japanese firms, including many across industries facing pressure from both policymakers and investors, are being pushed to shed non-core assets such as real estate, the news wire said.(Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)

Nikkei 225

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