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Asia

ADB Commits $70 Billion Investment in Asia Through 20235 to Boost Energy, Digital Infrastructure

The Asian Development Bank will inject $70 billion through 2035 to expand energy and digital infrastructure across the Asia-Pacific, with a focus on cross-border electricity trade and broader internet access.In the recent report on Monday, ADB President Masato Kanda said stronger regional connectivity will help lower costs and support growth. The bank plans to mobilize $50 billion under its Pan-Asia Power Grid Initiative to link national grids, scale up renewable energy use, and build transmission lines, substations and storage.A further $20 billion will go towards the Asia-Pacific Digital Highway, funding fibre networks, data centres and other digital systems. By 2035, the projects aim to connect 200 million people to power, widen broadband access, and generate jobs across the region, the report said.

^BSE^HNX^HOSEI^JKSEFTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCINifty 50^PSEI^SETShanghai Composite^STI^SZSETaiwan Weighted
International

Taiwan's Manufacturing Growth Accelerates in April as Costs Surge, S&P Global Says

Taiwan's manufacturing sector expanded at a faster pace in April as firms ramped up production and orders, while cost pressures intensified sharply, according to data released Monday by S&P Global.The S&P Global Taiwan Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index rose to 55.3 in April from 53.3 in March, marking the strongest improvement in business conditions since December 2021.Output grew at the second-fastest pace since June 2024, while new orders increased at the second-sharpest rate since July 2021, partly driven by stockpiling amid concerns over supply disruptions and rising prices.New export orders also rose strongly, supported by demand from the U.S., Europe, mainland China, Japan, and Southeast Asia.Firms stepped up purchasing activity at one of the fastest rates in nearly four-and-a-half years, while supplier delivery times lengthened at the fastest pace in just over four years.Input costs rose at the steepest pace in nearly five years, prompting firms to lift selling prices at the quickest rate since late 2021.Employment declined slightly, while business confidence eased to a three-month low, though firms remained optimistic about output growth, supported by expectations of stronger demand, particularly in AI-related sectors.

Taiwan Weighted
US Markets

ADB Pledges $70 Billion For Energy, Digital Networks Across APAC as Middle East Conflict Batters Outlook

The Asian Development Bank is committing $70 billion to support new energy and digital infrastructure initiatives across the Asia-Pacific region by 2035.ADB President Masato Kanda announced the pledge on Sunday during the lender's annual meeting in Uzbekistan."Energy and digital access will define the region's future," said Kanda. "These two initiatives build the systems Asia and the Pacific need to grow, compete, and connect. By linking power grids and digital networks across borders, we can lower costs, expand opportunity, and bring reliable power and digital access to hundreds of millions of people."The pledge comes as the ADB sharply downgraded its forecast for the APAC region, citing energy disruptions from the ongoing Middle East conflict.On Wednesday, the ADB slashed its GDP growth outlook for developing Asia and the Pacific to 4.7% in 2026 from the previous 5.1% forecast.Inflation for 2026 is projected to accelerate to 5.2% in 2026 from 3% in 2025, before easing to 4.1% in 2027."Our revised outlook is a significant downward revision for growth and a sharp increase in inflation following a special update to reflect the deepening crisis," Kanda said at the time.The bank's new outlook assumes that oil prices average around $96 a barrel in 2026, well above the $69 per barrel average in January and February before the Middle East conflict. The bank expects oil prices to ease to around $80 per barrel in 2027."We are confronting systemic, long-lasting disruptions to global energy and trade networks, not just temporary volatility. ADB will remain an agile partner in protecting the region's economy; tracking fast-moving risks, and moving with urgency to scale up our support," Kanda added.Diesel prices across several Southeast Asian countries have increased by more than 100% since late February, the ADB said in its updated outlook report.The ADB also noted in its Wednesday report that the energy shock is also affecting fertilizer prices, which it said could add to food inflation, particularly for economies most dependent on Middle East imports.Against that backdrop, the ADB is committing $70 billion to build new energy and digital infrastructure in Asia and the Pacific by 2035.The largest investment, worth $50 billion, will be allocated towards cross-border power infrastructure to unlock renewable energy at scale, the ADB said.The project will focus on transmission and grid integration, including cross-border lines, substations, storage, and grid digitalization, according to the lender.By 2035, the bank aims to integrate about 20 gigawatts of renewable energy across borders, connect 22,000 circuit-kilometers of transmission lines, and cut regional power sector emissions by 15%, while improving energy access for around 200 million people.The remaining $20 billion will fund the Asia-Pacific Digital Highway, targeting digital corridors, data infrastructure, and AI-ready economies.The project aims to bring first-time broadband access to 200 million people and cut connectivity costs in remote and landlocked areas by about 40%.The South Korean government will back a new Center for AI Innovation and Development in Seoul with a $20 million contribution. The center will aim to train about 3 million people in digital and AI-related skills by 2035.Separately on Sunday, the ADB also unveiled a Critical Minerals-to-Manufacturing Financing Partnership Facility designed to help the region move beyond mining into higher-value industries such as processing, manufacturing, and recycling.Japan committed $20 million to the grant window, the UK contributed $1.6 million, and the Korea Eximbank and the Korean Trade Insurance Corporation each signed $500 million memorandums as the facility's first partners.

ASX 200^BSE^HNX^HOSEHang Seng^JKSEFTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCIKOSPINikkei 225^NSE^NZ50^PSEI^SETShanghai Composite^STI^SZSETaiwan Weighted
International

Taiwan's Economy Expands About 14% in Q1 on AI Demand

Taiwan's economy expanded sharply in the first quarter, with real GDP jumping 13.7% year-on-year, according to advance estimates from the Directorate General of Budget, Accounting and Statistics (DGBAS) released on Thursday.On a seasonally adjusted annualized basis, the economy expanded 11.86%.Growth was driven largely by strong external demand linked to artificial intelligence and related infrastructure, with exports of goods and services jumping 35.25% year-on-year. Imports also climbed 27.07%, reflecting robust trade activity.Private consumption increased 4.89%, supported by spending on communications, transport, entertainment, and outbound travel, alongside higher financial market activity. Meanwhile, gross capital formation rose 5.20%, led by investment in machinery, intellectual property and transport equipment, the department said.

Taiwan Weighted
International

Taiwan Assures Stable Asphalt Supply Through July Amid Market Concerns

Taiwan's domestic asphalt supply remains sufficient to meet demand through the end of July, despite ongoing Middle East uncertainties, Ministry of Economic Affairs said Wednesdsay.The ministry said it is working closely with key suppliers to ensure steady availability, with combined inventories at about 61,000 tonnes as of late April.Additional imports of 9,000 tonnes are expected in May, which, alongside current stock, is sufficient based on monthly demand of around 19,000 tonnes, reportedly.Suppliers have pledged to prioritize local needs, while prices have begun to stabilize as market conditions normalize. Authorities warned they will act against price manipulation and continue monitoring supply to maintain stability.

Taiwan Weighted
International

ADB Cuts Economic Growth Projections for Developing Asia Amid Middle East Crisis

The Asian Development Bank sharply downgraded its economic growth forecasts for developing Asia and the Pacific while raising inflation projections, citing prolonged disruptions from the Middle East conflict that are driving up energy prices and tightening financial conditions.The bank now expects regional growth of 4.7% in 2026 and 4.8% in 2027, down from its earlier forecast of 5.1% for both years. Meanwhile, inflation is projected to accelerate to 5.2% this year before slowing to 4.1% in 2027, according to the latest ADB report.ADB said the revisions reflect sustained pressure on oil and gas prices, with crude expected to average about $96 per barrel in 2026, significantly higher than pre-conflict levels, weighing on fuel-importing economies.Under a more severe scenario, growth could ease further to 4.2% this year and 4% next year, while inflation may spike to 7.4% in 2026, the bank added, urging targeted fiscal support and measured monetary responses.

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International

CRIF: Taiwan's Exports Expected to Hit About $861 Billion in 2026

Taiwan's exports are projected to surge to as high as $860.6 billion in 2026, driven by strong AI-related demand, according to CRIF estimates released Tuesday.The outlook comes after exports reached a record $195.74 billion in the first quarter, soaring 51.1% from the same period a year earlier, and far exceeding earlier government forecasts.March shipments alone hit an all-time high of $80.18 billion, up 61.8% annually. This marks the first time monthly exports surpassed the $80 billion threshold.Growth was mainly powered by electronics, with semiconductor-related components and ICT products posting exceptional gains, while traditional sectors such as textiles and metals continued to lag.ICT and audiovisual exports more than doubled in the first quarter, while electronic components rose 42.7%, driven by high AI demand.CRIF said that despite global uncertainties, including weaker global trade forecasts, Taiwan's export momentum is expected to remain resilient on continued technology sector strength.

Taiwan Weighted
International

Asia Week Ahead: Central Bank Decisions; Inflation Prints; and Trade Data

For the week ahead in Asia, the economic calendar is packed with major data releases, central bank decisions and inflation updates across the region.Monday brings China's first-quarter industrial profits data, as well as Malaysia's producer prices.On Tuesday, markets will turn to the Bank of Japan's interest rate decision, alongside trade figures from Hong Kong and Macao, and India's March production report.Wednesday features Thailand's central bank rate decision and Australia's closely watched quarterly inflation print, while Thursday brings China's official and private PMI readings.On Friday, Japan's Tokyo core inflation reading will be in focus, along with South Korea's April trade data.Here's what to watch in the week ahead.MONDAY, April 27The week kicked off with the release of China's industrial profits data for the first quarter.The total profits of China's industrial enterprises rose 15.5% year on year to 1.696 trillion yuan during the first three months of 2026, with increases seen in the mining, manufacturing, technology, and chemical industries.A drop in profits was witnessed in the utilities industry, as well as the electricity and heat and agricultural industries, data from the National Bureau of Statistics showed.Singapore disclosed its manufacturing output stats for March, highlighting a 10.1% jump in production thanks to strong growth across almost all clusters.Malaysia's producer prices rose in March for the first time in a year, driven largely by a rebound in the mining sector, according to Trading Economics.Producer prices climbed 1.1% year on year, reversing a 3.4% decline in the previous month.Meanwhile, Taiwan's consumer confidence index edged up to 62.47 in April, rising 0.17 points from March.The uptick was driven by improvements in four sub-indicators, with sentiment on employment opportunities posting the largest monthly gain.A pair of reports covering business and consumer confidence was also due in the Philippines.TUESDAY, April 28Markets will turn their attention to an interest rate decision scheduled in Japan.The upcoming decision could be a complicated one for the Bank of Japan as it grapples with intensifying inflation domestically and the uncertainty surrounding the Middle East, ING said in a preview.While markets broadly expect the central bank to maintain rates at 0.75%, ING said it continues to believe there's a chance the Bank of Japan may hike rates.Japanese unemployment data is also due the same day, with observers expecting the jobless rate to hover around the 2.6% mark, unchanged from the prior month, according to a consensus compiled by Trading Economics.Hong Kong will disclose trade stats for March. According to Trading Economics, the city state's trade deficit could narrow to HK$43 billion from the HK$64.2 billion recorded in February.Macao will similarly release balance of trade figures. The city state's trade deficit could narrow to 9.4 billion pataca in March from 9.9 billion pataca a month prior, Trading Economics forecasted.India's industrial production data for March will also be in the news. A consensus compiled by Trading Economics indicated analysts expect India's industrial production growth to slow to a rate of 4.2% from 5.2% in February.India's manufacturing weakened in March as geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, unstable market conditions, and inflationary pressures impacted output, S&P Global said previously. However, conditions appeared to have improved in April, according to the firm's most recent flash purchasing managers' index release.South Korea's business confidence report for April will be due the same day.WEDNESDAY, April 29Thailand's central bank will meet for its interest rate decision.The Bank of Thailand is seen to hold rates steady at 1% amid softening growth and inflationary pressure due to the conflict in the Middle East, the Wall Street Journal reported.Thailand's March Industrial production data is also expected on the same day.Australia's latest inflation print will be in the news, providing markets with an overview of pricing pressure ahead of the Reserve Bank of Australia's May board meeting.Westpac said it expects to see a 4.2% yearly gain in headline inflation for the March quarter.The quarterly data is likely to affirm for the Reserve Bank of Australia that the underlying inflation pressures are evident in the economy before the escalation of the Middle East conflict in late February, ANZ said in a preview.In Singapore, March import and export prices will be expected, as well as producer price inflation data.THURSDAY, April 30China's manufacturing and services sectors will be in focus as the National Bureau of Statistics releases its monthly purchasing managers' index covering manufacturing, non-manufacturing, and general PMI for April.The release will be accompanied by a private reading on China's manufacturing sector from S&P Global.Economists at ING said they expect official data to show activity dipped back into contractionary territory following the expansion witnessed in March.ING forecasts manufacturing PMI falling to 49.9 and the non-manufacturing PMI dipping to 49.8, and said it expects to see pricing pressure continuing to build in the PMI sub-indices.Taiwan will release its first-quarter advance gross domestic product growth rate, with markets looking for signs of whether the island state's economy can continue posting stellar growth due to its global positioning in high-precision semiconductor production.Researchers at ANZ expect Taiwan's first-quarter GDP growth rate to come in at 11.8%, slowing from the 12.7% rise witnessed in the prior quarter, the Wall Street Journal reported.In Australia, the first-quarter import and export prices data is expected. CommBank said it expects export prices to rise 1.2% while import prices to decline 0.6%, both on a quarter-on-quarter basis.Meanwhile, a confidence report due in New Zealand is likely to show a further deterioration in business sentiment due to the ongoing Middle East conflict, CommBank said in a preview.Further trade data is expected in the Philippines, which could see its trade deficit widen to $4.1 billion in March from $3.68 billion in April, according to Trading Economics.Both South Korea and Japan will release industrial production and retail sales data for March.ING said it expects Japan's industrial production to "rebound quite firmly" during the month. The firm expects industrial output to rise 2.2% year on year from the 0.4% rise witnessed in February.Japan will additionally release a consumer confidence report for April, while a similar release covering business confidence will be due in Singapore.Singapore's first-quarter preliminary unemployment rate will also be released on Thursday.Thailand's February retail sales stats will be due.FRIDAY, May 1Japan's closely watched Tokyo core consumer price index for April will capture headlines, offering markets an early indicator of the overall inflation rate in the country."The Tokyo CPI is expected to rise faster in April, reflecting recent energy price hikes, a weak JPY, solid wage growth, and bi-annual price adjustments," ING said in a preview.South Korea announces April trade data.The country's trade surplus could drop marginally to $26 billion from $26.2 billion a month prior, even as exports show a 50% year on year growth due to robust chip shipments, ING said.A consumer confidence report due in New Zealand could show sentiment weakening further in April and over the coming months amid the Middle East conflict, CommBank said in a preview."As the conflict progresses, overall consumer confidence is expected to continue falling," CommBank said.Neighboring Australia will release first-quarter produce price data.On the activity front, S&P Global releases its PMI reports covering manufacturing activity in Australia and Japan.

ASX 200^BSEHang SengFTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCIKOSPINikkei 225^NSE^NZ50^PSEI^SETShanghai Composite^STI^SZSETaiwan Weighted
Asia

Market Chatter: CPC to Hold Domestic Fuel Prices Steady This Week Despite Crisis

State-owned CPC Corp., Taiwan will keep domestic gasoline and diesel prices unchanged for the coming week, under the government efforts to stabilize consumer prices amid volatile global crude oil markets, Focus Taiwan reported Saturday.From midnight Monday to May 3, gasoline prices will remain at NT$32.4, NT$33.9 and NT$35.9 per litre for 92, 95 and 98-octane grades, respectively. Premium diesel will also stay unchanged at NT$31.0 per litre, the news outlet said.It marks the fourth straight week that the state-owned oil supplier has held fuel prices steady, despite ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. The company estimates it will absorb losses of NT$2.7 per litre for gasoline and NT$4.4 for diesel next week, as it continues to keep local prices below regional levels to help contain inflation, reportedly.(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.)

Taiwan Weighted
International

Taiwan Consumer Confidence Improves Slightly in April

Taiwan's consumer confidence index (CCI) edged up to 62.47 in April, rising 0.17 points from March, the Central Taiwan Economic Development Research Center at National Central University reported on Friday.The uptick was driven by improvements in four sub-indicators, with sentiment on employment opportunities posting the largest monthly gain.Confidence in the domestic economic outlook and household finances also increased, while stock investment sentiment saw a modest rise. However, views on purchasing durable goods recorded the sharpest decline, alongside a slight drop in price-level expectations.All six core sub-indicators remained below 100, indicating overall pessimism among consumers, the report said.

Taiwan Weighted
International

Taiwan's M1B, M2 Rise in March

Taiwan's daily average money supply, M1B and M2, recorded modest monthly growth in March, rising 0.23% and 0.46%, respectively, the central bank said Thursday.M1B's annual growth rate rose to 7.83%, while M2 increased to 5.79%, supported by stronger lending and investment activity.Compared with the same period a year earlier, M1B and M2 grew 7.83% and 5.79%, respectively, the central bank said.

Taiwan Weighted
International

Taiwan's Jobless Rate Rises 3.34% in March

Taiwan's unemployment rate rose to 3.34% in March, up 0.02 percentage points from the previous month, according to data from the Directorate General of Budget, Accounting and Statistics released Thursday.The seasonally adjusted rate also edged up to 3.35%.The number of unemployed persons stood at 402,000, increasing by 2,000 from a year earlier but down 1,000 from the previous month.The labor force participation rate slipped to 59.6%, down 0.02 percentage points from February but up 0.26 percentage points year on year.Total employment fell by 6,000 to 11.64 million in March, down 0.05% from the previous month but up 0.24% compared with a year earlier, the data showed.

Taiwan Weighted
International

Taiwan's Industrial Production Rises 28.7% in March

Taiwan's industrial production jumped 28.7% year on year in March, driven by a 30.7% increase in manufacturing output, according to official data.Monthly, the industrial production climbed 26.4%, with manufacturing up 26.8%.After seasonal adjustments, industrial output increased 1.6% from the previous month, while manufacturing grew 4.1%.Other sectors showed mixed performance, with mining output falling 10.6% and electricity and gas supply down 1.8%.For the first quarter, industrial production rose 24.6% year-on-year, supported by a 26.5% rise in manufacturing activity, the data showed.

Taiwan Weighted
Asia

Market Chatter: Taiwan Boosts US Oil Imports, Cuts Reliance on Middle East Supply

Taiwan has raised its crude oil imports from the United States to about 60% of total supply, amid the Middle East crisis, Focus Taiwan reported Wednesday, citing the country's Economic Affairs Minister Kung Ming-hsin.While addressing the legislative committee, Kung noted this marks a sharp increase from around 30% in 2024, when most crude imports still came from the Middle East. He said supply remains stable despite geopolitical tensions, with upcoming tanker arrivals expected through April and May.State refiners CPC and Formosa Petrochemical have rerouted crude shipments away from the Persian Gulf amid regional tensions, reportedly. He added that Taiwan's oil reserves are sufficient for about 140 days of consumption, while a shipment of two million barrels of oil is currently on its way, 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.)

Taiwan Weighted
International

Taiwan's Securities Markets Regulator to Relax Ownership Rules for Digital Banks

Taiwan's Financial Supervisory Commission (FSC) plans to relax ownership rules for web-only banks, after three years of operation, the regulator announced Tuesday.Under the revised framework, the changes will ease restrictions on the shareholding ratio of financial industry investors and adjust rules on the number of professional directors.The proposed revisions aim to allow online banks to diversify their shareholder base, strengthen capital and expand digital financial services. The draft will be published for public consultation, with a 30-day period for stakeholders to submit feedback, the FSC said.

Taiwan Weighted
Asia

Market Chatter: Taiwan Gives Go-Ahead to Google for NT$27 Billion Investment

Taiwan's Ministry of Economic Affairs gave tech firm Google approval to invest NT$27 billion to expand its businesses in the data processing and semiconductor niche, according to a report by Focus Taiwan Wednesday.Of the total, Google reportedly intends to invest NT$25.3 billion in data processing and electronics information services through its unit Fructan Holdings Singapore and NT$1.74 billion in semiconductor-related acquisitions through subsidiary Connectds Singapore.Google is also eyeing a new data center in Tainan in a bid to expand its AI segment, the report said citing local media.(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.)

Taiwan Weighted
Asia

Taiwan, Philippines Seek to Deepen Economic Ties

Taiwan is seeking closer economic ties with the Philippines during talks with a visiting delegation from the Council on Foreign Relations, Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung said in a Facebook post on Sunday.He said Taipei aims to link its Taiwan-Philippines Economic Corridor with the U.S.-Japan-Philippines Luzon Economic Corridor to boost supply chain resilience. Lin highlighted complementary strengths, with the U.S. offering advanced technology, Taiwan manufacturing capacity, and the Philippines labor and land resources.He also pointed to plans by the U.S. and the Philippines to establish a large economic security zone to boost industrial cooperation. Lin said combining these strengths could help build more resilient "democratic" supply chains and support regional stability and growth.

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Asia

Market Chatter: Taiwan Mulls Allowing Dividend Payments by Listed Firms in US Dollars

Taiwan is considering allowing listed companies to pay dividends in U.S. dollars instead of converting them into local currency, Bloomberg News reported Monday, citing people familiar with the development.The proposed change, being reviewed by the Financial Supervisory Commission, aims to cut conversion costs and streamline capital flows for firms with large foreign shareholder bases, the report said.Under current rules, companies must convert U.S. dollar earnings into Taiwan dollars for payouts, which foreign investors then reconvert when repatriating funds, the report said.A rollout is unlikely before the main dividend season in July, and no formal timeline has been set, the news outlet reported.(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.)

Taiwan Weighted
International

Taiwan Export Orders Soar 66% in March

Taiwan's export orders surged 65.9% year over year in March ​to $91.1 billion, the Ministry of Economic Affairs said Tuesday.In local currency, the export orders soared 60.2% annually to NT$2.902 trillion.

Taiwan Weighted
Asia

Market Chatter: Saudi Crude Tanker to Taiwan Crosses Hormuz Amid Heavy Traffic

A crude oil tanker carrying 2 million barrels of Saudi crude to Taiwan crossed the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday, as more than 20 vessels moved through the key shipping route, Reuters reported Monday, citing shipping tracker Kpler.The number of transits was the highest since early March, according to shipping data. Other vessels were carrying oil, gas, and industrial cargoes to destinations across Asia, Africa, and Europe, the report said.The Strait of Hormuz, which handles about one-fifth of global oil supply, remains highly sensitive amid rising tensions between the US and Iran, reportedly.(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.)

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