29 October 2026 | Thailand, ASEAN and Global Markets Today’s briefing focuses on Thailand’s industrial recovery, renewed energy-price risks, Southeast Asia’s clean-energy supply chains, the AI-driven stock rally and Indonesia’s financial-market reforms. Thailand’s car production falls 6.1% as manufacturing recovery remains uneven Thailand’s car production fell 6.08% year on year to 120,319 vehicles in September, […]

MANILA, Philippines — Ayala Corp. seeks to buy back up to P19.5 billion worth of shares from public investors as it advances a planned deal with Japanese giant Mitsubishi Corp. On Wednesday, the group said it plans to launch a voluntary tender offer to buy 30.06 million common shares from all holders. READ: Mitsubishi to raise

MANILA, Philippines — Local stocks fell on Wednesday as higher oil prices and a weakening peso stoked inflation concerns, while elevated treasury yields dampened demand for equities. The benchmark Philippine Stock Exchange Index (PSEi) slid 1.87 percent, or 107.64 points, to close at 5,653.55. READ: Red hot inflation seen extending BSP hikes Michael Ricafort, chief economist

MANILA, Philippines — A Mandaluyong regional trial court dismissed a petition for indirect contempt filed against several members of the Lopez majority bloc over alleged violations of a temporary retraining order linked to the controversial family feud. On Wednesday, Lopez Holdings Corp. said in a regulatory filing that it submitted a copy of the Oct.

Leading Chinese robotics company Unitree Robotics on Wednesday reported a 69.93 per cent year-on-year increase in quarterly revenue to 665 million yuan (US$99.7 million), though net profits excluding non-recurring items fell 17.42 per cent to 105 million yuan, as the company released its first earnings since going public. The results for the three months ending September 30 showed a continued surge in research and development spending by the Hangzhou-based company, which jumped 249.58 per cent...

Over 1,900 cargoes and goods seized by the Bureau of Customs (BOC) or abandoned by supposed recipients, including P1.2 billion worth of confiscated vehicles, have not been entered into the records of the BOC"s Auction and Cargo Disposal Management Division, the Commission on Audit (COA) said.

For over a decade, Federal Land’s Marco Polo Residences in Cebu has offered a tranquil living environment for residents seeking elevated city living. Located atop Nivel Hills, it is Cebu’s first branded residence, offering panoramic views of the city skyline and coastline. Its location directly beside Marco Polo Plaza Cebu also gives residents convenient access

Businessman Manny V. Pangilinan, chairman of MVP Group which has interests in telecommunications, infrastructure, and utilities, on Friday said it will get tougher for the Philippine economy but added that the conglomerate will proceed with its investments.

CEBU, Philippines — The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) policy rate was raised to 5.5 percent on Oct. 22, the fourth hike this year. September inflation accelerated to 7.2 percent, and the Philippine Statistics Authority put second-quarter gross domestic product growth at 2.3 percent, the weakest since 2021. Central Visayas inflation, meanwhile, ran at 8.1 percent

CEBU, Philippines — Pamela “Pam” Baricuatro and Nestor Archival pulled off upset victories against their more politically entrenched and moneyed rivals during the 2025 elections mainly due to Cebuanos’ ardent desire for change. Cebuanos wanted a fresh perspective and a chance to alter the narrative of their home city and province by having new leaders

Cebu has a little bit of everything any tourist could ask for: breathtaking beaches, mountain trails, majestic waterfalls, historic landmarks and a distinctive culinary tradition. You name it. The province packs a remarkable range of experiences into one trip. It is, after all, the “Gateway to a Thousand Journeys.” Now, Cebu wants to make that

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu needs to chart a new course for economic growth, and one that moves beyond its traditional strengths to build a more competitive, resilient and investment-ready economy. With growth slowing and businesses grappling with rising operating costs, the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) is pushing for closer collaboration between the

Metropolitan Bank & Trust Co. (Metrobank) has retained its position as the Philippines’ Strongest Bank for the sixth year in a row, with The Asian Banker (TAB) recognizing the Bank’s performance across key measures of financial strength, asset quality, liquidity, and risk management. “Our strength comes from the trust our customers place in us and

CEBU, Philippines — For generations, Carbon Market in Cebu City has been more than a place of trade. It has been a living landmark where livelihoods are built, traditions are passed from one generation to the next and countless stories of Cebu unfold every day. Today, that legacy enters a new chapter with the rise of

CEBU, Philippines — In just 48 hours, you can journey through the past and present of the Queen City of the South, from centuries-old churches and historic streets to bustling markets and hilltop views. A day exploring Cebu City can begin among the historic landmarks of the downtown district, continue through the food stalls and trading aisles

Hong Kong’s lived-in home prices fell 0.8 per cent in the third quarter, their first quarterly decline after five quarters of gains, as a September rebound failed to fully offset a summer slowdown in the residential market. Prices rose 0.19 per cent in September from August, marking a second consecutive monthly increase, according to data released by the Rating and Valuation Department on Wednesday. The index reached 320.8, but remained 19.4 per cent below its September 2021 peak. Prices were...

CEBU, Philippines — From Carcar’s ancestral streets and Argao’s traditional delicacies to the turquoise waters of Kawasan Falls and Moalboal, Southern Cebu tells its story through old towns, local flavors and landscapes shaped by the sea. Southern Cebu is a journey through different layers of the province’s identity. Old churches and ancestral houses recall centuries of

The Social Security System (SSS) on Wednesday announced that eligible members under the expanded coverage of the Department of Social Welfare and Development's (DSWD) UPLIFT Assistance program will receive up to P8,000 in financial assistance beginning October 30, 2026.

Business tycoon Manuel V. Pangilinan said Wednesday the plan to offer fintech firm Maya's share to the investing public is still on the table.

A P97.91-million investment under a World Bank-funded initiative is expected to boost the coffee industry in the Daraghuyan Ancestral Domain in Bukidnon.

An array of Chinese drug makers showcased positive trial results for new cancer treatments at a major European medical conference, underscoring the expanding international influence of China’s biotech sector. Domestic innovative drugs, particularly antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), delivered impressive data across multiple tumour types at the European Society for Medical Oncology (Esmo) Congress, with some early-stage data further showing the country’s “innovation capabilities”, said analysts...

The Philippine peso has hit a record low against the US dollar for the 33rd time.

Customers of the Manila Electric Company (Meralco) should expect electricity prices to go up as the continuing depreciation of the Philippine peso is seen to affect the power generation costs.

The Philippine peso closed stronger on Wednesday, albeit still at P64-to-one dollar level.

Talent recruitment and development are playing a prominent role in Hong Kong’s long-term development strategy as it looks to lure skilled professionals from around the world to drive growth in its key industries. In his first five-year plan announced last month, Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu highlighted Hong Kong’s commitment to leveraging its advantages as an international city, strengthening its position as a global hub for high-calibre talent, and attracting skilled professionals to serve...

We have put together stories from our coverage on electric and new energy vehicles from the past two weeks to help you stay informed. If you would like to see more of our reporting, please consider subscribing. 1. BYD to build new factories in Europe to beat trade barriers aimed at Chinese EVs China’s BYD will build new factories in Europe for a bigger market share, as the world’s largest electric vehicle (EV) maker faces fiscal support pullback at home and rising trade barriers overseas,...

Against a backdrop of geopolitical strains in the Middle East, the Yulan renminbi bond structure has made its debut in Dubai, garnering strong investor interest with its order book more than five times oversubscribed, as global investor appetite for yuan assets remains firm. Bank of China Dubai rang the listing bell at Nasdaq Dubai on Tuesday for its offshore bond, issued under the Yulan structure. Priced at 2 billion yuan (US$299.6 million) with a two-year tenor, the deal tightened 50 basis...

JPMorgan Asset Management (JPMAM) expects to launch more actively managed exchange-traded funds (ETFs) in mainland China after its first such fund there hit the 2 billion yuan (US$300 million) fundraising cap on the first day of sales, its China chief said. “The first launch is just an opening move in a much bigger game,” Desiree Wang, the firm’s CEO for China, said in an interview with the South China Morning Post on Tuesday. Any active strategy that suits the ETF vehicle and meets investor...

Lower feed costs will help hog raisers from low farmgate prices, the Department of Agriculture (DA) said on Wednesday after the government raised the country"s corn import quota under the minimum access volume (MAV) scheme to 500,000 metric tons (MT).

The EEC Policy Committee approved four new economic zones in Chon Buri and Rayong to boost advanced industries, emphasizing technology, infrastructure, and workforce development for attractive international investments.