Asia / Pacific

Serbia's energy minister said that it will present its final proposal to MOL on Friday regarding the Hungarian company's bid for NIS to be acquired by MOL, the operator of the Balkan nation’s only refinery. Gazprom and?Neft, two Russian companies, agreed in January to sell their 56% stake in NIS majority to MOL after the U.S. demanded that Russian shares be divested due to sanctions imposed by the U.S. over Moscow's involvement in the war in Ukraine. Washington has given MOL and the Russian companies until May 22 for the sale to be completed. This will require the Serbian government's...

U.S. trade representative Jamieson Greer said in a live interview with Bloomberg News on Friday that China wanted to see the Strait of Hormuz open again without any curbs or tolls. He added that the U.S. Beijing was confident that it would take action to 'limit' material support for Iran. He cited remarks made by Chinese officials during the Beijing summit of U.S.-China leaders. "It was very clear that the Strait of Hormuz should be open for China, with no tolling and no military control. We welcome this. Greer attended summit meetings between the?U.S. President Donald Trump met with Chinese...

Iraqi officials have approached the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to secure financial assistance due to?the Middle East conflict, said a source with the IMF as well as an Iraqi official on Thursday. Sources close to the IMF say that initial discussions took place at the spring meetings of IMF and World Bank last month in Washington. Discussions are continuing about the amount of funding Iraq will need and the structure of any loan. Iraqi officials who advise on financial policy have said that Iraq has begun preliminary talks with the IMF and World Bank about a loan for the country's...

The?International Monetary Fund stated on Thursday that they?welcome?the initial dialogue between U.S. president Donald Trump and Chinese president Xi Jinping. They added that reducing tensions and uncertainties between the two world's largest economies is good for the entire world. When asked to comment on the initial results of the Trump-Xi Summit in Beijing, IMF spokesperson Julie Kozack said at a press briefing: "It is important that the two world's largest economies engage at the highest levels." "We certainly welcome the fact there is a constructive dialog between the two nations." Kozack said that anything that reduces trade tensions, or creates...

Ali al-Zaidi, Iraq's new prime minister was sworn into office on Thursday with a partial cabinet. This is because lawmakers failed to reach consensus over key posts such as interior and defense. Basim Mohammed has been appointed the new oil minister, while Fuad Hassein will remain as foreign minister. The new government has 14 ministers who were approved by the parliament. However, the remaining positions including those in defence and interior have not been able to be agreed upon. Some lawmakers were reportedly enraged by the heated debate that took place during the session after they objected to the nomination...

Iraqi officials have approached the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to secure financial assistance due to?the Middle East conflict, said a source with the IMF as well as an Iraqi official on Thursday. The IMF source said that initial discussions took place at the spring meetings in Washington of the IMF and World Bank last month. Discussions are still ongoing on how much funding Iraq will need and the structure of any loan. Iraqi officials who advise on financial policy have said that Iraq has begun preliminary talks with the IMF and World Bank about a loan for the country's finances,...

The?U.S. has?dramatically reduced Iran's ability to threaten its neighboring countries and U.S. interest. A senior U.S. Admiral stated on Thursday that the bombings have slowed down Tehran's defence industry by 90%. Admiral Brad Cooper of U.S. Central Command emphasized 'the tactical success of the military campaign he led against Iran and said that the war has dramatically reduced the danger posed by Iran to the Middle East. Cooper refused to directly address the reports of and other news organizations that Iran had significant drone and missile capabilities. These reports cited U.S. Intelligence sources. Cooper, speaking to a U.S. Senate Committee,...

During a leadership'summit with Donald Trump, President Xi Jinping stated his interest in buying more U.S. crude oil to reduce China’s dependence on Strait of Hormuz. The readout said that both leaders agreed the Strait of Hormuz should remain open in order to allow for the free flow of oil and Xi was against any militarization of the strait or tolls. The Chinese summaries published by the state media did not mention oil purchases. China's Foreign Ministry did not immediately respond to a comment request. Trump and Xi spent several hours together on Thursday, the first day of a two-day...

Three?people who are familiar with White House discussions said that Trump administration officials were scrambling to contain economic and political fallout from the war with Iran as the hopes of a quick solution faded. U.S. president Donald Trump backed the suspension of the federal gasoline tax this week, a move that would slash 18 cents per gallon from motor fuel prices currently averaging over $4.50 a galon across the country. The idea was once viewed as unnecessary by some White House staffers, but it is now becoming more urgent because officials are running out of options to demonstrate that they...

Eneos Holdings announced on Thursday that it would purchase U.S. giant Chevron's 50 percent stake in Singapore?Refining Company and other assets throughout Southeast Asia, Australia and Australia. This will be its first venture into refining outside of Japan. Eneos stated that the deal, which includes Chevron’s assets in Vietnam, Australia Philippines and Malaysia, is expected to be closed by 2027. Chevron is looking to sell its refining assets and storage facilities in Asia, to reduce costs and streamline operations. This investment is a major step towards strengthening the business platforms that connect Japan to Southeast Asia and Oceania. It also...

Masoud Suleman, chairman of the National Oil Corporation in London, told reporters that Libya plans to restart its 220,000 barrels-per-day Ras Lanuf refinery within six to twelve months to supply the domestic market. Since 2013, the refinery, Libya’s largest, was idle due to an arbitration dispute between Trasta and NOC, its Emirati partner. NOC announced on Monday that it had signed an agreement to end the partnership with Trasta, and transfer full control of the Ras Lanuf refinery and complex to Libyans. Suleman said that the budget for the restart was already allocated. He added that NOC had the necessary...

LONDON, MAY 13 - Since the massive Israeli-U.S. airstrikes against Iran began on February 28, the war has ravaged infrastructure and economies in the Middle East and thrown into disarray long-held assumptions about regional security. In March, Israel launched an invasion of Lebanon and a bombing campaign to pursue Hezbollah militants who had fired across the border as a show of solidarity with Iran. Here's how certain countries have been affected: The attacks killed Ayatollah Ayatollah Khamenei, the Supreme Leader of Iran and many other top officials and military generals. However, the ruling system remains as firmly entrenched as before....

Tata Sons is the holding company for 31 group companies, including TCS and Tata Motors. The discussion about going public will likely come up on Saturday at a meeting of two trusts who are major shareholders. Tata Sons was not listed until now. Tata Sons is under pressure from its 'internal stakeholders', which includes the second-largest shareholder,?Shapoorji Paloonji Group (SP). Reserve Bank of India rules?may? also?require them to list, unless they are able to secure an exemption. What is the structure of TATA Group? Tata Sons, the 108-year-old salt-to steel conglomerate, is unique in its structure. A group of philanthropic...

This week, gold discounts in India reached a new record as a sharp increase in import duties slowed demand and triggered investor sales. Meanwhile, Chinese premiums remained firm due to investment demand. Dealers in India quoted discounts This week, you can save up to $207 per ounce on official domestic prices, including 15% import duties and 3% sales taxes. A jeweller in Hyderabad said that the'sudden rise in price' prompted investors and jewellers to sell while retail buyers and jewellers stayed out of it. India increased import duties on gold and Silver to 15% this week from 6%. India, the...

U.S. trade representative Jamieson Greer said in an interview with Bloomberg TV on Friday that U.S. controls on exports of semiconductor chips were not a main topic during discussions between Chinese officials and U.S. officials. These comments indicate that a breakthrough in selling Nvidia’s advanced H200 chip to China is still far off, despite Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang’s last-minute invite to U.S. president Donald Trump's Beijing visit this week. This was not the main topic of discussion during the bilateral meeting. We didn't discuss?chip export control at the meeting," Greer stated, adding that between "15 and 17" U.S. Chief Executive...

The gold price remained largely unchanged on Thursday as investors focused on the latest developments in Middle East and President Xi Jinping's meeting with the U.S. At 1:01 pm EDT (1701 GMT), spot gold was down by 0.1% to $4,680.26 an ounce. U.S. Gold Futures for June Delivery fell by 0.4% to $4686.20. The U.S. Dollar was up by 0.3%, making greenback-priced gold more expensive for holders other currencies. Iran's state media reported that 30 vessels had allegedly crossed the Strait of Hormuz, despite reports of attacks in the area. Bart Melek is the global head of commodity strategies at...

Gold remained largely unchanged on 'Thursday as investors digested a rise in U.S. Inflation due to increased energy costs associated with the Iran War. As of 0931 GMT, spot gold was up 0.1% to $4,689.79 an ounce. U.S. Gold futures for June delivery dropped 0.2% to $4,696.20. China's Xi Jinping said that the trade talks are?making good progress on Thursday at the beginning of a two day summit. However, he warned that disagreements over Taiwan may?damage relationships and even lead conflict. Gold is still hovering at $4,700 while markets digest the latest U.S. inflation figures. Carlo Alberto De Casa, a...

Honda Motors posted its first loss as a publicly listed company in more than 70 years on Thursday. The firm was hit with a restructure of its electric vehicle?business that cost?more $9 billion, and the firm canceled its long-term sales target for EVs. Honda's worst financial report released since it listed on the stock exchange in 1957 shows how a legacy automaker can lose money if they make a bet on EVs and then find that demand is weaker than expected. Toshihiro Mibi, the CEO of Japan's largest automaker, announced on Thursday that Honda has scrapped its goal to have...

Gold prices rose on Thursday as a result of a 'weaker' dollar. Investors were also looking for any signs of progress with the Iran War and focused mainly on talks between U.S. president Donald?Trump & Chinese president Xi Jinping. As of 0440 GMT, spot gold was 0.4% higher, at $4,706.70 an ounce. U.S. Gold Futures for June Delivery rose 0.2% to $4,713.40. Dollar eased making greenback bullion prices more affordable for holders other currencies. GoldSilver Central's Managing Director Brian Lan said, "Gold is consolidating at the moment because everyone is watching what happens in the high level talks between the...

In the seven days leading up to May 9, foreign flows into Japanese shares jumped to an all-time high. A rally in AI-linked stocks, as well as strong tech and banking sector earnings, boosted risk sentiment. Data from the Ministry of Finance (MOF) on Thursday showed that foreigners continued to buy Japanese stocks for a sixth consecutive week. The Nikkei?225 posted a record high of 63,799.32 points on Thursday. AI-linked demand?and rising interest rate boosted earnings for Japanese tech companies and banking stocks. Sumco, Kioxia, and Ibiden are tech sector suppliers that have set records this week. Sumco, Kioxia, and...

Chinese companies in Indonesia are calling for more business-friendly policies. They are warning that tighter nickel ore quotas and higher taxes, as well as a new price formula, are increasing costs and threatening investments in the world's largest nickel producer. China Chamber of Commerce in Indonesia wrote to President Prabowo, copying the Chinese embassy, and was seen by them. They said that Chinese companies faced "excessively strict regulation, over-enforcement" and alleged corruption by authorities. Five sources familiar with the issue confirmed "the letter", requesting anonymity as they were not authorized to speak in public. The complaint highlights tensions that exist...

The gold?price remained steady on Thursday as investors centered their attention on the?conversations?between a?U.S. The Iranian war was the focus of attention between President Donald Trump and Chinese president Xi Jinping. As of 0212 GMT, spot gold remained unchanged at $4,688.43 an ounce. U.S. Gold Futures for June Delivery fell 0.2% to $4,695. GoldSilver Central's Managing Director Brian Lan said, "Gold is consolidating right now as everyone is watching what happens in the high level talks between the U.S.A. and China." Lan said: "I think (gold) is also a window for those investors who want to get into metal." Trump...

Australian stocks were flat on Thursday. Financials recovered from a four-day decline on budget-driven worries about mortgages, and gains in heavyweight miners, such as a record high by BHP Group, provided a little support. As of 0103 GMT the S&P/ASX 200 Index?held its position at?8,621.8, but was on course for its fifth consecutive day of losses if current momentum continues. Financial stocks recovered from early losses and snapped a four session losing streak. They gained 0.2%. The financial sub-index fell by nearly 1% earlier in the day and reached its lowest level since 15 May 2025. The drop was primarily...

Bullion dealers reported that gold discounts in India reached a record high of over $200 per ounce on Wednesday. This was due to the surge in price after the 'import duty increase, which triggered investor selling in a weakening 'demand. India raised its import tariffs for gold and silver from 6% to 15% on Wednesday as part of an effort to reduce overseas purchases of these metals and relieve pressure on the country’s foreign exchange reserves. "Discounts were insane in the physical market." "We were double-checking before we executed deals," said the bullion division chief of a Mumbai-based bank who...