ND
FINANCEWill the RBA hike again in November? Jobs and inflation data set up a close call
After four rate rises in 2026 took the cash rate to 4.60%, the Reserve Bank of Australia meets on 2–3 November. The banks are split, and markets see a hike as the less likely outcome. Jobs data this week and September-quarter inflation on 28 October will decide it.
FINANCEMAS unexpectedly holds Singapore dollar policy in October 2026 as Q3 GDP grows 5.4%
The Monetary Authority of Singapore left its exchange-rate policy unchanged on 14 October, surprising all 10 analysts in a Reuters poll who expected a third tightening this year. Advance data showed the economy grew 5.4% year-on-year in the third quarter, while MAS trimmed its 2026 inflation forecasts.
FINANCEWhy Firmus Pulled Australia's Biggest Float in Decades, and What It Means for Asia's AI Data Centre Boom
Nvidia-backed AI data centre builder Firmus has withdrawn its planned ASX listing, which targeted a valuation of about A$44 billion, after weak investor demand. Here is what happened, why investors balked, and why projects in Malaysia and Indonesia are part of the story.
FINANCEBank of Japan at 1.25%: What Japan's Rate Normalisation Means for Southeast Asia
The Bank of Japan has raised rates twice this year and 10-year JGB yields are near 30-year highs. We look at how this reaches ASEAN through banks, bonds, carry trades and FDI, and why the evidence does not yet show a regional credit squeeze.
FINANCEWhy Asia-Pacific Central Banks Are Raising Rates in 2026, and Which Ones Are Holding
An oil shock and weaker currencies have pushed central banks from Canberra to Mumbai into rate hikes this year, while Thailand and Malaysia have stayed on hold. Here is where each stands as of 8 October 2026, and the meetings to watch before year-end.
FINANCEThe Behaviour Gap: Why Investors Earn Less Than Their Funds, and What 2026 Means for Asia's New Retail Investors
Morningstar's latest study finds the average dollar invested in US funds earned 1.2 percentage points a year less than the funds themselves over the decade to 2025, mostly because of poorly timed buying and selling. Here is what the research says, which biases drive it, and why Indonesia's 31 million investors face a real-world test this year.
FINANCEHow to Get Out of Consumer Debt in Indonesia in 2026: What the Evidence Says
Interest rates are higher, pinjol and paylater balances keep growing and arrears on online loans are rising. Here is an evidence-based guide to repayment methods, restructuring, credit checks and the official channels Indonesian borrowers can use.
FINANCEAustralian Mortgage Rates Rise From 9 October as House Prices Fall for a Sixth Month: What Borrowers Need to Know
The big four banks pass on the RBA's latest hike this Thursday, taking the cash rate to its highest since 2011. Repayments are going up while home values keep sliding. Here is what it costs, who is most exposed and the dates to watch.
FINANCEASEAN Currencies and Interest Rates Into Year-End 2026: Forecasts for the Rupiah, Baht, Ringgit, Peso, Dong and Singapore Dollar
The rupiah, baht and peso are down about 5–6% against the US dollar this year, while the ringgit, dong and Singapore dollar have held steady. Here is what banks forecast for the fourth quarter and which central banks may move next.
FINANCEASEAN Stock Markets Into Year-End 2026: Where Each Index Stands and What Analysts Expect
Bangkok and Singapore are up more than 20% this year, while Jakarta is down about 30%. With three months left, here are the analysts' year-end targets for the six main ASEAN indices, the key dates, and the risks that could change the picture.
FINANCEIs Asia Heading for Another Currency Crisis? Which Economies Look Most Exposed in 2026
Oil above $100 and US yields at 2007 highs have revived memories of 1997. The data show a more mixed picture: stronger buffers than then, but a few economies with widening external gaps. Here are the indicators, country by country.
FINANCENorthern Star Rejects Gold Fields' A$38.7 Billion Bid: What the Deal Terms Reveal
Australia's biggest gold miner unanimously rejected an unsolicited cash-and-scrip approach from South Africa's Gold Fields, calling it opportunistic. Here are the terms, the board's reasons, and why Gold Fields wants the deal.