Business

Vietnam’s exports rose 19.1% in the first quarter of 2026 to $122.93 billion, led by electronics and machinery, while imports rose faster and widened the trade gap.

China’s central bank added 12 banks to the digital yuan network, raising the number of authorized operators to 22 and widening access to e-CNY services.

South Korea’s foreign exchange reserves fell to $423.66 billion in March as a stronger U.S. dollar and FX swaps with the pension fund reduced reserve assets.

South Korea’s inflation rose 2.2% in March as higher oil costs lifted transport prices, while falling food prices helped keep the increase below forecasts.

South Korea exports hit a record $86.1 billion in March, the first time monthly shipments topped $80 billion, driven by surging semiconductor demand.

Japan’s industrial output fell 2.1 percent in February as weaker auto and electronics production pulled factory activity lower, official data showed.

China’s medical equipment market rose to 1.44 trillion yuan in 2025, with exports at $45.8 billion as healthcare demand and hospital capacity expanded.

Bank of Korea posted record 2025 net income of 15.3275 trillion won as foreign-currency gains and stronger securities prices lifted annual profit.

Dubai rose to seventh in GFCI 39, its highest rank yet, as DIFC growth, deeper sector strength and D33 targets sharpen its place in global finance.

South Korea’s Kospi erased most intraday losses, but Asian equities still ended lower as traders tracked oil, bonds and U.S.-Iran developments.