Asia Pacific
China’s Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect fails to deliver
At the start of 2015, the landmark Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect is entering an important phase. Still, investors have to temper their expectations when it comes to gaining more access
“The Interview” shows the value of political risk analysis
The latest Hollywood film by Sony Pictures generated a small fraction of the forecasted box office revenue because of disruptions and threats by the North Korean government. This example demonstrates
Royal divorce signals power shift for Thai monarchy
Thailand’s Crown Prince is divorcing his wife shortly after several of her relatives were arrested in a corruption scandal. The move is seen as a power shift within the palace
What lies ahead for Indonesia’s infrastructure in 2015?
Plans are in place to bolster Indonesian infrastructure in the year ahead, but actions will be needed to make those plans a reality. Guest post by Marius Toime Andrinof Chaniago,
China’s interest rate cut not as reformist as it seems
China’s recent interest rate cut could ease corporate debt financing pressure. But at the same time, by expanding the floating range of interest rates on bank deposits, China could move towards more financial
Tibet’s Prime Minister cautiously welcomes investment
During a visit to Canada last week, Lobsang Sangay, the Tibetan Prime Minister in exile, encouraged foreign investments and tourism in Tibet. His government has officially given up the fight
Bank of Indonesia prepares for future market volatility
Following a decision by the Indonesian government to raise fuel prices, the Bank of Indonesia raised its benchmark rate to help stem inflation. In mid-November, the Bank of Indonesia decided
What does a political reshuffle mean for North Korea?
A recent rise to prominence of Kim Jong-un’s sister, Kim Yo-jong, reveals the internal dynamics of North Korea’s power structure. The northern half of the Korean peninsula is infamous for
Do Occupy protests hurt Hong Kong’s economy?
After almost 10 weeks of protests, Occupy Hong Kong is coming to an end. Having failed to halt the protests using other means, Beijing has sought to underline the economic
Is Japan headed for another recession?
Japan has struggled in recent months, posting economic losses for the second straight quarter, eliciting fears that the country is headed for another recession. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s experiment may prove
