Business

North Korea’s Economy Expands on Russia Arms Deals, China Trade

North Korea’s economy expanded for a third straight year in 2025, boosted by arms exports to Russia, stronger trade with China, and Kim Jong Un’s drive to develop regional industries, according to estimates by South Korea’s central bank.

Wellington City Council proposes wide-ranging job cuts

RNZ understands the proposals could affect about 50 people working in a range of council areas.

Philippines to Revamp Bond Pricing Ahead of JPM Index Inclusion

The Philippines plans to change the way it prices local-currency bonds by removing the impact of withholding tax, a shift that may saddle some existing investors in the nation’s $230 billion market with losses, according to people familiar…

Nikkei Weight Cut Shadow Looms Over Advantest After 18% Rally

Advantest Corp.’s shares may come under selling pressure from passive funds as the Japanese chip-tester maker’s weighting in the Nikkei 225 Stock Average may be lowered at the next review.

CXMT's blockbuster debut in Shanghai sets stage for next test against global memory giants

Thailand’s True Internet Data Center Seeks $2 Billion Loan

Thailand’s True Internet Data Center Co. is seeking an about $2 billion-equivalent loan to build a new facility, according to people familiar with the matter, as the country looks to become a regional hub for artificial intelligence and…

Volatile South Korean shares soar on renewed semiconductor buying

Japan Preempts Market With Yen Intervention

Japan intervened in the currency market to bolster the yen, which sharply advanced as much as 3.3% versus the dollar in New York trading on Thursday. Bloomberg's Shery Ahn breaks down the developments. (Source: Bloomberg)

Toyota supplier Denso posts drop in first-quarter profit

Iron Ore Climbs as Traders Weigh Supply Risks From BHP Strike

Iron ore rose as threat of strike action by BHP Group workers at the export hub of Port Hedland raised concerns about potential supply disruptions, although weak Chinese demand will likely cap price gains.

Rising US Yields May Complicate RBI’s Strategy on Rates and the Rupee

If US yields keep rising, the RBI could face growing pressure to keep policy tighter.

Korea Cites Close Ties With US, Japan After Overnight FX Surge

South Korea’s foreign-exchange authorities are in close contact with counterparts in the US and Japan, a senior finance ministry official said, a day after Tokyo mounted a large-scale operation to prop up the yen.