Asian Markets (6do encyclopedia)



Introduction
Asian markets, also known as markets of Asia, are the trading centers located in nations of Asia. These markets have been playing a crucial role in the Asian economy over the centuries and continue to serve as the backbone of the region’s economy. Asia has diverse markets, ranging from traditional street markets to modern shopping malls, and these markets cater to the needs of different income groups. In this article, we will discuss the different types of Asian markets, their importance in the economy, and the challenges that they face.

Types of Asian Markets
Asian markets can be broadly divided into two categories - Traditional Markets and Modern Markets.

Traditional Markets - Traditional markets have been around for centuries and continue to be a significant part of Asian culture and the economy. They are usually open-air markets or covered markets that sell various goods such as food, textiles, and handicrafts. These markets exist in various forms in different Asian nations and are an integral part of the local communities.

Street markets are a common form of traditional markets in Asia. They are typically small, local markets that sell products at low prices. The vendors who sell in street markets are often small business owners who purchase products from various wholesalers or distributors. These markets are found in every part of Asia and can range in size from small collections of stalls to vast markets that take up entire city blocks.

Bazaars are another traditional type of market found in Asia that has its roots in the Middle East. These markets have been around for centuries and are a staple of many Asian countries. Bazaars are typically large, covered markets that sell a wide range of products, including clothing, jewelry, spices, and food. The vendors in bazaars are often traders who travel long distances to sell their goods.

Wet markets are popular in East and Southeast Asia, where they sell fresh, local produce and seafood. These markets are usually open-air and are known for their variety and freshness of seafood and meat. They provide a vital source of income for local fishermen and farmers.

Modern Markets - Modern markets are a relatively recent phenomenon and are becoming increasingly popular in Asia. These markets are typically large shopping malls that offer a range of products from luxury brands to fast fashion. They cater to the middle and upper-class customers and provide a modern shopping experience.

Supermarkets are the most common form of modern markets. These markets are the most convenient way to shop for groceries, and they offer a wide range of products, including fresh produce, dairy, frozen food, and household items. Supermarkets are especially popular in urban areas, where people have less time to shop in traditional markets.

Department stores are another example of modern markets in Asia. They offer a wide range of products, from clothing to furniture, and provide customers with a high-end shopping experience. Department stores are popular in Asian cities as places where people can shop for luxury goods, and many feature food courts, cafes, and restaurants.

Importance of Asian Markets
Asian markets play a crucial role in the economy of their respective countries. These markets provide a source of income to local vendors and have significant implications for the tourism industry. Traditional markets attract tourists interested in experiencing the local culture while modern markets provide a source of entertainment for locals and tourists alike. Moreover, these markets help to boost the local economy, as they support small businesses and create employment opportunities.

In addition, Asian markets also help to promote the cultural and social identity of the region. Traditional markets reflect the history and traditions of the communities they serve, while modern markets reflect the region’s growing economic and social prominence.

Challenges Faced by Asian Markets
One of the significant challenges faced by Asian markets is the competition from modern markets, especially in urban areas. The convenience and variety offered by modern markets are attracting customers away from traditional markets, and this trend could continue to grow in the future.

Another significant challenge faced by Asian markets is the impact of online shopping. E-commerce has grown significantly in Asia in recent years, and this trend is likely to continue. This growth could put significant pressure on traditional markets, which rely on face-to-face interactions with customers.

Finally, Asian markets face the challenge of adapting to changing consumer preferences. As the region’s middle class continues to grow, so too will the demand for luxury goods and modern shopping experiences. Traditional markets may struggle to keep up with these changing preferences and may need to innovate to remain relevant.

Conclusion
Asian markets continue to play a significant role in the region’s economy and society. These markets are diverse, ranging from traditional street markets to modern shopping malls, and provide a source of income to local vendors and employment opportunities for many. However, they face significant challenges from modern markets and online shopping, and they will need to adapt to changing consumer preferences to remain relevant in the future. Overall, Asian markets are a vital aspect of the region’s cultural and economic identity.


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Indian rupee snaps 3-day losing streak on softer dollar

Reuters

23-05-16 10:33


The Indian rupee saw its first gain in four sessions due to a weaker dollar and improving economic data. The rupee closed at 82.2050 against the U.S. dollar, up from 82.2950 in the previous session. The dollar slipped from five-week highs amid worries over weak U.S. economic data and debt. India's trade deficit in April decreased to $15.2bn from $19.7bn in the previous month. However, the analysts highlighted that the US's plan to purchase oil for its Strategic Petroleum Reserve could negatively impact the rupee as crude oil prices have fallen almost 13% this year, putting the USD/INR pair on track to move above 82.50 – 82.80 levels.

https://www.reuters.com/markets/currencies/indian-rupee-snaps-3-day-losing-streak-softer-dollar-2023-05-16/
Asian hedge funds piled to China education, U.S. AI shares in Q1

Reuters

23-05-16 10:28


Asian hedge funds invested in US-listed stocks of Chinese education companies in Q1 2023 as the sector showed resilience amid challenging market conditions, according to regulatory filings. Greenwoods Asset Management, which is based in Hong Kong, purchased 3.7 million shares of New Oriental's US-listed American depositary receipts and 2.2 million shares of TAL Education. FengHe, headquartered in Singapore, increased its position in TAL and realised profits from New Oriental holdings. The filings also showed investment in the tech industry, particularly US artificial intelligence firms including Nvidia, Meta and Microsoft.

https://www.reuters.com/markets/asia/asian-hedge-funds-piled-china-education-us-ai-shares-q1-2023-05-16/
Executives say Australia gas moves may hit long-term energy investment

Reuters

23-05-16 10:24


Australia's extensive government intervention in domestic gas prices could harm investments in the country's wider energy sector, industry executives have warned. Successful investment in Australia's resources sector has been attracted in part thanks to abundant resources and a stable investment environment. However, a spate of recent government measures, including caps on local natural gas and coal prices, could deter investors, according to Saul Kavonic, head of energy and resources at Credit Suisse. The Australian government has also proposed expanding its powers and curbing gas exports from Australia's three east coast projects.

https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/executives-say-australia-gas-moves-may-hit-long-term-energy-investment-2023-05-16/
Morning bid: Biden, Republicans set for debt ceiling face-off

Reuters

23-05-16 10:03


President Joe Biden and senior Republicans are set to meet on Tuesday to negotiate a deal to raise the debt limit and avoid a catastrophic default. The mood surrounding these talks has been optimistic, but the US has just two weeks left until it runs out of cash to pay its bills. Investors are concerned about the potential for default, but the relative calm has been reflected in the latest Bank of America survey which shows equity allocations rising to a five-month high and 71% of participants expecting the US to agree on a deal to raise the debt ceiling before the so-called “X-date.” The markets will also be focusing on the latest retail sales and industrial production data from the Fed.

https://www.reuters.com/markets/global-markets-view-usa-2023-05-16/
Turkey's bond and bank rout deepens after Erdogan's strong election showing

Reuters

23-05-16 09:53


The Turkish bond market suffered for a second consecutive day, with both government and corporate bonds declining as well as banking stocks, as investor certainty grew that President Tayyip Erdogan would retain control and implement his unconventional economic policies into a third decade. Market ructions were caused by Erdogan’s better-than-expected position in the presidential race, but falling just shy of the majority threshold, forcing a run-off vote against opposition leader Kemal Kilicdaroglu. Analysts had anticipated a Kilicdaroglu victory would result in the reform or reversal of some of Erdogan’s economic policies.

https://www.reuters.com/markets/rates-bonds/turkeys-bond-bank-rout-deepens-after-erdogans-strong-election-showing-2023-05-16/
Singaporean tech firm Sea's profit miss sparks share selloff

Reuters

23-05-16 14:03


Singaporean tech firm Sea missed Q1 profit estimates as its digital entertainment revenue dropped 52.5%, leading to a 12.5% decline in its shares on 18 May. The company’s earnings fell short of analysts’ estimates due to a $117.9m impairment charge concerning a prior undisclosed acquisition. The company also doubled the money it set aside to cover potentially bad loans to $177.4 million within its SeaMoney financial services business, as falling interest rates hit digital finance firms. Rising interest rates have recently been affecting digital finance companies that were operating in a loose monetary policy environment until 2020.

https://www.reuters.com/technology/singaporean-tech-firm-seas-profit-miss-sparks-share-selloff-2023-05-16/
Israel economy grows 2.5% in Q1, likely clinches another rate hike

Reuters

23-05-16 13:44


Israel's economy grew an annualized 2.5% in Q1 2023 from the previous quarter, less than in Q4 2022 when it grew 5.3%, but more than expected. Due to strong industrial investment and high inflation, however, the GDP growth is expected to put pressure on policymakers and push them to rein in rising prices, says Jonathan Katz, chief economist at Leader Capital Markets. The Bank of Israel is set to decide on interest rates on 22 May. Data on Monday showed inflation at 5% in April, compared with an anticipated 4.7%.

https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israel-economy-grows-25-q1-likely-clinches-another-rate-hike-2023-05-16/
Most Gulf bourses fall on lower oil prices, ahead of US debt-limit talks

Reuters

23-05-16 13:43


Most stock markets in the Gulf closed lower on Tuesday due to concerns over the US government's debt-ceiling negotiations and lower oil prices. Saudi Arabia's benchmark index fell by 0.2% due to a decline in oil giant Saudi Aramco, while Dubai's main share index dropped by 0.5% for the fourth consecutive session, and the Qatari benchmark eased down by 0.1%. Analysts warned that the markets could be exposed to more price corrections if traders continued to sell. The US is facing a critical debt-ceiling deadline, and a default would inject chaos into global financial markets, economists said.

https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/most-gulf-bourses-fall-lower-oil-prices-ahead-us-debt-limit-talks-2023-05-16/
Saudi Arabia studying another Aramco stock offering -Bloomberg News

Reuters

23-05-16 13:39


Saudi Arabia is reportedly considering another multibillion-dollar stock offering for its state-owned oil company Aramco, with plans gaining momentum, according to anonymous sources. Aramco, the world's largest oil company, raised $25.6bn in its initial public offering in 2019, and later raised the total to $29.4bn. With Saudi Arabia still the biggest shareholder with a 90.18% stake, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman has said that more shares could be sold. The country’s Public Investment Fund owns a further 4% stake in Aramco.

https://www.reuters.com/markets/deals/saudi-arabia-studying-another-aramco-stock-offering-bloomberg-news-2023-05-16/
Dubai adds support for family business growth, succession

Reuters

23-05-16 13:16


Dubai Chambers has established the Dubai Centre for Family Businesses to provide assistance to family businesses in the emirate on leadership transition, planning and growth, according to a statement. Family firms contribute about 60% of Dubai's gross domestic product and up to 80% of its workforce. Chairman Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair said the centre, a nod to the region's emphasis on family legacies, is crucial for ensuring not only the strength of Dubai's private sector, but the prosperity of the families that built and run those businesses. The chamber is also planning a family business dispute centre to resolve conflicts out of court.

https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/dubai-adds-support-family-business-growth-succession-2023-05-16/
UN forecasts world economic growth of 2.3% in 2023, 2.5% in 2024

Reuters

23-05-16 16:44


The United Nations has predicted economic growth of 2.3% in 2023, a 0.4 percentage point increase from its January forecast. However, compared to the average growth rate in the two decades prior to the pandemic, the figure remains low. The UN report also noted that for many developing countries, growth prospects were weakening "amid tightening credit conditions and rising costs of external financing". The US, European Union and China have seen some improvements, although the growth targets set in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development were not met.

https://www.reuters.com/world/un-forecasts-world-economic-growth-23-2023-25-2024-2023-05-16/
German exports to Russia's neighbours fuel sanctions evasion fears

Reuters

23-05-16 16:26


German exports to countries bordering Russia have surged once again in Q1 2016, carrying concerns that such a rise could help Russians get around sanctions put in place over Moscow's action in Ukraine. The value of German exports to Russia fell by 47% in January to March compared with a year-on-year period, reflecting trade replacements with the European Union and other Western entities. Experts are keen to ascertain how much the increased trade represents sanctioned goods ending up in Russia, sold on by traders from neighbours, with Group of Seven leaders set to strengthen measures against Russia this week.

https://www.reuters.com/world/german-exports-russias-neighbours-fuel-sanctions-evasion-fears-2023-05-16/
Russia seeks to close loopholes letting foreigners divest debt holdings

Reuters

23-05-16 15:45


The Russian central bank has said that it will close any loopholes allowing foreign investors from countries that have imposed sanctions against Russia a chance to divest Russian asset holdings. Non-resident investors had been offloading billions of roubles worth of local debt holdings which meant local accounts were frozen aboard. But the central bank has actioned these concerns because it deemed it wrong to allow non-residents to reduce their Russian asset holdings while local investors have funds frozen abroad.

https://www.reuters.com/markets/europe/russia-seeks-close-loopholes-letting-foreigners-divest-debt-holdings-2023-05-16/
India's Jindal Steel's Q4 profit down 70% as prices fall, expenses rise

Reuters

23-05-16 22:30


Jindal Steel and Power Ltd has reported a 69.5% fall in quarterly profit due to lower steel prices and higher costs of raw materials including iron; the weak steel prices are also affecting their rival Tata Steel. However, the slump could ease after Pokemon Go fever caused prices for the metal compounds needed to make smartphones jump. Additionally, India's Ministry of Steel is determined to ensure stable iron ore supplies and reduce prices so as to boost profitability for local steelmakers such as JSPL, Tata Steel and Steel Authority of India. The weak global steel prices are mainly due to a China-driven supply glut.

https://www.reuters.com/business/indias-jindal-steels-q4-profit-down-70-prices-fall-expenses-rise-2023-05-16/
ASIA Eyes on Japan GDP, China losing steam

Reuters

23-05-16 21:46


Japan's GDP figures for the first quarter are set to be the highlight for Asian markets on Wednesday, with expectations of annualised growth of 0.7%, the fastest rate in three quarters, leading to Tokyo stocks opening up 0.2%. China's weaker than expected economic data for April has resulted in slumps across Chinese financial assets, with April house prices also due on Wednesday. Although offshore investors have a new scheme to link Hong Kong with the mainland in order to access interest rate derivatives to help hedge their Chinese bond exposure, concerns about debt demand have cast extra doubt over the yuan's ability to gain reserve currency status.

https://www.reuters.com/markets/asia/global-markets-view-asia-graphic-pix-2023-05-16/
Indian rupee to resume decline as yuan slides to 7/dollar

Reuters

23-05-17 02:55


On Tuesday, the Chinese yuan dropped to its lowest level to the US dollar this year, resulting in India's rupee falling. Non-deliverable forwards indicate that the rupee will open at around 82.28-82.30 to the US dollar compared with 82.2050 in the previous session. Resilient US economic data such as strong retail sales and control retail sales caused demand for the safe haven dollar to rise. The US Federal Reserve's continued push back against rate cuts that investors have priced in for later this year has also caused pressure on emerging currencies.

https://www.reuters.com/markets/currencies/indian-rupee-resume-decline-yuan-slides-7dollar-2023-05-17/
Indian shares set to open lower on weak cues amid profit booking

Reuters

23-05-17 02:50


Indian stocks are expected to open lower after Wall Street closed lower amid the debt ceiling negotiations in the US; Asian markets were also affected. Investors are also expected to be booking profits after a 5% increase in the benchmark Nifty 50 since the beginning of the fiscal year in 2024. The National Stock Exchange reported that foreign institutional investors have extended their buying streak for the 14th consecutive session, adding $172.1m worth of shares in the period. Analysts are watching the results of companies including Jubilant FoodWorks, Whirlpool of India and Devyani International.

https://www.reuters.com/world/india/indian-shares-set-open-lower-weak-cues-amid-profit-booking-2023-05-17/
Asian shares tentative, US debt ceiling talks weigh on risk appetite

Reuters

23-05-17 02:29


Asian markets were muted in early trade on 19 May, with the US debt ceiling talks and mixed economic data weighing on sentiment. MSCI’s broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan was 0.20% lower, while Australia's S&P/ASX 200 index was down 0.56%. However, Japan’s Nikkei spiked 0.68% higher, scaling above 30,000 for the first time since September 2021. Meanwhile, without an agreement on the looming U.S. debt default, in about two weeks, the government might not be able to pay its bills, with economists fearing the country will likely slide into a recession.

https://www.reuters.com/markets/global-markets-wrapup-1-2023-05-17/
China's new home prices rise at slower pace in April

Reuters

23-05-17 02:12


China's new home prices rose by 0.4% MoM in April, compared to March's growth of 0.5%, marking a fourth straight rise. However, analysts note that April's increase was lower than expected, adding to concerns about the recovery of the property market. Prices declined by 0.2% YoY in April, marking the 12th consecutive month of decline. Despite government efforts to stabilise the sector, such as stimulus policies introduced since November, falling sales and property investments led to bearish data on Tuesday.

https://www.reuters.com/world/china/china-new-home-prices-rise-slower-pace-april-2023-05-17/