Japan Inc. eyes larger overseas M&A amid hunt for growth

Japanese companies are seeking to buy ever-larger foreign companies in their hunt for growth as their home market continues to shrink, according to investment bankers.

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Tesla supplier Panasonic ready to make larger 4680 EV batteries

Japanese battery maker Panasonic Energy is ready to begin mass-producing its latest cylindrical EV battery cells in western Japan for major customer Tesla.

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Laos hit hard by inflation, currency woes and plunging spending power

The purchasing power of people in Laos is fading rapidly amid soaring inflation, a weakening currency and other deteriorating macroeconomic conditions, with experts warning the Southeast Asian nation must take steps such as cutting its debt to creditors including China to stop its downward economic spiral.

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China buys more chip tools than South Korea, Taiwan, U.S. combined

China spent more on chipmaking equipment in the first half of the year than South Korea, Taiwan and the U.S. combined amid a frantic push to localize chip supplies and mitigate the risk of further Western export restrictions, according to global chip industry association SEMI.

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SAIC-GM logs first interim net loss as China auto tie-ups struggle

General Motors' joint venture with Chinese state-owned player SAIC Motor has suffered its first interim net loss, underscoring the fast-eroding position of once-dominant foreign players.

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New World Development shares tumble as Hong Kong property woes bite

Hong Kong real estate conglomerate New World Development on Monday saw its stock price plunge by as much as 14.1% to the lowest level in 21 years after it warned of a hefty loss.

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China central bank fears Silicon Valley Bank redux as yields sink

As long-term government bond yields in China hover near a record low, authorities are scrambling to head off a bubble in the market that could put banks at risk, with limited success so far.

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Malaysia steps up pro-Palestinian stance, straining ties with U.S.

Malaysia has visibly strengthened its support for Palestinians over Israel in recent weeks in a move that may strain relations with the U.S.

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IBM to close China R&D operations, affecting 1,600 workers: reports

IBM is reportedly moving to shut one research and development center in China and relocate another overseas, as increasing tensions between Beijing and Washington force more American companies to rethink their activities there.

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Japan to enroll all foreign residents in national pension system

Japan plans to register all foreigners that have newly moved to the country in the public pension program by October, aiming to strengthen requirements and shore up a foundation for long-term social stability.

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