Economic affairs

News analysis

Hong Kong’s Budget is back in the black – but not without sacrifice

Hong Kong Financial Secretary Paul Chan has brought the city out of the red three years earlier than expected.

‘Buoyant’ Hong Kong economy spurs fiscal deficit turnaround, budget shows

The buoyant economy will help the city return to a budget surplus after several years of deficits.

What lessons can India take from SE Asian nations in attracting foreign investments?

TOPSHOT - A pedestrian walks past a digital screen displaying a broadcast of the budget speech by Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman at the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) in Mumbai on February 1, 2026. India will spend a record $133 billion on infrastructure, the finance minister unveiled in her national budget speech, with plans for new high-speed train links and tech investments. The world's most populous country sees massive infrastructure spending as key to sustaining its high growth rate by boosting domestic manufacturing and creating millions of new jobs. (Photo by Punit PARANJPE / AFP)

News analysis

Tarique Rahman won big in Bangladesh. Far bigger tests await him

Bangladesh’s President Mohammed Shahabuddin signs as he administers the oath‑taking ceremony for Tarique Rahman as Prime Minister in Dhaka on Feb 17, 2026. PHOTO: REUTERS

Israel’s economy picks up for the first time since war began

Gross domestic product per capita is now similar to levels seen before the start of the conflict in Gaza.

MM2H programme generated $1.25b for Malaysia’s national economy in 2025

The economic contribution includes participation fees, fixed deposits in local banks and property investments.

More can be done to help retrenched workers in S’pore get help earlier: Desmond Choo

(From left) Mr Justin Ting, 54, e2i career coach, giving Mr Desmond Choo, NTUC deputy secretary-general, and Mr Goh Pei Ming, Minister of State for Education and Social and Family Development, a tour of the career centre during the Economic Strategy Review Committee media visit at the Devan Nair Institute for Employment and Employability on Feb 9, 2026. ST PHOTO: BRIAN TEO

Speculation mounts over possible Japan move to buy yen, perhaps with US help

Yen rallied after reports the NY Fed inquired about exchange rates, fuelling speculation of intervention to halt its slide.

Tokyo becoming colony for the rich, award-winning architect warns

Tokyo has long existed in a state of flux, with older buildings routinely razed in favour of modernised, earthquake-resilient structures.

Korea bourse CEO sees Kospi at 6,000, vows to cut ‘zombie’ firms

Traders work at Hana Bank in Seoul, South Korea, on Jan 19, 2026.

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MDDI (P) 046/10/2025. Published by SPH Media Limited, Co. Regn. No.202120748H. Copyright © 2026 SPH Media Limited. All rights reserved.