Asian stocks extend global rally to 7th day, U.S. stimulus in focus

Asian stocks put global equities on course for a seventh day of gains on Friday as investors bet the U.S. will lead the world out of the COVID-19 pandemic, with the focus turning to a multi-trillion dollar spending boost by the Biden administration.
Asian shares step back from 2-wk highs, dollar firm

Asian shares retreated from two-week highs on Thursday and China started on the backfoot on fears central banks were closer to considering winding back their emergency stimulus while the dollar held at a one-week top.
Asian shares up, dollar wallows as Fed soothes inflation fears

Asian shares rose on Wednesday while the U.S. dollar stood near its lowest levels this year after U.S. Federal Reserve officials reaffirmed a dovish monetary policy stance, providing yet more assurance to investors worried about the inflation outlook.
Japan’s losses from COVID-19 curbs to dwarf Olympics no-go fallout, says economist

Japan stands to lose 1.8 trillion yen ($16 billion) if the Olympics were cancelled, but that would pale in comparison to the economic hit from emergency curbs if the Summer Games turned into a super-spreader event, a top economist estimated.
SoftBank CEO slams Olympics as Japan races to catch up on vaccinations

Japanese tycoon Masayoshi Son warned of significant dangers around holding the Olympics in Tokyo, where the government on Monday kicked off a mass vaccination drive to catch up with other countries and ensure a “safe and secure” Games.
Asian shares push higher, dollar eases

Asian shares rose on Tuesday, shrugging off worries about an increase in regional coronavirus infections, while inflation jitters helped push gold prices to three-month highs. Equities in Europe and the United States looked set to follow. FTSE futures rose 0.76% and EuroSTOXX 50 futures traded 0.68% higher, while S&P 500 futures were up 0.33%. MSCI’s […]
Uneven Recovery Drives Growing Inequality Across East Asia and the Pacific

WASHINGTON, March 25, 2021 – More than a year into the COVID-19 pandemic, the developing economies of East Asia and the Pacific (EAP) are facing a markedly uneven recovery, according to the World Bank’s latest economic update for the region, released today. Only China and Vietnam are experiencing a V-shaped rebound where output has already surpassed pre-pandemic levels. In the other major […]
Here’s how we can get more people in Asia and the Pacific connected to the internet

Everyone should have reliable access to the internet. If we face another situation like COVID-19 in the future, enhanced internet connectivity will make us better prepared to handle it.