Philippines Urges Swift PJEPA Review to Bolster Market Access
The Philippines is actively pushing for an expedited conclusion to the ongoing review of the Philippines-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (PJEPA), emphasizing the need for improved market access, particularly for bananas. Trade Undersecretary Allan Gepty highlighted the urgency of accelerating the review process and addressing pending issues during negotiations with Japan. A key focus of the Philippines is to enhance market access for bananas by reducing tariffs. The Department of Agriculture is collaborating with the Department of Trade and Industry to secure preferential tariff rates, given the rising competition from other countries. The negotiation timeline depends on the shared ambitions of both nations, with the Philippines urging a swift resolution.
Kuwait Takes a Pioneering Leap Towards Power and Water Privatization
Kuwait’s announcement of plans to privatize its power and water assets signifies a pivotal moment in the nation’s quest for improved service delivery and economic efficiency. Backed by a comprehensive feasibility study, this transformational initiative is poised to drastically reduce the government’s annual expenditure on these essential services, which currently exceeds $19 billion in subsidies. By opening the doors to privatization, Kuwait aims to introduce competition, innovation, and private sector investment into its energy sector, thereby enhancing service quality and operational efficiency. While challenges lie ahead, including regulatory complexities and ensuring affordability for the general population, this move reflects Kuwait’s commitment to modernizing its infrastructure and embracing global standards.
Sony hikes FY profit forecast by 4.5% on foreign exchange boost
Sony Group Corp hiked its full-year operating profit forecast on Tuesday by 4.5% to 1.16 trillion yen ($7.84 billion) as the boost from foreign exchange fluctuations at units including the music business offset gaming weakness.
Analysis: As British lender HSBC considers Canada unit sale, antitrust issues loom
As British lender HSBC Plc explores a potential sale of its Canadian unit, lawyers and analysts say the country’s concentrated banking market could discourage big domestic banks from bidding as the government has charged the antitrust regulator to push for more competition.
Mortgage News: Interest rates are on the rise!
Mortgage interest rates are rapidly rising, which is affecting loan demand, particularly refinances. Total mortgage application volume fell 8.1 % last week compared to the previous week, as per the Mortgage Bankers Association’s seasonally adjusted index. For 30-year fixed-rate mortgages with acceptable loan balances ($647,200 or less), the average contract interest rate jumped to 4.50 […]
Barclays, RBS, HSBC, Credit Suisse fined 344 mln euros for forex cartel
European Union antitrust regulators fined Barclays (BARC.L), Credit Suisse (CSGN.S), HSBC (HSBA.L) and RBS (NWG.L) a total of 344 million euros ($390 million) on Thursday for rigging the foreign exchange spot trading market.
Asia sits out equities rally as Alibaba slides
Asian shares sat out a global rally on Friday as disappointing earnings from Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba reinforced worry about slowing growth in the world’s second-largest economy, even as European and U.S. share futures indicated gains.
