Hong Kong Retains Top Ranking as Asia Pacific’s Most Expensive Retail Destination

Cushman & Wakefield (NYSE: CWK) today released the 33rd edition of its Main Streets Across the World report which examines prime retail rental rates in key cities globally.
APAC cities continue to be some of the world’s most connected and prominent as emerging hubs in South Asia gain ground

Asia Pacific (APAC) cities, spearheaded by Tokyo, Beijing, Singapore, Melbourne, and Hong Kong, continue to assert their influence as some of the world’s most connected and prominent urban centers, according to Kearney’s 2023 Global Cities Report. The report reveals that APAC maintains a strong foothold in the top 10 of its Global Cities Index (GCI), claiming five coveted spots.
Global Markets React to Economic Data, Igniting Fears of Rate Hikes

Global markets experienced a sudden downturn fueled by a mix of conflicting economic indicators, triggering apprehensions about potential interest rate hikes by central banks. Asian stock markets, including Hong Kong, Shanghai, Tokyo, and Sydney, faced notable declines as investors grappled with uncertainty. The Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) also witnessed a dip, partly attributed to disappointing second-quarter economic growth figures. The intricacies of this situation were exacerbated by the contrasting data emerging from the United States, particularly around inflation rates. The prevailing market sentiment now hinges on forthcoming data, which could either quell or amplify concerns regarding central banks’ responses to inflation and economic stability.
Toshiba warns on profit after Q3 slump; COO resigns over expenses

Japan’s Toshiba Corp cut its annual earnings estimate after third-quarter profit slumped and its chief operating officer resigned over the inappropriate use of entertainment expenses.
Exclusive: Tokyo Gas unit nears $4.6 billion deal to buy U.S. natgas producer

A unit of Tokyo Gas Co Ltd is in advanced talks to buy U.S. natural gas producer Rockcliff Energy from private equity firm Quantum Energy Partners for about $4.6 billion, including debt, people familiar with the matter said on Tuesday.
Bank of Japan makes surprise policy tweak

The Bank of Japan has slightly loosened the shackles on its 10-year yield target and said it will review the operation of its yield-curve control policy, surprising financial markets and sending the yen sharply higher.
Japan ramps up intervention threats after yen slides past key 150 level

Japanese policymakers made fresh threats of intervention on Thursday after the yen tumbled past the key psychological level of 150 to the dollar, keeping investors on high alert in case Tokyo steps into markets again to support the fragile currency.
Exclusive: Toshiba’s preferred bidder offers price short of key 6,000 yen a share, sources say

The preferred bidder to buy out Toshiba Corp has offered to pay less than the widely regarded threshold of 6,000 yen a share, two sources said, indicating the premium for the Japanese conglomerate may not be as rich as investors had hoped.
Japan’s services sector shrinks for first time in five months in August – PMI

Japan’s services sector activity shrank for the first time in five months in August as a resurgence of COVID-19 infections hurt demand, a business survey showed.
Sony to buy mobile game developer in push beyond consoles

Sony Group Corp (6758.T) on Monday said it will acquire Helsinki and Berlin-based mobile games business Savage Game Studios for an undisclosed amount as part of a major push by the Japanese conglomerate beyond console gaming.