The Latest Breaking News from Asia

Asian stock markets are mixed after Wall Street sank under pressure from worries about higher interest rates and Japan reported stronger wage gains than expected

Hong Kong (AFP) - Asian markets squeezed out gains Tuesday, giving investors some relief from a recent sell-off fuelled by worries that US interest rates will go higher than feared following last week's blockbuster jobs report.

Aberdeen Asset Management (Abrdn) is launching a new Asia equity fund focusing on Chinese and Thai stocks as it believes China's reopening will drive Thailand's tourism industry to expand substantially this year.

China’s standing in the Asia-Pacific has been damaged by its decision to stick with "COVID-zero" for most of 2022, leaving the U.S. to cement its position as the most influential power in the region, according to an Australian research group.

The Lowy Institute report ranks Japan as the third most powerful country in Asia, with India following in fourth place, and shows the pandemic has slowed China's rise over the last two years.

France’s fascination with manga comic books is booming, a trend highlighted at the Angoulême international comics festival at the end of January. Thousands of fans turned out to see Hajime Isayama, Ryoichi Ikegami and Junji Ito who hosted masterclasses and received special awards.

Lowy Institute ranks country sixth overall in the Asia Power Index, behind US, China, Japan, India and Russia

Saudi Arabia’s “Arheb” transportation platform will connect drivers and passengers wishing to travel together between the country’s governorates and cities, in addition to neighboring Gulf and Arab countries. Arheb ensures the lowest cost of transportation for users and provides weekly and monthly packages for employees and students at competitive prices.…

Joseph Lau Luen-hung is selling 77 rare Hermès bags in the largest single-owner handbag sale ever held in Asia, according to Sotheby’s