Japan's real estate market leads the Asia-Pacific in investment, safety, and trade, with strong performance in office, residential, and hotel sectors. Despite this, Japanese investors are increasing their overseas property investments, particularly in Australia's rental housing market.
The UK economy shrank by 0.1% in April, official figures show, as rising energy prices due to the Iran war and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz impacted growth. Services output declined, while construction saw a slight rise.
Adelaide Crows dominated the Western Bulldogs in a strong first quarter, leading 9.2 (56) to 2.3 (15) at the first change. Jordan Dawson was a standout with three goals and eight touches, while Riley Thilthorpe also kicked three goals. The Crows' pressure and efficiency in front of goal were key.
Adelaide Crows dominate Western Bulldogs, leading 75-35 at halftime. Jordan Dawson stars with 3 goals and 8 score involvements. Adelaide's pressure and efficiency, especially from stoppages, have been key to their commanding lead.
BYD, the Shenzhen-based EV maker, has seen a strong rebound in overseas deliveries, surging 76% year-on-year to nearly 300,000 units in April and May. This recovery, driven by rising oil prices due to the US-Israel war with Iran, has bolstered founder Wang Chuanfu's ambition to become the world's largest carmaker by 2030.
The New York Knicks won Game 1 of the NBA Finals against the San Antonio Spurs, ending a 53-year championship drought anticipation. Despite a messy game, the Knicks' win highlighted their resilience, contrasting with the Spurs' focus on future potential with Victor Wembanyama.
The New York Knicks secured a 105-95 victory in Game 1 of the NBA Finals against the San Antonio Spurs, ending a 53-year championship drought for the franchise and its fans. Despite a ragged start, Jalen Brunson's late-game heroics sealed the win, contrasting with the Spurs' future-focused outlook led by Victor Wembanyama.
A direct flight between Hong Kong and Tashkent, Uzbekistan, is expected to launch this year, strengthening ties between Central Asia and the city. This follows Cathay Pacific's planned service to Almaty, Kazakhstan, next year.
Australian economists warn of an economic slowdown driven by interest rate hikes and cost-of-living pressures. GDP per capita contracted, and unemployment is expected to rise, with recession risks increasing despite a boom in data center investment.
Australian economists warn of an economic slowdown, citing interest rate hikes and cost-of-living pressures. GDP grew only 0.3% in Q1 2026, with GDP per capita falling. Inflation remains high, and recession risks are rising, though data center investment offers a bright spot.
Australia's Q1 GDP grew 2.5% year-on-year, but economists predict a significant slowdown due to the Middle East war and interest rate hikes. Household spending increased, but exports fell. The RBA may hike rates again despite market expectations.
The ASX 200 rose 0.4% to 8,758 points. Qantas completed its first test flight for the Project Sunrise A350, while the ACCC approved Ampol's $1.1 billion takeover of EG Australia with conditions. Economists predict a slower GDP growth for Australia.
Ulta Beauty reported strong fiscal first-quarter results, surpassing top and bottom line expectations. The company raised its full-year earnings outlook, citing broad-based growth across channels and categories despite a challenging macroeconomic environment.
The French Open men's draw is experiencing unprecedented tension as top seeds like Sinner and Djokovic are out, creating a wide-open field. Players like Cobolli and Auger-Aliassime see a huge opportunity, while others, like Tiafoe, admit to extreme nerves.
Hong Kong will relaunch direct flights with Almaty, Kazakhstan in Q1 next year. Chief Executive John Lee also announced deliberations for a double taxation agreement to boost business ties with Central Asia.
Russia's banking sector is projected to net 3.7-3.9 trillion rubles ($51.3-$54.1 bln) in 2026, driven by lower key interest rates boosting lending and positive revaluation of debt securities, according to Expert RA CEO Marina Chekurova.
Kuaishou posts 3.4% overall revenue growth, with Kling's revenue surging over 300% to 650M yuan, driven by AI adoption across sectors. Profit hits 3.4B yuan, down 26% YoY but exceeding estimates.
Singapore's GDP grew 6% year-on-year in Q1, exceeding forecasts, driven by robust AI chip demand in wholesale trade and manufacturing, outweighing Middle East conflict fallout.
Singapore's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew by a seasonally adjusted 1% in the first quarter of 2026, significantly surpassing the government's initial estimate of a 0.3% contraction and Bloomberg's median forecast of 0.2% expansion. The Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) maintained its full-year GDP growth forecast at 2-4%.
The Giants lead the Lions by a slim margin after a high-scoring first quarter. Despite dominating possession, the Giants struggled with decision-making in front of goal. Clayton Oliver starred for the Giants, while Lachie Neale and Darcy Wilmot impressed for the Lions.
Russian official Nikita Kondratyev predicts mutual tourist flow between Russia and China could grow 50% in 2026, citing 50% growth in Q1. China extended visa-free regime through 2027.
Italian consumer spending fell 2.8% in April, with the first quarter also showing a decline. Lombardy saw a significant 3.9% drop, attributed to family caution. Apparel and accessories remain resilient, while restaurants and 'other retail' experienced significant decreases.
China's AI start-ups saw funding jump 185% to over 110 billion yuan (US$16.2 billion) in Q1, driven by investor interest in LLMs and embodied AI. This surge boosted China's overall VC/PE market, despite a dip in yuan-denominated investments.
Walmart's Q1 results beat expectations, but its financial outlook for the year and current quarter fell short, causing its stock to drop 8%. The retailer cited high gas prices straining consumer budgets, especially for lower-income shoppers, despite overall strong sales.
