“Japan’s top currency official says govt ready to act to curb yen volatility” February 22, 2019February 22, 2019 David Z “TOKYO (Reuters) – A Japanese official said on Tuesday that volatility was rising in the currency market and the government stands ready to take necessary steps if the market becomes too erratic.” – Reuters
“The $48 Billion Sell-Off That Sent Japan Stocks Into Bear Market” February 22, 2019February 22, 2019 David Z “Japanese stocks tumbled into a bear market, buffeted by the biggest foreign investor exodus in three decades. UBS Wealth Management says the worst may be yet to come.” – Bloomberg
“Jollibee opens first Malaysian outlet in Kota Kinabalu” February 22, 2019February 22, 2019 David Z “JFC, which has grown to over 4,300 stores with 14 brands spread across 21 countries, penetrates the Malaysian market today with the opening of its first store in the state capital of Sabah.” – New Straits Times
“Japanese Justice Faces Scrutiny in Case of Nissan Chief and U.S. Board Member” February 18, 2019February 18, 2019 David Z “The treatment of such a prominent foreign defendant has been revelatory for people who see Japan as a model in Asia for doing business. Mr. Ghosn’s arrest on Nov. 19 has exposed stark differences in how crimes are pursued and suspects are handled in Japan and in Western democracies.” – The New York Times
Economy grows at 4.7% in Q4 of 2018, above forecast February 14, 2019February 14, 2019 David Z Bank Negara Malaysia Governor Datuk Nor Shamsiah Mohd Yunus announced that Malaysia’s economy expanded at 4.7% in the fourth quarter of 2018 (Q4 2018) bringing the total GDP for the year to 4.7%. The central bank said growth was supported by private consumption, which was propped up by improvements in labour market conditions. – The Star TV
Warburg Pincus-backed REIT to buy rival in Singapore’s first REIT merger February 12, 2019February 12, 2019 David Z SINGAPORE (Reuters) – ESR-REIT (ESRR.SI) will buy rival Viva Industrial Trust VIVA.SI in a proposed deal valued at S$936.7 million, marking the first consolidation among Singapore’s crowded mid-cap real estate investment trusts. – Reuters
“Hotel Chocolat continues global expansion with new store in Japan” February 9, 2019February 9, 2019 David Z “The British luxury chocolatier had announced in September it planned to open stores in Japan as part of its “test, learn, grow” approach of expansion. Its new store in Japan is located at Tokyo’s Aeon Lake Town shopping mall, which is the largest in the country.” – by Shawn Lim (The Drum magazine)