Asia-Pacific ETP News
you are currently viewing:China's banking goliath: from growth engine to economic dragMarch 6, 2026-China's banking system has long been utilised as a quasi-government tool to channel China’s huge household savings towards the government's objectives. This has been instrumental to the country's economic miracle, yet the support it provides is diminishing as banks face rapidly falling profitability and stretched balance sheets. This will have important consequences for the Chinese economy. Thirty years ago, China lacked a functional financial sector. By 1998, banks were saddled with 50% non-performing loans, prompting a massive recapitalisation. The rebuilt system, centred around four giant, state-owned banks, amassed deposits from a thrifty population who could not move their money abroad due to capital controls. Source: Bruegel |
Asia's Economic Resilience Is Being Tested by the Energy Shock
April 16, 2026-The region can best cope by protecting vulnerable people, letting prices adjust, anchoring inflation expectations, and accelerating structural reforms
Asia entered 2026 on a strong footing. Despite the region bearing the brunt of US tariffs last April and persistent trade policy uncertainty, growth was resilient in 2025 and trade remained robust.
Samsung Active Asset Management Launches the KoAct Global AI Memory Semiconductor Active, Benchmarked Against the Solactive Global AI Memory Semiconductor Index
April 14, 2026-Solactive is pleased to announce the launch of the KoAct Global AI Memory Semiconductor Active by Samsung Active Asset Management, an actively managed ETF benchmarked against the Solactive Global AI Memory Semiconductor Index. The ETF provides exposure to companies across the global AI memory semiconductor value chain.
India Remains Among the Fastest-Growing Economies Even As Growth Slows Amid Middle East Conflict; Outlook Vulnerable to Risks and Uncertainty
April 9, 2026--Growth in India is projected at 6.6% in FY27,as higher energy prices caused by the Middle East conflict and supply chain disruptions weigh on economic activity. But even with the slowdown,India remains among the fastest-growing major economies in the world,says the World Bank's latest economic update.
South Asia's Growth Slows Amid Global Headwinds
April 8, 2026--Region needs reforms to create enough jobs, accelerate growth
Growth in South Asia is expected to slow to 6.3% in 2026-from 7% in 2025-due to disruptions in global energy markets, says the World Bank Group in its twice-a-year regional outlook.
