Japan: 2026 Article IV Consultation-Press Release; Staff Report; and Statement by the Executive Director for Japan
you are currently viewing:Japan: 2026 Article IV Consultation-Press Release; Staff Report; and Statement by the Executive Director for JapanApril 03, 2026--The Japanese economy has displayed impressive resilience in the face of global shocks and output is growing above potential. Domestic demand has been robust and unemployment remains low. After three decades of near-zero inflation, prices grew faster than the BOJ's target for over three and a half years before moderating in January. While nominal wages are rising at a historic pace, there are persistent concerns about the cost of living as high inflation erodes household purchasing power. Growth is projected to remain strong in 2026, but to moderate to 0.8 percent due to weaker external demand and the impact from the conflict in the Middle East. Private investment and consumption are expected to remain strong, the latter supported by a gradual rise in real wages as inflation eases and labor shortages persist. From 1.3 percent y/y in February, inflation is expected to rise in 2026 before converging to the BOJ's target in 2027. Risks to the outlook and inflation are broadly balanced. Source: imf.org |
April 24, 2026-Ping An of China Asset Management (Hong Kong) Company Limited ("PAAMC HK" or the "Company"), the offshore asset management platform of Ping An Insurance (Group) Company of China, Ltd., is pleased to announce that two of its exchange-traded funds (ETFs) - Ping An East-West Select ETF (3477 / 9477) and Ping An Technology Select ETF (3406/9406)- will be included in the Southbound Stock Connect scheme, effective May 6, 2026.
April 23, 2026- Thailand is moving to allow crypto firms to access derivatives licenses directly, easing entry into the market while tightening regulatory oversight.
According to the country's Securities and Exchange Commission,the proposed rule changes would allow licensed digital asset businesses to apply for derivatives licences within their existing entities, removing the need to set up separate companies.
April 22, 2026- FTSE Russell upgraded Viet Nam's stock market from "Frontier" to "Secondary Emerging Market," unlocking an estimated US$3-5 billion in portfolio flows in the near term and up to US$25 billion by 2030.
April 21, 2026-CSOP Gold ETF (3030.HK) has listed on HKEX today (21 April 2026) with an initial AUM size of about US$720 million (about HK$5.6 billion), making it Hong Kong's largest local physical gold ETF to date[1].
3030.HK seeks to provide investment results that, before deduction of fees and expenses, closely correspond to the performance of the LBMA Gold Price AM.