KOSPI vs Nikkei: Asia's AI trade fractures ahead of Fed and BOJ decisions

Asian stocks diverged on Tuesday as South Korea's KOSPI struggled to shake off pressure on semiconductor shares while Japan's Nikkei 225 recovered, leaving the region's two most AI-sensitive markets moving in opposite directions ahead of key US and Japanese rate decisions. The KOSPI fell as much as 0.76% in early Seoul trading before paring most of the decline, extending a difficult stretch after Monday's sharp technology sell-off.

Invezz • Sep 15, 2026

As war strands Qatari gas for 6 months, US sales rise and European stocks plummet

Six months into the U.S.-Iran war, Qatar is ​among the conflict's biggest economic casualties, with its liquefied ​natural gas exports slashed by 96%, data shows.

Reuters • Aug 26, 2026

Australia's Stock Market Seen as AI Haven

Australia's stock market maybe emerging as a rare safe haven from the AI-driven volatility rattling Asian equities. A nascent rally has pushed valuations to the brink of overtaking India as the Asia-Pacific's priciest major market for the first time in six years.

Bloomberg Markets and Finance • Aug 18, 2026

Australia Inflation Cooled in Second Quarter

Australian consumer prices rose by less than expected in the second quarter, easing pressure on the Reserve Bank of Australia to deliver what would be its fourth rate increase this year at a policy meeting next month.

WSJ • Jul 29, 2026

China raises EV ambitions with 30% fleet target by 2030

China has unveiled a new carbon-peaking action plan that targets new energy vehicles (NEVs) accounting for 30% of the country's total vehicle fleet by 2030, marking a significant step in the electrification of the world's largest automobile market. The State Council on Thursday released the "15th Five-Year Plan" Carbon Peaking Action Plan, outlining the country's roadmap to peak carbon emissions before 2030.

Invezz • Jul 9, 2026

Australian shares little changed as gold miners, consumer stocks drag

Australian shares were little changed on Tuesday as losses in gold, mining and consumer stocks countered gains in banks and tech stocks, while software ​heavyweight WiseTech Global jumped to its highest in near three weeks ‌after naming a new chair.

Reuters • Jul 7, 2026

Australia's Underlying Inflation Rises Despite Easing Fuel Costs

Australia's consumer price growth eased in May amid cooling fuel prices, but underlying inflation continued to strengthen as businesses passed on higher costs resulting from the Middle East conflict.

WSJ • Jun 24, 2026

Australia's tax overhaul chills nation's long love affair with property

Just a short stroll from Sydney's famous Bondi Beach, auctioneer Clarence White struggles to drum up bids for an airy three-storey home that boasts five bedrooms and an al fresco lounge - price tag, A$5.2 million ($3.64 million).

Reuters • Jun 23, 2026

Australia extends fuel excise relief to ease household cost pressures

Australia will extend fuel excise relief for an additional month, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said on Sunday, as ​the country continues to grapple with higher fuel costs ‌during the Iran war.

Reuters • Jun 21, 2026

At Hong Kong auto show, China automakers to target wealthy in right-hand-drive markets

Chinese automakers are speeding into right-hand-drive markets from Australia to Southeast Asia and ​challenging long-dominant Japanese car companies with premium electric vehicles aimed at affluent consumers.

Reuters • Jun 17, 2026