ETFs in the Spotlight as SoftBank Becomes Japan's Most Valued Company

ETFs come into focus as SoftBank dethrones Toyota as Japan's most valuable company, driven by AI infrastructure spending.

Zacks Investment Research • 2 hours ago

Taiwan tracks second Chinese 'combat' patrol in a week, sends ships and jets to monitor

Taiwan sent ships and fighter jets to monitor the second Chinese "joint combat readiness patrol" in a week near the island, as ​Taipei steps up its guard over Beijing's activities.

Reuters • May 25, 2026

Are Asia small caps overlooked winners in regional equity markets in 2026?

Asia's smaller companies have delivered stronger returns than the region's large-cap stocks over the past five years, while also offering lower volatility and broader sector exposure, according to HSBC Asset Management. The firm said Asia small-cap stocks outperformed their large-cap counterparts by nearly 3% annualised at the index level over the period.

Invezz • May 25, 2026

Goldman Sachs says AI and energy resilience are creating a North-South divide in Asian markets

Investors are focusing on AI developments in North Asia. China is coming out of more than three years of deflation measured by the producer price index.

CNBC • May 20, 2026

Taiwan parliament approves extra defence spending but less than government wanted

Taiwan's opposition-controlled parliament on Friday ​approved $25 billion in extra ‌defence spending, around two-thirds of the much ​larger package the ​government had asked for ⁠to bolster the armed ​forces in the ​face of a rapidly modernising Chinese military.

Reuters • May 8, 2026

Taiwan Posts Robust First-Quarter Growth as AI Demand Supports

The Taiwanese economy remained robust, supported by strong demand tied to artificial intelligence, despite lingering risks from the Middle East conflict.

WSJ • Apr 30, 2026

US presses Taiwan parliament to pass 'comprehensive' defence budget

The top U.S. diplomat in Taiwan on Monday pressed the island's ​opposition-majority parliament to pass a "comprehensive" defence budget, saying integrated air and missile defence systems and ‌drones are critically important and in high demand globally.

Reuters • Apr 27, 2026

These Are the Emerging-Market ETFs That the Pros Are Recommending

Funds with ties to the AI boom in emerging markets like South Korea, Taiwan and Peru could make a run-up to rival the Magnificent Seven

WSJ • Apr 10, 2026

FLTW: An AI Infra Bet Dressed Up As An EM ETF

Franklin FTSE Taiwan ETF (FLTW) is a concentrated play on semiconductors and AI infrastructure, with 21.7% in TSMC and over 70% in tech. FLTW's performance and risk profile are tightly linked to TSMC's earnings, semiconductor industry cycles, and high capital expenditure requirements. At a forward P/E of 21.8x, strong growth is already priced in; further upside requires continued robust demand and positive earnings surprises.

Seeking Alpha • Apr 2, 2026

China ETF News: Retail Sales Beat Estimates

Mainland investors were rare net sellers of Hong Kong-listed stocks overnight, a rare occurrence these days, totaling about $160 million. China YTD retail sales growth was stronger than expected.

Seeking Alpha • Mar 17, 2026