The Brief: Asia's economy, 14 August 2026
What moved across Asia overnight: 14 stories on economies, markets, banking and industry, read in five minutes.
Economies
Japan's June Current Account Deficit Breaks 17-Month Surplus Run: Japan's finance ministry reported its first current account deficit in 17 months for June. The 92.3 billion yen shortfall was driven by increased dividend payouts to foreign investors and higher oil import costs, contrasting with analyst forecasts for a surplus.
Karnataka Bandh Today: Banks Open Amid Water Dispute; India Faces August Holiday Disruptions: Karnataka observes a statewide strike today, August 13, 2026, over a water dispute. Banks and essential services will operate normally. Other Indian states face multiple bank closures throughout August.
Markets
Japan Yen Nears 160 Against Dollar, Intervention Watch Intensifies: The Japanese yen approached 159.39 per US dollar on Tuesday, nearing a critical 160 level. This movement raises concerns about further intervention by Japanese authorities to support the currency.
Vietnam Gold Prices Climb as Global Markets Dip on US Inflation: Vietnam's gold prices moved higher on Thursday, bucking a slight decline in global markets. Local increases occurred despite easing US inflation data, which dampened expectations for Federal Reserve rate hikes.
Singapore IPOs Underperform: Small Firms Lack Institutional Support: Many recent Singapore initial public offerings (IPOs) trade below their offer prices. Smaller companies, often without institutional backing, show low trading volumes and price vulnerability.
BRICS Examines CBDC, Fast Payment Links for Cheaper Cross-Border Transfers: BRICS nations are discussing integrating central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) and instant payment systems. The goal is to lower costs for international transactions, with India advocating for the initiative.
Standard Chartered-backed Anchorpoint launches HKD stablecoin for institutions: Anchorpoint Financial, supported by Standard Chartered, began deploying its Hong Kong dollar-linked stablecoin, HKDAP, for institutional clients this week. This move follows Hong Kong's stablecoin regulatory framework.
Banking & Fintech
Hanwha Life Overseas Profit Nears 2025 Full-Year Level in H1: Hanwha Life Insurance’s overseas operations generated 103 billion won net profit in H1 2026, almost matching its entire 2025 foreign earnings. This demonstrates the South Korean insurer’s diversification strategy is yielding results, with strong contributions from Vietnam, the US, and Indonesia.
Singapore MAS Eases Family Office Tax Rules, Heightens AML Checks: Singapore's central bank eased tax incentives for family offices from August 1, simplifying hiring and investment criteria. It simultaneously tightened scrutiny on wealth sources.
Industries
Greenfiltec Posts H1 Loss Despite Revenue Growth: Taiwanese airborne molecular contamination (AMC) filter maker Greenfiltec recorded a NT$140 million net loss in first-half 2026. Revenue rose 18.35% to NT$311 million, but surging activated carbon costs offset gains from higher-end filter shipments.
Samsung Galaxy Buds Gain US FDA Clearance for OTC Hearing Aid Use: Samsung Electronics’ Galaxy Buds will function as over-the-counter hearing aids after US FDA clearance. This removes prescription needs, expanding Samsung’s digital health presence in key markets.
US Market to Open for Chinese EVs, Ford CEO, Analysts Predict: US consumers' demand for affordable electric vehicles will eventually overcome current trade barriers, allowing Chinese EV brands into the US market, analysts and Ford CEO Jim Farley forecast. This shift could occur within the next decade.
Singapore URA Offers Orchard, Marina South Land for 500 Homes: Singapore's Urban Redevelopment Authority has released two prime 99-year leasehold residential sites at Orchard Boulevard and Marina Gardens Lane. These parcels could yield approximately 500 private homes.
Wealth
Hong Kong Affluent Prioritise Travel Over Property Ownership: Wealthy Hong Kong residents now rank travel above real estate as a life goal, allocating more spending to experiences rather than property acquisition, a Standard Chartered study reveals.
Each item above was reported and checked separately; this brief collects the overnight session in one place. Follow any headline through for the figures and the source they came from. The Week Ahead maps the week's data and central-bank dates every Sunday.
This article is journalism, not investment advice; consult a licensed professional before making financial decisions. Market data is indicative, may be delayed, and should be verified with your broker or exchange before use.
Comments.
Comments are moderated. We remove what is unlawful, abusive or off-topic, and and you remain responsible for what you post.
Reader comments open soon. Until then, corrections and responses go to our newsroom, and we publish what we get wrong on Corrections.