The Brief: Asia's economy, 21 September 2026
What moved across Asia overnight: 14 stories on economies, markets, banking and industry, read in five minutes.
Economies
John Lee unveils Hong Kong's first five-year financial hub strategy: Hong Kong's Chief Executive John Lee presented the city's first five-year blueprint this week, aiming to fortify its financial sector as a core economic strength.
Markets
US Fed Rate Hike Shifts Singapore T-Bill Outlook: The Federal Reserve lifted its benchmark interest rate to 3.75–4 per cent on Wednesday, prompting varied forecasts for Singapore Treasury bills and broader asset classes.
Seoul KOSPI gains 2.66% as inflation concerns ease: Foreign investors turned net buyers, acquiring 424.6 billion won in shares, while the Korean won strengthened against the US dollar.
US Dollar Gains Against Vietnamese Dong in Unofficial Trade: Unofficial exchange points in Vietnam reported the greenback trading 0.23% higher at VND25,880 on Saturday, while Vietcombank maintained its official rate.
Indian Gold, Silver Prices Rise After US Fed Rate Hike: Retail 24K gold in India reached ₹1,53,600 per 10 grams today, following a 25 basis point interest rate increase by the US Federal Reserve, with silver gaining 85.49% over the past year.
BoJ hikes rates to 31-year high, yen falls against Singdollar: The Japanese currency fell over 1 per cent against both the Singapore dollar and US dollar after the 25 basis point increase to 1.25 per cent.
MCX Gold Dips, Silver Rises Amid Rate Hikes, Crude Swings: India's Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX) saw gold October futures dip 0.08% and silver December futures rise 0.49% today, influenced by global crude prices.
Banking & Fintech
DBS CEO Tan Su Shan Cites S$9.64 Million Pay Gap in Politics Refusal: Tan Su Shan, DBS's chief executive, earned S$9.64 million in 2025, a figure sharply contrasting with Singapore's new S$1.8 million annual ministerial salary for entry-level roles as the government seeks private sector talent.
Industries
Huawei, Xiaomi, Apple Intensify Foldable Phone Battle: Major electronics firms Huawei, Xiaomi, and Apple are escalating competition in the foldable smartphone segment with distinct design and feature strategies.
AirAsia's Fernandes denies Malaysia sought rivals' help: The low-cost carrier faces surging fuel costs and a 75 per cent stock plunge since the Iran war began, but CEO Tony Fernandes says it needs no rescue.
Haidilao, Oriental Kopi see market value drops; Yum China acquires Pizza Hut China: Haidilao International's H1 2026 revenue rose 7.9 per cent to CNY 22.3 billion, while Oriental Kopi's net profit for the third quarter ended June 30, 2026, fell 5.3 per cent.
Yangzijiang Maritime orders 24 newbuilds, expands fleet: Singapore-listed Yangzijiang Maritime Development will add 24 new vessels from Chinese shipyards for delivery between 2028 and 2030, growing its portfolio to 98 ships.
Crystal Jade Closes Five Singapore Outlets Amid F&B Slump: The Chinese restaurant group confirmed three September closures, bringing its 2026 total to five, as Singapore's F&B sector reports a 1.9% sales drop in July.
Singapore Retailers Accelerate AI Use, Consumers Wary of Agents: An Adyen survey shows 99% of merchants use AI, but 58% of consumers hesitate on autonomous AI for transactions due to fraud risks.
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.
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