The Week Ahead: Asia, week to 18 October 2026

Economies: the week just gone

Singapore Exports Surge 68.4% in September, Exceeding Forecasts: Singapore's non-oil domestic exports (NODX) jumped 68.4 per cent, recording their strongest growth since 1980 and far surpassing economist predictions.

Bangladesh Secures US$3.3 Billion Energy Funding, Taps ITFC for Fuel: The emergency package includes US$3.1 billion for oil and gas imports this fiscal year, with the International Islamic Trade Finance Corp playing a key role, alongside US$200 million from the Asian Development Bank for grid repairs.

Vietnam Targets 10% GDP Growth for 2027, Boosts FDI: Prime Minister Le Minh Hung outlined ambitious economic goals to lawmakers, including curbing inflation at 4.5% and boosting foreign trade to an estimated $1.11 trillion in 2026.

AMRO: ASEAN+3 Financial Cycles Less Tied to Global Shocks: A new paper from the ASEAN+3 Macroeconomic Research Office reveals that financial cycles in the region are increasingly driven by local and intra-regional factors, with global influences generally declining since 2006.

Seoul Finance Ministry: Exports Propel Economic Recovery: South Korea's merchandise exports reached a record $120.9 billion last month, driven by strong semiconductor shipments, the Finance Ministry stated.

Markets: the week just gone

Deluge IPO 3.86x Oversubscribed on SGX Mainboard Debut: Fire protection firm Deluge Corporation begins trading on the Singapore Exchange today after its S$0.60 per share offering drew S$30.4 million in interest from institutional investors.

Singapore MAS holds policy band as AI, energy outlook eases: The central bank unexpectedly paused its tightening cycle, forecasting global energy and artificial intelligence cost pressures will moderate next year.

Bank Indonesia asserts independence as investors seek proof: Governor Destry Damayanti affirmed the central bank's full autonomy in setting interest rates, even as market participants question its policy direction following significant bond purchases.

Goodluck India Stock Hits Record High on Strong Q1FY27 Results: The manufacturer reported 31% revenue growth in Q1FY27 and secured new defence and export orders totaling over ₹255 crore and $13.6 million.

Leon Gallery September Auction Nets P31.2 Million Zóbel Sale: Manila's Leon Gallery concluded its Magnificent September Auction 2026 on September 12, achieving significant prices for modern fine art and historical artifacts, including a Fernando Zóbel painting.

Banking & Fintech: the week just gone

GoTyme Bank expands remittance network, offers holiday flights: The Philippine digital bank GoTyme Bank now facilitates transfers to over 200 countries and territories, partnering with Cebu Pacific for a holiday travel raffle.

Deutsche Bank, BMW Join Singapore Forum on AI Auto Finance: The AIMCONNECT 2026 event last week gathered over 180 organisations, including major lenders and carmakers, to integrate artificial intelligence into vehicle financing processes.

Singapore Banks Shed $22bn; DBS Remains Analyst Pick: Singapore's three major banks collectively shed over US$22 billion in market value last week. Analysts remain divided on Q3 earnings prospects, though DBS retains favourable ratings.

Natixis CIB Appoints Dissescou to Lead APAC, Middle East Energy Transition: Based in Singapore, Cyril Dissescou will bolster Natixis CIB's financing and advisory services for natural resources across both the Asia Pacific and Middle East regions.

UOB Shares Rise 1.53% Ahead of Q3 FY26 Earnings: Singapore's United Overseas Bank (UOB) closed at SGD 41.69 on 15 October, bringing its intra-day market capitalisation to SGD 68.728 billion as it prepares for its Q3 FY26 results.

Industries: the week just gone

Global Trade Diversifies Beyond Products, Supply Chains Shift: Experts at an IMF-World Bank seminar noted growing efforts to mitigate transit vulnerabilities and geopolitical shocks, particularly impacting Southeast Asia's industrial production and foreign direct investment.

Elon Musk's US$20 billion wealth drop after Tesla flying car: Elon Musk's fortune dipped by US$20 billion following Tesla's "flying car" unveiling. Tesla and SpaceX shares also fell, with analysts questioning commercial value.

Bangkok City Plan Omits Flood Retention Zones, BMA Cites B11bn Cost: The draft comprehensive city plan, set for 2027 implementation, has removed previously proposed "monkey cheek" water retention areas, with the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration estimating original projects would cost 11 billion baht.

Vietnam Mobility Show Returns in December with Green Tech Focus: Hanoi's annual Vietnam Mobility Show, organised by VnExpress, will feature dozens of vehicle makers and parts suppliers, highlighting sustainable transport solutions and new models.

Gaz Vietnam Targets Cambodia with New Commercial Vehicle Lineup: The company showcased minibuses, trucks, and ambulances at Cam Auto 2026 in Phnom Penh, planning a new dealership and parts network for Cambodian logistics firms.

Wealth: the week just gone

Next-Gen Heirs Demand Greater Family Office Influence in Asia: Younger inheritors in Asia are demanding more active roles in family office decisions, as substantial wealth is expected to transfer across generations over the next 15 years.