Youth unemployment is at a record high and growth is faltering — but China’s gloomy economic backdrop hasn’t stopped Gen Z from shelling out for travel and leisure.
Asia stock markets weakened on Monday as investors in China sold off shares in property developers, remaining unconvinced by authorities' efforts to revive activity in the mainland real estate market.
Oil prices eased in early Asian trade on Monday as economic concerns in China weighed on fuel demand outlook although Brent stayed perched above $90 a barrel, supported by tightening supplies after Saudi Arabia and Russia extended supply cuts.
The yen jumped on Monday as comments from Bank of Japan (BOJ) Governor Kazuo Ueda stoked hopes that Japan could soon herald a new era away from negative rates, while the dollar slid ahead of this week's key U.S. inflation reading.
Malaysia's central bank on Thursday kept its benchmark interest rate unchanged for the second straight meeting, as economic growth and inflation continued to ease.
Thailand's economy may grow as forecast this year, helped by public consumption and investment after the formation of a new government, Deputy Finance Minister Krisada Chinavicharana said on Friday.