Articles

The implications of the Persian Gulf conflict extend to fertilizers: shortages are a potential threat to food affordability. This has become a key industry for Gulf countries seeking to make use of abundant gas reserves. (Nitrogen fertilizer requires large amounts of gas-derived hydrogen; the conflict is also depriving non-Gulf producers of seaborne gas supplies.)

As oil prices surge past USD 100 a barrel, Donald Trump has vowed to reopen the Strait of Hormuz to global shipping traffic -- but US officials have warned that a successful outcome could take weeks.

Indonesia is building a new capital. The construction of Nusantara aims to spearhead regional development as the administrative apparatus is relocated from congested Jakarta.

China recently concluded its "Two Sessions" meetings, a key forum for policy-setting. Like last year, domestic-driven demand and consumption are being targeted.

London property is getting cheaper, but that has resulted in limited relief for first-time homebuyers.

With many Asian countries dependent on oil imported from the Persian Gulf, we're examining how currencies in the ASEAN bloc have reacted to the current geopolitical crisis.

With the globally vital Strait of Hormuz de facto closed to commercial shipping, we've examined how China's energy reserves were poised for resilience before the outbreak of conflict between the US, Israel and Iran.

Every year, we gather key indicators on tourism and leisure spending to gauge the economy during China's most important holiday period. In 2026, the New Year (also known as the Spring Festival) saw a general uptick in spending, but an outsized surge in travel – especially to domestic destinations.

About half of the nation's fossil-fuel imports transit the Straits of Hormuz in tankers departing Saudi oil terminals and Qatari LNG facilities.