Japan's exports were badly hit by the steep drop in steel prices and other commodities. The world's third largest economy's exports fell 12.9 percent on the year in January to Yen 5.35 trillion ($47.12 billion), while the imports also fell 18 percent.
China
Airbus Needs Double Time Production as Airline Demand Increases
Airbus just can't get enough of its overflowing orders. The aircraft maker needs to have a double time production to meet its deadline for delivery and to cater other orders from other countries. Spring Air, one of the clients, ordered 60 Airbus A320neos and wants more. It asked Airbus to make more aircraft as China needs them.
Copper prices climb as China's steel industry looks promising
The renewed signs of prospects in China's steel industry propelled the copper prices move up on Monday to the highest in two weeks. Investors also reacted positively to the China's securities regulator head's resignation. Copper prices rose in four of five weeks.
Chinese job market dries up with a slowing economy
The Chinese job market has hit a dry spell, with job postings dropping across all sectors at an alarming rate. These findings, put together by the data restructuring company Quanton Data, throw up a pretty grim scenario, specially for the freshers who are about to step into the job market this summer.
China Replaced The Chairman of Its Top Securities Regulator Over Market Turbulence
China’s ruling party decided to replace the country’s chairman of the securities regulator, Xiao Gang, with former central banker Liu Shiyu. The regulator has taken the blame for failing to stabilize the market turbulence in the country over the year.
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The venture capital (VC) inflows into Chinese economy grew 25 percent in 2015. The US and China ranked at first and second slots respectively in mobilizing the venture capital funds. The VC investors are choosier and cautious in selecting the startups amid economy slowdown.
Apple Pay is targeting China as its largest market. The mobile payment system was released Thursday and was hoping to convince retailers to use the system since there are hundred million users of Apple. A lot of banks will support Apple Pay including the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China.
Fairchild board rejected acquisition proposal from Chinese firms over fears of US regulatory approval. After a thorough review process and consultation with its financial and legal guides, the board of Fairchild decided to forbid the takeover offer.
Clean air shortage in China forces wealthy residents to buy jars of it from a British entrepreneur. The company's name is Aethaer, a Greek word for 'pure, fresh air' and described the product as 'Louis Vuitton or Gucci' of fresh air. Each 580 ml jar of clean, fresh air costs around $115 or £80.
Recent statements and reports acknowledged that China is closing its technology gap with the United States, especially in air forces. Chinese governments have been using resources to support modernization on the military. However, the pilots' ability between the two countries is still facing a huge gap due to experience and training program.
Hedge funds in Asia witnessed losses the most in January 2016. The financial markets sell-off in the month made hedge funds suffer losses over 10 percent. Asia-focused hedge funds recorded losses of 3.1 percent indicating the worst beginning since 2008.
China is planning to put more budget in infrastructure. The country's planning agency expects to boost spending and increase investment to maintain 7% annual economic growth as last year.
Shareholders of the Italian tyre maker Pirelli has nodded in favor of the proposed merger with Marco Polo Industrial Holding. Marco Polo’s parent concern ChemChina has acquired Pirelli for $8.25 billion last year. The merging is scheduled to be completed by mid 2016.
Brazilian steelmaker Usiminas Siderurgicas de Minas Gerais SA, a Brazilian steel producer, is in the process of offloading its manufacturing unit. Usiminas has already hired Credit Suisse SA as its financial advisor for the unit sale. The sluggish global economy and China's economy slowdown are impacting the Brazilian steel industry in more negative way.
