Markets

Shanghai has been handed more tools, including the acceleration of offshore loans and digital trade, to aid offshore financial services in a boost to the city as a global financial hub; there is also cooperation with Hong Kong.

The Mobile World-backed electronics retailer plans to start trading on the Ho Chi Minh City Stock Exchange in August, after completing one of Vietnam’s largest IPOs in recent years.

The index provider cited unresolved market-accessibility issues for global investors, including limits around Korean won convertibility. Korean semiconductor giant SK Hynix is seeking direct access to US investors amid surging demand for AI memory chips.

The government is looking to reform business and visa approvals and raise a significant amount in tax revenue which economists are warning will be difficult to achieve.

Lillian Li, Moody’s Ratings VP and senior credit officer, explained to FA that companies in manufacturing, high tech, infrastructure and logistics are facing higher geopolitical risks than other sectors; China's outbound direct investment is on the rise.

The proposed VITRO REIT listing would be the Philippines’ first digital infrastructure REIT, amid a quiet Southeast Asia IPO market and increasing demand for data centre development.

The HKEX-owned exchange will list a cash-settled HRC contract referencing SHFE prices, offering overseas participants exposure to China’s flat steel market; trading is expected to begin in October.

Deutsche Bank is the latest firm to join Loco Singapore, Singapore’s over-the-counter gold clearing system, which will be ready by the end of 2026, with interbank trading being developed next year.

Japan’s largest taxi-hailing app operator opened 21.25% above its offer price on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, with Nomura, Goldman Sachs and BofA Securities acting as joint global coordinators.