California’s economy surpasses Japan’s as it becomes fourth largest in world.

California’s economy has surpassed Japan’s, making the Golden state the fourth largest economy in the world, Governor Gavin Newsom announced on Thursday. The state’s nominal GDP reached $4.1tn, according to data from the International Monetary Fund and the US Bureau of Economic Analysis, edging out Japan’s $4.02tn nominal GDP. California now ranks behind the US at $29.18tn, China at $18.74tn […]

Trump admin planning to isolate China in tariff pressure campaign

President Donald Trump and his administration are reportedly planning a pressure campaign to convince U.S. trading partners to isolate China in exchange for reduced tariffs. The administration is negotiating with more than 70 countries to secure commitments to limit their dealings with Beijing in exchange for reduced tariffs and barriers to trade, the Wall Street Journal reported, […]

China’s LGFVs May Face Added Funding Hurdles Amid Weak Interest Coverage.

Fitch Ratings-Shanghai-17 April 2025: The Shanghai Stock Exchange is likely to further tighten bond issuance related to funding new projects by local-government financing vehicles (LGFVs) with weak interest coverage and significant fiscal exposure as part of broader efforts to control public sector debt growth, says Fitch Ratings. Nevertheless, we expect the policy environment to continue […]

In move to avert Trump’s tariff, Indonesia to raise US imports by up to US$19 billion.

Indonesia has pledged to increase its imports from the United States by up to US$19 billion, including US$10 billion in energy purchases and make other trade concessions, as part of a broader strategy to stave off looming tariffs from Washington. Chief Economic Minister Airlangga Hartarto outlined the plan to reporters on Friday morning, following high-level bilateral trade talks […]