Asia-Pacific Markets Navigate Geopolitical Hopes Amidst Regional Economic Headwinds

Asia-Pacific markets show cautious optimism following U.S.-Iran diplomatic efforts, yet regional economies grapple with currency volatility in India and operational challenges for China's airlines.

•13 hours ago

Digital Services Tax in Sri Lanka: What You Need to Know

banking finance

Is the Digital Services VAT Gazette Ultra Vires? Should the VAT Act Be Amended Again?

Sanka De Alwis, ACA, B.Sc. (Bus. Admin. Sp.) (USJP) Tax Consultant•Sep 22nd 25

World Bank's Senior Managing Director, Axel van Trotsenburg, Photo: Reuters

banking finance

World Bank Demands Radical Debt Transparency and Its Impact on Sri Lanka

Finance Manifest•Jun 20th 25

Top Gainers

Renuka Hotels Plc

RCH.N0000

LKR237.75

9.31%

Carson Cumberbatch PLC

CARS.N0000

LKR824.75

9.24%

Abans Finance PLC

AFSL.N0000

LKR100.00

8.34%

E-Channelling PLC

ECL.N0000

LKR16.00

7.38%

Kapruka Holdings PLC

KPHL.N0000

LKR22.80

6.05%

Renuka City Hotels PLC

RENU.N0000

LKR897.00

5.53%

Lankem Developments PLC

LDEV.N0000

LKR19.50

5.41%

Hela Apparel Holdings PLC

HELA.N0000

LKR2.00

5.26%

Marawila Resorts PLC

MARA.N0000

LKR6.00

5.26%

Lee Hedges PLC

SHAW.N0000

LKR290.00

4.88%

Bansei Royal Resorts Hikkaduwa PLC

BRR.N0000

LKR22.10

4.74%

Softlogic Capital Plc

SCAP.N0000

LKR13.50

4.65%

News

Asia-Pacific Markets Navigate Geopolitical Hopes Amidst Regional Economic Headwinds

Asia-Pacific markets show cautious optimism following U.S.-Iran diplomatic efforts, yet regional economies grapple with currency volatility in India and operational challenges for China's airlines.

economic indicators•13 hours ago

Is the Digital Services VAT Gazette Ultra Vires? Should the VAT Act Be Amended Again?

Sri Lanka’s new VAT on digital services, set for April 2026, faces legal uncertainty. While intended to tax cross-border digital transactions, key compliance rules introduced by Gazette lack clear statutory backing, raising questions about enforceability and fairness.

banking finance•Sep 22nd 25•Sri Lanka VAT, Digital Services VAT

World Bank Demands Radical Debt Transparency and Its Impact on Sri Lanka

The World Bank is driving debt transparency reforms for developing countries, which could affect Sri Lanka’s recovery after its 2022 default, potentially easing access to international funds.

banking finance•Jun 20th 25•World Bank, Debt transparency

Swiss National Bank Cuts Interest Rate to 0%

The Swiss National Bank (SNB) has lowered its key interest rate to 0% starting June 20, 2025, due to falling inflation. This sixth rate cut in a row aims to stabilize prices amid deflation concerns.

forex commodities•Jun 19th 25•Swiss economy, Interest rates

Investors Fear Sharp Market Tumble if U.S. Enters Iran-Israel Fray

Rising tensions between the U.S. and Iran, fueled by the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict, have investors on edge. Experts warn that U.S. military involvement could trigger a sharp market selloff, spike oil prices, and strain an already fragile global economy. While stocks dipped slightly, safe-haven assets like gold and the dollar are gaining traction.

stock market•Jun 19th 25•Geopolitics, Oil prices

Tesla Stock Dips as Robotaxi Hiccup and EV Slump Worry Investors

Tesla's stock is under pressure in June 2025 as declining EV demand, a delayed robotaxi launch, and analyst downgrades weigh on investor confidence. Despite a recent rally, the company faces significant hurdles in a competitive market.

stock market•Jun 17th 25•Tesla, stock market

Top Gainers

Renuka Hotels Plc

RCH.N0000

LKR237.75

9.31%

Carson Cumberbatch PLC

CARS.N0000

LKR824.75

9.24%

Abans Finance PLC

AFSL.N0000

LKR100.00

8.34%

E-Channelling PLC

ECL.N0000

LKR16.00

7.38%

Kapruka Holdings PLC

KPHL.N0000

LKR22.80

6.05%

Renuka City Hotels PLC

RENU.N0000

LKR897.00

5.53%

Lankem Developments PLC

LDEV.N0000

LKR19.50

5.41%

Hela Apparel Holdings PLC

HELA.N0000

LKR2.00

5.26%

Marawila Resorts PLC

MARA.N0000

LKR6.00

5.26%

Lee Hedges PLC

SHAW.N0000

LKR290.00

4.88%

Bansei Royal Resorts Hikkaduwa PLC

BRR.N0000

LKR22.10

4.74%

Softlogic Capital Plc

SCAP.N0000

LKR13.50

4.65%