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.

•May 22nd 26

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

HVA Foods PLC

HVA.N0000

LKR6.00

17.65%

Kapruka Holdings PLC

KPHL.N0000

LKR22.70

13.50%

Chrissworld PLC

CWL.N0000

LKR20.90

11.17%

Softlogic Finance PLC

CRL.N0000

LKR6.20

10.71%

Softlogic Holdings PLC

SHL.N0000

LKR11.50

10.58%

Hikkaduwa Beach Resort PLC

CITH.N0000

LKR5.40

10.20%

Myland Developments PLC

MDL.N0000

LKR23.40

9.86%

Lanka Credit & Business Finance Plc

LCBF.N0000

LKR6.70

9.84%

Millennium Housing Developers PLC

MHDL.N0000

LKR9.20

9.52%

Softlogic Capital Plc

SCAP.N0000

LKR12.30

8.85%

Sathosa Motors PLC

SMOT.N0000

LKR1150.00

8.54%

Prime Lands Residencies PLC

PLR.N0000

LKR42.00

8.53%

News

Copper Rallies on Hopes of US-Iran Deal as Emerging Markets Face Divergent Growth

Copper prices rebounded from a three-week low after President Trump signaled a potential deal with Iran, while India's corporate profits hit record highs despite stock market struggles.

forex commodities•13 hours ago

Bank Stocks Touch Record Highs on Historic SpaceX IPO and US-Iran Deal Optimism

US bank stocks surged to unprecedented highs on Thursday, propelled by a record-shattering $75 billion SpaceX IPO and renewed optimism over a geopolitical breakthrough in the Middle East.

banking finance•19 hours ago

ECB Signals Potential July Rate Hike as Euro Dips Following Latest Policy Move

The European Central Bank could implement another interest rate hike as early as July, according to officials, following a policy decision that saw the euro experience a brief dip.

banking finance•Jun 11th 26

Geopolitical Tensions and Regulatory Pressures Drag on Emerging Markets and Energy Deals

Escalating Middle East conflicts and regulatory actions in Asia are weighing heavily on global equities, energy contracts, and IPO pipelines.

stock market•Jun 11th 26

Global Markets Shaken as US-Iran Conflict Escalates, Triggering Commodity and Bond Selloffs

A second day of US airstrikes on Iran has ignited fears of global inflation and slower economic growth, driving copper to a three-week low and rattling Asian markets.

economic indicators•Jun 11th 26

Geopolitical Friction and AI Boom Trigger Structural Shift in Global Commodity Markets

Rising tensions in the Middle East and an unprecedented tech-driven demand surge are reshaping commodity markets, driving oil price volatility and depleting critical mineral stockpiles.

forex commodities•Jun 10th 26

US Inflation Hits Three-Year High on Energy Surge as Fed Decision Looms

US inflation accelerated in May to its fastest pace in over three years, driven by rising energy prices from the Iran war, though analysts expect the Federal Reserve to hold interest rates steady.

economic indicators•Jun 10th 26

Hong Kong Defends Capital Inflows as Regional Currency and Market Pressures Mount

Hong Kong Financial Secretary Paul Chan affirmed that legitimate capital inflows remain welcome despite Beijing's regulatory crackdowns, even as rising funding costs squeeze the local dollar's carry trade appeal.

banking finance•Jun 10th 26