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

C T Holdings PLC

CTHR.N0000

LKR569.00

9.00%

Ceylon Beverage Holdings PLC

BREW.N0000

LKR2990.00

6.79%

Nuwara Eliya Hotels Company Plc

NEH.N0000

LKR4505.00

6.75%

Ambeon Holdings PLC

GREG.N0000

LKR39.10

5.68%

Lion Brewery (Ceylon) Plc

LION.N0000

LKR1817.00

5.46%

Muller & Phipps (Ceylon) PLC

MULL.N0000

LKR2.10

5.00%

Ceylon Guardian Investment Trust PLC

GUAR.N0000

LKR231.00

5.00%

Lanka Aluminium Industries PLC

LALU.N0000

LKR42.30

4.96%

Alpha Fire Services PLC

AFS.N0000

LKR32.00

4.92%

Mahaweli Coconut Plantations PLC

MCPL.N0000

LKR48.50

4.75%

Kegalle Plantations PLC

KGAL.N0000

LKR149.75

3.99%

Trans Asia Hotels PLC

TRAN.N0000

LKR47.30

3.96%

News

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•2 hours ago

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•8 hours ago

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•14 hours ago

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•20 hours ago

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

Bond Traders Position for Rapid Fed Rate Hikes as Inflation Data Looms

Bond traders are aggressively positioning for a series of rapid Federal Reserve interest-rate hikes, with some betting on a move as early as September, ahead of crucial U.S. consumer inflation data.

federal reserve•Jun 9th 26

Global Inflation Pressures and Strong Economic Data Signal Higher-for-Longer Interest Rates

As U.S. CPI expectations hover above 4% and global economic growth remains resilient, bond markets and financial strategists warn that interest rates may need to rise further to combat persistent inflation.

economic indicators•Jun 9th 26

Top Gainers

C T Holdings PLC

CTHR.N0000

LKR569.00

9.00%

Ceylon Beverage Holdings PLC

BREW.N0000

LKR2990.00

6.79%

Nuwara Eliya Hotels Company Plc

NEH.N0000

LKR4505.00

6.75%

Ambeon Holdings PLC

GREG.N0000

LKR39.10

5.68%

Lion Brewery (Ceylon) Plc

LION.N0000

LKR1817.00

5.46%

Muller & Phipps (Ceylon) PLC

MULL.N0000

LKR2.10

5.00%

Ceylon Guardian Investment Trust PLC

GUAR.N0000

LKR231.00

5.00%

Lanka Aluminium Industries PLC

LALU.N0000

LKR42.30

4.96%

Alpha Fire Services PLC

AFS.N0000

LKR32.00

4.92%

Mahaweli Coconut Plantations PLC

MCPL.N0000

LKR48.50

4.75%

Kegalle Plantations PLC

KGAL.N0000

LKR149.75

3.99%

Trans Asia Hotels PLC

TRAN.N0000

LKR47.30

3.96%