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

InsureMe Insurance Brokers Limited

INME.N0000

LKR2019.00

12.17%

Sathosa Motors PLC

SMOT.N0000

LKR1200.00

9.12%

HNB Finance Plc

HNBF.N0000

LKR9.90

7.61%

Kotmale Holdings PLC

LAMB.N0000

LKR1398.75

7.60%

Udapussellawa Plantations PLC

UDPL.N0000

LKR162.00

7.28%

Mercantile Shipping Company PLC

MSL.N0000

LKR212.00

5.21%

PMF Finance PLC

PMB.N0000

LKR12.80

4.92%

Associated Motor Finance Company PLC

AMF.N0000

LKR58.70

4.82%

Fortress Resorts PLC

RHTL.N0000

LKR24.80

4.64%

Raigam Wayamba Salterns Plc

RWSL.N0000

LKR20.50

4.59%

Kelani Cables Limited

KCAB.N0000

LKR113.75

4.36%

Colombo Investment Trust Plc

CIT.N0000

LKR444.00

4.35%

News

US Treasuries Head for Best Week Since Start of Iran Conflict as Oil Prices Retreat

US government bonds are on track for their strongest weekly performance since the outbreak of the US-Iran war, buoyed by falling oil prices and growing optimism over a potential peace agreement.

bonds fixed-income•32 minutes ago

ECB Faces Rate Hike Pressure as French and Spanish Inflation Accelerates

Accelerating inflation in France and Spain has bolstered expectations for a June ECB rate hike, though Governing Council member Fabio Panetta warns against committing to a pre-set path.

economic indicators•7 hours ago

Global Markets Rally on US-Iran Peace Hopes as India Accelerates State Asset Sales

Global equity markets rallied on optimism surrounding a potential US-Iran diplomatic breakthrough, providing relief as India accelerates state-backed asset sales to counter fiscal strains.

stock market•13 hours ago

Worthington Steel Secures $1.4 Billion in Leveraged Finance Market for Klöeckner Takeover

Worthington Steel Inc. has raised $1.4 billion in the leveraged-finance market to fund its strategic acquisition of German metals distributor Klöeckner & Co SE.

mergers acquisitions•19 hours ago

Global Markets Eye Relief Rally as Reported US-Iran Deal Drags Dollar Lower

The US dollar fell against major peers following reports of a potential US-Iran ceasefire extension, while Citadel Securities warned that markets may be underpricing a major relief rally from the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.

forex commodities•May 28th 26

Global Markets 'Too Complacent' on Inflation as Geopolitical and Sovereign Risks Mount

PGIM Credit's Gregory Peters warns of persistent inflation shocks, while geopolitical tensions, sovereign debt crises in Bolivia, and political instability in Spain test global market resilience.

economic indicators•May 28th 26

Dollar Firms and Industrial Metals Retreat Amid Persian Gulf Escalation

The US dollar strengthened and industrial metals declined following fresh military strikes in the Persian Gulf, while markets brace for upcoming PCE inflation data and supply disruptions in China.