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

Ramboda Falls PLC

RFL.N0000

LKR30.50

8.93%

Nuwara Eliya Hotels Company Plc

NEH.N0000

LKR4623.25

8.65%

Mahaweli Reach Hotels Plc

MRH.N0000

LKR17.00

6.25%

Waskaduwa Beach Resort PLC

CITW.N0000

LKR1.90

5.56%

Renuka Agri Foods Ltd.

RAL.N0000

LKR11.50

4.55%

Hapugastenne Plantations Plc

HAPU.N0000

LKR59.50

4.39%

Convenience Foods Lanka PLC

SOY.N0000

LKR2300.00

4.31%

BPPL Holdings PLC

BPPL.N0000

LKR19.50

4.28%

Samson International PLC

SIL.N0000

LKR499.50

4.06%

Kahawatte Plantations PLC

KAHA.N0000

LKR18.20

4.00%

LAUGFS Gas PLC

LGL.N0000

LKR55.00

3.77%

Marawila Resorts PLC

MARA.N0000

LKR5.80

3.57%

News

Global Markets Retreat as Tech Rally Pauses Ahead of Key US Jobs Report

US futures and Asian equities declined as a disappointing outlook from Broadcom paused the AI chip rally, while industrial metals fell ahead of crucial US employment data.

stock market•13 hours ago

Private Credit Redemption Caps Put Market in Spotlight as Analysts Signal Contained Deterioration

Recent redemption caps by major private market funds have renewed scrutiny on the private credit sector, though strategists suggest any deterioration remains slow and contained.

banking finance•19 hours ago

US IPO Market Gains Momentum as Liftoff and Sunshine Silver Post Strong Debuts

The US IPO market showed strong signs of recovery as Blackstone-backed Liftoff Mobile and Sunshine Silver Mining both posted impressive gains in their trading debuts, raising a combined $707 million.

ipos listings•Jun 4th 26

S&P 500 Hovers Near Record Highs as AI Momentum Clashes With Fed Rate Hike Bets

The S&P 500 hovered near historic highs as tech-driven AI enthusiasm offset broader market losses, while bond traders braced for upcoming jobs data that could fuel bets on a future Federal Reserve rate hike.

stock market•Jun 1st 26

Middle East Conflict Spreads Economic Pain as Pakistan Inflation Soars and South African Manufacturing Falters

Rising energy costs and supply chain disruptions from the conflict in the Middle East are hammering emerging markets, driving Pakistan's inflation to a two-year high and dampening South African factory sentiment.

economic indicators•Jun 1st 26

LG Electronics Shares Quadruple in 2026 on Aggressive Physical AI and Robotics Pivot

LG Electronics Inc. shares have surged by more than 300% in 2026, driven by investor enthusiasm over the South Korean appliance giant's strategic pivot into robotics and physical artificial intelligence.