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

Hunter & Company PLC

HUNT.N0000

LKR1500.00

13.81%

Colombo Fort Land & Building Company PLC

CFLB.N0000

LKR69.00

12.93%

Abans Finance PLC

AFSL.N0000

LKR99.00

8.79%

Tangerine Beach Hotels PLC

TANG.N0000

LKR114.75

8.77%

InsureMe Insurance Brokers Limited

INME.N0000

LKR1900.00

7.95%

Laxapana PLC

LITE.N0000

LKR44.10

7.30%

Tea Smallholder Factories Plc

TSML.N0000

LKR41.00

7.05%

Kapruka Holdings PLC

KPHL.N0000

LKR20.30

6.84%

LOLC General Insurance PLC

LGIL.N0000

LKR8.20

6.49%

On'ally Holdings PLC

ONAL.N0000

LKR48.90

6.30%

Dialog Axiata PLC

DIAL.N0000

LKR44.00

6.02%

Colombo City Holdings Plc

PHAR.N0000

LKR165.25

5.93%

News

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•an hour ago

ECB Projected to Raise Rates 'At a Minimum' Twice as Macro Pressures Mount

BNP Paribas forecasts at least two more interest rate hikes from the European Central Bank, as the Eurozone navigates trade imbalances with China and pioneers new SME-backed debt instruments.

economic indicators•7 hours ago

Wall Street Rebounds as Corporate Leaders Signal Resilient Demand and Long-Term Growth

Wall Street staged a strong comeback on Monday as dip buyers returned to the market, supported by resilient consumer demand in aviation and predictions of a historic real estate super cycle.

stock market•Jun 8th 26

Global Markets Face Double Whammy of Rate Hike Bets and Tech Volatility

US Treasuries fell as strong jobs data and Middle East tensions fueled rate hike expectations, while Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang dismissed the tech selloff as a buying opportunity.

economic indicators•Jun 8th 26

Bond Traders Brace for CPI Surge as Inflation Bets Challenge Fed Policy Path

Bond traders are positioning for a significant surge in upcoming consumer price index data, ramping up pressure on the Federal Reserve to maintain a hawkish stance.

bonds fixed-income•Jun 7th 26

Market Rout Sparks Fresh Fears Over Hedge Fund Crowding and Systemic Risk

Friday's sudden equity selloff has reignited concerns among market participants that highly concentrated hedge fund positions could amplify losses during a broader market downturn.

stock market•Jun 7th 26

South Korea Unveils Emergency Measures to Stem Won Slide and Curb Speculation

South Korean authorities have announced targeted measures to support the won after the currency plummeted to its weakest level since 2009, pledging strict action against speculative trading.

forex commodities•Jun 7th 26

PBOC Extends Gold-Buying Streak in May Despite Bullion Price Pressure

The People's Bank of China continued to expand its gold reserves in May, maintaining its buying momentum even as global bullion prices faced downward pressure.