ATI Newswire - Subscriber Only

2014 a more challenging year for Southeast Asia banks, says S&P

February 11, 2014

SINGAPORE- Banks in most Southeast Asian countries will face tougher operating conditions in 2014 because of lower economic growth prospects and tighter credit conditions, says ratings agency Standard & Poor's  Household indebtedness in Singapore, Thailand, and Malaysia has been increasing since 2008, S&P says, leaving these banking systems vulnerable to rising interest rates.

Emerging market growth weakest in four months - HSBC

February 10, 2014

HONG KONG - The HSBC Emerging Markets Index (EMI), a monthly indicator derived from PMI surveys, fell for the second month running in January to 51.4, from 51.6 in December. This signalled a slower increase in output across global emerging markets.

The EMI reading in the opening month of 2014 was the lowest since last September, and below the 2013 average of 51.7.

Thai International appoints Prin Yooprasert to head Australia operations

February 5, 2014

SYDNEY – Thai International has appointed Prin Yooprasert as Director, Route Development, Australasia. He is also responsible for THAI operations in the Middle East and Africa. Prin succeeds Viroj Sirihorachai, who was General Manager Australia/NZ and has been appointed Director for Asia Region. www.thaiairways.com.au (ATI).

New Chairman named for the Australia - Korea Business Council

February 5, 2014

SYDNEY - Mark Vaile, a former Deputy Prime Minister of Australia, has been elected Chairman of the Australia - Korea Business Council. Outgoing Chairman,  John Walker, said the appointment reflects the importance of Korea as a market for Australian goods and services - it is Australia’s third- largest export market and fourth- largest trading partner.

Global commodity prices fell in January, says HSBC

February 3, 2014

HONG KONG - Global commodity prices fell in January, with HSBC’s proxy for the IMF primary commodity price index decreasing by 1.9% in US dollar terms. Weaker oil prices were a key driver of the decline, with an average of key oil benchmarks falling 3.3%. Food commodities were generally lower, with wheat leading the declines as the global supply outlook continues to improve.

Asia may not be able to fund infrastructure needs without deeper credit culture - S&P

February 1, 2014

HONG KONG - Asian governments in high-growth countries may face difficulties in maintaining growth and funding for all their infrastructure needs, according to ratings agency Standard & Poor's, which suggests that governments will need the private sector to channel funds into some projects, or face the prospect of a slowdown in investments that will constrain economic growth.

Pages