Business

China's industrial profits rose sharply in May, demonstrating resilience despite weak domestic demand. Growth is fueled by strong factory output and robust exports, particularly in electronics due to the AI boom. This offsets structural economic challenges facing the country.

Emerging markets are beating profit estimates for the first time in four years. While Asian tech leads, profits are improving across diverse sectors. This signals solid fundamentals, suggesting the bull market rally is building on strong economic growth rather than speculation.

Zimbabwe mandates that all cryptocurrency businesses must register annually with the FIU and pay a $500 fee. This move aims to bring the previously informal virtual asset market under formal regulatory oversight, aligning with global trends in digital asset control.

Netflix is transforming into an interactive entertainment system. It uses personalized vertical video feeds ("Clips"), generative AI, and gaming platforms like "Playground" to enhance user experience and sustain growth across various formats.

InsureX aims for 10 billion baht in premiums by 2030, expanding its customer base to one million. The company is transforming into a protection advisor using AI and "360 Protection Planning" to meet the needs of Thailand's growing middle class.

A Thai watchdog sued Meta, Line, Apple, and local banks for facilitating online scams. Victims allege the platforms failed their duty of care, allowing fraudsters to exploit systems for losses exceeding 230 million baht.

Thai agents promoted tourism to Western China via roadshows in Urumqi, Dunhuang, and Lanzhou. They aim to boost two-way travel by encouraging direct flights and highlighting Thailand's appeal as a warm escape destination for Chinese travelers.

The Finance Ministry revised welfare card criteria, shifting from household to individual assessment. New rules disqualify students, securities holders, and those with high assets or income. This aims to improve targeting accuracy across the program.

DBS plans a major expansion of its wealth management presence across Asia-Pacific by 2027. The bank will open 18 new and upgrade 36 centers in key markets including Singapore, Hong Kong, China, India, and others. This aims to deepen client relationships and bring services closer to customers.

ASEAN plans to sign a landmark Digital Economy Framework Agreement at the 47th ASEAN Summit in November 2026. This first regional pact aims to strengthen digital connectivity across Southeast Asia, simplifying trade rules and boosting consumer confidence through shared digital standards.

Their advice: Buy what you understand, not what is trending. Read more at straitstimes.com.

Nomura Holdings significantly raised its profit target for the 2030/31 fiscal year by 50%. The boost is attributed to successful business transformation and stable fee-based revenues from wealth and investment management, signaling strong confidence in future market stability.