The Port Journal

Interview US asset manager brings active ETF expertise to Japan, China CEO Jenny Johnson said Franklin Templeton could be a “front-runner” in Asia’s ETF market, especially for actively managed funds. (Photo by Yuji Murakami) TOKYO — U.S. investment manager Franklin Templeton is eyeing Asia’s growing exchange-traded fund (ETF) market as well as niche avenues that target […]

Energy State-owned PTT group eyes 7,000 locations to meet rising demand A woman charges her electric vehicle at a PTT gas station in Bangkok on April 2. (Photo by Ken Kobayashi) APORNRATH PHOONPHONGPHIPHAT BANGKOK — The retail arm of Thai state oil company PTT plans to more than double its network of electric vehicle charging […]

Energy Chinese panels still have edge on tech and reputation despite end of export rebate Workers check the quality of a solar panel at a ReNew manufacturing plant on the outskirts of Jaipur in India.  © AP BENGALURU — India’s solar industry is struggling to find new export markets — a pressing need amid growing […]

Companies Move comes amid growing focus on data sovereignty for economic security Microsoft’s $10 billion investment into Japan aligns with Takaichi government’s AI strategy. (Source photos by Reuters) TOKYO — Microsoft plans to invest $10 billion in Japan over the four years through 2029, focusing mainly on data centers and related facilities, Nikkei learned Friday.

Iran was Analysts warn of shortages in winter sowing season if Hormuz disruption continues India depends heavily on imported fertilizers, and is actively looking for alternative sources after the blockage of the Strait of Hormuz.  © Reuters NEW DELHI — India is the world’s second largest consumer of fertilizers after China and depends on imports to […]

KUTCHAN, Japan — As winter ends in Japan, the memory of powder snow likely lingers in the minds of its record number of domestic and international visitors. Perhaps no other place in the country is responsible for this more than the Niseko ski area in western Hokkaido. Over the past 30 years, following the bursting of Japan’s […]

Iran was Variable-rate exposure leaves borrowers vulnerable as volatility hits credit markets A large apartment complex is seen from Namsan Tower in central Seoul on Oct. 24, 2024.  © AP SEOUL — A surge in global bond yields triggered by escalating Middle East tensions is driving up mortgage costs in South Korea, squeezing highly leveraged […]

Energy Government to promote rooftop panels using budget already dented by fuel tax cuts Solar panels installed on rooftop in Ho Chi Minh City. Vietnam is promoting alternative energy sources amid the oil crisis following the U.S. and Israel-led attacks on Iran. (Photo by Yuki Kohara) HO CHI MINH CITY — Vietnam is preparing financial […]

Companies Capital A, Gulf Development and Thai Airways emerge as winners after overhauls U.S. President Donald Trump at the ASEAN summit in Malaysia in October. © Reuters BANGKOK/SINGAPORE/HANOI — Net profits of listed Southeast Asian companies grew last year as big players in key industries like aviation and chemicals benefited from retooling their groups while the […]

Insurance US unit to monitor investment operations pursued in partnership with KKR Japan Post Insurance will open its first overseas subsidiary in New York to monitor U.S. market trends and investment performance in real time. © Reuters TOKYO — Japan Post Insurance has established its first overseas subsidiary in New York, the life insurer said Thursday, […]