Macroeconomic Analyst @IMF previously @FDIC | International Econ and Finance | Global Financial Stability | Market Surveillance | Views are my own
Andrew Antonino Ferrante
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China is set to infuse a minimum of $55 billion in new capital into several key banks, including the Agricultural Bank of China, the Bank of Communications, and the Postal Savings Bank of China as part of a larger stimulus effort designed to bolster the banking sector and support the ailing economy.
Bangladesh and Pakistan have initiated direct government-to-government trade for the first time in decades, starting with the import of 50,000 tons of rice from Pakistan. The trade agreement, signed in January, marks a significant step in rebuilding economic relations between the two countries.
Taiwan lowered its 2025 GDP growth forecast to 3.14% from 3.29% due to concerns over US trade policies and domestic budget cuts. Despite these headwinds, exports are projected to grow by 7.08% in 2025, driven by demand for tech exports related to AI.
Hong Kong is facing its longest string of fiscal deficits in two decades, with a projected shortfall of $12.9 billion this year. The government is considering raising taxes on high earners, capping a transport subsidy for seniors, and legalizing basketball sports betting to increase capital.
The head of the Green Climate Fund is urging countries like China and India to take leadership in filling climate financing gaps left by the US as they pull $4 billion in funding. The fund plans to deploy #3 billion this year and aim to invest $50 billion by 2030.
Malaysia's Employees Provident Fund (EPF), the country's largest pension fund, declared its highest dividend rate in seven years with a 6.3% payout for 2024. The success is attributed to recovering markets, resilient economic growth, and sound portfolio management.
Angola plans to raise $1.5 billion in its first euro bond sale in three years to refinance or repay outstanding debt and fund their budget. Authorities are meeting with investors in the US, Middle East, Europe, and Asia ahead of the issuance.
Thailand's finance minister Pichai Chunhavajira is advocating for the central bank to cut rates and weaken the baht to boost exports and tourism. The baht has been the only currency in emerging Asia to advance against the dollar in the past three months, which Pichai sees as a negative for exports
Vietnam’s central bank has directed local commercial banks to maintain stable deposit rates and reduce lending rates to support economic growth, aiming for at least an 8% growth target for 2025. Lending is to be focused in sectors on consumption, exports, digital transformation, and technologies.
Completions of multifamily houses are expected to drop from 600k in 2024 to under 400k this year and next as the average time it takes to build increases
