Asia
Swiss-Hong Kong fund recognition scheme garners interest
The planned Switzerland-Hong Kong mutual fund recognition scheme has already begun to attract interest from Asian fund managers interested in the lucrative Swiss market.
Asian equities defy Trump
Asian equities have given the US the finger. Despite Trump rejecting the TPP, the Asia stock market, as measured by the MSCI Asia ex Japan, was up 3.8% in sterling terms in January – a much better start to the year than all other major markets, bar Latin America.
China to lift 50% foreign ownership cap on life insurers
China is considering easing the 50% ownership cap on overseas life insurers buying domestic companies in the biggest shakeup of the industry in almost two decades.
South Korea’s ING Life Insurance applies for IPO listing
Seoul-based ING Life Insurance Korea, South Korea’s fifth-largest life insurer, has applied for an initial public offering (IPO).
Forecasts frustrated by too many unknowns
Caution should prevail while economists struggle with forecasts in a climate of too many unknowns, according to François Duhen, chief economist and strategist at Swiss banking group Crédit Mutuel-CIC.