Over 1,900 commodities set to become cheaper as Bhutan adopts GST
Finance Minister Lekey Dorji said that 1,522 commodities previously taxed at 10 percent BST should see noticeable price reductions under GST. These include footwear, clothing and…
Inflation
Standard of living improving in Laos amid signs of economic recovery
At the same time, the government is continuing to roll out measures aimed at stabilising the economy and supporting sustainable growth.
Retirement benchmark feels like distant goal for most Malaysians
The Employees Provident Fund’s revision of the benchmark of RM1.3mil to enjoy a comfortable retirement has raised concerns as to whether most Malaysians can achieve adequate…
India’s retail inflation stays below central bank’s lower band for fourth straight month
The year-on-year inflation rate, based on the All India Consumer Price Index (CPI), stood at 1.33%, up slightly from 0.71% in November but still well within the comfort zone.
LPG prices in Bangladesh soar on artificial scarcity
Traders call an indefinite strike for higher distribution charges.
Malaysians enjoy a holiday and tax relief at the same time
The special RM1,000 tax relief was announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim during the tabling of Budget 2026 last October to encourage domestic travel in conjunction…
Philippine peso marks new weakest level at 59.35 vs $1
The peso was previously weakest at 59.22 per dollar, set in December 2025.
Philippine 2025 inflation slows to 1.7%, a 9-year low
The result capped 2025 with a full-year average inflation rate of 1.7 percent, the slowest since 2016, when it stood at 1.3 percent. This marks the 10th consecutive month that…
Indian brokerage firms flag surge in illicit cigarette trade risks after sharp tobacco tax hike
Analysts warn that the steep increase marks a departure from the calibrated tax approach followed over the past eight years.
Food, gold push Indonesia’s inflation to highest level since 2022
One of the driving forces behind last year’s higher inflation was commodities belonging to the volatile foods component, which recorded inflation of 6.21 percent year-on-year.