The bank's shares climbed as it beat analysts' expectations despite facing a commercial real estate charge of $700m in Hong Kong. Chairman Brendan Nelson is confident of growth in Asia this year.

US president Donald Trump has issued 15% tariffs on every country exporting to the US after his so-called reciprocal tariffs were ruled illegal by the US Supreme Court.

Banks are abandoning the narrative of energy scarcity as AI drives a huge pivot towards energy abundance and infrastructure dominance, including in Asia.

The UK pharmaceutical giant has announced a landmark $15bn China investment during the UK prime minister’s visit, marking its largest expansion yet to boost manufacturing, R&D and biotech collaboration.

Hong Kong's finance chief discussed opportunities in the Northern Metropolis, developing AI, foreign tech firms entering the SAR, green finance, and China's evolving role in supply chains.

Allied Gold owns several large gold mines in Africa with the Canadian firm describing the all-cash offer as "friendly"; its annual gold output is expected to increase to 25 tonnes by 2029.

FinanceAsia wishes our readers a restful holiday season. FA will have a limited news service during this period.

Loan defaults in Bangladeshi's banking sector have reached an all-time high of 35.7% of total disbursed loans, posing a severe threat to depositors; elections will take place in February 2026.