Bangkok readies for global heavyweights at 2026 IMF-World Bank meetings

Today 13:07 Key points summarised by AI

Bangkok prepares to host the 2026 IMF-World Bank Annual Meetings, marking the summit's return to Thailand after over 35 years.
Thailand will leverage the event to advance its four-pillar policy agenda, focusing on digital transformation, global resilience, climate adaptation finance, and the longevity economy.
The meetings will tackle critical international objectives, including macroeconomic stability, private capital mobilization for development, and navigating global economic challenges.
Thousands of central bankers, finance ministers, and global development leaders, including top IMF and World Bank officials, will convene for high-level discussions.

Asian markets stumble on stimulus timing and size

Today 11:24 Key points summarised by AI

Asian markets experienced significant declines, driven by concerns that President Biden's proposed $1.9 trillion stimulus package could be delayed or reduced in size due to Congressional negotiations.
Investor sentiment was further dampened by surging global virus infections, ongoing lockdowns, and setbacks in vaccine distribution, with the WHO warning about the slow progress towards stopping transmission.
Major Asian bourses, including Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Tokyo, posted losses, exacerbated by factors such as the People's Bank of China tightening liquidity and South Korea's economy recording its worst year since 1998.