Singapore’s fight against inflation still on amid uncertain growth outlook -central bank

By Xinghui Kok SINGAPORE (Reuters) – Singapore’s central bank warned on Wednesday of weak near-term growth for one of Asia’s top financial hubs and said its fight against rising prices was not yet over, even as it lowered its 2023 headline inflation forecast.In an annual review by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), Managing Director…

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Federal court rules against Australia’s AMP in class action proceedings, shares tank

(Reuters) – Australia’s AMP Ltd tanked on Wednesday after the country’s federal court ruled against the wealth manager in class action proceedings that challenged the validity of some of the changes to its ‘buyer of last resort’ policy. Shares of the company fell as much 7.5% to their lowest level in over a month. AMP…

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Factbox-Potential candidates as next chief of Australia’s central bank

By Wayne Cole SYDNEY (Reuters) – The Australian government will announce this month whether it would reappoint Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) Governor Philip Lowe or replace him. Here’s a list of people being touted as possible replacements. * Michele Bullock, 60, became the first female Deputy Governor of the RBA when she was appointed…

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China’s services activity softens as recovery falters – Caixin PMI

BEIJING (Reuters) – China’s services activity expanded at the slowest pace in five months in June, a private-sector survey showed on Wednesday, as weakening demand weighed on post-pandemic recovery momentum. The Caixin/S&P Global services purchasing managers’ index (PMI) eased to 53.9 in June from 57.1 in May, the lowest reading since January when COVID-19 swept…

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Shares in K-Pop agencies fall after report of antitrust probe

SEOUL (Reuters) – Shares in K-Pop management agencies fell on Wednesday, after South Korea’s antitrust watchdog began investigations into any potential infractions of subcontracting rules when outsourcing production of albums and merchandise, Yonhap reported. The Korea Fair Trade Commission (KFTC) sent investigators to the offices of HYBE, SM Entertainment and YG Entertainment on Tuesday, Yonhap…

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Japan’s service activity maintains firm pace as demand picks up – PMI

TOKYO (Reuters) – Japan’s service activity maintained a brisk pace of growth in June as the relaxation of pandemic-related restrictions revived consumer demand, a private-sector survey showed on Wednesday. The final au Jibun Bank Japan Services purchasing managers’ index (PMI) fell to a seasonally adjusted 54.0 last month from a record-high 55.9 in May. That…

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