The Asia-Pacific private equity landscape experienced a significant shift in 2023, with the total value of deals falling to its lowest point since 2014. This decline was attributed to a combination of factors, including slowing growth, high interest rates, and volatile public markets. Despite this overall decrease, Japan emerged as an outlier, with deal value
World
Pope Francis made a surprising decision to forego his homily during the Palm Sunday Mass in St. Peter’s Square, causing speculation about his health. Known for his struggles with bad knees and respiratory issues, the 87-year-old pontiff chose not to take part in the typical procession of cardinals around the obelisk. Instead, he blessed the
Kate, the Princess of Wales, recently made headlines when she disclosed that she has been diagnosed with cancer and has started chemotherapy. This revelation came as a surprise to many, as it was initially believed that her condition was noncancerous. Following a successful surgery in London, tests revealed the presence of cancer, prompting her medical
The U.K.’s Competition and Markets Authority recently announced that Vodafone’s proposed merger with rival CK Hutchison is facing scrutiny and will be subjected to an in-depth probe. This decision came after concerns were raised about the potential impact of the merger on competition, consumer prices, and the overall telecom market environment. Vodafone and CK Hutchison
The Bank of England recently decided to keep interest rates stable at 5.25%, opting not to make any changes. However, there were hints that rate cuts may be on the horizon due to a faster-than-expected decline in inflation. The Monetary Policy Committee voted 8-1 in favor of maintaining the current rates, with one member advocating
The 2024 World Happiness Report has revealed that Singapore is the happiest country in Asia for the second consecutive year. This city-state secured the 30th spot out of 143 places surveyed in the study. Finland clinched the top position, closely followed by Denmark and Iceland. The happiness rankings in this report are based on data
After more than a decade, the Bank of Japan has finally decided to raise interest rates, marking the end of the world’s only negative rates regime. This decision comes in light of early signs of robust wage gains in Japan, giving the central bank confidence in the country’s economic growth trajectory. Despite the increase in
China recently released economic data for the first two months of the year, surpassing analysts’ expectations. Retail sales rose by 5.5%, exceeding the forecasted 5.2% increase. Meanwhile, industrial production saw a significant increase of 7%, compared to estimated growth of 5%. Fixed asset investment also performed well, rising by 4.2%, higher than the predicted 3.2%.
In a country like China, where youth unemployment rates are soaring and traditional job-hunting methods are proving to be ineffective, young professionals are turning to unconventional approaches to secure employment. One such surprising method that has gained popularity among job seekers is the use of the dating app Tinder as a platform for professional networking.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un recently made headlines by using a Russian luxury limousine gifted to him by President Vladimir Putin. Kim’s sister, Kim Yo Jong, praised the car’s “special function” and highlighted the deepening ties between the two countries. The high-end Aurus Senat limousine was sent to Kim by Putin in February, a