Economy
Growth, jobs, prices and the policies behind them.
Latest7 stories
7 stories
Tourism
Sri Lanka Welcomes Its Busiest October Ever, Led by Visitors From India
More than 168,000 visitors arrived in October, beating a record set in 2018. But the country still needs another 838,000 in the last two months of the year to reach its 2.7 million target.
Analysis
Hot US Inflation Puts Rate Hikes Back on the Table — and Asia Will Feel It
Consumer prices in the United States rose faster than expected in October, and traders now expect the Federal Reserve to raise rates in December. With Europe also tightening, Asian economies face a stronger dollar and costlier money.
Manufacturing
India's Factory Growth Eases in October, but Export Orders Hit a Six-Month High
The HSBC India Manufacturing PMI slipped to 54.7 from 55.1, as domestic demand cooled. Strong overseas orders and the gentlest price rises in nearly four years softened the picture.
Exports
Sri Lanka's Exports Rise 5% to $13.6 Billion, but Apparel and Tea Lose Ground
Electronics, spices and rubber are carrying Sri Lanka's export growth this year, while the two traditional pillars — garments and tea — are slipping, with tea sales to the Middle East hit hard by the conflict in the region.
Inflation
Sri Lanka's Inflation Climbs to 8.3%, Its Highest Since 2023, as the Central Bank Weighs Its Next Move
Transport and restaurant prices drove consumer inflation in Colombo higher again in October, putting it well above the central bank's new 5% target ahead of the 20 November policy decision.
China
China's Housing Market Sends Mixed Signals Ahead of Official October Figures
A private survey shows new-home prices in 100 cities edging up in October, but resale prices are still falling and official data have yet to show a turn. The world's second-largest economy is still waiting for its property slump to end.
Weather
Heavy Rain Warning as Sri Lanka's Maha Paddy Season Gets Under Way
Forecasters expect more than 100mm of rain in parts of five provinces today. Farmers planted early this season to avoid November floods, and the government says fertiliser stocks are sufficient — but irrigation and El Niño remain worries.
