InfoAnda - Asia spending again after financial meltdown

Pakistanis angry over detentions in Times Sq. case
Monday, May 24, 2010
ISLAMABAD – Relatives of three men detained by Pakistan for alleged links to the suspect in the attempted Times Square bombing say the men are innocent.
They

Taiwan denies boycotting Australian film festival
Thursday, August 6, 2009

AFP - Thursday, August 6TAIPEI (AFP) - - Taiwan's Beijing-friendly government on Wednesday denied boycotting an Australian film festival amid a row over the e

Merkel's support dips, regional ally resigns International
Thursday, September 3, 2009

By Sarah Marsh and Noah Barkin

BERLIN (Reuters) - Chancellor Angela Merkel suffered a double blow on Thursday as a senior party ally in east German

Minister seeks closure of anti-Berlusconi websites
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
ROME (AFP) - – The Italian government moved Tuesday to close down Internet sites encouraging further violence against Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, who

Asian markets mixed after Wall Street rally
Wednesday, March 18, 2009

By ELAINE KURTENBACH,AP Business Writer AP - Wednesday, March 18SHANGHAI - Asia's stock market rally seemed to be running out of steam Wednesday, despite an

Australian mining magnate on missing Africa plane | | 21 June 2010
Ultimate Software says no current plans for sale | | 13 January 2011
Avon Suspends 4 Executives In Chinese Unit Ethics Probe | 14 April 2010

Turkey pro-Kurd party urges talks to end Kurdish conflict | | 24 September 2012

Forum Views () Forum Replies ()

Read more with google mobile : Asia spending again after financial meltdown

Yahoo! My Yahoo! Mail More Yahoo! Services Account Options New User? Sign Up Sign In Help Yahoo! Search web search Home Singapore Asia Pacific World Business Entertainment Sports Technology Singapore Asia Pacific World Asia spending again after financial meltdown AFP - Monday, December 21 Send IM Story Print Asia spending again after financial meltdown Slideshow: Full Photo Coverage: Business & Economy HONG KONG (AFP) - – Laden with colourful bags full of gifts, Andy Xu makes his way through Hong Kong's jam-packed Causeway Bay shopping district apparently unfazed by the past year's global economic crisis. The 30-year-old marketing manager from mainland China plans to splash out between 4,000 and 5,000 US dollars on presents for friends and family for Christmas and the blockbuster Chinese New Year celebrations. "My income and spending habits haven't really been affected by the economy," he told AFP. Xu is not hunting for bargain-basement priced items either. His sights are firmly set on luxury goods, making him a dream come true for high-end retailers such as men's fashion chain Brooks Brothers. "Business is good," said an employee at one of the retailer's stores in the southern Chinese city. "We are getting more mainland customers this year." One year after a financial crisis wrought devastation on the world's economy and pounded retail sales, shoppers in Asia are cautiously loosening their purse strings. From India and Taiwan to Indonesia and Korea, improving consumer sentiment is driving a general uptrend in spending amid stronger economic data. And low retailer inventories mean shops likely won't be slashing prices in a desperate bid to lure customers, said Aaron Fischer, head of consumer and gaming research at brokerage CLSA in Hong Kong. "Retail sales have been quite strong pretty well across the region, except for Japan," he said. "The main reason is consumer confidence is pretty high." Industrial activity in Chinese factories has picked up after millions of workers were laid off last year, with toymakers in particular rushing to fill Christmas orders from the United States. "Christmas orders this year should be better than last year as the sentiment last year was very bad," said Ren Xianfang, a Beijing-based analyst with IHS Global Insight, pointing to a recovery in industrial production since September. That feeling was echoed by Russell Zimmerman, executive director of the Australian Retailers Association, which is expecting retail sales this year to hit almost 39 billion Australian dollars (35 billion US). The figure is 4.7 percent higher than in 2008, despite several interest-rate increases, Zimmerman said. "We think it is going to be a good Christmas, but we would probably have had a great Christmas if we hadn't had those three interest-rate rises," he said. In Singapore, the glitzy Ion Orchard mall has drawn 22 million shoppers since opening its doors in July, according to a spokeswoman. "The past year has been a difficult one for many Singaporeans, but we're already seeing signs of recovery with reports of improvements in the labour market this quarter," she said. Still, Thailand's retail sales have drooped in 2009 and the story isn't much better in Japan where price-chopping retailers are fighting to woo unenthusiastic shoppers through the door. As the country crawls out of its worst post-war recession, Japanese consumers are keeping a tight grip on their wallets, although some say they won't let the financial gloom dampen the holiday spirit. Housewife Akemi Oura, 63, said she will have to watch her gift budget, but still plans to treat herself. "Probably I will spend just as much as I did last year (on myself). But for presents, I will probably keep my budget under about 10,000 yen (112 US dollars)," she said as she strolled through the upmarket Ginza shopping district. Oura's caution may remain for some time as the Japanese economy lags behind that of neighbouring countries. "It's been really tough in Japan for some time," said Fischer of CLSA in Hong Kong. "Japan hasn't been enjoying the kind of recovery we've seen in the rest of the region." Even in Hong Kong, a key factor behind the boost in retail sales has been mainland Chinese -- not locals -- flocking to the city to spend their hard-earned yuan. Since the end of November, throngs of mainland Chinese have booked holiday shopping trips to Hong Kong and nearby Macau. Recent economic data, including falling unemployment may suggest better times are ahead for Hong Kong, but 28-year-old Hong Kong born Candice isn't rushing to the ATM machine. "Even though the economy is doing better, it's not time to splurge," she said. "It is better to be cautious." Recommend Send IM Story Print Related Articles Bahrain's Ithmaar bank board replaces chairman Reuters - 1 hour 14 minutes ago RBS whittles Sempra suitors down to last 3 - paper Reuters - 1 hour 20 minutes ago Israel's Discount plans rights offering -report Reuters - 1 hour 32 minutes ago MIDEAST STOCKS- Dubai leads Gulf losses; slow regional trading Reuters - 1 hour 37 minutes ago Hyundai Motor announces China truck venture AP - 1 hour 50 minutes ago News Search Top Stories London Stock Exchange set to take over rival: reports Wall Street hesitates in face of new economic realities Eurostar services cancelled after travellers stranded Pope moves wartime pontiff closer to sainthood Pope decrees beatification of Poland's 'Solidarity chaplain' More Top Stories » Related Full Coverage China Economychina economy All Full Coverage » ADVERTISEMENT Most Popular Most Viewed Most Recommended Dwindling roster of sponsors for Tiger Woods 'Avatar' director Cameron gets Hollywood star Wall Street hesitates in face of new economic realities Tiger's wife Elin seeking divorce: reports Brazilian confesses to sticking needles into two-year-old More Most Viewed » Tiger's wife Elin seeking divorce: reports Virgin unveils spaceship to offer space tourism Brazilian confesses to sticking needles into two-year-old Tiger Woods' girlfriend apologizes in TV interview Woods' mother-in-law rushed to hospital More Most Recommended » Elsewhere on Yahoo! Financial news on Yahoo! Finance Stars and latest movies Best travel destinations More on Yahoo! News Home Singapore Asia Pacific World Business Entertainment Sports Technology Subscribe to our news feeds Top StoriesMy Yahoo!RSS » More news feeds | What are news feeds? Also on Yahoo Answers Groups Mail Messenger Mobile Travel Finance Movies Sports Games » All Yahoo! Services Site Highlights Singapore Full Coverage Most Popular Asia Entertainment Photos Copyright © 2009 Yahoo! Southeast Asia Pte. Ltd. (Co. Reg. No. 199700735D). All Rights Reserved. Terms of Service | Privacy Policy | Community | Intellectual Property Rights Policy | Help

Other News on Sunday, 20 December 2009
Egypt boosts security at Gaza border after firing
Pope decrees beatification of Poland's 'Solidarity chaplain'
Georgia blows up Soviet memorial, two people killed |
Lebanon's Hariri on landmark visit to Syria
Iran charges detention center jailers with murder |
Pope moves wartime pontiff closer to sainthood
ON THE ROAD WITH MULLEN: Parking concerns in Iraq
Mediator sets deadline for Israel-Hamas swap |
Iran detention centre staff face murder trial: report
Iran, Iraq seek diplomatic end to border dispute
Egypt boosts security at Gaza border after firing |
Iran acknowledges prisoners were beaten to death
Italian couple kidnapped in Mauritania |
Reward offered for Auschwitz death camp sign |
Pakistan govt: Ministers who lost amnesty to stay
Cambodia deports 20 Uighurs back to China
Blizzard-like storm slams East, region snowed in
New Afghan Cabinet list draws ire from legislators
Strong quake rattles Taiwan, some damage reported
Hawaii dimmed by education, election, health cuts
Cambodia to expel Uighur asylum-seekers from China
After climber deaths, Oregon faces beacon question
Senate sends big Pentagon budget bill to Obama
India's main opposition party gets new leader
Highlights of Senate wrap-up legislation
Senate Dems reach 60 vote threshold on health bill
What's in health care proposals for 5 Americans
Obama Back In U.S. After Copenhagen Meet, Defends Non-Binding Climate Deal
Delta Cancels Flights To D.C. Due To Snowstorm
Update: Snowstorm To Spoil Largest Christmas Shopping Weekend In East Coast
Tag Heuer To Limit Use Of Woods Image
FDIC Closes 2 California Banks
Winter Storm Blankets Northeast Conditions Begin To Deteriorate
Iraq sends forces to oil well seized by Iran
Eurostar services cancelled after travellers stranded
US-TECH Summary
Iran's top dissident cleric Montazeri dies: report |
Wall Street hesitates in face of new economic realities
Pope moves wartime pontiff closer to sainthood
Small iPhone developer Tapulous sees big success
Iran charges detention centre jailers with murder
Readers Vote Michael Jackson The Biggest Celebrity News Story Of 2009
Cambodia deports Uighurs despite criticism |
Long Beach Youth Club To Honor Warren G With Image Award
Iran troops have made partial withdrawal: Iraq |
SAG Awards Announces Nominees
Mediator "sets deadline" for Israel-Hamas swap
Brazil needle victim recovers, outrage at cruelty |
Katt Williams Sued By Assistant Over Unpaid Wages
Greek PM in unity call as parliament debates crisis budget
Michael Jackson's Estate Executors Ask For Higher Fee
Georgia blows up Soviet memorial, two people killed |
Susan Boyle Earns #1 On Billboard Albums Chart For Third Week
Jay-Z And Alicia Keep Ke$ha From #1 On Billboard Hot 100
Susan Boyle's "Britain's Got Talent" Video Named Most Watched On YouTube For 2009
Judge Bans Courtney Love From Contacting Daughter
FBI Arrests Man Charged With Leaking "Wolverine" Online
Small iPhone developer Tapulous sees big success |
Hynix can spend $2 billion capex in 2010 |
China: Climate talks yielded 'positive' results
At 100, Boy Scouts say they're still `essential'
Reports: Malaysia fighter jet engine stolen
Blizzard blasts eastern US, Washington snowed under
Malaysia opposition make unity pledge to win power
Obama Reiterates Health Reform to Get Insurance Companies Accountable
Myanmar's Suu Kyi party needs new blood: analysts
Evangelical church opens doors fully to gays
In Afghan war, officer flourishes outside the box
What's in health care proposals for 5 Americans
Weather forecast for the Asia-Pacific region
Facing prison, Astor's son bares private life
Thousands of Taiwanese protest China envoy's visit
Too cold for nude protest, NYC bikers switch gears
Cambodia deports Uighurs despite criticism
Asylum seekers leave Indonesia: official
Lockerbie bomber Megrahi's health deteriorates
Five missing after boat sinks off S.Korea
Against nudity ban, Ore. gallery takes it all off
Hyundai Motor announces China truck venture
Airlines eye 'contact-less' travel
Hospital's pursuit of Indonesian creates folk hero
Report: Kevin Jonas, ex-hairdresser marry in NY
Lil Wayne's Texas concert on after checkpoint stop
Chinese-sculpted winter wonderland in Washington
Swedish jeans 'Made in North Korea' go on sale
India hosts its first ever transsexual beauty pageant
Bolivian student crowned 'Mister International' in Taiwan
Taiwan-China trade pact could boost film industry: report
Thousands hit in second day of Eurostar standstill
Iranian dissident cleric Montazeri dies
Pipeline sabotage halts oil exports from northern Iraq
Karzai says new cabinet to be accountable |
Top Iran dissident cleric Montazeri dies at 87
Iran troops leave oil well, still in Iraq: Dabbagh
Thousands protest in Taiwan over China trade talks |
Iran dissident Grand Ayatollah Montazeri dies
Serbia to launch EU membership bid: PM
Hariri sees new page in Lebanon ties with Syria |
Philippines raises volcano alert as eruption nears |
Berlusconi's popularity rises after attack |
China to try prominent dissident on Wednesday: lawyer |
Mortar shell attacks kills at least 14 in Somalia |
Obama health plan gets boost as deadline looms
Thousands protest in Taiwan over China trade talks
US envoy visits Zelaya at Brazilian embassy
Macau marks a decade of Chinese rule
Major volcanic eruption feared in Philippines
Chinese man's subversion trial to start this week
Myanmar state press says no charter change for now
Maoist protesters clash with police in Nepal
Up to 30,000 in Taiwan anti-China rally ahead of talks
French PM in China for talks to boost trade
Philippines raises volcano alert as eruption nears
Malaysian fighter jet engine stolen from airbase
Asia spending again after financial meltdown
Gas pipeline a symbol of China's power: analysts
Gambling city Macau marks 10 years of Chinese rule
S.Korea, China agree 400-million-dollar auto deal
Spain leads world in organ donations
Pamela Anderson is magic in London panto 'Aladdin'
Greece at new risk of being pushed off euro
Bodies of missing Tenn. mom, Jo Ann Bain, and daughter found
Female Breasts Are Bigger Than Ever
AMD Trinity Accelerated Processing Units Now in Volume Production
The Avengers (2012 film), made the second biggest opening- and single-day gross of all-time
AMD to Start Production of piledriver
Ivy Bridge Quad-Core, Four-Thread Desktop CPUs
Islamists Protest Lady Gaga's Concert in Indonesia
Japan Successfully Broadcasts an 8K Signal Over the Air
ECB boosts loans to 1 trillion Euro to stop credit crunch
Egypt : Mohammed Morsi won with 52 percent
What do you call 100,000 Frenchmen with their hands up
AMD Launches AMD Embedded R-Series APU Platform
Fed Should not Ignore Emerging Market Crisis
Fed casts shadow over India, emerging markets
Why are Chinese tourists so rude? A few insights

USD EUR - 1 year graph	VPN on MacOSX	BlogMeter 1.01