Economic expansion in developing Asia and the Pacific is expected to slow to 5.0% in 2026, down from 5.5% in 2025. The Asian Development Bank increased its forecast for 2026 by 0.1 percentage points from its July projection. According to the September Asian Development Outlook, growth is anticipated to slightly rise to 5.1% in 2027. Robust investment, government stimulus measures, and technology exports linked to artificial intelligence continue to bolster regional economic activity.

Remittances from Egyptians working abroad totaled approximately $29.7 billion in the first seven months of 2026. The Central Bank of Egypt reported that inflows increased by 28.1% compared to about $23.2 billion during January through July 2025. These figures represent funds sent home by Egyptians employed overseas and serve as the latest official data for the 2026 calendar year. The total is roughly $6.5 billion higher than the amount recorded during the same period in 2025.

China kept its benchmark lending rates steady in September, holding the one-year loan prime rate at 3.0%. The over-five-year LPR also remained at 3.5%, according to the official September 20 fixing. Many lenders reference this longer-term rate when setting mortgage prices. The decision kept both lending benchmarks at the same levels recorded in August.

Retail gas station pumps display fuel prices along commercial transport routes in South Korea. (AI-generated image) To support logistics and small business operators using light utility trucks, the government maintains higher tax discount rates for commercial transport fuels. Under this extended scheme, the statutory excise tax on gasoline remains capped at 698 won per liter, representing a 122 won discount from normal rates. Diesel taxes stay at 436 won per liter, offering a 145 won reduction, while butane excise taxes are fixed at 152 won per liter, providing a 51 won discount per unit. The extension of South Korea’s fuel tax cut aims to help manage domestic inflation expectations as energy markets adapt to ongoing international supply constraints. Officials from the Ministry of Finance confirmed that legislative updates to the Enforcement Decree of the Transportation, Energy, and Environment Tax Act, along with the Individual Consumption Tax Act, will be submitted to the Cabinet for prompt administrative approval. They emphasized that although domestic inventories remain stable, prolonged geopolitical tensions in the Middle East necessitate active fiscal management to prevent sudden increases in retail fuel prices. Data from the Ministry of Finance and Economy shows that rising energy import costs continue to pressure consumer price indices, making tax policy adjustments a key intervention tool. South Korea Extends Fuel Tax Relief to Maintain Lower Tariffs Beyond the tax relief measures, Minister Koo committed to strengthening diplomatic efforts with major oil-producing nations to diversify import sources and reduce dependence on vulnerable shipping routes. According to reports from the Yonhap

India has cautioned Washington that proposed tariffs on nations importing Russian crude oil could negatively affect bilateral relations and disrupt the global commodity market. This warning came after the United States House of Representatives approved the Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, which authorizes the government to impose tariffs up to 100 percent on major Russian energy buyers. India emphasizes its commitment to safeguarding energy security for its citizens while retaining the flexibility to source oil from global suppliers based on market conditions.

Bullion experienced renewed downward pressure across global trading platforms as international commodity markets digested a quarter-point increase in interest rates by the U.S. Federal Reserve. Spot gold fell 1 percent to $4,249 per ounce, reaching multi-session lows amid rising sovereign yields and tightening monetary policies. The rise in interest rates has raised the opportunity cost of holding physical bullion, leading institutional portfolios to shift capital into fixed-income investments.