Demand for fresh foods increases ahead of the Ram Thang Gieng (the first full moon of the lunar year) as usual, but market prices have barely changed. The upcoming celebration of Ram Thang Gieng (the full moon of the first lunar month) marks a strong increase in demand for fresh food in the market, but prices have remained stable. People buy fruits at a traditional market in Hanoi to prepare dishes for the celebration of the first full moon in the lunar year. Photo: Hoai Nam/The Hanoi Times The first full moon of the lunar year falls on the 15th day of the first lunar month. On that day, Vietnamese prepare some dishes in honor of the gods, Buddha, and ancestors, and pray for the happiness, luck, and prosperity of their relatives. In 2023, Ram Thang Gieng falls on January 4. Given such meaning, demand for fresh and good quality food before and during the day tends to increase. In 2023, however, prices for raw and fresh foods are virtually unchanged … [Read more...] about Food prices rise slightly ahead of first full moon
Cpi increase by month
Volatile real estate market puts pressure on business results
A construction site of Phat Dat Real Estate Development Joint Stock Company (PDR). PDR reported net revenue of VND14.6 billion (US$622,600) in the last 3 months of 2022. — VNA/VNS Photo A volatile real estate market caused revenues and profits of realty businesses to decrease sharply in the fourth quarter of 2022. Phat Dat Real Estate Development Joint Stock Company (PDR) reported net revenue of VND14.6 billion (US$622,600) in the last three months of 2022, a sharp decrease compared to the VND1.29 trillion recorded in the fourth quarter of 2021. The company suffered an after-tax loss of VND229.4 billion in Q4 of 2022, while in the same period in 2021, it reported a net profit of VND751.4 billion. This was considered Phat Dat's "failure" quarter as the company reported a loss for the first time since it announced business results. Dat Xanh Group Joint Stock Company (DXG) reported a loss of VND460 billion in the last quarter of 2022. During the period, the company's net revenue … [Read more...] about Volatile real estate market puts pressure on business results
ECB hikes rates again, vows more in March
In this file photo taken on October 27, 2022 the logo and the headquarters building of the European Central Bank (ECB) are pictured ahead of a press conference on the eurozone monetary policy in Frankfurt am Main, western Germany. The ECB will hold a press conference on the eurozone monetary policy on February 2, 2023.(Daniel ROLAND / AFP) The ECB lifted its key rates half a percentage point, as widely expected, seeking to curb soaring prices of energy and food fuelled by Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Earlier the same day, the Bank of England hiked rates for a 10th time in a row, while America's Federal Reserve raised borrowing costs again Wednesday -- albeit at a slower pace. The ECB has now raised borrowing costs three percentage points since launching its unprecedented campaign of monetary tightening in July. Signs are growing the eurozone may have passed the worst of an economic shock, with inflation slowing from a peak in October and the single currency area eking out … [Read more...] about ECB hikes rates again, vows more in March
Google, Apple disappoint as tech earnings hit by gloom
A person walks out of the Apple Store in Annapolis, Maryland, on February 2, 2023. Tech giants Google, Apple and Amazon will report their latest results on Thursday as shares in Meta skyrocketed after the Facebook owner posted a smaller-than-expected slump in sales for 2022.(Jim WATSON / AFP) The tech titans posted earnings as shares in Meta skyrocketed a day after it reported better results than expected and signaled spending and job cuts. The results follow weeks of unprecedented layoff rounds in the usually unassailable tech sector amid pessimism about the economic outlook. The souring mood followed a long spell of outsized growth during the peak Covid-19 period when consumers went online for work, shopping and entertainment. "Big Tech calls from Apple, Amazon, and Alphabet painting a much different picture of demand environment than the tech bears were hoping for," tweeted Wedbush analyst Dan Ives, referring to investors who believe shares are on a downward path. While … [Read more...] about Google, Apple disappoint as tech earnings hit by gloom
Vietnam focuses on investment, consumption, export: regular Government press conference
Regular Cabinet press conference (Photo: VNA) Hanoi (VNA) – In February and following months, Vietnam will focus its resources on three growth drivers of investment, consumption and export, said Minister-Chairman of the Government Office Tran Van Son at the regular Cabinet press conference on February 2 following its monthly teleconference with localities. Son said that at this conference, all Government members agreed that in the coming time, there are more difficulties and challenges than opportunities and advantages. Therefore, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh asked ministries, sectors and localities to proactively address arising problems and step up three strategic breakthroughs namely institutions, infrastructure and human resources. He requested giving priority to maintaining macro-economic stability, controlling inflation, propelling growth and ensuring major balances of the economy. "It is necessary to ensure the balanced, rational and effectively … [Read more...] about Vietnam focuses on investment, consumption, export: regular Government press conference
AI trend ChatGPT taking over Vietnam
Luan provides the service to strangers for a small fee, and to friends for free. The artificial intelligence (AI) app chats with users as though it were a human being with the ability to apply encyclopedic knowledge in a variety of ways. More than one million people around the globe signed up for the app during the first week of its release in early December of last year. The AI-based chatbot became highly sought-after in Vietnam shortly thereafter. Luan said he received about 300 requests to create accounts with the chatbot in December. By mid-January, ChatGPT had taken the world by storm and the number of global users had skyrocketed. ChatGPT had signed up 10 million subscribers across the world 40 days after its launch. According to Google Trends statistics over the past three days, "ChatGPT" and "OpenAI" (the U.S. startup that created ChatGPT) have been two of the most searched keywords in Vietnam. Luan said the number of account set up requests he received last … [Read more...] about AI trend ChatGPT taking over Vietnam
Vietnam prioritizes macroeconomic stability in 2023: PM
The country is forecast to be the second-fastest growing economy in Asia-Pacific this year. Vietnam would continue to prioritize macroeconomic stability and containing inflation in anticipation of greater challenges from both domestic and international fronts in 2023. Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh at the meeting. Photos: VGP Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh gave the remarks during a monthly Government meeting today [February 2]. According to Chinh, Vietnam’s socioeconomic performance in January has been positive with strong results in all fields and sectors, especially in industries, agriculture, and tourism. The World Bank in its latest global economic outlook report forecast Vietnam’s GDP in 2023 at 6.3% year on year, down 0.2% from the previous assessment, but still the second highest in Asia-Pacific. In addition to economic development, the authorities have taken measures to ensure social welfare and provided financial support for 25 million eligible … [Read more...] about Vietnam prioritizes macroeconomic stability in 2023: PM
Macro-economic stability, inflation control continue to be priority: Prime Minister
Chairing the Government’s monthly teleconference with localities on February 2, PM Pham Minh Chinh requested keeping a close watch on the domestic and foreign market situation. He asked for extensive monitoring of product price and inflation to enable a quick response to the current situation. He also requested timely forecasts and risk warnings while adopting a sound, flexible and effective monetary policy in close and synchronous combination with monetary, fiscal and other policies. The PM also requested that associated ministries ensure the liquidity and safety of credit organizations, gearing credit into production and trade, priority areas and growth pillars. Another important topic is stepping up cashless payment, while tackling difficulties for real estate market, prioritizing capital for transparent and effective enterprises, and enhancing social investment attraction and public-private partnership. Localities need to take initiative for the disbursement of public … [Read more...] about Macro-economic stability, inflation control continue to be priority: Prime Minister
MoIT propose adjusting fuel prices every Thursday
A petrol station in HCM City. The Ministry of Industry and Trade has proposed that fuel prices be adjusted weekly on Thursday. — VNA/VNS Photo Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh asked the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) to take measures to ensure the supply of all key commodities, especially fuel, and to stabilise the country's distribution channels for the economy after the Tet (Lunar New Year) holiday. Vietnam Electricity (EVN) was told to speed up the construction and implementation of major power projects, including renewable energy, to ensure enough power for the country's crucial industries. In addition, priority should be given to connecting isolated and remote communes to the national power and telecommunication networks. MoIT, the ministry in charge of Viet Nam's power sector, was told to quickly finish and submit the country's Power Planning VIII to the central government for review. The PM said the country's top priority in the short term is to focus on boosting … [Read more...] about MoIT propose adjusting fuel prices every Thursday
Amazon’s outlook disappoints as customer budgets stay tight
And while Amazon's holiday revenue beat Wall Street's expectations, the company believes sales growth in its long-lucrative cloud business will slow for the next few quarters, its chief financial officer told reporters. Shares fell 5% in after-hours trade, erasing most of their 7% gain before the market's close Thursday. Making a rare appearance on Amazon's quarterly call with financial analysts, Chief Executive Andy Jassy said "virtually every enterprise" was treading carefully on cloud and other costs in light of economic uncertainty. "We're going to help our customers find a way to spend less money," he said. "We're trying to build a set of relationships in business that outlasts all of us." Facing high inflation and recession fears, Jassy has embarked on extensive cost-cutting inside Amazon as well. Last month, the online retailer said more than 18,000 employees particularly in its commerce and human resources divisions would lose their jobs. It booked a $640 million … [Read more...] about Amazon’s outlook disappoints as customer budgets stay tight