Global recession

NEW YORK/LONDON -- Global mergers and acquisitions (M&A) activity shrank to its lowest level in more than a decade in the first quarter of 2023, as rising interest rates, high inflation and fears of a recession soured the appetite of companies for dealmaking. M&A volumes during the first quarter slumped 48% to $575.1 billion as of March 30, compared to $1.1 trillion during the same period last year, according to data from Dealogic. A banking crisis that started in the United States this month with Silicon Valley Bank and spread to Europe with the Swiss government-orchestrated sale of Credit Suisse Group AG (CSGN.S) to UBS Group AG (UBSG.S) roiled markets and stopped many deals in their tracks, investment bankers and lawyers said. "The first quarter had extraordinary levels of volatility and uncertainty - more than expected going into the year. And that has the impact of postponing some announcements," said Anu Aiyengar, global head of M&A at JPMorgan Chase & … [Read more...] about Global dealmaking sinks to lowest level in over a decade

According to experts, Malaysia in particular will be a bright spot, contributing to reviving the world economy in the context of a gloomy economy. (Photo: theedgemarkets.com) Kuala Lumpur (VNA) – The Bank Negara Malaysia on March 29 forecast that the country’s economy is projected to grow between 4-5% in 2023, amidst challenges rising from slowing global growth. The central bank said further improvement in labour market conditions, continued implementation of multi-year investment projects and higher tourism activities are expected to support private consumption and investment growth . BNM Governor Tan Sri Nor Shamsiah Yunus affirmed that the Malaysian economy will continue to grow and not fall into recession and the country's financial system will remain a source of strength for the economy in supporting the financial needs. According to experts, in 2023, the global economic environment still faces many challenges due to slow growth and tight monetary … [Read more...] about Malaysia’s central bank optimistic on national economic growth

Cat Lai Port in HCM City. Viet Nam will focus on enhancing the competitiveness of the logistics sector. — VNA/VNS Photo Viet Nam will focus on enhancing the competitiveness of the logistics sector and removing bottlenecks in the sector in order to promote trade and investment with India, an official has said. Speaking at a meeting on Thursday in HCM City, Pham Thi Ngoc Thuy, director of the Office of the Private Economic Development Research Committee, said there was immense potential for improvement in bilateral trade between Viet Nam and India, especially in the logistics sector. Viet Nam’s heavy investment in infrastructure development has created significant opportunities for logistics enterprises, she said. In addition to logistics, other key investment sectors include hi-tech agriculture, food processing, renewable energy, the supporting industry, healthcare, education, infrastructure, and tourism, among others. Bilateral trade between the two countries has grown … [Read more...] about Viet Nam to enhance competitiveness of logistics sector