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In October 2024, India's NSE Nifty 50 Index experienced its largest monthly decline in four years due to significant selling by foreign investors. The benchmark gauge dropped by 6.2%, marking its first monthly loss since May, as weak earnings and high valuations impacted market sentiment. Foreign institutions sold over $10 billion worth of Indian equities, leading to concerns about near-term performance and valuation levels remaining above historical averages. This information was reported by Bloomberg and written by Alex Gabriel Simon. [Extracted from the article]

In October 2024, India's NSE Nifty 50 Index is experiencing its largest monthly decline since the pandemic panic of March 2020, with a nearly 6% drop. Foreign investors have been selling Indian equities, totaling over $10 billion in net sales by the end of October 29. This selling pressure, combined with weak earnings and high valuations, may continue to impact the market's performance in the near term, according to Citigroup Inc. analysts. [Extracted from the article]

The UK government has announced the end of a preferential tax regime for ultra-rich foreign residents, known as non-doms, who currently do not pay UK taxes on their overseas earnings for up to 15 years. Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves stated that this change is expected to raise £12.7 billion over the next five years. The new residence-based program will offer competitive arrangements to wealthy foreigners coming to the UK on a temporary basis, with the aim of ensuring that those who make Britain their home also pay taxes there. [Extracted from the article]

The UK government has announced the end of a preferential tax regime for ultra-rich foreign residents, known as non-doms, who currently do not pay UK taxes on their overseas earnings for up to 15 years. Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves stated that this change is expected to raise £12.7 billion over the next five years. The new residence-based program will offer competitive arrangements to wealthy foreigners coming to the UK on a temporary basis, with the aim of ensuring that those who make Britain their home also pay their taxes there. [Extracted from the article]

Colorado Governor Jared Polis expressed skepticism about former President Donald Trump's ability to carry out widespread deportations due to limited federal resources. Trump's proposed "Operation Aurora" to target undocumented migrant gang members in Colorado was met with skepticism by local officials. Polis highlighted the significant contributions of Colorado's immigrant population to the state's economy, emphasizing the need to find pathways for long-term residents without work authorization. Despite Colorado's shift towards Democratic control in recent years, Polis acknowledged the potential for a Republican victory in the state, but not under a "Donald Trump Republican" leadership. [Extracted from the article]

Olympus Corp. CEO Stefan Kaufmann has resigned after allegations of purchasing illegal drugs, leading to a 7% decline in the company's shares. The board found that Kaufmann's actions were inconsistent with the company's values, prompting his immediate resignation. This is the second time a foreign-born leader has been removed from Olympus, with the company facing challenges in consistent growth in recent years. [Extracted from the article]

Demonstrators in Lisbon marched to honor a man shot by police, sparking violence and drawing attention to the city's poorer suburbs. The government increased police presence after the death of Odair Moniz, a Cape Verde citizen shot by police. Portugal's immigrant population has doubled since 2018, with many settling in affordable housing areas around the capital. Far-right party Chega, known for its anti-immigrant stance, also held a demonstration in support of the police. [Extracted from the article]

(Bloomberg) -- The Indian rupee fell past 84 to a dollar for the first time as foreigners sold the country's stocks and bonds.The currency dropped 0.1% to a new record low of 84.0975 on Friday. Offshore investors have sold $5.7 billion from stocks in the month so far, while bonds have seen $125 million of outflows, according to data compiled by Bloomberg.The Reserve Bank of India changed its stance to "neutral" on Wednesday, spurring bets that the country is on the path to cut interest rates.©2024 Bloomberg L.P.By Subhadip Sircar and Malavika Kaur MakolReported by Author; Author [Extracted from the article]

(Bloomberg) -- The Indian rupee fell past 84 to a dollar for the first time as foreigners sold the country's stocks and bonds.The currency dropped 0.1% to a new record low of 84.0975 on Friday. Offshore investors have sold $5.7 billion from stocks in the month so far, while bonds have seen $125 million of outflows, according to data compiled by Bloomberg.The Reserve Bank of India changed its stance to "neutral" on Wednesday, spurring bets that the country is on the path to cut interest rates.©2024 Bloomberg L.P.By Subhadip Sircar and Malavika Kaur MakolReported by Author; Author [Extracted from the article]

Oversea-Chinese Banking Corp.'s private bank, Bank of Singapore, is looking to expand its business in Europe to attract more wealthy individuals from the UK. The bank aims to double its revenue from outside of Asia over the next few years and plans to increase its staff in London. The interest in Singapore as an alternative destination for wealthy individuals is driven by the UK government's consideration of raising taxes for foreign residents. Bank of Singapore also plans to focus on London as a strategic market and has recently hired a new head for its London operations. Additionally, the bank has hired a dedicated relationship manager for Chinese clients in Dubai, indicating potential expansion in the region. [Extracted from the article]

Indonesia has announced that it will grant visa-free entry to Singapore permanent residents (PRs) who wish to visit Batam, Bintan, and the Karimun Islands. This move is aimed at promoting tourism and investment in these regional economic zones. Under the new policy, PRs can stay for up to four days. This visa-free option specifically targets Singapore PRs and focuses on specific regions, offering a more streamlined process. Indonesia has been implementing various initiatives to attract visitors and investors, and this policy aims to attract short-term visitors for leisure and business, particularly to the Nongsa Digital Park and Bintan Resort. [Extracted from the article]

Venezuela has detained three foreigners who are accused of plotting to overthrow the government and assassinate President Nicolas Maduro. The Venezuelan Interior Minister claims that intelligence agencies from the US and Spain were involved in the plot, and over 400 weapons were seized. The US State Department has confirmed that a member of the US military is being held by Venezuela, but denies any US involvement in the plot. The detentions come after contested presidential elections in July. [Extracted from the article]

Venezuela has detained six foreigners, including three Americans, two Spaniards, and a Czech, who are accused of plotting to overthrow the government and assassinate President Nicolas Maduro. The Venezuelan Interior Minister claims that intelligence agencies from the US and Spain were behind the plot, and over 400 weapons were seized. The US State Department has confirmed that a member of the US military is being held by Venezuela, but denies any US involvement in the plot. The detentions come after contested presidential elections in July. [Extracted from the article]

Venezuela has detained three foreigners who are accused of planning to overthrow the government and assassinate President Nicolas Maduro, according to Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello. Cabello claims that intelligence agencies from the US and Spain were involved in the plot, and over 400 weapons were seized. This comes after the contested presidential vote in July, in which Maduro was declared the winner for a third term. Some opposition members and even allies of Maduro have called for the government to release the complete voting tallies. [Extracted from the article]

The arrest of Pavel Durov, the billionaire founder of Telegram, has sparked condemnation in Russia, despite the country's history of censoring media and suppressing opposition. Telegram, with its 900 million active users, plays a unique role in Russia, providing a platform for both free expression and pro-Kremlin forces. It is also a key tool for the country's military efforts in Ukraine, used by both Russian and Ukrainian officials. While Telegram is praised for its uncensored news and commentary, its light-touch approach to content moderation has led to the proliferation of illegal activities on the platform. Durov's arrest has prompted criticism of France for holding tech executives personally responsible for platform content. However, some remain skeptical of Russia's support for free speech, viewing it as a public relations move. [Extracted from the article]

The coalition partners in Italy's government, led by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, are in disagreement over who should be eligible for Italian citizenship. Matteo Salvini's right-wing League criticized Forza Italia, a more centrist party, for supporting a proposal to grant citizenship to non-citizens who have completed most of their education in Italy. The League argues that the current law is sufficient and does not need to be changed. This clash highlights the differences between the two coalition partners on various issues, including migration and integration. Italy has strict citizenship laws, but exceptions are made for individuals with Italian ancestry. Despite these restrictions, a significant number of individuals with migrant backgrounds became citizens in 2022. The debate on citizenship gained attention during the Paris Olympics, where Italian athletes of foreign descent achieved success. However, this celebration was marred by vandalism targeting a mural honoring one of these athletes, Paola Egonu, who is of Nigerian descent. [Extracted from the article]

Foreign investors are becoming more cautious about investing in Indian shares due to increased volatility, lukewarm earnings, and a surprise tax hike on equities. Global funds have turned bearish on Indian stocks for the first time in two months, with net shorts of 30,547 index futures. Foreign portfolio investors have also been selling in the cash market, offloading almost $2 billion net of Indian equities this month. Despite a rally earlier this year, foreign investors are concerned about high stock valuations and global market volatility. [Extracted from the article]

India has introduced a tax exemption for non-resident Indians and foreign retail investors who invest in exchange-traded funds and retail plans through Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City). This move is expected to create new business opportunities for asset management companies in GIFT City. However, it is important to note that the investments must be made in foreign currencies to qualify for the tax exemption. The announcement was made by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman during the government's first budget announcement. GIFT City is a financial hub that is a part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's initiatives. [Extracted from the article]

The US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is assisting Thai authorities in investigating the deaths of six foreigners at a luxury hotel in Bangkok. Two of the deceased were US citizens. The bodies were found in a suite at the Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok hotel, and it is believed that they were killed by poisoning. The victims were Vietnamese, with two of them also holding US citizenship. The cause of death will be revealed once autopsy details and other findings are available. The prime minister stated that these deaths will not impact the country's tourism industry. [Extracted from the article]

Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has ordered an urgent investigation into the deaths of six foreigners at a luxury hotel in Bangkok. The victims, who were Vietnamese with two holding US citizenship, were found dead in a suite at the Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok hotel. The cause of death appears to be poisoning, and the bodies had been dead for approximately 24 hours before being discovered. The motive for the killings is unclear, and authorities are working to identify any perpetrators. The incident is not expected to have a significant impact on Thailand's tourism industry, which is a key sector of the country's economy. [Extracted from the article]

Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has ordered an urgent investigation into the deaths of six foreigners at the Grand Hyatt Erawan hotel in Bangkok. The victims, including three females aged between 37-56, were found dead in an area popular with foreign tourists. Four of the victims were Vietnamese and two had US citizenship, and their deaths are suspected to be due to cyanide poisoning. The Thai government is taking steps to contain panic among tourists and the public, as tourism is a key industry for the country, accounting for about 20% of total jobs and 12% of the economy. [Extracted from the article]

Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has ordered an urgent investigation into the deaths of six foreigners at a luxury hotel in Bangkok. The victims, who were all Vietnamese with US citizenship, were found dead in the Ratchaprasong area, a popular tourist destination. The cause of death is suspected to be cyanide poisoning. The Thai government is concerned about the impact this incident may have on the country's tourism industry, which is a significant contributor to the economy. [Extracted from the article]

Foreign investors have been buying South African government bonds at the highest rate in over two years. This is due to the attractive yields offered by the bonds, which are among the highest in emerging markets. The recent election in South Africa, which saw the African National Congress lose its parliamentary majority and invite opposition parties into government, has sparked renewed interest from investors. They believe that the presence of opposition parties may help address issues such as state inefficiency, power shortages, and logistical problems that have hindered economic growth. The South African rand has been performing well since the election, and the country's stocks are at record highs. Despite a drop in yields since the end of May, South African bonds remain among the highest in major emerging markets. The data on non-resident purchases and sales of bonds, including unsettled trades, indicate a positive trend, with over 12 billion rand of inflows since May 29. [Extracted from the article]

Foreign investors have returned to Indian stocks, leading to record highs in the equity market. After selling in April and May, foreign investors have bought over $4 billion worth of Indian stocks since June. This influx of foreign investment, combined with strong domestic flows, has boosted the market and led to the NSE Nifty 50 index reaching a new all-time high. The appeal of Indian stocks has been enhanced by concerns over the economic recovery in China and geopolitical risks in Europe and the US. Local institutional investors have also continued to invest in Indian stocks, adding $28 billion this year. [Extracted from the article]

China has announced that non-Chinese residents of Hong Kong and Macau will be able to enter mainland China more easily with a new five-year travel visa. This policy is aimed at supporting the growing number of non-Chinese visitors from Hong Kong and Macau for business and leisure purposes, and it is seen as a boost to Hong Kong's status as a business hub. The new visa applies to permanent residents who have lived continuously in Hong Kong or Macau for at least seven years. This move is part of China's efforts to integrate the semi-autonomous cities into its national development plans. [Extracted from the article]

Germany's ruling coalition, led by Chancellor Olaf Scholz, has approved an amendment to the country's deportation law that aims to crack down on foreigners who glorify acts of terrorism, particularly those targeting Israeli civilians. The updated legislation would allow for the expulsion of individuals without a German passport who make even a single comment on social media that is deemed to be praising terrorism. The move is a response to a surge in hate posts on social media following the Hamas attack on Israel and a fatal knife attack by an Afghan asylum seeker. The stricter rules have been met with some reservations from members of the Green Party, but Economy Minister Robert Habeck has expressed support, stating that those who celebrate terrorism forfeit their right to stay in Germany. [Extracted from the article]

Germany's ruling coalition is introducing updated legislation to crack down on foreigners who glorify acts of terrorism, particularly those targeting Israeli civilians. The amendment to Germany's deportation law, set to be approved by Chancellor Olaf Scholz's cabinet, would allow for the expulsion of individuals without a German passport who make even a single comment on social media praising terrorism. The move is a response to a surge in hate posts on social media following the Hamas attack on Israel and a fatal knife attack by an Afghan asylum seeker. The stricter rules have been met with some reservations from the Green Party, but the Free Democrats are generally supportive. [Extracted from the article]

Foreign investors have been on a 10-day buying streak of Indian equities, the longest in nearly a year, as concerns about policy continuity after Prime Minister Narendra Modi's election upset have dissipated. They purchased $3.4 billion worth of shares, helping to offset this year's outflows that had reached $4.8 billion after the election result. The resumption of foreign purchases, along with strong domestic flows, has further boosted an already expensive market. Investors are optimistic about policy continuity in India's fast-growing economy under Modi's new coalition government. [Extracted from the article]

The flood of overseas tourists in Japan has led to complaints about overcrowding and poor behavior, prompting some to consider ways of controlling the flow without losing income. One suggestion is to charge higher prices for foreigners. Foreign tourist arrivals in May reached 3.04 million, up 9.6% from 2019, with the weak yen contributing to the increase. The mayor of Himeji proposed charging foreign tourists six times more than locals to visit the city's famous castle, and the governor of Osaka expressed support for the idea. Differential pricing is common in parts of Asia, and overtourism has led to clampdowns in other parts of the world. Some Japanese communities have implemented policies beyond pricing, such as banning tourists from certain areas or limiting the number of people allowed to climb Mt. Fuji. [Extracted from the article]

The flood of overseas tourists in Japan has led to complaints about overcrowding and poor behavior, prompting some to consider ways of controlling the flow without losing income. Foreign tourist arrivals in May reached 3.04 million, up 9.6% from the same month in 2019. The mayor of Himeji has suggested charging foreign tourists six times more than locals to visit the city's famous castle, and the idea has gained support from the governor of Osaka. In other areas, tourists have been banned from certain districts and restrictions have been placed on climbing Mt. Fuji. [Extracted from the article]

Saudi Arabia is planning to implement measures to boost its debt capital market and attract foreign investors. The Capital Market Authority is considering eliminating a 5% withholding tax on interest payments, which it believes is discouraging investment. Additionally, the regulatory process for debt offerings may be simplified to make it more cost-effective and timely for companies to issue bonds. These initiatives are part of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's economic transformation plan, which aims to establish advanced capital markets and diversify the kingdom's revenue streams. The local market for corporate debt has grown by about 8% annually since 2019, but the goal is to broaden the investor base to include more individuals and foreigners. The recent secondary offering of shares in Saudi Aramco, in which foreigners were allocated about 60% of the shares, suggests that Saudi Arabia's markets are becoming more appealing to international investors. [Extracted from the article]

Foreign investors have been allocated approximately 60% of the shares in Saudi Aramco's $11.2 billion stock sale, a significant increase from the oil giant's 2019 listing that was primarily dominated by local buyers. The offering received strong demand from the US, Europe, the UK, Hong Kong, and Japan, with orders totaling over $65 billion. The increased foreign participation is attributed to the appeal of Aramco's substantial dividend, which is estimated to yield 6.6%. The Saudi government will remain the majority shareholder, owning about 82% of the company. [Extracted from the article]

Foreign investors have been allocated approximately 60% of the shares in Saudi Aramco's $11.2 billion stock sale, a significant increase from the oil giant's 2019 listing that was primarily dominated by local buyers. The offering received strong demand from the US, Europe, the UK, Hong Kong, and Japan, with orders totaling over $65 billion. The increased foreign participation is attributed to the appeal of Aramco's substantial dividend, which is estimated to provide a 6.6% yield. The Saudi government will remain the majority shareholder, owning about 82% of the company. [Extracted from the article]

Foreign investors are showing strong interest in Indian government debt, despite concerns about policy continuity following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's narrow election victory. Foreign purchases of index-eligible sovereign securities have reached approximately 50 billion rupees ($599 million) this week, with investors anticipating India's inclusion in JPMorgan Chase & Co.'s emerging-market debt index. The allure of higher returns on Indian debt seems to outweigh worries about the impact of Modi's election setback on fiscal discipline and currency stability. Experts predict that the yield on India's benchmark 10-year sovereign bonds will decrease to around 6.5% in the next year due to inflows related to the index inclusion. [Extracted from the article]

Australia's military is expanding its recruitment criteria to allow non-citizens to join the defense forces in order to address a personnel shortage. Starting in July, New Zealanders living in Australia will be able to apply, and from January 2025, permanent residents from the UK, US, Canada, and Pacific nations will also be eligible. The move is part of Australia's efforts to strengthen its defense forces in response to China's growing military presence in the Asia-Pacific region. In addition to meeting entry standards and security requirements, applicants must have lived in Australia for at least one year and be able to attain Australian citizenship. The military is also streamlining its Overseas Lateral Recruitment Scheme to recruit skilled military personnel from overseas. [Extracted from the article]

Portugal's government is planning to tighten immigration rules by requiring most foreigners to obtain a work visa before entering and living in the country. Previously, foreigners could enter with a tourist visa and then apply for a residence permit if they found a job. The new requirements aim to regulate immigration and prevent immigrants from living in limbo and indignity. The number of foreign residents in Portugal reached a record one million people in 2023, accounting for about 10% of the country's population. The government also plans to increase border controls, address visa application backlogs, and invest in centers to assist migrants in difficult conditions. [Extracted from the article]

Indian retail investors are becoming increasingly bullish on stock derivatives ahead of the country's elections, while foreigners are more cautious. Retail investors, including high net-worth traders, have added a significant number of long contracts in index futures, reaching record levels of bullish positioning. This reflects the risk-taking behavior of retail investors seeking financial gains, as the Indian stock market continues to experience growth under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's pro-growth policies. In contrast, global funds have been more cautious, with net positioning in index derivatives turning pessimistic. Foreigners have sold billions of dollars worth of stocks in the cash market this month, amid concerns about low voter turnouts and close contests in some states. [Extracted from the article]

Malaysian equities are outperforming the region, with foreign funds returning to the market. In May, overseas investors bought $502.9 million of local shares, the largest monthly inflow since March 2022. Malaysia's emerging artificial intelligence sector and political stability are attracting global investment, with tech giants like Microsoft and Nvidia investing in the country's infrastructure. The recent tariff hike by the US on Chinese protective equipment is also benefiting local glovemakers. The FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI Index has risen over 10% this year, and analysts project a further 7% climb in the next 12 months. Malaysia offers a wider choice of AI-related stocks compared to its neighbors, and it is projected to capture a significant share of the potential $1 trillion AI adoption in Southeast Asia by 2030. However, valuations for the KLCI are back to their five-year average, and other regional gauges are still trading below their averages. Overall, sentiment among foreigners is recovering, and the combination of political stability and AI investments is expected to contribute to further optimism in the market. [Extracted from the article]

Foreign investors have increased their holdings of equity derivatives in India to a record $101 billion, indicating growing confidence in the outcome of the nation's elections. This surge in open interest coincides with overseas funds becoming net buyers of local shares in the cash market after a period of withdrawals. Derivatives trader Dinesh Nagpal suggests that if Prime Minister Narendra Modi's alliance does not win by a landslide, the NSE Nifty 50 Index may fall by about 3% from its current level. The elections will end on June 1, and the first indication of the likely outcome will be revealed through exit polls. [Extracted from the article]

India's key equity indexes reached record highs as foreigners reduced their bearish positions and bought shares on the National Stock Exchange. This shift in sentiment follows the central bank's generous dividend to the government and hopes for a positive outcome in the ongoing elections. Concerns about Prime Minister Narendra Modi's party not securing a landslide victory have affected Indian stocks this month, but the NSE Nifty 50 Index and the S&P BSE Sensex both rose 1.6% and broke out of a probable double-bottom pattern, indicating potential further gains in the future. [Extracted from the article]

Foreign investors have been purchasing lira-denominated Turkish government bonds at a record pace, with a net purchase of $1.3 billion in the week through May 17. This brings the total inflow over the past four weeks to $5.5 billion, the largest on record. The increased purchases are attributed to pledges of monetary orthodoxy, lower inflation, and a more market-friendly economic team appointed by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Bank of America and Citigroup have both expressed positive sentiments about Turkish markets, with the former recommending investors buy lira forwards. The amount of Turkish government debt held by non-residents has tripled this year to $8.2 billion. [Extracted from the article]

Foreign investors have withdrawn a net $3.5 billion from India's stock markets in May, the largest outflow in nearly a year. This is due to election uncertainties and high valuations, which have prompted some funds to shift to cheaper alternatives like Chinese equities. The outflows reflect concerns that a less decisive performance by Prime Minister Narendra Modi may limit his ability to carry out crucial economic reforms. Cheaper Chinese stocks have become more attractive to foreign investors, as the valuation gap between the Indian and Chinese markets has grown too large to ignore. However, some market participants believe that the rotation to Chinese stocks from India is likely to stall. The MSCI China Index has outperformed the MSCI India in year-to-date performance, but China's stocks trade at nearly half the valuation of their Indian counterparts. Money has started flowing into China's technology stocks, with investors like Michael Burry and David Tepper increasing their stakes in these companies. The relationship between the Indian and Chinese markets is interconnected, with selloffs in India leading to money going to China and vice versa. [Extracted from the article]

Foreign investors are showing pessimism towards Indian stocks due to speculation that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's party may win fewer seats in the ongoing national elections than previously estimated. Net short positions in the derivatives market have surged to the widest gap since 2012, and overseas investors have pulled out about $4 billion from local stocks since early April. The dip in voter turnout during the recent phases of polling has raised concerns about the BJP's support, although Modi is still expected to secure a third successive term. Indian equities have underperformed their Asian peers this quarter. [Extracted from the article]

Foreign investors have temporarily halted their selling spree of Japanese government bond futures, becoming net buyers for the first time in 12 weeks. However, this does not indicate a shift in sentiment, as risks such as tighter monetary policy, foreign exchange volatility, and accelerating inflation still loom over Japanese debt. Foreign investors' trading is closely monitored as they accounted for 73% of total transactions of JGB futures last year. The Bank of Japan's decision to maintain interest rates and bond purchase amounts encouraged buying, but the recent drop in bonds after a reduction in planned buying suggests that selling pressure may continue. [Extracted from the article]

India's foreign exchange reserves have decreased as global interest rate repricing has led to portfolio outflows. The reserves fell to $637.9 billion as of April 26, down $2.4 billion from the previous week. The Reserve Bank of India has intervened in currency markets to stabilize the rupee, which has been under pressure due to expectations of higher US interest rates. Foreigners selling Indian bonds and repatriating funds could further impact the currency. India holds one of the largest stockpiles of foreign exchange in the world as a means of protecting against spillover risks. The drop in reserves coincides with India's upcoming inclusion in JPMorgan Chase & Co.'s global indexes, which has attracted attention from global investors. In April, foreign funds sold nearly $2 billion of Indian sovereign and corporate bonds, the highest pace since May 2020. The reserves are considered India's first line of defense and should be used to manage volatility. India has been mentioned by the US Treasury for its currency management practices, but it was not included on the currency manipulator watch list in November 2023. [Extracted from the article]

Ethiopia, Africa's largest coffee producer, has revised its rules to allow foreign companies to directly purchase coffee from farmers and processors. Previously, buyers like Starbucks and Volcafe had to purchase shipments from local companies. This change is part of broader reforms to liberalize Ethiopia's economy, which also include lifting controls on other commodities. Foreign traders who have purchased at least $10 million worth of coffee annually for the past three years will qualify for permits. Ethiopia produced 833,000 tons of coffee last season, with exports accounting for 40% of the country's export revenue. [Extracted from the article]

Foreign investors purchased ¥1.18 trillion ($7.7 billion) worth of Japanese stocks last week, the highest amount since 2013. This increase in purchases is due to the belief that Japanese companies will increase share buybacks and dividends, creating a more shareholder-friendly culture. Japanese individual investors also bought ¥634 billion of shares, the highest amount since September. Despite this, the Nikkei 255 Stock Average experienced a 3.4% decline, the largest weekly drop since December 2022, as Japanese investors sold a significant amount of stock, likely for profit-taking. Trust banks also saw a record net selling of ¥789 billion. However, foreign investors are expected to increase their position in Japanese equities in the first half of the year. [Extracted from the article]

Foreign investors have poured approximately 780 billion rupees ($9.4 billion) into eligible sovereign bonds in India since JPMorgan Chase & Co.'s announcement in September, resulting in a variety of market changes. Corporate bonds in India have outperformed their peers, and foreign exchange reserves have reached a record high. The inclusion of India in key global bond indexes is expected to attract even more foreign investment, with inflows of around $25 billion projected by the middle of next year. The Reserve Bank of India has intervened to shield the rupee from volatile moves, resulting in its foreign reserves reaching a record $642.5 billion. [Extracted from the article]