Greenlight, but only a third take IPO plunge in KL

Only a third of companies approved for public listing last year by Malaysia’s securities watchdog did so, with the remainder deciding that weak market conditions were too dicey to chance.

Crests, Troughs for China’s First PE Wave

A new CEO is steering the Bohai investment fund, but disputes over government involvement and management continue.

Mid-East Role Marks China’s Desire for Global Play

Almost two decades ago, China’s paramount leader Deng Xiaoping issued a series of instructions regarding the orientation of Chinese foreign policy, in which he emphasised the need for Beijing to keep a low profile and never take the lead.

Will 2009 See a Repeat of 2000-2002’s Privatisations?

Most stock market observers know that 2008 was a pretty bad year as far as new listings were concerned - only 30 companies went public last year compared to 61 in 2007, which in turn meant funds raised plunged 77 per cent to just US$1.2 billion versus US$5.3 billion the year before.

Rescue Mulled as Car Sector Loses Steam

Vehicle sales on the mainland are expected to grow only 5 per cent this year after recording the lowest sales growth in a decade last year, according to the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers.

Keys to Power Breed Corrupt Aides

Their titles may not be impressive, and they may operate behind the scenes, but they hold the keys to the corridors of power. They are the most valued connections businessmen and officials want to cultivate - and bribe.

Indicators Show China’s Economy Breathing Easier

With the central government pumping big money into the economy, as much as 100 billion yuan by the end of 2008, indicators ranging from industrial production to credit show a slowing of the recent economic slide. Expectations are building for Plan B.

Harder Knock Seen for Property Prices

Citigroup, Goldman downgrade most of real estate stocks covered to ‘sell’

Foreign Banks Back in China Interbank Market

Chinese lenders less nervous, market flush with funds

Financial Woes Stall Mainland Projects

Funding squeeze leads to missed payments

Financial Trading Success? It’s All in the Fingers

In the testosterone-fuelled world of financial trading, it appears that hormones do rule and size really does matter, British researchers said on Monday.

Chinese Exports and Imports Continue to Shrink

China’s exports and imports shrank at an accelerating rate last month, a trend likely to set off more job losses in the country’s export-oriented coastal regions.

Can the US Repay its Debts?

The chances of the world’s richest economy defaulting remain pretty remote, but remote does not mean impossible

Beijing Office Sector Seeks Aid

Vacancies in grade A offices in Beijing rose to within touching distance of historic highs in the final quarter of last year.

Surge in Thefts and Robberies in Dongguan

Dongguan in the Pearl River Delta may be in the grip of a crime wave, as its once-booming manufacturing sector struggles amid the global financial crisis.

Shenzhen Airlines to Launch New Carrier in Yunnan

Shenzhen Airlines, China’s fifth largest airline group, said it will soon launch a new carrier based in Kunming, Yunnan province.

Shagang Chairman Shen Wenrong Iinsists on Expanding and Going Public as Prices Fall

A current winter chill for the global steel industry is not as cold for Shen Wenrong, chairman of Jiangsu Shagang Group, China’s largest private steelmaker. While other steel companies are downsizing, Shen leads a company that’s actively exploring the capital and raw material markets, and planning further expansions based on low-cost advantages.

Recovery in Blue Chips Running Out of Steam, Analysts Warn

The battered blue chips of 2008 have pulled off a strong turnaround so far this year, but analysts caution that the trend may have started to run out of steam as bargain-hunting interest tapers off.

Reaching for their Roots

Chinese once called the US “The Gold Mountain” because of the economic opportunities it promised. Now the tide is turning, with waves of overseas Chinese returning to cash in on China’s rapid economic development.

Japanese Retailers Cutting Down Imports from China

Japan’s major retailers are stepping up purchases from suppliers in Asia other than their traditional source, the mainland, as labour costs there continue to climb, a report said on Monday.