Weekend Read: 7 November 2026
The week's longer pieces on Asia's economy: 5 stories worth reading slowly.
Ant International CEO urges AI to boost SME trade, citing 50% growth
Peng Yang called for "re-globalisation" to include small businesses, noting their low export and AI adoption rates, while Ant International's cross-border transactions for SMEs grew 50% annually over three years.
Banking & Fintech · 2 min read
US Job Cuts Hit Three-Year Low as Holiday Hiring Surges
American employers announced the fewest job reductions in October since 2023, while planning for the holiday shopping season drove a 57% increase in new hires.
Economies · 2 min read
Thailand targets 5-7% European tourism revenue jump
Thailand's Tourism Authority (TAT) aims for 5-7% higher revenue from European visitors in 2027, rebalancing its inbound travel strategy with targeted marketing at World Travel Market.
Economies · 2 min read
DBS values Grab's core businesses above current share price
The research house estimates Grab's Singapore and Malaysia operations alone are worth US$3.07 per share, 6 per cent higher than its market price on Monday.
Markets · 2 min read
OCBC Shares Fall 3.7% as Great Eastern Profit Plunges 72%
Shares in OCBC, DBS, and UOB fell on November 2, with OCBC dropping 3.7% after its insurance unit Great Eastern reported a 72% profit decline, weighing on the Straits Times Index.
Banking & Fintech · 2 min read
These are the week's longer pieces, the ones worth the extra ten minutes when the trading day is not moving. Each was reported and checked when it ran; nothing here has been rewritten for the weekend.
This article is journalism, not investment advice; consult a licensed professional before making financial decisions. Market data is indicative, may be delayed, and should be verified with your broker or exchange before use.
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