Japan

September 18 2012 11:19 AM

Men and makeup aren't necessarily commonplace ideas in the United States, but according to new market research South Korea is the largest market in the world for men's skincare thanks to fad that has developed over recent years with Korean men wearing makeup.

September 18 2012 9:35 AM

Last week, Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke announced that the central bank would launch an unprecedented form of quantitative easing. This "new and improved" iteration of money printing will be without limit and duration. The Fed Head launched QE III ($40 billion of MBS purchases every month) on September 13th and stated that it will remain in effect until the labor market "improves substantially." He also promised that, "The Committee will continue its purchases of agency mortgage back...

September 18 2012 8:28 AM

Risk is once again off today as the dollar continues to find buying interest. This is the third day in a row that the dollar has risen -so is this a trend and has the QE3/ Draghi OMT boost to the markets already lost steam? We are unsure at this stage, although we believe that dollar gains will be limited by the prospect of more QE from the Fed (especially if the labour market doesn't start to pick up). However, the success, or not, of the ECB's OMT programme all depends on Spain requestin...

September 18 2012 5:44 AM

On Monday Dollar/Yen increased with 75 pips. The currency couple appreciated from 78.16 to 78.93 yesterday, matching the positive money flow sentiment at above 15%, closing the day at 78.69. This morning the Dollar is trading quietly against the Yen, and within yesterday's range for now. On the 1 hour chart range trading is forming, while on the 3 hour chart the downward channel is on hold. Break above yesterday's top and nearest resistance 78.93 would encourage further recovery of the ...

September 18 2012 12:04 AM

Most of the Asian markets dropped Tuesday as investor confidence was weighed down by the intensifying tensions between China and Japan and the increasing concerns over the euro zone debt crisis.

September 17 2012 5:53 PM

Photos from demonstrations around the world Friday through Monday, including Occupy Wall Street in New York, marches against austerity in Europe, anti-Japan demonstrations in China, and street action in the Muslim world.

September 17 2012 4:29 PM

Tangible results to alleviating China's rising temper against Japan seem nowhere to be found. U.S. officials are urging for calm and peace, but the reality on the streets is that Chinese anger and frustrations are dealing increasing damage and violence to businesses carrying Japanese branded products. Meanwhile, a massive Chinese fishing fleet is soon expected to arrive in the waters off the Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands, worsening the prospects of a swift resolution.

September 17 2012 12:09 PM

When China and the Philippines sparred over the disputed Scarborough Shoal (known as Huangyan Island in China) this past May, the People?s Republic canceled all outbound travel to the Philippines, dealing a direct blow to an industry vital to the nation?s economy. Substitute Japan for the Philippines and Senkaku Islands (known as Diaoyu Islands in China) for Scarborough Shoal, and you?ve got the same thing happening this September.

September 17 2012 11:11 AM

The world's largest coffee chain has opened a tiny pop-up cafe in a fashionable Tokyo district with an odd ordering process.