Nikkei Asia

The Bank of Korea increased its key interest rate on August 27, 2026, for the second straight time and the first back-to-back hikes since January 2023, citing the need to address inflationary pressures. Economic growth is projected to accelerate following the move. Coverage is limited to center-leaning outlets, with no representation from left- or right-leaning sources.

Huawei has licensed key connectivity technologies to HP under a multi-year deal announced Wednesday, allowing global use in computers and peripherals. The agreement includes reciprocal patent rights and follows a prior settlement granting HP access to 2,000 wireless patents. HP is scheduled to report earnings Thursday morning Beijing time.

Ismail Sabri Yaakob, who served as Prime Minister of Malaysia from August 2021 to November 2022, was charged on August 27, 2026, at the Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court under Section 36(2) of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act for failing to declare assets. He pleaded not guilty after an MACC investigation completed in June 2025. The case involves procedural delays due to medical treatment and carries a maximum penalty of five years in jail and a RM100,000 fine.

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas increased its key policy rate by 25 basis points to 5 percent, with the overnight deposit facility rate set at 4.5 percent and the overnight lending facility rate at 5.5 percent. The changes took effect on August 27 as the third consecutive hike following moves in April and June. July headline inflation stood at 6.2 percent and core inflation at 4.2 percent, both above the 2-to-4 percent target range.

On August 25, 2026, gold and bitcoin prices both reached approximately three-month highs while the dollar weakened, according to market reports. Nikkei Asia linked the moves to investor shifts away from the dollar amid concerns over U.S. government debt size. An additional report noted a rebound in both assets during a strong week.