Takaichi's promises to cut taxes, boost the economy and spending on defence have spooked investors, as Japan has one of the world's biggest debt levels

The move could irritate US President Donald Trump, who has threatened to impose 100% tariffs on any BRICS nation that tries to bypass the dollar

Takaichi plans to dissolve parliament on Friday ahead of the snap vote on February 8 for all 465 seats in the lower house of parliament

The Nikkei shot up on Tuesday amid widespread speculation that Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi will call a snap election, possibly in just a month's time

China's biggest developer by sales is tipped to seek multiple short-term extensions for bond repayments before ultimately proposing a debt restructuring

The Bank of Japan lifted interest rates to a three-decade high on Friday, which caused the yield of 10-year government bonds to jump to a 26-year peak. Meanwhile, MUFG bought a 20% stake in an Indian non-bank lender

China Vanke is the latest developer sinking in the country's long-running property crash, which some say could drag on for another 5-10 years

Bank of Japan seen hiking its policy rate 0.25% this month. Nikkei hits 3-week high, as robot makers led gains on bets physical AI will fuel growth

Beijing has moved to expand its REITs scheme to help developers raise money more easily after the state-owned Vanke became the latest builder to face a debt crisis

36 die and 279 are missing after one of the worst fires in Hong Kong for many years. Meanwhile, China's long-running property crisis drags on

Two Asian markets hit record levels on Monday, while Chinese stocks roseto their highest in over a decade amid optimism of a US-China trade deal

Country's first female PM has vowed to boost defence spending and cooperation with the US and other security partners. She may also get a visit from Donald Trump next week