
Reserve Bank of India lowers key interest rate by 50 basis points to 5.5% in surprise move
India's central bank has taken investors by surprise with a larger-than-expected slash to interest rates, while making it easier for banks to lend money. The Reserve Bank of India lowered its key repo rate by 50 basis points to 5.5 per cent. Most analysts had expected a 25-point cut. It is the third reduction in a row since February. Shubhada Rao, founder of QuantEco Research, speaks to CNA from Mumbai on the rationale behind the move.
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Independent Singapore
an hour ago
- Independent Singapore
Former DPM Teo Chee Hean to take over as Temasek chairman in Oct, succeeding Lim Boon Heng
Photo: Facebook/Temasek SINGAPORE: Former senior minister Teo Chee Hean will succeed Mr Lim Boon Heng as the fifth chairman of Singapore's investment company, Temasek Holdings, the company announced on Friday (June 6). Mr Teo will first join Temasek's board as deputy chairman on July 1, before taking over as chairman on Oct 9, after the company's third-quarter board meeting this year. Mr Lim served 12 years as chairman during his 13-year tenure as Temasek's board director. Under his leadership, Temasek's net portfolio grew from S$223 billion in 2014 to S$389 billion in 2024. He led the company's global expansion in Europe and the US and its community efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic. He also built strong ties between Temasek, its portfolio companies, workers, and the government. 'In my 13 years at Temasek, I have been privileged to work with a capable, dedicated team unified by a strong sense of purpose and commitment to excellence. I am always inspired by my colleagues' collective conviction that, like generations before us, we must always act today with tomorrow clearly in our minds,' he said. Mr Teo, a former political stalwart, served as Deputy Prime Minister from 2009 to 2019 and later as Senior Minister until he left politics in May 2025. Temasek said Mr Teo's 'wealth of experience and strategic insights will bring valuable perspectives to Temasek as it continues to evolve and grow as a global investment company.' 'In this era of deepening global uncertainty, we must remain clear-minded on critical matters such as international relations, security, and climate change,' Mr Teo said. 'I look forward to working with Temasek's board, management team and members of the wider Temasek family to build on the achievements of Temasek and chart a path for its continued success in the new global environment,' he added. Mr Lim noted that Mr Teo's depth of experience in public service and his seasoned wisdom on both local and global affairs make him the right helmsman for Temasek. 'I am truly pleased that Chee Hean will guide Temasek into its next chapter of growth as a global investor,' he added. /TISG Read also: Warren Buffett to step down as CEO by year-end, hands Berkshire Hathaway reins to Greg Abel

Straits Times
2 hours ago
- Straits Times
India, central Asian countries express interest in joint rare earths exploration
NEW DELHI – India and five central Asian countries have expressed interest in jointly exploring for rare earths and critical minerals, they said in a joint statement on June 6 after the fourth meeting of the India-Central Asia Dialogue. The announcement comes amid global alarm over China's decision to curb exports of rare earth alloys, mixtures and magnets, spooking industries ranging from automobiles and clean energy to defence. India and the central Asian countries – Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan – also called upon 'relevant authorities' for an early meeting of the India-Central Asia Rare Earth Forum, which last met in September. 'The ministers also encouraged exchange of delegations to explore new areas of cooperation in critical minerals,' the statement said, adding the sides agreed to hold their next meeting in 2026. Rare earths are a group of 17 elements used in the creation of magnets that power motion for cars, cellphones, missiles and other electronics. China mines about 60 per cent of the world's rare earths and makes 90 per cent of rare earth magnets. Beijing, however, has announced export restrictions on these in April as part of its sweeping response to US President Donald Trump's tariffs. India is holding talks with companies to establish long-term stockpiles of rare earth magnets by offering fiscal incentives for domestic production, as it looks to reduce dependence on shipments from China. It also plans to launch incentives for recycling 24 critical minerals – a plan that is in the final stages of approval – as it looks to secure the minerals needed for green energy transition. REUTERS Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.


CNA
2 hours ago
- CNA
Yageo says it will protect technology if Shibaura purchase succeeds
TAIPEI/TOKYO :Taiwan's Yageo said it will implement strict controls to prevent technology from leaking if it succeeds in acquiring Japan's Shibaura Electronics, responding to concerns in Japan over what the deal could mean for national security. Chairman Pierre Chen told reporters in Taipei on Saturday that the company will meet with Shibaura in mid-June in Tokyo to discuss potential cooperation. Yageo, the world's largest maker of chip resistors, launched an unsolicited tender offer for Shibaura in February, seeking full control of the Japanese firm, which specialises in thermistor technology. Yageo offered to buy Shibaura at 4,300 yen per share, valuing the company at more than 65 billion yen ($450 million). Spurning Yageo's overture, Shibaura tapped Japanese components supplier Minebea Mitsumi as a white knight. Minebea and Yageo entered a bidding war, with the latter now offering 6,200 yen. The stock closed at 6,100 yen on Friday. "Our strategy is to inject resources and strengthen R&D for advanced technologies. We're also preparing to make larger investments to expand their facilities in Japan," Chen said. Asked about Japan's national security concerns, he said: "We will implement strict controls to ensure technology does not leak." Unsolicited takeovers were once rare in Japan, where companies often mounted elaborate defences. The Japanese industry ministry's M&A guidelines in 2023 cracked down on what it considered excessive defence tactics, de-stigmatising unsolicited buyouts and leading some of such deals to succeed. Chen said that negotiations with Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry had been going smoothly. He said that if Yageo acquires Shibaura, the deal would address a gap in its portfolio of thermistors, making Yageo's offerings more complete for global customers and helping Shibaura expand its access to markets outside of Japan. Yageo said it aims to ease the burden of managing smaller component suppliers for its major clients, including Apple and Nvidia, by offering more comprehensive product portfolios and solutions. Yageo is also the world's number three manufacturers of multilayer ceramic capacitors and provides key components used in Apple's iPhones, Nvidia's AI servers, and Tesla's electric vehicles. ($1 = 144.8500 yen)