Online shopping sales in South Korea increased by 5.9 percent in February, primarily driven by spending during the Lunar New Year holiday, according to recent data.

WePlay's Southeast Asia Lunar New Year campaign has been prominently featured in the App Store Today and Today Collection, gaining significant visibility.

Japan saw a 45.2% year-on-year drop in Chinese tourists last month, with only 396,400 visitors from mainland China, despite the Lunar New Year falling in February, reflecting ongoing tensions between Tokyo and Beijing.

China's retail sales experienced a significant rise, primarily attributed to increased consumer spending during the Lunar New Year holiday period.

China's consumer price index increased by 1.3% year-on-year, marking the highest rise since January 2023, influenced by the Lunar New Year holidays.

Vietnam Lunar New Year now means holidaymaking or frugality  Nikkei Asia

Jingzhe, the “awakening of insects” festival that falls a few weeks after the start of the Lunar New Year, took place on Thursday – marking the third of the Chinese calendar’s 24 solar terms. The festival is named for the awakening of insects from hibernation as spring arrives. A common ritual during Jingzhe is “villain […]

K-pop idols often find themselves at the center of controversies they did not necessarily intend to ignite. For global icons such as G-Dragon, even a brief remark onstage can reverberate far beyond its original context. During the Krazy Super Concert held Feb. 17 at Dubai Media City Amphitheater in the United Arab Emirates, G-Dragon greeted fans by saying “Lunar New Year” — a phrase that later drew backlash from some Chinese fans. The date coincided with the Lunar New Year holiday and G-Dragon u

The Guardian’s picture editors select photographs from around the world Continue reading...

The Hong Kong market is showing signs of revival after the Lunar New Year, with four companies seeking to raise a combined $626 million through new listings.

China's nine-day Lunar New Year holiday revealed consumers' eagerness to travel while remaining price-conscious, sending a strong signal regarding consumer stimulus plans.

Tourism spending in China during the Lunar New Year holiday period hit a record $116 billion, indicating a strong recovery in domestic travel and consumption.

Dance culture faces barriers in Taiwan, with frequent raids on nightclubs. But Temple Meltdown is trying a different tack, with sound systems overseen by gods When Andrew Dawson brings a sound system to Puji Temple in Tainan, Taiwan, for lunar new year celebrations, its deities keep watch. Behind the plywood speaker stack hangs a circular plaque of Caishen, the Chinese god of prosperity. Around the corner from the dub and reggae street party, families burn long incense sticks for the site’s p...

Thailand led the list of destinations for Chinese tourists travelling overseas during this year’s extended Lunar New Year holiday, as former favourite Japan saw arrivals plummet amid a political dispute with China over Taiwan. The Southeast Asian nation saw roughly 250,000 arrivals from China during the holiday, which ran from February 15 to 23, according to the travel marketing and technology firm China Trading Desk. This year’s Lunar New Year holiday was expected to be a key period for glob...

Hong Kong's conservation authorities have defended their management of large visitor numbers in Sai Kung's country parks during the Lunar New Year holiday, stating that popular spots remained under control despite overcrowding concerns.

Localities across Vietnam have unveiled a diverse array of horse mascots to welcome the upcoming Lunar New Year, featuring designs that range from traditional to futuristic to reflect regional culture

The heart of Ho Chi Minh City is blooming ahead of the upcoming Lunar New Year, the Year of the Horse, as Nguyen Hue Flower Street puts the finishing touches on its annual display, featuring striking

Drones disrupt 50 Vietnam flights during Lunar New Year  The Daily Star

Consumer spending during China’s Lunar New Year rose modestly this year, according to early official data, as authorities extended the holiday and stepped up stimulus measures to support domestic demand. Average daily sales at major retail and catering firms rose 8.6 per cent year on year over the first four days of the break, Ministry of Commerce data showed. Across 78 pedestrian shopping streets and commercial districts monitored by the ministry, foot traffic and sales revenue grew 4.5 per...

Unidentified drones caused significant disruptions at Danang International Airport during the Lunar New Year holidays, leading to 54 flight delays. Authorities are investigating the incidents.

3388 Films has acquired North American and other international distribution rights for Minh Beta's film 'Scent Of Pho', which is currently showing in Vietnam for the Tet Lunar New Year.

Hong Kong authorities are reviewing management strategies for camping hotspots, including implementing a booking system and charging fees, to address overcrowding and litter concerns during holidays like Lunar New Year.

K-pop star G-Dragon's suggested lottery numbers resulted in winnings for some of his Hong Kong fans in the record HK$200 million Lunar New Year Mark Six draw.

Thailand is seeing a significant travel boom during the Lunar New Year holiday, with Chinese tourists returning in large numbers, leading to near-capacity resorts and fully booked attractions.

When the moons align: Lunar New Year, Lent and Ramadan  The Jakarta Post

Brooks Brothers and Gold House co-hosted a star-studded Lunar New Year dinner in Beverly Hills, attended by celebrities like Ji-young Yoo, Daniel Dae Kim, and Harry Shum Jr.

Hong Kong’s public hospitals recorded up to a 15 per cent year-on-year decline in the number of patients seeking emergency treatment during the first three days of the Lunar New Year holiday, following fee adjustments introduced at the start of the year. The decline was revealed on Friday by Dr Axel Siu Yuet-chung, chairman of the Hospital Authority’s coordinating committee. He noted that accident and emergency departments (A&E) in public hospitals often become overcrowded during long holidays,...

Lunar New Year wasn’t always on LuLu Grant’s radar. Adopted at two from Fuzhou, China and raised in the US state of Washington, Grant decided to cut her birth country out of her life at a young age. Decades later, she would celebrate Spring Festival alongside her birth family with a complex array of feelings about her two worlds. “People think that finding your birth family is so joyous, and part of it is, but it’s also very sad and very difficult,” she said, adding that “it’s not how I wish it...

Hong Kong’s hotels and tourist-area restaurants reported robust business during the Lunar New Year holiday, even as a surge in outbound travel by residents underscored the city’s increasingly visitor-driven festival economy. An industry leader said the city had also seen more mainland tourists partly because of ongoing diplomatic tensions between China and Japan. Hongkongers were able to enjoy a nine-day holiday this year by taking two days of annual leave on February 16 and 20 on either side of...

More people in China are choosing to stay away from their villages and families during Lunar New Year, according to Chinese national and businessman Xue Gang, 44. “Our parents do not mind, and even my parents are currently travelling around China. “Maybe next year I will bring them to Penang to witness the celebrations here,” he said. Xue, who was in Malaysia’s Penang state with his wife, daughter and friends, said festive performances were no longer common to enjoy back home. “If we want to...

Major AI companies are turning China's Lunar New Year into a massive giveaway event, rivaling traditional spectacles like the Super Bowl in promotional scale.

Twelve people were killed in an explosion at a firework shop in Hubei in central China on Wednesday, just days after eight people died in a similar incident in a nearby province. The accident happened just before 2.30pm on the second day of Lunar New Year in Zhengji in Xiangyang city, state news agency Xinhua reported. The report added that the subsequent fire spread across the premises and was put out within an hour. An investigation into the cause is now under way. The explosion followed...

Major expressways across South Korea experienced congestion as people returned home on the final day of the Lunar New Year holiday.

Companies are exploring new strategies, from theme parks to business partnerships, to engage with China's expanding consumer base, particularly in the experiences economy, as the Lunar New Year approaches.

A Hong Kong rural leader has delivered a Lunar New Year prophecy, emphasizing the need for vigilance even in times of peace and encouraging innovation in economic development.

Podcast host Jennifer Welch condemned Marco Rubio, of Cuban heritage, of being an example of a Brown person who has joined MAGA's "White nationalist" framework.

An article delves into the cultural significance of red and gold, the symbolism of the Fire Horse, and how the Lunar New Year is celebrated in France.

Chinese companies are cutting back on year-end bonuses as profit margins narrow, leading to a colder mood among the workforce ahead of the Lunar New Year.

Curry fishball plushies, novelty minibus signs and products inspired by Hong Kong iconography emerged as bestsellers at the city’s biggest Lunar New Year fair, with one vendor saying he made more than HK$100,000 (US$12,790) in daily sales. From first-time sellers to charities, vendors were busy attracting customers with their locally designed merchandise on Wednesday as tens of thousands of festivalgoers lined the booths at Victoria Park’s Lunar New Year Fair. Among the busiest stalls was Lo...

From Hanoi’s Hoan Kiem Lake to downtown Ho Chi Minh City, families, friends and homecoming overseas Vietnamese packed the streets on Lunar New Year’s Eve, one of the country’s most anticipated nights of the year.

Central Hong Kong experienced significant traffic congestion on the final day of the Lunar New Year flower market at Victoria Park, as large crowds gathered for the popular event. The influx of visitors led to heavy delays across parts of Hong Kong Island.

Humanoid robots in China took center stage during Lunar New Year celebrations, highlighting advancements in robotics technology.

The romantic comedy 'Love Go Go Go!' debuted at number one in the China box office, earning $5.2 million during the February 13-15 weekend, leading into the Lunar New Year period.

Hongkongers made nearly 1.4 million outbound trips in the three days leading up to Lunar New Year's Eve, marking a significant 21.6 percent increase from the previous year. This surge indicates a strong desire for travel during the holiday period.

An explosion at a fireworks store in China has resulted in eight fatalities, occurring just before the Lunar New Year celebrations.

A lifestyle feature suggests small luxuries and items to commemorate the Year of the Horse, likely in celebration of the Lunar New Year.

Governments are instructing local authorities to enhance safety measures nationwide in preparation for the upcoming Lunar New Year festival. The focus is on ensuring public safety during the holiday period.

Unusually warm weather has caused premature flower blooms, adding to the challenges faced by Hong Kong flower sellers during Lunar New Year fairs, alongside a tightening of local spending.

China's Ambassador to North Korea and other embassy officials visited a North Korean beach resort area to mark the Lunar New Year.

Italian ambassadors are actively engaged in various diplomatic efforts worldwide, including visits to Canada, meetings in Estonia, cultural greetings in Vietnam, archaeological visits in Iraq, legal cooperation with Brazil, support for a Ghanaian striker, economic cooperation in Ukraine, aid delivery in Mozambique, hospital visits in Argentina, and participation in a start-up program in Tunisia.

Some lovebirds in Hong Kong are expressing their affection this Valentine’s Day by spending hundreds of dollars on bouquets and gifts, while several vendors have recorded growth in sales of about 20 per cent. At the bustling Flower Market in Mong Kok, many men were among the crowds picking bouquets of roses, while others browsed for flowers to celebrate the coming Lunar New Year. The high number of shoppers on Tung Choi Street even prompted police to put in place crowd control measures. Stalls...

Recipes for prosperity toss noodle salad, potstickers, sea bass, and a Szechuan sizzle cocktail are shared to celebrate the Lunar New Year.

Despite increased bookings, Hong Kong restaurateurs anticipate stable or declining profits from family reunion dinners ahead of Lunar New Year.

The WePlays Southeast Asia Lunar New Year Campaign has gained prominence by being featured in the App Store Today and Today Collection, receiving widespread visibility.

Thousands of Vietnamese workers in Europe who flew home for the Lunar New Year holiday last month are now struggling to get back, after Iranian strikes shut down the Middle East airports they depend…

In a tradition mirroring the exchange of gifts during the Chinese New Year, several Chinese artificial intelligence firms have distributed gift coupons worth $1.2 billion in February to attract new users to their platforms.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) aims to attract 6 million Chinese visitors by 2026, noting that Thailand is a leading destination for Lunar New Year travel.

China's Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose by 1.3% year-on-year in February, marking the fifth consecutive month of increase. This rise is primarily attributed to increased travel demand during the Lunar New Year (Spring Festival) holiday.

Japan recorded a current account surplus of 941.6 billion yen in January, marking the 12th consecutive month of surplus, primarily driven by increased exports to China ahead of the Lunar New Year.

IATA data shows a 3.8% rise in global passenger demand for January 2026, driven by strong international travel despite Lunar New Year timing. Read More: https://punchng.com/iata-reports-3-8-jump-in-january-passenger-demand/

The Chinese Spring Festival Gala, broadcast annually on the eve of the Lunar New Year, showcased China's cultural richness and technological might, with 'Chinese humanoids' particularly impressing global audiences.

Critics claim the operations are geared at social media, but police say they have enabled real arrests Police officers from Bangkok’s metropolitan bureau had less than 24 hours to prepare for their latest undercover operation. They would be starring as performers of a lion dance at a temple fair held for the lunar new year. Their mission: track down and arrest a suspected thief who had a history of evading officers. “The dance was spontaneous. We just did what we did,” said the police captain...

Some on the right portray this TikTok phenomenon as tantamount to treason. That says more about them than the fans of Chinese culture As it’s Chinese lunar new year, it would not be surprising if you’

An article explores the ancient Chinese custom known as 'selling ignorance' (mai dun), a playful routine children participated in about 1,000 years ago to celebrate Lunar New Year's Eve.

Taoyuan airport successfully handled 1.7 million passengers during the Lunar New Year period, indicating a significant volume of travel.

Three unauthorized drones forced dozens of flights into holding patterns above Da Nang International Airport during the Lunar New Year holiday, and Vietnam's military and police are still tracking down who flew them.

TikTok Shop slightly surpassed Shopee in sales performance during the recent Lunar New Year shopping season, indicating a shift in e-commerce trends.

For his family’s first overseas trip together, Tang Junjie carefully planned a holiday to Japan during China’s longest Lunar New Year break on record. Flights were booked months in advance by the 22-year-old from Sichuan province, who had already made three solo visits to the neighbouring country that has long been a draw for Chinese tourists. But a sudden deterioration in Sino-Japanese relations changed everything. “The original plan was to transit through Seoul on our way to Japan,” Tang sa...

Central Ho Chi Minh City landmarks, including Ben Thanh Market and Turtle Lake, have undergone major renovations and unveiled refreshed facades ahead of the Lunar New Year (Tet).

Hanoi's traffic has been brought to a standstill by a combination of biting cold, persistent rain, and the pre-Lunar New Year rush, causing vehicles to inch along major routes.

The film tech company reached a record of $53 million in ticket receipts over China’s Lunar New Year in 2025 with ‘Ne Zha 2’ on its screens locally.

The historical drama 'The King's Warden' maintained its top position at the South Korean box office during the Lunar New Year holiday period.

Taiwan has experienced a substantial 109% increase in travel during the Lunar New Year period.

Unauthorized drone activity near Da Nang International Airport disrupted 54 flights during the first and sixth days of the Lunar New Year, causing significant delays and forcing aircraft into holding patterns.

London's Chinatown celebrated the Lunar New Year with a parade in 2026, reportedly hosting the largest festival of its kind outside of Asia.

Restaurant review: Year of the Horse, wishes and an intimate Lunar New Year experience at MiMi Mei Fair Dubai  khaleejtimes.com

Astrologers are revealing romantic predictions and unexpected sparks for all zodiac signs during the upcoming Lunar New Year 2026, the 'Year of the Horse'.

About 600 motorists from Guangdong have driven their vehicles into Hong Kong urban areas during the Lunar New Year holiday under a new scheme that has so far attracted 3,000 applications, according to the transport minister. Secretary for Transport and Logistics Mable Chan said on Saturday that weekend quotas for such trips had almost been filled on average during the holiday period. She added that the government would first consolidate the foundation of the scheme before reviewing the curren...

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is set to visit China shortly after the Lunar New Year, making him the latest European leader to do so amid ongoing tensions with the US.

It all comes down to a love of wordplay.

A spy thriller supported by a Chinese intelligence agency has emerged as one of the biggest box office successes during the Lunar New Year period.

Officers devise unusual plan to arrest man suspected of stealing about $64,000 worth of Buddhist artefacts Thai police donned a lion dance costume during this week’s lunar new year festivities to arrest a man accused of stealing about $64,000 worth of Buddhist artefacts. Dressed as a red-and-yellow lion, officers made the arrest on Wednesday evening after responding to a report this month of a home burglary in the suburbs of Bangkok. Continue reading...

Despite official data indicating a surge in outbound travel, popular destinations across Hong Kong continued to draw large crowds of locals and visitors on the third day of the Lunar New Year.

Lunar new year has ushered in a rare zodiac symbol with a reputation for energy and independence As the lunar new year begins, the focus has turned to the Chinese zodiac and the arrival of the year of the fire horse – a rare pairing in the 60-year lunar cycle. Drawing on Chinese metaphysics, the fire horse blends the horse’s reputation for energy and independence with the intensity of the fire element, giving it a distinct place in the zodiac tradition. Continue reading...

The Chinese coastguard has revealed its growing dependence on aerial drones for daily training and operations at the Scarborough Shoal, as detailed in a recent Lunar New Year post.

Hundreds of residents in a Hong Kong public housing estate were evacuated in the early hours of Lunar New Year due to a suspected fire, which was later determined to be a false alarm caused by a cooking mishap.

Traditional prayers, fireworks, and fairs marked the Lunar New Year, welcoming the Year of the Horse with both ancient customs and modern innovations like humanoid robots.

Recommendations for beauty products are provided for the upcoming Chinese Zodiac Year of the Horse, which is anticipated to be an energetic and passionate year.

Hollywood's notable figures are celebrating Lunar New Year, specifically the Year of the Fire Horse, with many embracing the festive occasion.

Kelsea Ballerini is shedding her skin.  As the “Blindsided” singer looks to her next Lunar New Year cycle—the Year of the Fire Horse, beginning Feb. 17—she reposted a message reflecting on the...

Gold and silver markets experienced a significant crash, wiping out $1.28 trillion, with analysts questioning whether Lunar New Year liquidity is a contributing factor to the sharp decline.

Hong Kong has celebrated the arrival of at least four new babies as the city enters the Year of the Horse, including a child born to a talent visa holder.

Hong Kong feng shui masters have warned of excessive 'fire energy' in the Year of the Horse, advising caution to avoid conflicts.

Residents of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, two of Vietnam's largest cities, strolled around early on the first day of Tet (Lunar New Year) and enjoyed the tranquil atmosphere.

The Lunar New Year, ushering in the Year of the Horse, is being celebrated with traditional prayers, modern robotics, and various festivities.

Heavy traffic built up on major roads and expressways across South Korea on the fourth day of the Lunar New Year as people traveled to their hometowns.

Visitors have started filling campsites along the seashore in Sai Kung near Hong Kong’s famed MacLehose Trail for the Lunar New Year break, with officers patrolling to monitor and prevent littering following previous complaints. At Sai Wan Beach, a picturesque spot popular with tourists on mainland Chinese social media, around two dozen visitors were seen camping and swimming on Monday. Among the campers were Jiang Li, 24, and Wu Handeng, 23, from Guangdong province, who had pitched their yellow...

They’re normally behind the wok or taking orders, year-round. But when it’s time to celebrate, these Chinese restaurant families create their own traditions Two things are certain at Chinese restaurants in Australian country towns: you’ll find lemon chicken on the menu and the restaurant is open almost every day. In the 1960s and 70s, Ruby Lee’s parents ran the Pagoda Cafe in Burleigh Heads, a surf town in Queensland. They worked 14-hour days and opened the restaurant year-round, even Christmas. When they did eventually close for one day a year, it was for lunar new year. Continue reading...

Countries across East Asia, including Taiwan, China, Vietnam, and Malaysia, are celebrating the Year of the Horse with parades and various festivities.

Industrial metal prices held steady during the Lunar New Year holiday period, reflecting stable market conditions.

Countries across Asia and beyond are marking the upcoming Lunar New Year with vibrant street performances and elaborate horse-themed decorations, celebrating the arrival of the Year of the Horse.

China is preparing to feature its humanoid robots in Lunar New Year celebrations, demonstrating advancements in robotics technology.

Hong Kong will kick off the Year of the Horse on Tuesday with its annual night parade, featuring floats and performers from more than 60 countries and regions. The Cathay International Chinese New Year Night Parade will feature a street party at 6pm before the procession begins at 8pm in Tsim Sha Tsui. The South China Morning Post offers tips on how to make the most of the event. 1. What are the highlights of the parade? With Cathay Pacific Airways as the title sponsor, the parade will see 12...

Asian stock markets showed mixed performance as Lunar New Year holidays approached, while gold prices experienced a drop of over 1% due to thin trade and profit-taking.

An explosion at a fireworks store in China has resulted in eight fatalities, occurring just before the Lunar New Year celebrations.

Electricity has been restored after a four-hour outage at a residential high-rise in a Kwai Chung housing estate, caused by a suspected water leak that triggered a power trip ahead of Lunar New Year’s Eve. The city’s biggest electricity company, CLP Power, said that at around 9.13pm on Sunday, a suspected equipment fault at Ha Kwai House in the Kwai Chung Estate disrupted supply to about 760 households. The power trip lasted four hours and electricity was restored at 1.30am on Monday. CLP staff...

Year of the horse signals optimism and opportunity, with authorities keen that the extra day of holiday this year provides an economic boost

Amid the firecrackers and festive cheer, China’s young generation is redefining the Chinese Spring Festival with a “Cyber Lunar New Year”, blending hi-tech with spiritual pragmatism. From burning digital incense on their smartphones to exchanging electronic New Year’s goods and finding emotional comfort in the arms of artificial intelligence (AI) companions, young people are reshaping traditions in their own virtual way. Cyber worship The Lunar New Year is traditionally a time for visiting...

China’s box office presales topped 200 million yuan (US$28.9 million) by Saturday ahead of the coming Lunar New Year holiday, led exclusively by domestic productions – a decline of more than 60 per cent from about 600 million yuan over the same period last year, according to Taopiaopiao, the online ticketing arm of Alibaba Pictures. Presales are closely watched by distributors and investors as an early indicator of holiday audience demand. Long seen as a crucial pillar of China’s film market,...

The Lunar New Year holiday presents a crucial opportunity for luxury brands to re-engage and win back high-spending consumers in the Chinese market.

Hongkongers packed the airport and cross-border railway station on Saturday, with many opting to take a nine-day Lunar New Year break to destinations across the rest of Asia, as mainland Chinese visitors entered the city. Travellers, including families with children and elderly relatives, gathered at check-in counters at Hong Kong International Airport in the morning as the city marked Valentine’s Day and prepared to ring in the Year of the Horse. Long queues of hundreds of travellers could be...

A Beijing pastry shop experienced a surge in customers after President Xi Jinping visited it during his lunar new year tour.

Thousands of people leaving Ho Chi Minh City for the Lunar New Year caused extensive traffic jams on expressways, leading to a 10 km gridlock towards central Vietnam. Ahead of the holiday, Vietnam Airlines is also increasing carry-on baggage inspections, and the health ministry has ordered tighter street food inspections.

A growing trend in Australia sees many individuals participating in religious and cultural festivals outside their own faith, from Lunar New Year to Ramadan, Diwali, and Passover, fostering shared humanity.

Thousands of precarious workers in China have not received their wages before returning home for the Lunar New Year. An NGO estimates that the number of protests has increased by 60% in one year.

Chaitra Navratri, a significant Hindu festival marking the lunar New Year, commences in 2026, dedicated to Goddess Durga and her nine forms.

A 44-year-old firefighter provided emergency care for an elderly woman he encountered during the Lunar New Year holidays, Seoul Metropolitan Fire & Disaster Headquarters said Friday. Capt. Lee Hyeong-eun of the Eunpyeong Fire Station was visiting his childhood home in Incheon on Feb. 18, when he saw the victim fall backwards and hit her head on the floor. He called emergency services and provided emergency medical assistance by supporting her spine to prevent additional damage. Officials said Le

Deflationary pressures ease as AI-related spending rises and Beijing clamps down on overcapacity

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) this week released data on global passenger demand for January 2026, showing continued growth in air travel, with demand rising 3.8 per cent year-on-year despite calendar effects linked to the timing of the Lunar New Year. According to the data, total demand, measured in revenue passenger kilometres (RPK), increased […]

XPENG's February deliveries dropped by 49.9% year-over-year to 15,256 units, following the Lunar New Year period, as the company begins the global rollout of its P7+ model.

When "The King's Warden" opened on Feb. 4, a full week ahead of the Lunar New Year window, many in the industry read the timing as a kind of concession.

K-pop superstar G-Dragon ignited the ire of Chinese netizens with his choice of “Lunar New Year” greetings during a recent performance in Dubai. His reported act of liking a post that supported his terminology afterwards was interpreted as a provocative stance. The controversy emerged on February 17, coinciding with the first day of Chinese New Year. The KRAZY Super Concert, headlined by G-Dragon, featured an array of K-pop artists and pop singers from across Asia, including Indonesian singer...

For its forthcoming model, which ‌was ⁠expected to be released around the Lunar New Year holiday, DeepSeek did not ⁠provide access to Nvidia and AMD

Đắk Lắk welcomes nearly 400,000 visitors during Lunar New Year  vietnamnews.vn

Mainland China’s 2026 Lunar New Year box office reached RMB5.75 billion ($835.5 million) during the Feb. 15-23 holiday period, down 39.5% year-on-year, with total admissions of 120 million, a 35.8% decline, according to Maoyan Research Institute’s “Insight Report on 2026 Spring Festival Holiday Box Office Film Data.” The sharp drop follows last year’s phenomenon “Ne […]

China’s Lunar New Year box office slid to its weakest level since 2020, weighed down by the absence of major breakout films, despite the country leading global single-market takings so far this year. Cinemas generated 5.75 billion yuan (US$831 million) over the nine-day holiday that ended on Monday, according to box-office tracker Dengta Data – a drop of nearly 40 per cent from last year’s record 9.51 billion yuan haul. The result marked the lowest Lunar New Year takings since 2020, when...

Car-racing sequel 'Pegasus 3' earned $369.3 million over its first six days, while Zhang Yimou's 'Scare Out' opened to $110.7 million — huge totals in most markets, but modest for Chinese New Year.

Malaysian tour guide Syazni Nabilah Che Kamarudin and her family have been immersed in the Lunar New Year festivities this year, handing out red packets and dressing up in traditional Chinese attire. “This year is especially meaningful for me because it is my first time giving hongbao to my Chinese friends after getting married. I’m happy to follow this beautiful custom,” the Kuala Lumpur resident said about the long-standing Chinese tradition. “As Malay-Muslims, we enjoy the cultural...

Dat tapped "accept" when a new order flashed on his phone, hurriedly chewing a dry loaf of bread before speeding off through a narrow, winding alley in Hanoi.

During the upcoming Lunar New Year (Tet) holiday, Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City is expected to serve around 145,000 passengers in about 940 flights per day.

Dublin is hosting a unique celebration of the Lunar New Year, bringing together various Asian cultures that observe the holiday under different names and traditions, such as Chinese New Year, Tet, Tsagaan Sar, and Seollal.

Unauthorized drones disrupted flights at Da Nang airport, causing delays for over 50 aircraft during Vietnam’s busy Lunar New Year holiday.

China’s theatrical market surged during the Lunar New Year holiday period (Feb. 17–22), earning RMB4.47 billion ($647.4 million) over the six-day frame, according to data from Artisan Gateway. The period was led by a slate of major simultaneous releases that debuted on Tuesday, propelling the territory to temporarily become the world’s top-grossing film market for […]

Maybe it’s because we are riding on the euphoria of good fortune and luck that is associated with the celebration of the Lunar New Year that there hasn’t been much of the noise that we usually hear ahead of the annual budget speech. Typically, the weeks leading up to the speech are filled with groups petitioning and suggesting how the government should be spending its money. Could it be because the start of the Lenten season is coinciding with that of Ramadan? Are we tempered to be less selfi...

Hong Kong recorded a 13 per cent surge in visitors from mainland China during the Lunar New Year holiday, with the influx boosting jewellery sales by 10 per cent during the period despite a sharp rise in gold prices. Industry representatives said on Sunday that festive business had outperformed last year’s, though the recovery remained uneven across sectors and not always directly tied to the surge in mainland visitors. Immigration figures showed 1.02 million mainlanders visited the city betw...

As the Lunar New Year holiday came to a close, office workers returning to their routines are already looking ahead to the next extended break. With several holidays overlapping with weekends and substitute holidays following, Koreans can potentially create extended “golden holidays” through strategic use of annual leave. The longest holiday remaining in the year is the Chuseok holiday, which runs from Sept. 24-28. By taking annual leave from Sept. 21-23 ahead of the Chuseok period, workers can

Campers and hikers have urged Hong Kong authorities to step up public education, law enforcement and impose foot traffic limits at campsites after some areas were flooded with visitors during the Lunar New Year holiday. A visit by the South China Morning Post on Saturday to Ham Tin Wan, a beach in Sai Kung, found about 50 visitors and 30 tents. Empty plastic bottles, used tissue paper and chocolate wrappers were seen lying on the sand and in bushes and shrubs. Officers from the Agricultural,...

As eviction looms, Hong Kong farmer Leung Yat-shun battles erratic weather conditions to cultivate perfect gladioli and lilies for the Lunar New Year flower market.

Hongkongers made over 1.4 million outbound trips during the Lunar New Year holiday, marking a 20% increase from 2019.

Sydney's Qing Fong dance troupe is undergoing intensive training for their busiest period of the year, preparing for over 100 performances during Lunar New Year.

During Lunar New Year festivities, Thai police employed a lion dance costume as a disguise to surprise and arrest a suspect accused of stealing approximately US$64,000.

Beijing Blasts Trump After US Releases New Details On Alleged 2020 Chinese Nuclear Test Update: Despite the Lunar New Year holiday, Beijing has made it known it is not best pleased with Washington digging up Nuke blasts from the past. Issuing a statement via state mouthpiece (@HuXijin_GT), the CCP suggested an ulterior motive for the timing of this announcement: "Trump is eager to resume nuclear testing and needs a plausible reason, and accusing China of conducting nuclear tests is the perfect pretext. Assistant Secretary of State Christopher Yeaw stated on Tuesday that the US is prepared to conduct low-yield nuclear tests in response to alleged secret nuclear tests by China and Russia. The US is being far too hasty; having just fabricated rumors that China conducted an explosive nuclear test nearly six years ago, they are already announcing their own low-yield nuclear test. Washington's motives for spreading these rumors are too clear; they can't even be bothered to feign it." Hard to disagree with the latter point. *  *  * As Kimberley Hayek detailed earlier via The Epoch Times, a senior State Department official released additional evidence Tuesday in support of U.S. allegations that China conducted an underground nuclear test in June 2020, as global arms control frameworks unravel. Assistant Secretary of State Christopher Yeaw, while speaking to a Hudson Institute meeting, discussed data from a remote seismic station in Kazakhstan that recorded a magnitude 2.75 “explosion” approximately 450 miles from China’s Lop Nur test grounds on June 22, 2020. “I’ve looked at additional data since then. There is very little possibility I would say that it is anything but an explosion, a singular explosion,” Yeaw said, underscoring that the data were not consistent with blasts from mining. “It’s also entirely not consistent with an earthquake,” said Yeaw, a former intelligence analyst and defense official who holds a doctorate in nuclear engineering. “It is ... what you would expect with a nuclear explosive test.” Yeaw argued that China tried to hide the event through decoupling, detonating the device in a spacious underground cavity to diminish seismic waves. Under Secretary of State for Arms Control Thomas DiNanno earlier this month accused China of performing such secretive nuclear arms tests and implementing measures to restrict seismic evidence. “Today, I can reveal that the U.S. Government is aware that China has conducted nuclear explosive tests, including preparing for tests with designated yields in the hundreds of tons,” DiNanno said. These claims back up Yeaw’s assertions of concealment tactics. The Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization, which monitors global explosions, noted that available data do not allow for firm conclusions. Executive Secretary Robert Floyd said in a statement that the seismic monitoring station in Kazakhstan captured “two very small seismic events” 12 seconds apart on June 22, 2020. The organization’s network detects events equivalent to 551 tons (500 metric tons) of TNT or more, according to Floyd. “These two events were far below that level,” Floyd said. “As a result, with this data alone, it is not possible to assess the cause of these events with confidence.” China, a signatory to the 1996 Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty but not a ratifier, rejected the initial U.S. accusation at an international conference this month. Beijing’s last acknowledged underground test occurred in 1996. The United States, which also signed but did not ratify the treaty, is legally bound to its terms under international norms. America’s final underground test was in 1992, with subsequent reliance on sophisticated simulations and supercomputers for warhead maintenance. President Donald Trump recently called on China to take part in trilateral talks with Russia to support the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START), which ended Feb. 5. China refused the invitation, arguing that its arsenal is far smaller than those of the United States and Russia. The Pentagon estimates China’s current operational warheads at more than 600. The stockpile is expected to exceed 1,000 by 2030. The Federation of American Scientists, an organization working to minimize the risks of nuclear threats, tracks Russia as currently having 5,459 warheads, while the United States has 5,177. The New START accord expiration removes caps on deployed strategic warheads and delivery vehicles, potentially accelerating buildups. Russia and the United States said they would informally observe limits. Tyler Durden Thu, 02/19/2026 - 04:15

Twelve people were killed on Wednesday when a store selling firecrackers exploded and caught fire in China's Hubei province, burning 50 square meters of the premises, state broadcaster CCTV reported.

China is gearing up to harness the extended Lunar New Year holiday to attract more spending by international tourists, as the country looks to shake off a recent economic slowdown and pivot towards consumption-driven growth. In a rare joint initiative by nine central government departments, Beijing announced plans earlier this month to turn the holiday – which this year began on Sunday and runs through February 23 – into a “consumption feast that links regions and engages everyone”. The move...

Tens of thousands of spectators are gathering along Victoria Harbour in Hong Kong, eagerly awaiting the Lunar New Year fireworks display.

Hong Kong welcomed 10 per cent more visitors on the first day of Lunar New Year on Tuesday, with crowds continuing to flock to hiking trails and tourists packing border crossing checkpoints. The latest Immigration Department data showed that 153,383 visitors arrived in the city on Tuesday, representing about a 10.4 per cent increase compared with the same day last year. Of these, more than 120,000 came from mainland China. Inbound trips over the first two days of Lunar New Year totalled 265,140,...

Cindy, who makes 1,000 dumplings daily, demonstrates her technique for achieving the perfect pleat for Lunar New Year celebrations.

Hong Kong must stay vigilant in times of peace and drive innovation in economic development, according to a prophecy drawn by the city’s top rural leader during an annual Lunar New Year ritual. Kenneth Lau Ip-keung, chairman of powerful rural body the Heung Yee Kuk, drew a “neutral” stick for Hong Kong at Che Kung Temple in Sha Tin on the second day of the Year of the Horse on Wednesday and offered his interpretation of the prophecy. The No 22 fortune stick drawn by Lau read: “Do not get close...

Major expressways nationwide were congested Wednesday, as people returned home on the final day of the Lunar New Year holiday. The nation marked the major holiday, known as Seol, the previous day, with the holiday period beginning over the weekend and running through Wednesday. On some sections of the Gyeongbu Expressway, which links Seoul to the southeastern city of Busan through major cities, cars were often at a standstill as of Wednesday morning due to heavy traffic. As of 8 a.m., travel tim

Millions worldwide celebrate the Lunar New Year with traditional prayers, fireworks, and high-tech displays, marking the beginning of the Year of the Horse.

As China celebrates the Lunar New Year, an increasing number of workers are unable to return to their hometowns for the Spring Festival, raising questions about the underlying reasons.

In the run-up to Lunar New Year, Chinese consumers were busy choosing gold jewellery, a traditional gift with deep cultural connotations, as strong market sentiment overshadowed sharp fluctuations in gold prices and assessments of the sector’s outlook by investment banks remained upbeat. Jewellers offered small discounts to boost holiday sales. For example, Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group, China’s largest retailer by store count, launched an 80 yuan (US$12) discount per gram on gold items in its...

US warehouse retailer Sam’s Club has gained traction among Chinese shoppers by strengthening localisation and launching more China-tailored products, continuing to expand even as many foreign retailers have scaled back their mainland operations or exited the market. Instead of replicating its US model, Walmart-owned Sam’s Club has introduced products catering to local tastes, including copper gourd ornaments, ginseng and some traditional food items in the days leading up to the Lunar New Year...

Asian Currencies Consolidate as Lunar New Year Holidays Dim Trading  The Wall Street Journal

Futures, Global Markets Rise With US Markets Closed For President's Day Stocks gained, bitcoin tumbled and bonds steadied after Friday's cool CPI data reinforced expectations that the Fed will cut interest rates on multiple occasions this year. With US markets closed for the Presidents’ Day holiday and mainland China’s markets closed for Lunar New Year holidays, trading was muted on Monday. As of 9:00am ET, futures on the S&P 500 added 0.4% and Europe’s Stoxx 600 index rose 0.4% as banking shares rebounded from a sharp decline last week. German bunds and Treasury futures were steady after US yields touched the lowest since December on Friday. The path of US interest rates remains in focus following Friday’s slower-than-expected US inflation print as traders fully price a Fed cut in July and the strong chance of a move in June.   “The backdrop for equities is positive post CPI,” said Andrea Gabellone, head of global equities at KBC Securities. At the same time, there could be “more dispersion ahead as sentiment around key AI-exposed sectors is still very critical,” he added.  That sentiment was echoed by other strategists seeking to distinguish between AI losers and winners. A JPMorgan Chase & Co. team led by Mislav Matejka urged caution on stocks at risk of AI-driven “cannibalization,” including software, business services and media companies. Meanwhile, banks are developing baskets to capitalize on the divergence: as we first reported last Thursday, Goldman launched a new basket of software stocks that goes long firms that will benefit from AI adoption, while shorting the companies whose workflows could be replaced. With AI disruption rippling through markets, a lot will come down to earnings resilience, in particular in the US.  “When you look at the current earnings season, the companies are showing 13% of growth,” Nataliia Lipikhina, head of EMEA equity strategy at JPMorgan, told Bloomberg TV. “Overall, this is the reason why we continue to be positive on the S&P.” Later this week, traders will be watching for ADP private payrolls numbers on Tuesday and the minutes from the Fed’s January meeting on Wednesday for a fresh read on the economy. European stocks gained with bank shares rebounding, after posting their biggest weekly decline since April on worries about disruption from artificial intelligence. The basic resources sector lags, with Norsk Hydro among Europe’s worst performers as both Goldman Sachs and RBC downgrade the stock. Stoxx 600 rises 0.4% to 620.26 with 253 members down, 336 up, and 11 unchanged. Here are some of the biggest movers on Monday:  NatWest shares rise as much as 4%, the most since October, as Citi analyst Andrew Coombs raises his price target on the UK bank to a Street-high. Seraphim Space shares rise as much as 9.2%, briefly hitting a new all-time high, after the space tech investment firm said the valuations of its four largest holdings increased over the final months of 2025. AECI shares rally as much as 6.1%, the most since July, after the South African commercial-explosives maker shared improved 2025 headline earnings per share guidance. Orsted shares rise as much as 3.8% after analysts at Kepler raise the recommendation to buy from hold over the Danish renewable energy firm’s outlook, despite ongoing uncertainty for the industry in the US. Norsk Hydro shares fall as much as 4.4%, extending Friday’s 5.9% earnings-triggered drop, after being downgraded at Goldman Sachs and RBC over disappointments and pricing pressures in the Norwegian aluminum company’s downstream business. Galderma shares slip as much as 2.2% after naming Luigi La Corte as its new chief financial officer following the news back in July that Thomas Dittrich was departing. Pinewood Technologies shares tumble as much as 32%, the most since April 2024, after Apax Partners said on Friday it will not proceed with a possible cash offer for the car dealership software provider. FlatexDEGIRO shares drop as much as 7.2% after BNP Paribas downgraded the online brokerage firm to neutral from outperform, saying the price reflects too much optimism about its market position in Germany. Maurel & Prom shares slump as much as 12%, pulling back after ending last week at a 2015-high, after announcing it is not currently authorized to resume oil and gas operations in Venezuela. Barratt Redrow shares fall as much as 3.7%, leading a drop in British homebuilders after Rightmove said house prices are stalling. Asian stocks slipped for a second day, led by declines in Japan as traders booked profits after last week’s post-election rally. Several markets were closed or held shortened trading sessions for the Lunar New Year holiday. The MSCI Asia Pacific Index was down 0.1%. Japan’s Topix Index fell 0.8%, with Mizuho Financial Group Inc. and Toyota Motor Corp. among the companies contributing to the index’s losses.In Hong Kong, AI model developer Minimax Group Inc. surged as much as 30% to more than four times its original listing price, while competitor Knowledge Atlas JSC Ltd. ended 4.7% higher. The market will be closed until Thursday. As investors across the region begin to reevaluate their bets on its artificial-intelligence-driven rally, traders in Japan cashed in gains driven by expectations of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s proactive spending policies last week.Trading in Singapore ended early Monday and will be shut until Wednesday. Equity markets in mainland China, South Korea, Indonesia and Vietnam were closed.  In FX, the yen is the notable mover in currencies, weakening 0.5% against the dollar and pushing USD/JPY back above 153. The offshore yuan is one of the better performers against the greenback. The Bloomberg Dollar Spot Index rises 0.1%. There is no cash trading in Treasuries due to the Presidents’ Day holiday. European government bonds are little changed In commdities, gold dipped below $5,000 an ounce, as traders booked profits from a gain in the previous session. Bitcoin tried anf ailed to stage a modest rebound; it last traded around $68,275 after posting its fourth consecutive weekly loss, with the cryptocurrency struggling to find clear direction as a weekend rally fizzled once the momentum ignition algos emerged.  WTI crude futures tread water near $62.90 a barrel.  Top Headlines President Trump said there will be voter ID rules in the mid-term elections this year, whether Congress approves it or not, and they will present a legal argument in an Executive Order. Furthermore, Trump said he has searched the depths of legal arguments not yet articulated nor vetted on this subject, and they will be presenting an irrefutable one in the very near future. Iran says potential energy, mining and aircraft deals on table in talks with US: RTRS Pentagon threatened to cut its ties with Anthropic over the company’s insistence that some limitations are kept on how the military uses its AI models: RTRS UK eyes rapid ban on social media for under 16s, curbs to AI chatbots: RTRS Rampant AI Demand for Memory Is Fueling a Growing Chip Crisis: BBG Warner Bros. Weighs Reopening Sale Negotiations With Paramount: BBG Companies Are Replacing CEOs in Record Numbers—and They’re Getting Younger: WSJ Europe aims to rely less on US defence after Trump's Greenland push: RTRS DOJ Tells Lawmakers Epstein File Redactions Complied With LawL BBG For College Applicants, Pressure to Make Summers Count Has Gotten Even Worse: WSJ Fed's Goolsbee (2027 voter) said on Friday that they are still seeing pretty high services inflation, and he hopes they have seen the peak impact of tariffs, while he added that the job market has been steady, with only modest cooling.  The Break Is Over. Companies Are Jacking Up Prices Again: WSJ Trade/Tariffs USTR Greer said the US and Ecuador expect to sign a trade agreement in the coming weeks. China will waive import value-added taxes on selected seeds, genetic resources, and police dogs through to 2030 to increase agricultural competitiveness and breeding capacity. It was also reported that China will grant zero-tariff access to 53 African nations from May 1st, according to Bloomberg. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told his French and German counterparts that China and the EU are partners, not rivals, while he added that China and the EU should manage differences, deepen practical cooperation and work together on global challenges. A more detailed look at global markets courtesy of Newsquawk APAC stocks began the week in the green but with gains limited following a lack of major fresh catalysts from over the weekend and amid thinned conditions owing to holiday closures in the region and North America. ASX 200 traded marginally higher with upside led by tech, although gains are capped by underperformance in the utilities, mining, materials and resources sectors, while participants also digested a slew of earnings releases. Nikkei 225 traded indecisively with the index constrained by disappointing Japanese preliminary Q4 GDP data, which showed the economy returned to growth but failed to meet expectations with GDP Q/Q at 0.1% (exp. 0.4%), and annualised GDP at 0.2% (exp. 1.6%). Hang Seng finished higher in a shortened trading session on Chinese New Year's Eve but with upside limited by tech weakness amid some confusion after the Pentagon added several companies including Baidu, Cosco, BYD, Huawei, Nio, SMIC, Tencent, and more to a list of Chinese firms aiding the military on Friday, but then withdrew the updated list shortly after it was posted. Furthermore, price action was also restricted by the closure of mainland markets and the absence of stock connect flows, which will remain shut for more than a week. US equity futures kept afloat in quiet trade amid the absence of drivers and participants. European equity futures indicate a mildly positive cash market open with Euro Stoxx 50 futures up 0.1% after the cash market closed with losses of 0.4% on Friday. Asian Headlines Chinese President Xi called for the anchoring of economic growth around domestic demand as its main driver, in a speech during a key policy meeting late last year that was released on Sunday. China is to establish a permanent financial support framework to promote rural revitalisation and prevent a slide back into poverty, which represents a shift from transitional aid to long-term support. China’s market regulator summoned major online platform companies on Friday, including Alibaba, Douyin and Meituan, while it directed them to comply with laws and regulations, and rein in promotional practices, according to Bloomberg. US Secretary of State Rubio and Japanese Foreign Minister Motegi reaffirmed their commitment to deepen bilateral ties. Disney (DIS) sent a ‘cease and desist’ letter to ByteDance over Seedance 2.0 and alleged that ByteDance has been infringing on its IP to train and develop an AI video generation model without compensation, according to Axios. It was later reported that ByteDance said it would curb its AI video app following Disney's legal threats, according to the BBC. RBI tightened rules for loans provided to brokers and proprietary firms in an effort to reduce market speculation FX DXY eked slight gains in rangebound trade after a lack of major catalysts and with US participants away on Monday. EUR/USD was little changed amid the absence of any major macro catalysts and with light newsflow from the bloc, while comments from ECB President Lagarde and news that the ECB is to make its repo backstop available to other central banks across the world, did little to spur price action. GBP/USD held on to most of Friday's spoils but with price action contained by resistance around 1.3650 and following comments from BoE's Mann that the UK economy is sluggish and tepid, with consumers spending less due to being scarred by high inflation. USD/JPY edged higher and returned to above the 153.00 level in the aftermath of the weaker-than-expected preliminary Q4 GDP data for Japan. Antipodeans were mixed with little fresh macro drivers and a lack of tier-1 data from either side of the Tasman. Fixed Income 10yr UST futures traded little changed and held on to last week's spoils after returning above the 113.00 level in the aftermath of the softer US inflation data, while price action was contained to start the week by the closure of US cash markets for Washington's Birthday. Bund futures lacked demand in the absence of any major catalysts and with light newsflow from the bloc. 10yr JGB futures were marginally higher following disappointing preliminary GDP data for Q4, but with gains limited after failing to sustain a brief reclaim of the 132.00 level. Commodities Crude futures were rangebound amid light energy-specific newsflow from over the weekend and after last Friday's indecisive performance, where attention was on a source report that noted OPEC+ is leaning towards resuming oil output hikes from April, but with no decision made. Slovak PM Fico said he has information that the Druzhba pipeline has been fixed after damage in Ukraine, although he believes that supplies to Hungary and Slovakia have become a part of political blackmail. Spot gold took a breather after edging higher in the aftermath of the recent softer-than-expected US inflation data, with price action also contained by the holiday closures across Asia and North America. Copper futures were subdued, with their largest buyer away for more than a week due to the Chinese New Year/Spring Festival holiday. Texas venture-backed startup Hertha Metal vowed mass production of steel with 25% cost savings, which could reduce US reliance on imports. Geopolitics: Middle East US military is preparing for potential operations against Iran that could last for weeks if US President Trump orders an attack and the US fully expects Iran to retaliate, according to sources cited by Reuters. US President Trump told Israeli PM Netanyahu during a meeting in December that he would support Israel striking Iran’s ballistic missile program if the US and Iran are not able to reach a deal, according to CBS. Iran confirmed that indirect talks between the US and Iran will resume in Geneva on Tuesday under the mediation of Oman, while Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi left for Geneva on Sunday. Iranian diplomat said Iran is open to nuclear deal compromises if the US discusses lifting sanctions, while it was also reported that Iran said potential energy, mining and aircraft deals are on the table in talks with the US. Israel’s cabinet approved the proposal to register West Bank lands as ‘state property’, while Palestinians condemned the ‘de facto annexation’ which Peace Now said likely amounts to a ‘mega land grab’. Geopolitics: Ukraine US President Trump said on Friday that Ukrainian President Zelensky is going to have to get moving and that Russia wants to get a deal. US Secretary of State Rubio said they don’t know if Russia is serious about finding an end to the war in Ukraine and will continue to test it, while it was reported that he met with Ukrainian President Zelensky on security and deepening defence and economic partnerships. Ukrainian drones targeted Russia’s Taman seaport and fuel tanks in the Black Sea region. UK and European allies were reported on Friday to be weighing seizing Russian shadow fleet ships and tightening curbs on Russia's economy. French Foreign Minister Barrot said some G7 nations have expressed a willingness to proceed with a maritime services ban on Russian oil, which they hope to include in the 20th sanctions package that they are actively preparing. Geopolitics: Other European Commission President von der Leyen said that they face the very distinct threat of outside forces trying to weaken their union, while she added that mutual defence is not an optional task for the European Union; it is an obligation within their own treaty, and it is their collective commitment to stand by each other in case of aggression. Pentagon said the US military struck an alleged drug cartel boat in the Caribbean, which killed three people. DB's Jim Reid concludes the overnigt wrap I hope you all had a good weekend. To stay in Winter Olympics mood the family watched "Cool Runnings" last night. I haven't seen it for 32 years. Please don't tell anyone but I had a few tears in my eyes at the end. I blamed it on the hay fever that has now started. There will be a lot of tears out there in markets for other reasons at the moment. Just two weeks ago, the idea of AI-driven disruption still felt like an abstract, almost academic thought experiment—something we could safely revisit once we had clearer evidence of how AI would be deployed and integrated across the economy. Fast forward 14 days, and markets have wiped out well over a trillion dollars of global equity value on the fear that AI could fundamentally reshape business models and compress profitability across a wide range of industries, including software, legal services, IT consulting, wealth management, logistics, insurance, real estate brokerage and commercial real estate. Some of the sell off in “old economy” sectors feels overdone to me. But as I argued in our 2026 World Outlook back in November, the real challenge is that even by the end of this year we still won’t have enough evidence to identify the structural winners and losers with confidence. That leaves plenty of room for investors’ imaginations—both optimistic and pessimistic—to run wild. As such big sentiment swings will continue to be the order of the day. My instinct is that the reaction in things like commercial real estate, for example, has been particularly exaggerated. Markets seem to be extrapolating a scenario in which vast numbers of white collar workers are made redundant almost overnight, leading to a dramatic collapse in office demand. If that view turns out to be correct, we’ll be facing societal challenges far larger than anything currently being priced into equities. While trying to catch a falling knife may be too risky for many, beginning to cushion the descent could be sensible in many old economy sectors. Markets can’t sustain a disruption narrative across multiple sectors for months or quarters without concrete evidence — and that evidence is likely to take much longer to emerge. Fascinating times. As for this week, today is a US holiday but inflation will remain in the spotlight at a global level after Friday's slightly softer US CPI which helped contribute to a decent rates rally to end the week. Prints are due in the US (PCE - Friday), the UK (Wednesday), Canada (Tuesday) and Japan (Friday). Other economic highlights will include the FOMC minutes (Wednesday), Q4 GDP in the US (Friday), as well as the global flash PMIs (Friday). Earnings reports will feature Walmart (Thursday), Nestlé (Thursday) and BHP (today). It's the earnings calm before next week's Nvidia storm. In the US, this holiday shortened week (President's Day today) features a data calendar dominated by releases that were pushed back by last year’s government shutdown. The most consequential updates will land on Friday, when the advance estimate of Q4 GDP arrives alongside December’s personal income and consumption figures—key inputs for shaping expectations for the early part of this year. For markets assessing the underlying pulse of demand heading into 2026, private final sales to domestic purchasers (PFDP) will carry more weight than the headline GDP print. This indicator—closely monitored by Fed Chair Powell—is expected by our economists to slow to 2.0% from 2.9% in Q3, though risks appear tilted upward. One swing factor: Wednesday’s durable goods report, where modest gains outside of transportation could soften the deceleration. On the consumer front, real PCE growth is expected to cool to 2.5% after two quarters of outsized strength but should still signal ample momentum heading into the new year. Friday’s income and spending report will also offer the latest reading on core PCE, the Fed’s preferred inflation gauge. Our economists expect another 0.4% monthly increase for December, lifting the year over year rate to 2.9%. Updated seasonal factors from last week’s CPI release suggest some mild downward pressure on inflation trends in the second half of 2025. Still, January’s CPI data, although softer than we anticipated, do not translate into equivalent relief for core PCE—in fact, our team currently sees another 0.4% gain for January's release (delayed until March 13th). Depending on the strength of medical services, airfare, and portfolio management components in the upcoming PPI report, a 0.5% monthly rise cannot be ruled out, which would push the year over year rate toward 3.1%. So don't get too excited about the softer CPI last week and the huge rates rally. Additional releases this week will help clarify whether recent severe winter weather has disrupted factory sector activity. January industrial production, due Wednesday, should benefit from a jump in utility output, while weather effects may weigh on the Empire State Survey tomorrow and the Philadelphia Fed survey on Thursday. Labor market data will also be in focus, particularly Thursday’s jobless claims, which line up with the survey week for the February employment report. As our economists have pointed out, private nonfarm job gains have averaged 103k over the past three months, slightly above the pace at this point in 2025 and matching the start of 2024. See their latest US employment chartbook here. This week will also feature a dense lineup of Federal Reserve speakers which you can see alongside all the key global data in the day-by-day week ahead calendar at the end as usual. Moving away from the US, inflation will also be in focus in Japan (Friday) and Canada (tomorrow). For the former, our Chief Japan Economist sees the January nationwide CPI showing a slowdown in both core CPI inflation ex. fresh food to 2.1% YoY (+2.4% in December) and core-core CPI inflation ex. fresh food and energy to 2.7% (+2.9%). Also important will be the global flash PMIs due on Friday as a health check on global growth. In Europe, the spotlight will be on UK inflation (Wednesday), with labour market data due tomorrow and retail sales on Friday. Our UK economist expects headline CPI inflation to drop to 3.0% YoY (3.4% in December) and core CPI also landing at 3.0% YoY (3.2% YoY). See more in his full preview here. In terms of key rate decisions, the RBNZ are expected to remain on hold on Wednesday. Finally, the Munich Security Conference wrapped up over the weekend, where key topics included Ukraine, Russia, and the fate of Greenland. And while US Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s speech was nothing like Vice President JD Vance’s at last year’s conference, which triggered a “wake-up” call for European leaders, Rubio reiterated the administration’s view that Europe needed to leave behind its focus on energy policies, trade and mass migration. Recapping last week now, the tech volatility that has dogged markets since the start of the month broadened into a far more indiscriminate sell-off. The trough came on Thursday, marked by a sharp drop in software stocks, but the weakness extended well beyond tech. Companies across wealth management, real estate and financials suffered double digit declines, underscoring how widespread the pullback has become. Market breadth confirmed this shift as the equal weighted S&P 500 fell -1.37% on Thursday, though it managed to finish the week up +0.29% (+1.04% on Friday). Ultimately, the sell-off left the major US indices on the back foot: the S&P 500 slipped -1.39% (+0.05% on Friday), the Nasdaq lost -2.10% (-0.22% on Friday), and the Magnificent 7 slid -3.24% (-1.11% on Friday). Although the AI scare dominated sentiment, a heavy slate of US data also shaped the market narrative. Early in the week, softer prints—including flat December retail sales, a dovish Q4 Employment Cost Index, and slower Q4 growth expectations from the Atlanta Fed—pushed Treasury yields lower across the curve. That picture shifted midweek after a stronger than expected January jobs report, which delivered the largest gain in nonfarm payrolls (+130k vs. +65k expected) since December 2024 and reinforced confidence that the US economy carried solid momentum into 2026. Then on Friday, January CPI came in below expectations, adding another dovish note. Although the data offered mixed signals at times, the overall takeaway was sufficiently dovish for traders to increase the number of expected rate cuts by December 2026 to 63.4bps (+7.7bps on the week). This helped drive the largest weekly drop in the 10 year Treasury yield since August 2025, down -15.8bps (-5.0bps on Friday) to 4.05%. The 2 year yield also moved sharply lower, falling -8.9bps to 3.41% (-4.8bps on Friday), its lowest level since 2022. European markets, meanwhile, delivered a comparatively resilient performance. The STOXX 600 (+0.09%, -0.13% Friday), DAX (+0.78%, +0.25% Friday) and FTSE 100 (+0.74%, +0.42% Friday) all posted modest gains for the week. European sovereign bonds rallied as well, with the 10 year bund yield dropping -8.7bps—its steepest weekly decline since April 2025. That move was outpaced by gilts, which fell -9.8bps (-3.6bps on Friday) despite a sharp early week sell-off triggered by renewed questions surrounding Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s position. Elsewhere, performance was mixed. Brent crude edged down -0.44% (+0.34% on Friday), while gold extended its upward run, rising +1.56% (+2.43% on Friday). Will London’s half term week finally give us a quiet week in 2026? You’d probably have to guess at ‘unlikely’. Tyler Durden Mon, 02/16/2026 - 09:40

They’re normally behind the wok or taking orders, year-round. But when it’s time to celebrate, these Chinese restaurant families create their own traditions

Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi has posted a New Year's greeting on the Prime Minister's Office website in Japanese and Chinese ahead of the Lunar New Year.

The market for industrial metals has shown stability during the Lunar New Year holiday period, indicating steady conditions.

China is preparing to feature its humanoid robots during the Lunar New Year celebrations. This event highlights advancements in robotics technology and their integration into public displays.

Asian markets are experiencing sluggish activity as investors anticipate the upcoming Lunar New Year holiday.

As families across China gather for the 2026 Lunar New Year holiday, pre-made dishes at their reunion dinners – the centrepiece of Spring Festival celebrations – have again come under scrutiny. Chinese households, many of which tend to reduce their budget, have increasingly been cautious, following a high-profile row over food transparency and quality involving a star influencer with millions of fans online and a national restaurant chain. “I work all year round overtime and do eat pre-made food...

Asian stock markets experienced an uptick in trading, driven by anticipation of the Lunar New Year holidays, while gold prices simultaneously saw a decrease.

This story has been made freely available as a public service to our readers. Please consider supporting SCMP’s journalism by subscribing. Hong Kong could experience its warmest Lunar New Year’s Eve on record since 1884, with temperatures expected to reach 28 degrees Celsius (82.4 Fahrenheit) or higher on Monday. The Hong Kong Observatory said temperatures on Monday were expected to range between 22 and 28 degrees. The previous record for the warmest Lunar New Year’s Eve was 27.8 degrees in...

China's Lunar New Year travel rush is recognized as the world's largest annual human migration.

South Korea experiences heavy traffic and cultural activities as families travel and celebrate the Lunar New Year holiday, with special attention to newlyweds' traditions.

A highly anticipated Chinese holiday film, featuring a renowned director and stars, is set to delve into little-known spy cases with the help of a creative consultant from the counter-espionage agency.

China’s travel industry is expecting a sharp increase in visitors to Australia during this month’s extended Lunar New Year holiday, as millions of tourists fan out across the world for a nine-day break. Industry insiders said the lure of wine, seafood, nature and flexible small-group itineraries was driving interest in the island country. Australia is projected to attract “the most travellers from China” during the break, with bookings likely to more than double over last year’s total, according...

Ho Chi Minh City's Tan Son Nhat International Airport experienced a record surge in passengers ahead of Lunar New Year (Tet), as thousands of overseas Vietnamese return home for emotional reunions. While Tet is Vietnam's biggest festival, many other Southeast Asian countries do not observe it as a public holiday.

Vietnam's busiest airports anticipate record passenger volumes during the Lunar New Year, with Vietnam, mainland China, and other Asian countries emerging as popular destinations for Hongkongers.