Reuters

By Satoshi Sugiyama

TOKYO (Reuters) - The Bank of Japan will decide to start tapering the size of its bond-buying by end-July, according to nearly two-thirds of economists polled by Reuters, while close to 90% forecast an interest rate hike to at least 0.20% by the end of the year.

The findings reflect forecasters' stronger conviction that the BOJ will gently tighten policy even as most other major central banks look toward easing.

SEOUL (Reuters) - Singapore Airlines has tweaked its in-flight seatbelt sign policies and altered at least one flight route after a turbulence incident this week killed one person and left dozens more hospitalised, according to the airline and flight data.

The airline is adopting a more cautious approach to turbulence, including not serving hot drinks or meals when the seat belt sign is on, it said in a statement to Singapore broadcaster Channel News... (continue reading...)

NEW DELHI (Reuters) - At least nine people have died of suspected heat stroke in India's western state of Rajasthan, media said on Friday, with temperatures expected to soar further amid predictions of a severe heat wave.

Searing heat in the country's north has been a cause of concern during a mammoth general election, and the capital, New Delhi, is set to vote on Saturday in temperatures forecast to be around 45 degrees C (113 degrees F).

ISLAMABAD (Reuters) - An International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission and Pakistan have made significant progress towards reaching a staff-level agreement for an extended fund facility, the global lender said on Friday.

The IMF has opened discussions with Pakistan on a new loan programme after Islamabad last month completed a short-term $3 billion programme, which helped stave off a sovereign debt default.

An IMF team, led by mission chief... (continue reading...)

By Fanny Potkin

SINGAPORE (Reuters) - Nvidia's most advanced AI chip it developed for the China market has got off to a weak start, with abundant supply forcing it to be priced below a rival chip from Chinese tech giant Huawei, according to sources familiar with the matter.

The flattening prices underscore the challenges Nvidia's China business faces amid U.S. sanctions on AI chip exports and heightened competition, casting a cloud over... (continue reading...)