1. The ADB announces a $70 billion megaproject for digital and energy infrastructure: At its 59th Annual Meeting, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) announced a $70 billion investment plan by 2035 to transform the region’s energy and digital infrastructure. This plan is structured around two main axes: the Trans-Asia Grid Initiative, endowed with 50 billion dollars, aimed at interconnecting 22,000 km of electricity transmission lines, and the Asia-Pacific Digital Highway, endowed with 20 billion dollars, intended to bridge the technology gap. This ambitious project aims to integrate 20 GW of renewable energies, provide broadband access to 200 million people and create more than 4 million jobs throughout the region.
2. Bitcoin crosses the $80,000 mark thanks to the impetus of financial institutions: The price of Bitcoin officially surpassed $80,000 on the morning of May 4, reaching its highest level in three months, as Asian stock markets approach all-time highs. This strong recovery was supported by demand from financial institutions and investor expectations regarding new regulatory guidelines for stablecoins in the US market. Analysts believe that crossing the psychological threshold of $80,000 not only strengthens traders’ confidence, but also creates sustainable growth momentum for the entire cryptocurrency asset class.
3. Spirit Airlines compensates its passengers after the cessation of its activities: Low-cost airline Spirit Airlines announced that it has almost completed refunds to passengers who booked tickets by credit card after being forced to cease operations on May 2 due to a severe financial crisis. Among the causes of the airline’s bankruptcy are soaring fuel prices linked to the conflict in the Middle East and the repercussions of the failed merger with JetBlue in 2024. As competing companies like Delta and American Airlines scramble to help stranded passengers, the US Department of Transportation said that the liquidation of assets was an inevitable consequence of prolonged financial difficulties.
4. Internal disagreements at the ECB regarding the June 2026 interest rate hike plan: The Governing Council of the European Central Bank (ECB) is deeply divided on the question of a rise in borrowing costs, while forecasts call for average inflation of 2.7% in the euro zone this year. Slovak and German officials insist that a rise in interest rates in June 2026 is inevitable to control inflationary pressures linked to the energy shock caused by geopolitical conflicts.
5. Prudential extends the suspension of the sale of its new products in Japan following a scandal: The Prudential Financial group has decided to extend the suspension of the sale of its new products in Japan until November 5 after the discovery of around 700 cases of embezzlement committed by employees, for a total amount of 3.14 billion yen. The group’s management acknowledged that the commission-based compensation model had created a flawed incentive system, encouraging employees to prioritize short-term results and violate existing regulations. In order to remedy the situation and appease regulators, Prudential has committed to a complete overhaul of its compensation system and organizational structure to ensure long-term benefits to its clients in this market.
6. Japan: Record bankruptcies in the health sector: According to a report from Tokyo Shoko Research, the number of bankruptcies in Japan’s health and nursing sector hit a record 478 establishments in fiscal 2025, the highest level since 1988. The main causes are a severe shortage of staff and soaring operating costs, while Establishments are unable to adjust their income due to the government’s strict control over service prices. It should be noted that more than 72% of bankruptcies concern small clinics with four or fewer employees, which reflects serious financial difficulties after the end of the support measures put in place during the pandemic.
7. Risk of auto trade war between the United States and the EU: Transatlantic trade tensions escalated after US President Donald Trump announced this week that he would raise tariffs on car imports from the EU to 25%, citing violations of bilateral agreements. The United States accuses several European countries of not providing sufficient support for military and logistical operations and of using customs duties to force automobile manufacturers to relocate their production to the United States. In response, the European Commission rejected all allegations of violations and warned that it would take retaliatory measures if the United States reneged on the previously signed agreement to keep the tariff rate at 15%.
Source : https://baotintuc.vn/kinh-te/diem-tin-kinh-te-the-gioi-noi-bat-ngay-452026-20260504212615113.htm
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