Higher prices of Beijing subway effective this Sunday

Beijing’s subway system will see a hike in ticket fares effective Sunday.

Central and Western FTZs considered

We can expect more free trade zones across China in the works. Analysts say cities along the Yangtze River and towards the central and western regions of China are likely to see the set-up of free trade zones in the future.

ETC in 14 cities and provinces linked

A boost to more efficient transportation here in China. Starting from Friday, the electronic toll collection system, or ETC, will be linked to 14 municipalities and provinces in China. Users in places including Beijing, Tianjin, Shanghai, Hebei, Jiangsu, and Zhenjiang will only need one electronic label and payment card per vehicle.

Brokerage executive loses case suing top regulator

A former Everbright Securities executive has lost a lawsuit against the country’s securities regulator

Spending increases despite weak oil prices

Saudi Arabia’s Cabinet has put forth its 2015 budget. It projects a slight increase in spending and a significant drop in revenues due to sliding oil prices

China to launch new currency swaps

China plans to launch new derivatives next week. Policymakers here are set to launch swaps and forwards between the RMB and the Russian Rouble, Malaysian Ringgit and New Zealand Dollar.