A channeling of US resources into the conflict ravaging the Middle East could cause an imbalance in the current security environment surrounding Japan, renewing the need for the country to strengthen its defense capabilities,

The Middle East war continues to escalate, keeping investors on edge.

By Jeslyn Lerh SINGAPORE, March 19 (Reuters) - Asia is expected to import a record volume of fuel oil from Russia in March after the U.S. eased sanctions, shipping data showed as of Thursday, ahead of expected tighter supplies from next month caused by the U.

Across Asia, a sharp drop in liquefied natural gas supplies is pushing major importers back toward coal, undermining L.N.G.’s long-held role as a stable energy anchor.

The fallout of the U.S.-Israel strikes on Iran and the subsequent effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz has reached Asia with authorities from New Delhi to Manila implementing emergency measures to shield consumers from the mounting shortages and surging global oil prices.

By Makiko Yamazaki TOKYO, March 18 (Reuters) - Japan's exports rose for a sixth straight month, data showed on Wednesday, pointing to resilient global demand, although industrial supply chain disruptions driven by the Middle East conflict loom as a risk to the world's fourth-largest economy.

International benchmark Brent crude gained 2.45% to $102.57 per barrel, while the U.S. West Texas Intermediate rose 2.51% to $95.85 per barrel as of 8:44 p.m. ET.

Let me start with Asia’s past successes. Few would dispute that the last quarter century has been Asia’s golden hour. A region that, back in the year 2000, was still shaking off the pain of a financial crisis and went on to build new policy frameworks;

North Korea, South Korea, Japan, and China are watching warily as war spreads across the Middle East.

Hong Kong’s FilMart celebrates a milestone this year, marking 30 years as the linchpin of Asia’s film and television market. From its origins as a regional trade hub to its current stature as a global meeting point for producers,

Investors in Asia will look toward the Bank of Japan decision, which is expected to hold rates at 0.75%.