BoJ Watch: The Bank of Japan is widely expected to lift rates again to 1.25% on Friday as energy-driven inflation and a weaker yen keep pressure on policymakers, with markets also bracing for the Fed decision. Hong Kong Tech Push: Hong Kong unveiled its first five-year plan to boost innovation spending and broaden the city beyond finance, including higher R&D targets and a push to develop the Northern Metropolis. India External Sector: India’s balance of payments swung to a $20.8bn surplus in July, while the current account deficit widened to $7bn as the merchandise trade gap grew. India Trade: India’s exports jumped 26% in August as US tariffs eased, but rice shipments rose only 2.1% amid West Asia shipping disruptions and higher freight/insurance costs. Japan Trade: Japan logged a 7.1bn USD trade deficit in August as oil imports rose, even as exports grew on semiconductors and autos. Deal Flow (APAC Finance): Grab agreed to buy a controlling stake in Atome Financial for $1.49bn to expand consumer lending across Southeast Asia; Apollo also backed Hong Kong’s The Executive Centre with $584m financing. Capital Markets: India’s Hero Motors raised about ₹300 crore from anchor investors ahead of its IPO opening today, while Japan’s tax agency plans a major overhaul of inheritance valuation rules for unlisted shares. Regional Connectivity: China’s 134.2-km Pinglu river-to-sea canal is now operational, cutting inland shipping distance to the sea and strengthening trade links with ASEAN.