Chinese taxes: Xi Jinping vowed to “adjust excessive incomes” as part of his “common prosperity” agenda. Exactly what that means is unclear. It could presage higher corporate tax for high-tech companies (currently 15%), direct gifts such as the one announced by Tencent, a more progressive personal income tax system or a higher inheritance tax rate.

China & COVID-19: China reported zero new COVID-19 cases for the first time since July. Data reliability is in question, but it may signal that the outbreak is now increasingly under control directionally.

Malaysia politics: Ismail Sabri Yaakob has become president of Malaysia. He is a Malay centric politician that has been controversial in the past. But other than for certain politically sensitive stocks, many believe there will be business as usual.

Singapore's border reopening: Singapore removed quarantine for travellers from Hong Kong & Macau. All that’s needed is a negative PCR test; you don’t even have to be vaccinated. A vaccinated t…