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Qatar National Bank (QNB) discussed the key factors that will support economic growth in the ASEAN-6 economies during 2026 and contribute to a positive growth outlook, including the stabilization of the global trade environment and the decline in the severity of risks associated with trade protectionism, along with the easing of monetary conditions in advanced economies as well as within the ASEAN-6 countries.In recent decades, Southeast Asia has been the most dynamic region in the world, showcasing the brightest economic growth performance, QNB added in its weekly economic commentary.Within this region, the six largest countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN-6), which includes Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, and the Philippines, have been among the fastest growing economies, with Singapore already reaching the status of an advanced economy.Trade is a major pillar of the economic growth model for the ASEAN-6 countries, and significant disruptions in international commerce can have a large impact on their performance.Trade and growth forecasts initially deteriorated sharply on fears of the impact of supply-chain disruptions, rocketing uncertainty, and potentially escalating trade wars. But despite a still-uncertain environment, the growth outlook for the ASEAN-6 group has been stable, with real GDP growth rates in 2026 expected to remain overall strong, similar to those of 2025.First, the global trade environment has begun to stabilize, as the U.S. reached agreements with an increasing number of trade partners, and there is no evidence of a negative impact of trade in the ASEAN-6 countries. The initially unyielding protectionism of the U.S. administration shifted towards pragmatism as agreements were reached with the U.K., Japan, and the E.U., among many others.Importantly, for the ASEAN-6, agreements were reached with Vietnam, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, and Philippines, establishing a general tariff of 19% and lower rates for selected goods, while for Singapore the levy stands at 10%. Although these rates are higher than before Liberation Day, the end of the negotiations largely reduced the levels of uncertainty discarding the more extreme negative scenarios, and are still within a manageable range, especially as other competitors are also affected by new U.S. tariffs.Even as the U.S. has become more protectionist, the rest of the world is pursuing further integration via new or deeper trade agreements. In October, the ASEAN member states signed two major agreements: one improving cross-border flows within the group, and an upgrade of the ASEAN-China Free Trade framework. At the same time, negotiations began for an ASEAN-South Korea agreement. Furthermore, some ASEAN-6 countries appear to be benefiting from trade diversion as firms shift supply chains away from China.The impact of tariffs after Liberation Day on the ASEAN-6 economies has so far been negligible, with exports continuing to show monthly growth rates in the range of 10 to 20% in USD in annual terms. Even as the world adjusts to a more protectionist U.S., the outlook on global trade is improving, contributing to a more supportive growth scenario for the ASEAN-6 economies.Second, lower policy interest rates in the major advanced economies (AE), as well as in the ASEAN-6 countries, provide a better global environment for economic growth. Since 2024, the U.S. Federal Reserve has already lowered its policy rate by 175 basis points (bp) to 3.75% and is likely to bring it further down to a neutral level of 3.5%. In a similar period, the European Central Bank has lowered its benchmark policy rate by 200 bp to 2% and is likely to keep it unchanged during next year. Thus, policy interest rates in major AE are set to stabilize at lower levels than in recent years, providing better financial conditions for emerging economies.Similarly, central banks in the ASEAN-6 countries have implemented their own monetary easing cycles after inflation was brought under control following the post Covid-pandemic recovery. In these economies, the average increase in policy rates was 260 basis points (bps), to levels above those at the onset of the Covid-pandemic. As tight monetary policy brought inflation rates down to their target ranges, central banks reached a turning point and began to cut policy interest rates, reducing the cost of credit and boosting credit growth. Overall, looser monetary conditions in the AE as well as from the ASEAN-6 central banks provide better credit conditions for growth in the region.All in all, the growth outlook for the ASEAN-6 economies remains stable on the back of an improvement in the trade environment and more supportive monetary.

US President Donald Trump arrived in Malaysia on Sunday on the first leg of an Asian tour that will include high-stakes trade talks with Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping.US-China trade talks in the Malaysian capital entered a second day on Sunday, ahead of Trump's meeting with Xi in South Korea, in a bid to seal a deal to end the bruising trade war between the world's two biggest economies.Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One that he hoped for a "comprehensive deal" with Xi, adding that he expected China to make a deal to avoid further 100 percent tariffs that are due to come into effect on November 1."We're moving forward to the final details of the type of agreement that the leaders can review," US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer told reporters in Kuala Lumpur on Sunday.As he left Washington, Trump added to speculation that he could also meet North Korean leader Kim Jong Un for the first time since 2019 while on the Korean peninsula, saying he was "open to it".The US president will also visit Japan, on his first trip to Asia since returning to the White House in January in a blaze of tariffs and international dealmaking.It is Trump's first visit as president to Kuala Lumpur, where his flight was escorted on its final approach by two Malaysian F-18 jets.Greeted with a red carpet welcome and a sea of Malaysian and US flags, a grinning Trump responded with his trademark arm-waving dance to cultural performers.Trump, who is expected to sign a trade deal with Malaysia, rode with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit in his armoured Cadillac -- nicknamed "The Beast".A small group of protesters, including some holding placards reading "Dump Trump", rallied elsewhere in the city.The US president is also expected to witness the signing of a ceasefire agreement between Thailand and Cambodia, a truce he helped broker after the deadliest clashes between the neighbours in decades.Tariff talksAfter Malaysia, Trump is expected in Tokyo on Monday, where the following day he will meet Japan's new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.The US leader said he had heard "great things about her" and hailed the fact that she was an acolyte of assassinated former premier Shinzo Abe, with whom he had close ties.Takaichi said she told Trump in a phone call on Saturday that "strengthening the Japan-US alliance is my administration's top priority on the diplomatic and security front".Japan has escaped the worst of the tariffs Trump slapped on countries around the world to end what he calls unfair trade balances that are "ripping off the United States".The highlight of the trip is expected to be South Korea, where Trump will meet Xi for the first time since his return to office.Trump is due to land in the southern port city of Busan on Wednesday ahead of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, and will meet South Korean President Lee Jae Myung.On Thursday, global markets will be watching closely to see if the meeting with Xi can halt the trade war sparked by Trump's sweeping tariffs, especially after a recent dispute over Beijing's rare-earth curbs.Trump initially threatened to cancel the meeting and announced the fresh 100 percent tariffs during that row, before saying he would go ahead after all.South Korea's reunification minister has said there is a "considerable" chance that Trump and North Korea's Kim will also meet.The two leaders last met in the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) separating the two Koreas during Trump's first term.Kim has said he would also be open to meeting the US president if Washington drops its demand that Pyongyang give up its nuclear arsenal.

The dollar steadied on Tuesday, as US President Donald Trump softened his tone on tariffs toward China, and hopes grew for a possible meeting with his Chinese counterpart, which gave a boost to expectations of easing tensions between the world's two largest economies. The euro remained below USD 1.16, trading at USD 1.1566. The British pound fell 0.06 percent to USD 1.3328, while the New Zealand dollar fell again, touching a six‑month low at USD 0.57145. The dollar index, which measures the performance of the US currency against a basket of currencies, rose 0.04 percent to 99.34 points. The Australian dollar remained almost unchanged at USD 0.6516, whereas the Japanese yen declined 0.2 percent to 152.57 per dollar.

The last decade has seen Qatar evolve into one of the fastest-growing digital economies in the Middle East. From online banking to food delivery, digital services are transforming the way people live, shop, and interact. At the heart of this transformation lies e-commerce—a sector that has seen exponential growth, powered by tech-savvy consumers, expanding retailer networks, and the surge of mobile-first shopping. Yet one often overlooked driver of this growth is the rise of coupon platforms, which are quietly reshaping how shoppers save, how retailers attract new customers, and how the digital economy in Qatar builds resilience for the future.A Nation Going DigitalQatar’s ambitious National Vision 2030 emphasizes diversification, innovation, and sustainability. The country’s young population, coupled with one of the world’s highest smartphone penetration rates, has made it an ideal market for e-commerce adoption. Global retailers like IKEA, H&M, adidas, and Bloomingdale’s now cater directly to Qatari shoppers online, while homegrown players such as Snoonu and Talabat are redefining last-mile delivery.E-commerce revenues in Qatar are projected to grow consistently, with fashion, electronics, groceries, and lifestyle goods leading the charge. The convenience of shopping online has become second nature, and platforms that provide added value, such as verified coupon websites, are playing a pivotal role in shaping consumer behavior.The Power of Coupons in the Digital EraCoupons are no longer pieces of paper tucked into newspapers. In today’s digital world, they have become a core part of the online shopping experience. In Qatar, shoppers increasingly search for deals before completing their purchases, looking for platforms that guarantee genuine and verified codes. This is where GC Coupons, Qatar’s leading coupon website, stands out.Founded to make savings accessible to all, GC Coupons has grown into the most trusted destination for shoppers across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the wider Gulf. It partners with over 2,000 leading online retailers, ensuring that customers never pay full price when they don’t have to. Millions of shoppers rely on the platform every year to save money—at no cost to them.Retailers That Define Qatar’s Shopping CultureGC Coupons’ influence is seen in the breadth of retailers it works with. For Qatar’s digitally savvy population, this includes everything from everyday essentials to luxury indulgences. Shoppers can find discounts for Noon, Carrefour, IKEA, Samsung, Bloomingdale's, H&M, adidas, Max Fashion, Dyson, Talabat, Snoonu, Calo, Mumzworld, Crocs, ALDO, MARGABi, SHEIN, Temu, Puma, Damas Jewellery, Crate & Barrel, Jeeny, Eyewa, THAT Concept Store, Level Shoes, Izil Beauty, Reef Perfumes, CAFU, Namshi, Centrepoint, Whites, West Elm, Splash, Bath & Body Works, Baytonia, and American Eagle—among many others.Each of these brands plays a role in the country’s consumer landscape, and GC Coupons helps bring them closer to shoppers by lowering the cost barrier. Whether it’s a family shopping for groceries on Carrefour, a student looking for a fashion deal on SHEIN, or a professional ordering lunch from Snoonu, coupons drive more transactions while building loyalty for retailers.Exclusive Codes That Build TrustIn a crowded e-commerce environment, trust is a premium currency. Shoppers in Qatar are wary of unreliable codes that waste time or don’t apply at checkout. GC Coupons has differentiated itself by ensuring that every code is verified and updated. This reliability has not only built consumer trust but also strengthened retailer partnerships.By offering exclusive coupon codes for leading retailers, GC Coupons also provides brands with a direct channel to attract price-conscious yet quality-driven customers. For example, Noon deals and Namshi offers through GC Coupons have become go-to options for shoppers during major sale events like White Friday, Ramadan, and back-to-school seasons.Driving the Future of Local PlatformsLocal players such as Snoonu, Talabat, and Calo have redefined convenience in Qatar’s e-commerce ecosystem. By integrating with coupon platforms, they benefit from enhanced visibility and a broader customer base. For consumers, the value is twofold: they enjoy savings on platforms they already use daily, while supporting local innovation that drives Qatar’s digital economy. For instance, GC Coupons’ Snoonu vouchers highlight how discounts extend beyond global retailers to local businesses, empowering them to compete with international giants.Fashion, Lifestyle, and Luxury—For LessFashion remains one of the largest online spending categories in Qatar. From fast-fashion brands like Max Fashion and H&M to luxury retailers like Bloomingdale’s and Level Shoes, GC Coupons ensures that style does not come with a prohibitive price tag. Through codes like Max Fashion discounts, shoppers can stay trendy without overspending. Luxury-focused Qatari consumers also turn to GC Coupons for savings on items that were once thought of as non-discountable—from high-end perfumes at Reef and Damas Jewellery to furniture at Crate & Barrel and West Elm.Everyday Savings That Add UpFor many households in Qatar, online shopping has moved from occasional indulgence to daily necessity. Groceries from Carrefour, home essentials from Baytonia, and deliveries from Talabat or Snoonu now form part of weekly routines. Even fuel delivery through CAFU can be optimized with discounts. By providing verified coupons, GC Coupons turns everyday transactions into opportunities for meaningful savings.The Broader Economic ImpactThe benefits of coupon platforms extend beyond consumers. For retailers, working with GC Coupons means increased conversions, reduced cart abandonment, and measurable ROI from marketing campaigns. For Qatar’s digital economy, coupon usage encourages more online transactions, greater trust in digital platforms, and a stronger overall ecosystem.In fact, platforms like GC Coupons play a role in bridging international and local players. Global retailers expand into the Gulf region with confidence when they see a strong coupon culture fostering consumer engagement. Local businesses, meanwhile, get an opportunity to compete on equal footing, using coupon partnerships as a growth lever.Looking Ahead: The Next Chapter of Savings TechAs Qatar continues to invest in digital infrastructure, the role of coupon platforms will only grow. Mobile-first experiences, exclusive coupon codes, and partnerships across sectors will remain critical. Already, GC Coupons is leading this evolution with an app that provides shoppers with instant access to verified codes across multiple categories, including electronics and food delivery.Innovations such as personalized coupon recommendations, AI-driven shopping insights, and deeper integrations with local loyalty programs are also on the horizon. In many ways, coupon technology is evolving into a new branch of fintech—what some industry observers are calling “savings tech.”ConclusionQatar’s digital economy is thriving, and coupon platforms are one of its unsung heroes. By bridging consumers and retailers, platforms like GC Coupons—Qatar’s leading coupon website—not only save shoppers money but also fuel the growth of e-commerce across the Gulf. With over 2,000 retailer partnerships and millions of satisfied customers, GC Coupons has established itself as the region’s most trusted coupon platform.Whether it’s a family shopping for groceries, a student buying fashion, or a professional booking travel, the message is clear: in Digital Qatar, every riyal saved counts—and GC Coupons is making sure those savings are always within reach.For those looking to explore deals today, GC Coupons offers an unmatched variety—from Noon promotions to 6th Street bargains—all just a click away.