October 20, Friday, 2023

1. US President Joe Biden has called for support for Israel and Ukraine, saying it is vital for US national security. Biden said, “We’re facing an inflection point in history. One of those moments where the decisions we make today are going to determine the future for decades to come.” 2. The latest data out of China indicates that a slump in the housing market is spreading throughout the country. New home prices declined in more major cities in September than in the previous month. The Chinese government is trying to reverse the lingering real-estate slump. Its countermeasures include easing mortgage-related regulations. The question is whether the government will take additional action.
3. Japan’s Diet convened for an extraordinary session on Friday. Lawmakers are to discuss rising prices and a draft supplementary budget for the first time since Prime Minister Kishida Fumio reshuffled his Cabinet last month.