☕️ Good morning, friends,

This week is all about big celebrations in both Germany and China.

In China, the National Day holiday week is about to begin, while in Germany Oktoberfest is in full swing.

And by the way, the Chinese dress code for the local Oktoberfest isn’t lederhosen and dirndls, but the Beijing bikini. A short video says more than a thousand words…

P.S. From now on, every Monday we’ll bring you a “Word of the Week.” Asia is full of fascinating terms for phenomena in society, business, and culture – and at asiabits you’ll get the best ones delivered straight to your inbox.

Feel free to share us with your friends, colleagues, and classmates!

MARKETS

Highlights

📉 Friday market hangover

Markets in Tokyo, Hong Kong, Shanghai and Seoul closed lower at the end of the week. Weighing on sentiment were Wall Street’s third straight loss, Donald Trump’s new tariff threats against the pharma industry, and stronger US growth data that dampened hopes for rapid Fed rate cuts. Adding to the caution was the risk of a US government shutdown.

In other news:

South Korean President Lee vowed to open the won market for 24-hour trading to support MSCI’s upgrade from emerging- to developed-market status. But with US trade talks stalled, the currency slid to a four-month low.

TOP BIT

🌉 China opens the world’s highest bridge

China has opened the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge in Guizhou province. Its roadway sits 625 meters above the river — making it officially the highest bridge in the world. 

The crossing cuts travel time from two hours to just a few minutes.

The Details

🏗️ Engineering feat: At 2,890 meters long with a …