Modi independence day speech, To Lam in Australia, SMIC earnings

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed his nation on Independence Day at the historic Red Fort in Delhi on August 15, 2025, vowing to protect farmers amid trade tensions with the U.S. Youth protests recently led to the removal of the education minister, raising concerns about job opportunities and inequality. Vietnamese President To Lam continued his diplomatic outreach by visiting Australia and New Zealand, aiming to sign multiple bilateral agreements.

The Bank of Japan announced its policy meeting opinions on July 30 and 31, keeping interest rates unchanged but facing a split vote for a quarter point hike. To Lam's visit to Australia and New Zealand from Sunday to Friday will focus on strengthening economic and strategic ties, including cooperation in science and technology, digital transformation, and resilient supply chains.

Vietnam's consumer inflation data for July exceeded the central bank's target level of 4% for the first time in nearly 18 months, with the RBI predicting inflation at 5% for fiscal year 2027. Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto is set to deliver his State of the Nation Address on August 17, outlining policy priorities and targets for the 2027 state budget.

Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corp., China's leading contract chipmaker, releases its quarterly earnings, with analysts keen on insights about AI demand, pricing strategy, and expansion amid industry-wide supply constraints.