OREANDA-NEWS. Fitch Ratings has published a compendium of 26 thematic research pieces written by our corporate analysts in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) during 1Q15.

"Viewpoint" is a quarterly compilation of thematic research from our corporate analysts in APAC. It provides a single-source summary of all non-rating action commentary for investors interested in the current themes and market activity surrounding rated entities in APAC.

In this edition, China once again accounted for the lion's share of thematic output by our corporate analysts. A major highlight was our commentary on Chinese homebuilders, following the default by a major developer Kaisa Group Holdings.

Other key topics include progress on the internationalisation of the yuan, following the rapid expansion of yuan clearing centres across the globe; and the impact on rated corporates of lower oil and gas prices, both in China, and elsewhere in APAC.

In Hong Kong, we commented on Hutchison Whampoa Limited's restructuring; in Thailand, we forecast oil refiners would benefit from the country's LPG price reforms; and in Indonesia, we commented on the proposed luxury-tax change and the potential impact on our rated developers.

In the TMT sector, the recent spectrum auctions in India are likely to weigh on the credit profile of the telecommunications companies; and in Japan, we commented on what seems like a fresh commitment by Sony to focus on achieving higher profitability.

Corporates in APAC continue to expand and develop rapidly, presenting both challenges and opportunities for investors and ratings agencies. Staying on top of market developments is integral to Fitch's goal of becoming the leading agency for insightful opinions in the region, and around the globe.

"Viewpoint 1Q15: APAC Corporates" is available from www.fitchresearch.com or by clicking on the link in this media release.