Japan's appetite for luxury goods remains strong despite the headwinds in its economy. LG & Prada hope to ring in the tills with their new creation -- the Prada phone. CNBC's Kaori Enjoji reports.

Asia is an important growth market, as Hans Nuetzi, CEO of Clariden Leu see tremendous wealth creation in the coming years, even decades. He tells CNBC's Maura Fogarty how the private bank plans to penetrate the region.

The top headlines this hour, with CNBC's Arnold Gay.

National Australia Bank beats expectations with an 8% jump in first-half cash profit. John Stewart, CEO of NAB speaks to CNBC's Oriel Morrison about the result.

The top headlines this hour, with CNBC's Sri Jegarajah.

The buildup in crude oil inventories will not curb the rise of oil prices, says Jonathan Kornafel, director, Asia at Hudson Capital Energy. He tells CNBC's Maura Fogarty & Sri Jegarajah the disparity in demand and supply will widen further and drive oil prices even higher.

Mercator Lines Singapore posted a four-fold jump in full-year profits to $52.2 million. Its CEO, Shalabh Mittal plans to capitalize on the robust growth in Asia and expand its business by acquiring more dry bulk carriers. He talks to CNBC's Maura Fogarty.

While John Thain, CEO, Merrill Lynch believes the credit crisis is easing, he says the next 6-12 months will be difficult for the United States. He speaks to CNBC TV 18's Latha Venkatesh.

Express delivery company TNT is banking big on Singapore as a gateway to Southeast Asia. Peter Bakker, CEO, TNT N.V., shares his strategy for the region, with CNBC's Amanda Drury & Sri Jegarajah.