An illustration of the government’s plan to build three artificial islands. Photo: Handout

Hong Kong has plenty of room for manoeuvre on debt-to-GDP ratio, economist says

Liu Pak-wai, an economics professor and former government adviser, says city’s 6 per cent debt-to-GDP ratio could easily go up to 10 per cent without problems.

4 hours ago

China intervenes in market as regulator steps up scrutiny of stock rout

A bull market is vital for China’s slowing economy because stock valuation has slumped to about 54 per cent of national output, from a record 79 per cent in 2021.

A bull market is vital for China’s slowing economy because stock valuation has slumped to about 54 per cent of national output, from a record 79 per cent in 2021.

6 Feb 2024 - 5:30PM

Bay area property payments about to get easier for Hong Kong, Macau buyers

Hong Kong and mainland Chinese banks are preparing for a new cross-border payment regime that will make it easier for Hong Kong and Macau homebuyers to transfer the funds they need to purchase property in the Greater Bay Area.

Hong Kong and mainland Chinese banks are preparing for a new cross-border payment regime that will make it easier for Hong Kong and Macau homebuyers to transfer the funds they need to purchase property in the Greater Bay Area.

5 Feb 2024 - 8:30PM

Hong Kong wants crypto investors to remain wary as exchanges rush for licence

The SFC issued a notice on Monday reminding investors that a number of new licence applicants are not yet approved and pose risks.

The SFC issued a notice on Monday reminding investors that a number of new licence applicants are not yet approved and pose risks.

5 Feb 2024 - 7:00PM

Cafe de Coral’s first woman CEO lays out vision for Hong Kong restaurant group

Piony Leung, who will take the helm in April, plans to increase the number of outlets in mainland China by two-thirds.

Piony Leung, who will take the helm in April, plans to increase the number of outlets in mainland China by two-thirds.

5 Feb 2024 - 4:40PM

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Fans have expressed their frustration after footballer Lionel Messi (centre) stayed on the sidelines during Sunday’s match at Hong Kong Stadium. Photo: Sam Tsang

Fans bemoan wasted chance to see Messi play at high-profile Hong Kong game

Government says it will seek explanation from organisers after Argentinian football star stayed on sidelines for Inter Miami, Hong Kong XI game.

5 Feb 2024 - 4:07PM

Hong Kong’s economy expected to improve in Year of the Dragon: Paul Chan

External interest rates have peaked, but expectations of pace of decrease differ, city’s finance chief says.

External interest rates have peaked, but expectations of pace of decrease differ, city’s finance chief says.

4 Feb 2024 - 10:04PM

Vendors at Hong Kong’s largest Lunar New Year fair optimistic over festive sales

Seasonal fair in Causeway launches alongside 14 others across city on Sunday, marking return of hot food and merchandise vendors following pandemic.

Seasonal fair in Causeway launches alongside 14 others across city on Sunday, marking return of hot food and merchandise vendors following pandemic.

4 Feb 2024 - 9:04PM

Hong Kong banks line up fireworks dinners, lucky draws to entice new clients

Hong Kong banks have launched marketing campaigns to kick off the Year of the Dragon. The giveaways include fireworks dinners, lucky draws and air tickets to lock in new clients and entertain wealthy customers.

Hong Kong banks have launched marketing campaigns to kick off the Year of the Dragon. The giveaways include fireworks dinners, lucky draws and air tickets to lock in new clients and entertain wealthy customers.

4 Feb 2024 - 3:59PM

Some Hong Kong restaurants, hotels hoping for Messi-inspired boost to business

Lawmaker Perry Yiu says more such sporting events will help with the development of the tourism industry locally.

Lawmaker Perry Yiu says more such sporting events will help with the development of the tourism industry locally.

2 Feb 2024 - 11:36PM

Family office numbers in Hong Kong could surpass Singapore ‘in a few more years’

InvestHK says city could overtake Singapore for family offices, despite a big gap in numbers between the two jurisdictions at present.

InvestHK says city could overtake Singapore for family offices, despite a big gap in numbers between the two jurisdictions at present.

2 Feb 2024 - 9:45PM

Hong Kong to close loophole allowing firms to not give part-time staff benefits

Employer and employee representatives on Labour Advisory Board reach consensus on amendment to so-called 418 regulation.

Employer and employee representatives on Labour Advisory Board reach consensus on amendment to so-called 418 regulation.

1 Feb 2024 - 9:39PM

Hong Kong retail sales grow 16.2% in 2023, bouncing back from contraction

Provisional figures released by Census and Statistics Department show retail sales in December rose 7.8 per cent year on year.

Provisional figures released by Census and Statistics Department show retail sales in December rose 7.8 per cent year on year.

1 Feb 2024 - 6:49PM

Hong Kong banks hold rates steady as Fed keeps options open on cuts

The banks’ decisions followed the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA), which left the city’s base rate at 5.75 per cent hours after the Fed kept its target range unchanged in its first policy move of the year.

The banks’ decisions followed the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA), which left the city’s base rate at 5.75 per cent hours after the Fed kept its target range unchanged in its first policy move of the year.

1 Feb 2024 - 6:02PM

Hong Kong economy grows less-than-expected 3.2% in 2023

Government spokesman says economy’s revival continued in fourth quarter, with inbound tourism and private consumption remaining key drivers.

Government spokesman says economy’s revival continued in fourth quarter, with inbound tourism and private consumption remaining key drivers.

31 Jan 2024 - 7:37PM

Hong Kong’s banks post bumper 2023 profits as rates swell margins

Hong Kong banks’ net interest margin – the gap between the rate charged on loans and the interest paid for deposits – widened last year to the fattest in four years at 1.68 per cent, the HKMA’s data showed.

Hong Kong banks’ net interest margin – the gap between the rate charged on loans and the interest paid for deposits – widened last year to the fattest in four years at 1.68 per cent, the HKMA’s data showed.

31 Jan 2024 - 5:50PM

Hong Kong leader unveils details of domestic national security legislation

‘The new law aims to create a stable and safe environment so that when people attack us, we will be protected,’ city leader John Lee says.

‘The new law aims to create a stable and safe environment so that when people attack us, we will be protected,’ city leader John Lee says.

31 Jan 2024 - 10:53AM

From hotpot waste to jets, green aviation fuel takes off in Hong Kong

A Hong Kong business group promoting environmental sustainability has joined flagship airline Cathay Pacific and 11 other partners to push for greater adoption of sustainable aviation fuel.

A Hong Kong business group promoting environmental sustainability has joined flagship airline Cathay Pacific and 11 other partners to push for greater adoption of sustainable aviation fuel.

30 Jan 2024 - 3:25PM

Hong Kong tourism blueprint ‘won’t be ready until second half of year’

Tourism Strategy Committee meeting focuses on larger strategies to help Hong Kong become a popular tourist destination and details won’t come until later, insider says.

Tourism Strategy Committee meeting focuses on larger strategies to help Hong Kong become a popular tourist destination and details won’t come until later, insider says.

29 Jan 2024 - 11:16PM

2-way enforcement for Hong Kong, mainland rulings to boost city’s status: judge

Chief Judge Jeremy Poon says judgments will not be automatically recognised or enforced mutually.

Chief Judge Jeremy Poon says judgments will not be automatically recognised or enforced mutually.

29 Jan 2024 - 10:02PM