Economy

HSBC Holdings, known for the two regal lion statues that sit outside its Asia head office in Hong Kong, will vote May 5 on a proposal to split its Asia operations from its London headquarters. 
The Big Story

HSBC battles shareholder revolt as breakup vote looms

Bank’s balancing act between U.K. and China appears increasingly untenable

3 May 2023
The challenge for Hong Kong going forward is to maintain its ease of doing business without compromising its reputation as a responsible trading partner.
Business Spotlight

How business-friendly Hong Kong became a hub of Russian chip trade

Ease of setting up companies makes dodging sanctions easier, experts say

21 April 2023
Some economists are concerned that the recovery in consumption will slow down and hit overall growth this year. 
Economy

China economists expect 5.4% GDP growth in 2023: survey

Outlook upgraded on consumption recovery, exceeding Beijing's 5% target

6 April 2023
Art Basel's Hong Kong event drew 86,000 visitors this year after the government lifted coronavirus restrictions.
Business trends

China art market slumps on virus curbs, falling wealth: report

Hong Kong, mainland sales drop 14% in 2022 to $11.2bn as U.K. overtakes China

4 April 2023
Analysts say Chinese President Xi Jinping has been consolidating power and strengthening Communist Party control over a range of matters, including the country's vast trove of data.
Asia Insight

China's new power structure tightens grip on data, tech, finance

State and CCP overhaul aims to counter U.S., boost economy, curb dissent

21 March 2023
Artists perform at the Clockenflap festival in Hong Kong in 2016. The live music event returns this weekend after a three-year hiatus. (File photo by Getty Images)
Politics

Hong Kong seeks to claw back reputation with busy month of events

Mask mandate dropped, government 'desperate' to return to global stage with shows

1 March 2023
The Hong Kong dollar is hovering along the weak end of a band pegged to the greenback after a roughly three-month reprieve.
Currencies

Hong Kong dollar doldrums renew doubts over U.S. peg

Carry trades exploiting yield gap puts pressure on the currency

1 March 2023
Hong Kong's government is hoping to attract capital and human resources with a new visa scheme.
Economy

Hong Kong to offer residency visa for investors in local markets

Government hopes to stem outflow of talent to Singapore and Japan

23 February 2023
Hong Kong is trying to revive an economy hard hit by COVID-19 control measures, which, along with a crackdown on civil liberties, have sparked a serious brain drain in the territory.
Economy

Hong Kong budget aims to lift COVID-hit economy, halt brain drain

City's financial head says growth forecast to rebound at 3.5% to 5.5% in 2023

22 February 2023
Hong Kong will announce its annual budget on Feb. 22. The financial hub has long boasted of ample reserves, but these are dwindling as a roaring property market calms.
Economy

Hong Kong's finances drained by COVID bills, slumping real estate

Previously ample reserves dwindle as new budget challenges fiscal fitness

20 February 2023
A ferry sails through Hong Kong's Victoria Harbour. Many tourists have been drawn to the city's unique blend of Chinese culture and British influence. (Photo by Takeshi Kihara)
Travel & Leisure

Hong Kong looks to jumpstart tourism with free plane tickets, vouchers

Public-private campaign launched as city loses crown as world's travel capital

16 February 2023
Pedestrians cross a street in Central District in November 2022: The government needs to put more effort into retaining current residents.
Opinion

Hong Kong has to rebuild confidence in its policymaking

Investors must be persuaded that government will keep economy as priority

7 February 2023
Performers dance during "Hello Hong Kong" campaign to promote city tourism in Hong Kong. (Photo by Takeshi Kihara)
Travel & Leisure

Tourism-starved Hong Kong giving away half a million plane tickets

Financial hub launches global publicity campaign to repair tarnished image

2 February 2023
Hong Kong's economy was knocked by strict COVID curbs that isolated the financial hub from the rest of the world.
Economy

Hong Kong economy shrinks 3.5% in 2022 on COVID blues

Weak global outlook also weighs as city property prices sink

1 February 2023
The U.S. government identified 39 online markets and 33 physical markets that reportedly engage in or facilitate substantial trademark counterfeiting or copyright piracy.
1 February 2023
The Hong Kong property market's supply-demand gap remains unresolved.
Opinion

Without a policy rethink, Hong Kong home prices may go wild again

Trends dampening property market are likely to reverse

13 January 2023
Tighter financial conditions are raising borrowing costs, which is starting to depress housing demand in Asia, according to a recent study by the International Monetary Fund.
Property

From Hong Kong to Malaysia, property markets set to decline: IMF

Shift in interest rate cycle creates 'downside risks', organization says

15 December 2022
Hong Kong fell in the ranking partly due to its worsening economic freedoms and China's growing political clout in the city.
Economy

Hong Kong takes biggest ever fall in global 'Power City' rankings

Financial hub down to 23rd from 13th; Singapore and Tokyo remain in top 5

14 December 2022
A woman scans a Hong Kong government contact tracing QR code for the "LeaveHomeSafe" mobile app at a shopping mall. The city is easing its app requirement as it unwinds years of tough virus rules.
Coronavirus

Hong Kong scraps more virus curbs after China eases zero-COVID

City drops traveler restrictions, eases virus app rules as it ramps up reopening

13 December 2022
The odds of a market-shaking change in Hong Kong currency policy are declining, not rising. 
1 December 2022
Hong Kong's status as a global business hub was damaged by some of the world's strictest COVID curbs.
Economy

Hong Kong reboot hits snag as bankers pull out of finance summit

Showcase Rugby Sevens tournament also struggles to sell out

1 November 2022
Travelers line up at Hong Kong International Airport to check in for a HK Express flight to Fukuoka. (Photo by Takeshi Kihara)
Travel & Leisure

Hong Kongers flock to Japan for 'revenge travel'

An estimated 10,000 visited in just a week after Tokyo eased travel curbs

30 October 2022
Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee delivers his first annual policy address at the city's Legislative Council on Oct. 19, vowing to restore the city's luster as a financial center. 
Economy

Hong Kong unveils foreign 'talent trawl' to halt brain drain

Tax breaks, easy visas among moves to reboot city as global business hub

19 October 2022
A residential development in Hong Kong. The world's most expensive property market is taking a one-two punch from rising mortgage rates and a pandemic-hit economy.
Property

Hong Kong property sales tumbling to three-decade lows: analysts

City's real estate taxes shrink as COVID curbs and rate hikes hit market

12 October 2022
Travelers arrive at Hong Kong International Airport on the first day that the city's COVID hotel quarantine was scrapped. 
Coronavirus

Hong Kong's axed quarantine brings no joy for China-focused business

Thousands of struggling businesses pinning hopes on reopening mainland border

9 October 2022