Hong Kong

Hong Kong’s residential property market has regained momentum with record-breaking deals, but analysts predict a cooldown in the second half of the year due to a weaker stock market affecting investor sentiment. A five-bedroom flat at Sun Hung Kai Properties’ Cullinan Harbour in Kai Tak recently sold for a record HK$247.9 million.

Momenta, backed by General Motors, is set to debut in Hong Kong following a $752 million IPO. The event will take place at the Exchange Square Complex in Hong Kong.

Hong Kong is working to redefine its future amid warnings of decline, including Stephen Roach's claim that its economic glory is fading due to loss of political autonomy post-2020 national security law and other pressures.

Hong Kong faces warnings of decline due to political and economic pressures, highlighted by Stephen Roach's assertion that the city is 'over.' The 2020 national security law and loss of political autonomy are cited as key factors undermining Hong Kong's economic prominence.

Hong Kong insurers launched a marine war-risk pool, exemplifying collaboration to benefit the local economy and the nation. Industry leaders discussed enhancing financial resilience in the Greater Bay Area during the South China Morning Post’s China Conference.

Hong Kong's regulator for IVF ordered HEAL Fertility in Central to suspend most operations after discovering embryo samples sent for genetic testing belonged to the wrong parents. The clinic also failed to report the incident to health authorities.

14 of the 27 top scorers in Hong Kong’s English Schools Foundation’s International Baccalaureate program plan to study medicine, citing discipline, miso soup, and limited internet access via a Nokia phone as factors in their success. The number of perfect scorers nearly doubled compared to last year.

Emirates SkyCargo operated the first commercial flight of a Boeing 777-300 passenger-to-freighter conversion, carrying over 100 tons of freight from Hong Kong to Dubai. The conversion, done by Israel Aerospace Industries, aims to boost cargo capacity and fleet longevity, with more conversions planned. Gulf carriers like Qatar Airways and Etihad Airways are expanding cargo operations due to high demand and long aircraft delivery backlogs.

Hong Kong authorities are consulting on sex law reforms, addressing cults luring victims overseas for sex and suggestive games at orientation camps as potential sexual offenses. Secretary for Security Chris Tang Ping-keung clarified legal jurisdiction for such cases.

Hong Kong will expand its yuan facilities for banks by 150% to US$73.6 billion starting this Friday. The city will also introduce a new electronic fixed income and currency trading system to promote yuan trading, as announced by local market regulators.

Hong Kong is expanding its yuan facilities by 150% to US$73.6 billion to meet international demand, effective this Friday. The city is also introducing a new electronic fixed income and currency trading system to promote yuan trading, as announced by local market regulators.

De Beers is implementing significant diamond price cuts due to a shrinking buyers club. A diamond necklace is displayed in a De Beers store in Hong Kong.

Hong Kong’s stock market may face sell-off pressure as the six-month lock-up period ends for AI and semiconductor companies like Zhipu AI and MiniMax, increasing share supply. Analysts warn of liquidity risks due to potential secondary share placements by these companies.

The People's Bank of China (PBOC) has introduced new measures to strengthen Hong Kong's position as a yuan hub. These actions aim to enhance the financial infrastructure and promote the yuan's role in global transactions.

Hong Kong democracy activist Joshua Wong is scheduled for sentencing in September 2026 under a national security law for conspiring to collude with foreign forces. He was arrested in June 2025 and faces charges related to seeking foreign sanctions against Hong Kong or China between July 2020 and November 2020. Wong previously pleaded guilty in 2024 to a separate national security case and was sentenced to four years and eight months.

Hong Kong activist Joshua Wong is set to be sentenced in September for a second national security case under a Beijing-imposed law.

Hong Kong activist Joshua Wong Chi-fung is expected to plead guilty to conspiring with a fugitive former lawmaker to collude with foreign forces. The High Court has scheduled a plea and sentencing hearing for him on September 2.

Hong Kong’s office vacancy rates are expected to plateau at 14% as Central’s vacancy rate hit a 43-month low in June. JLL reported the overall vacancy rate fell to 13.1% in the first half, but an upcoming supply pipeline will likely push it back to 14%.

Hong Kong has dropped to the fourth most expensive city for wealthy individuals living well, with Singapore retaining the top spot for a fourth consecutive year, according to Julius Baer's Global Wealth and Lifestyle Report. The report evaluates costs for high-net-worth individuals in 25 cities based on 11 consumer goods and nine services.

Singapore remains the world's most expensive city for luxury spending for the fourth consecutive year, with Zurich rising to second place and Monaco entering the top three for the first time since 2020. The report by Julius Baer Group highlights surging prices for luxury items like watches and jewelry globally.

Singapore remains the world’s most expensive city for luxury spending for the fourth consecutive year, with Zurich rising to second place and Monaco entering the top three for the first time since 2020. The report by Julius Baer Group highlights global price surges in luxury items like watches and jewellery.

Hong Kong's economic development is guided by its first five-year blueprint and upcoming policy address, with artificial intelligence (AI) as the central focus, according to Chief Executive John Lee. He highlighted Hong Kong's 'one country, two systems' advantages and innovation commitment during the South China Morning Post's China Conference 2026.

The People's Bank of China (PBOC) has introduced new measures to strengthen Hong Kong's role as a yuan hub. The Exchange Square Complex in Hong Kong is highlighted in the article.

The South China Morning Post will host its China Conference in Astana, Kazakhstan in September, following a Hong Kong delegation to Central Asia. This marks the first such event by a local media outlet in the region, aiming to explore new opportunities and showcase the area's dynamism.

Hong Kong is experiencing a surge in initial public offering (IPO) activity. The title highlights increased market participation and investor interest in the region's financial markets.

Hong Kong has initiated a trial operation for a new gold clearing system. The system aims to facilitate gold transactions and potentially enhance financial infrastructure.

The PBOC chief stated that mainland China's foreign reserves will increase asset allocation in Hong Kong, providing momentum for its capital market. The Bond Connect scheme's annual net investment quota will be raised to 800 billion yuan.

Hong Kong students achieved top International Baccalaureate scores by using AI and maintaining balanced study routines. Top scorers from three schools emphasized responsible technology use and personal well-being.

Hong Kong’s Mandatory Provident Fund (MPF) reported a HK$24.4 billion loss in June, reducing first-half gains to HK$88.8 billion. On average, each of the 4.8 million members experienced a HK$5,087 loss in June but still gained HK$18,500 over the first six months of 2026, according to MPF Ratings.

Hong Kong’s Northern Metropolis project aims to address land supply, economic transformation, and cross-boundary integration while emphasizing nature conservation and urban-rural integration. However, the project faces a contradiction in balancing these goals with the preservation of landscapes necessary for sustainability.

The Hong Kong Observatory issued a red rainstorm warning at 9:45pm, following an amber warning at 7:05pm, due to heavy rain and potential flooding in parts of Wan Chai.

Hong Kong’s US dollar gold futures trading hit a record high with 6,676 contracts traded, driven by a fee waiver and efforts to establish the city as an international gold trading hub. The previous record of 3,039 contracts was set in November 2022.

Hong Kong’s legislature may review and tighten its code for members following the resignation of a lawmaker arrested for alleged drink-driving and failing to report an accident, as stated by its president, Starry Lee Wai-king. The incident will serve as a reference for future code amendments.

A Hong Kong doctor, Dr. Tai Kong-shing, issued over 3,700 fraudulent Covid-19 vaccination exemption certificates for personal gain, citing conditions like skin allergies and chest pain. Prosecutors allege he generated the certificates without proper diagnosis, and he is on trial at the District Court.

Thai PM threatens to shut down the cannabis industry following a surge in cannabis smuggling to countries like the UK, Germany, Indonesia, and Hong Kong. Thailand decriminalized cannabis in 2022 for medicinal use, but recreational sales and regulatory challenges have emerged.

China's Hualong One nuclear reactor at the Taipingling Nuclear Power Plant in Guangdong has begun commercial operation, marking a milestone in the region's nuclear energy expansion. The reactor, managed by China General Nuclear Power Group, is positioned to meet summer electricity demand in the Greater Bay Area.

Global institutional investors are scaling up their yuan operations, with Hong Kong serving as a key offshore hub, according to an HSBC survey. The survey of over 120 investors managing $32 trillion shows 63% prefer offshore yuan markets for transactions.

Global institutional investors are scaling up yuan operations, shifting from market entry to growth with Hong Kong as a key hub. A HSBC survey of 120+ investors managing $32 trillion shows 63% prefer offshore yuan markets for transactions.

Hong Kong's Kai Tak Airport closed after 73 years of operation on July 6, 1998. Director of Civil Aviation Richard Siegel marked the closure with a farewell message as equipment was relocated to the new Chek Lap Kok airport.

Hong Kong plans to amend its securities laws in 2026 to attract more companies and real estate investment trusts (Reits) to list in the city, aiming to strengthen its position as an international financial center. The government will seek legislative approval to grant the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) greater flexibility in handling listings.