Hong Kong

Each financial market crisis differs, but they all rhyme. Parallels are emerging between the tremors rippling now through private credit, and those that led to the Global Financial Crisis in 2007-09. It's not to say that a replay of the historic crash is imminent. There is a growing danger that the mounting pressure in private credit, which includes?opaque prices, scarce or nonexistent liquid, and high redemptions, could spill over to public markets. BlackRock, a?world-leading?asset management firm with over $14 trillion in assets under management, announced on Friday that it had restricted withdrawals from its flagship debt fund following a spike...

Each financial market crisis differs, but they all rhyme. Parallels are emerging between the 'tremors' now rippling across private credit and the subprime housing in the U.S. that led to 2007-09 Global Financial Crisis. It's not to say that a replay of the historic crash is imminent. There is a growing danger that the increasing stress in the private credit market - i.e., the lack of liquidity, the opaque pricing and the soaring redemptions – could spill?over into the public markets. BlackRock, with its $14 trillion in assets under management, announced?on? Friday that it had limited withdrawals after an influx...

China has praised the visit by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney to Beijing on Thursday, calling it a "pivotal step" in efforts to recalibrate relations following months of intensive re-engagement. The remarks by China's top diplomat Wang Yi came during a meeting between Carney and his Canadian counterpart Anita Anand. Anita is a member of Carney's delegation on this first visit to Canada since 2017. Wang stated that this was the first time in eight years that the Canadian Prime Minister had visited China. This is a landmark and pivotal moment for our bilateral relationship. Wang said that China was...

China must stabilize grain and edible oils production, improve 'grain varieties' and enhance quality. This was the message of state-run news agency Xinhua on Tuesday following a meeting of the annual Central Rural Work Conference held from December 29-30. The group that sets China's agricultural priority has pledged to "enhance capacity for diversified supply" and promote high-quality development through?zoned- and categorised-planning". China relies heavily on imports to feed the population. Tensions with U.S.A., its'major trading partner in agriculture, have led it to invest more in seed technology and machinery. A Xinhua report on the meeting stated that "we must not...

Wall Street's major indexes closed at record highs on Monday for the second consecutive day as investors were optimistic about the prospects of a U.S. China trade deal. They also looked forward to an exciting week that will include high-profile earnings from the technology sector and the widely anticipated U.S. rate cut. U.S. president Donald Trump and his Chinese equivalent Xi Jinping will meet on Thursday in order to decide on a plan that could pause the tougher U.S. duties and China's export restrictions on rare earths. This would ease market jitters about a possible trade war, and send Wall...

The week will be dominated by trade talks between Washington and Beijing, and Canada, as well as central bank decisions from the United States, Canada, and Europe. Meanwhile, Argentina's stock markets are digesting the results of a decisive election for President Javier Milei. Dhara Ranasinghe, Alden B. Bentley, Lewis Krauskopf, and Rodrigo Campos in New York and Kevin Buckland, in Tokyo, give you all the information about what to expect in the world markets this week. 1/ A MIDTERM DRAMA Argentina’s bonds and shares are expected to rise on Monday, after President Javier Milei’s party won a decisive victory in...

The week will be dominated by renewed trade tensions, talks between Washington and Beijing, and decisions made by the central banks of the United States, Canada, and Europe. Meanwhile, Argentina's voters go to the polls. Dhara Ranasinghe, Alden B. Bentley, Lewis Krauskopf, and Rodrigo Campos in New York and Kevin Buckland, in Tokyo, give you all the information about what to expect in world markets this week. 1/ A MIDTERM DRAMA The mid-term elections in Argentina on Sunday will be a crucial moment for the biggest reform story of emerging markets. Right-wing president Javier Milei wants to consolidate his minority...

The oil prices rose by about 5% after Washington imposed new sanctions against major Russian companies for the war in Ukraine. Major stock indexes also edged up as gains from U.S. energy stocks and European energy shares offset some disappointing earnings reports. The sanctions were announced late on Wednesday and targeted major Russian suppliers Rosneft, Lukoil. The U.S. announced it was ready to take additional action, as it urged Moscow to immediately agree to a ceasefire. Energy was the leading sector to gain on Wall Street, according to the S&P 500 index. Energy was the last sector to gain 1.2%....

The global stock market got a boost Thursday thanks to a series of positive earnings reports that helped offset some of the gloom in Wall Street due to a lacklustre performance by tech megacaps. Oil prices also rose following U.S. sanction against Russia. After the U.S. placed sanctions on Rosneft, and Lukoil, two major Russian oil companies over the Ukraine conflict. The STOXX 600 index rose 0.3% for the day, as positive earnings helped to boost the domestic indexes. The MSCI All-World Index, however, has slipped into the negative zone, and is on its way to its third consecutive day...

In Australia, the biggest buyouts in 15 years have failed this year. Misaligned valuations and regulatory risks are adding to the challenges of navigating a regulatory environment that is becoming increasingly strict. The ADNOC-led group's decision to withdraw from its bid of $18,7 billion for Santos (Australia's second-largest gas producer) is the latest high-profile deal to fail in Australia in this year. Sources reported that the ADNOC bid, via its investment vehicle XRG was shelved because of disagreements between the parties on potential capital gains taxes relating to a Santos property. Analysts said that the deal would also have had...

Hong Kong's gateway to China is strengthened by the influx of mainland Chinese investors. This investment boosts market liquidity and depth, while also strengthening its position. This capital flow could be slowed by short-term headwinds, but the market's diversification and innovation will likely propel it over time. Stock Connect, launched in November 2014 by the Hong Kong Shanghai and Shenzhen Exchanges, allowed mainland Chinese investors trade certain stocks listed in Hong Kong. This is known as "Southbound Stock Connect", while also facilitating flow in the other direction. Between 2017 and 2023, the Connect programme expanded to include interest rate swaps,...

Hong Kong's chief executive has said that the stock exchange will be attracting listed companies from Southeast Asia and Middle East for second listings, as it looks to improve its global reputation. Bonnie Chan, a spokesperson for Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Ltd. (HKEX), said that the number of mainland China listed companies seeking to list in Hong Kong in order to raise capital in order to fund their global expansions is also increasing. Chan, the first woman CEO of HKEX, said that they are now focusing on companies who have already been listed on other markets, but may have...

London Metal Exchange announced?on Monday? that the existing limits on'rent' charged by its warehouse network?could be replaced with a daily fixed rate of load-out. The LME may require that daily, 1.5% of the metal in its warehouses be loaded onto warrants - title documents conferring ownership. The current system reduces rent to 'zero' if a storage facility fails to deliver the metal required within 80 days. The consultation is open until May 8 and will look at exempting cancellations over 10,000 metric tonnages from the 1.5% requirement. This would ensure that larger warehouses do not feel discouraged from accepting more...

Hong Kong's?Census and Statistics Department?data on Friday showed that China's net gold imports through Hong Kong rose by 68.7% compared to December. Data showed that the world's top gold consumer imported 20.585 net metric tons of gold in January. This is up from 12.205 tonnes in December. China is the largest gold buyer in the world. Its purchases can have a significant impact on global gold markets. Hong Kong's data might not be a complete picture of Chinese gold purchases, as it is also imported through Shanghai and Beijing. China's total gold imports via Hong Kong increased by 30.4% to...

As prices rebounded, India's gold?discounts widened the most in 10 months. Meanwhile, China's demand increased as its safe-haven appeal was reflected in the rising premiums of the bullion after the markets returned from Lunar New Year. Indian bullion dealers offer a discount This week, you can save up to $65 on official domestic gold prices - including 6% import duties and 3% sales taxes. Last week, the discount was up to $18. Retail buyers are not ready to purchase at these prices. "For many of them, current prices are just too high to afford," said Ashok JAIN,?proprietor at Mumbai-based wholesaler...

Hedging portfolios has been based on the same rules since decades. However, as technology, geopolitics, and trading have changed rapidly, it is time to update the rules. Old playbooks assumed stable relationships. Risk-off meant that bonds rallied. "Safe havens" cushioned withdrawals. Diversification could be left to autopilot. This assumption has proven to be unreliable. Portfolios that are resilient will be required as a result of rising leverage, shifting global alliances and technological disruption. To capture long-term capital preservation and growth, a more deliberate approach is needed. High-grade bonds are one of the most popular hedges. U.S. government debt and investment...

Muyuan Foods shares closed slightly higher on Friday in Hong Kong, following the world's largest pig breeder. raised HK$10.7 Billion ($1.4 Billion) in a share sale This is the largest city-wide event so far in this year. The shares of the firm opened at HK$39 per share, matching their initial offer, and ended 3.9% higher, at HK$40.52, after trading between HK$38.98 and HK$41.72, with 40.59 millions shares worth HK$1.63billion changing hands. The benchmark Hang Seng Index ended 1.2% lower. This is the biggest share sale in Hong Kong in recent memory, surpassing Zijin Gold International $3.5 billion in September. Dickie...

Tianqi Lithium Corp announced on Wednesday that it would raise approximately HK$5,86 billion ($750m)?via a convertible bond and share placement, and hoped to sell a?small stake?in Chilean'miner SQM?to bolster liquidity. The Chinese lithium producer listed on the Shenzhen-Hong Kong stock exchange announced that it had struck a deal with the Hong Kong Stock Exchange to issue 65,000,000 new H shares for HK$45.05 per share, or a discount equivalent to 9% of Tuesday's closing HK$49.50. This is worth approximately HK$2.9billion. Tianqi has also entered into a'subscription agreement' for 2.6 billion yuan ($375m) in zero-coupon convertible bonds due February 9, 2027. These...

Gold prices have reached new highs in the past week. Customers are rushing into shops that sell the precious metal. Some even bet the price will rise further. Gold?seller,?Zhao Jinhao, said Tuesday in a Shanghai jewellery mall that gold awareness has been a long-term and upward trend. It has risen steadily from just under 20 yuan in the 1980s, to over 1,000 yuan today. Gold prices reached $5,100 an ounce on monday after a surge of 62% in 2025. Central bank purchases to reduce their reliance on the U.S. Dollar and strong demand from buyers looking for a safe haven...

Hong Kong Census and Statistics Department data released on Tuesday showed that China's net imports of gold via Hong Kong fell by 24% in December compared to November. Why is it important? China's gold purchasing can have a significant impact on global gold markets. Hong Kong's data might not be a complete view of Chinese gold purchases as it is also imported through Shanghai and Beijing. By the Numbers The net imports from Hong Kong to China in December were 12.205 metric tons, down from 16.16 tons for November. China's total imports of gold via Hong Kong fell 7.3% to...

The companies announced that Zijin Gold would buy Canada's Allied Gold at a price of?about C$5.5billion ($4.02billion) in cash. This is as the Chinese miner accelerated its global expansion amid record-high yellow metal prices. Gold prices have risen, boosting margins and cash flow for miners. This has led to consolidation as large producers look to boost production through acquisitions instead of developing new mines. Canada and China have also agreed to a deal to improve their relationship after reaching a preliminary agreement this month to reduce tariffs on canola and electric vehicles, while vowing to lower trade barriers and enhance...

Investors rushed into safe-haven assets amid the geopolitical turmoil, and also on expectations of U.S. rate cuts. Metal prices rose 147% in 2017 due to a combination of?strong demand for investment, challenges with scaling up the refining process, and a persistent shortage on the market. How does silver trade work? Over the Counter London is the largest marketplace for silver and gold, and it's where brokers and banks handle all of the buy and sell orders. The trading is done over the counter between financial institutions. An investor must be in a relationship to gain access to this market. Bars...

The gold demand in India was muted as prices hit record highs, reducing the appeal of retail purchases. In China, bullion trades at a premium as demand remains steady before the Lunar New Year. Indian dealers offer a discount This week, official domestic prices will be up to $12 an ounce, including 6% import and 3% sales taxes, compared to the previous week's up to $6. On Friday, domestic gold prices were trading at around 142.800 rupees per 10 grams, which is not far off the record high reached earlier this week of 143.590 rupees. Chirag Thakkar is the CEO...

Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group is China's largest jewellery retailer with thousands of shops across mainland China and Hong Kong. The group has begun to look further afield in search of new growth. It started?in Southeast Asia, with a brand-new store in Thailand. The company opened its flagship store at Bangkok's Siam Paragon, a luxury shopping and lifestyle center in Bangkok. This move is part a 'wave' of Chinese and Hong Kong brands moving abroad to offset slowing domestic demand and rising market saturation in the world’s second-largest economic powerhouse. Sonia Cheng said that the company's expansion abroad "sees strong...