In Focus

The HSBC Hong Kong Purchasing Managers Index fell to 50.5 in March from 51.2 in February due to weak output growth and higher input costs. HSBC Holdings Plc said the reading remained above 50, indicating manufacturing activity continued to expand. A reading below 50 signals contraction.

Losses to continue as talks with striking workers bogs down.

Inspection will be rolled out in farms and plants.

Will first be implemented in the Islands District with 16% of the population.

Near Field Communication to boost payments by mobile phones.

Despite a not-too-impressive 10% EPS growth.

To jump by over 40% for a number of major services.

Will disallow non-permanent residents from exploiting loophole to own property.

Engineers, architects and entertainers among jobs in demand as tourism booms.

Will IPO in Hong Kong this year as a prelude to expansion.

Government urges public not to spread or believe in rumors.

The CEO of Hong Kong Exchanges & Clearing Ltd also says China will open its markets further.

Said economic development necessary to address deep-seated livelihood issues in Hong Kong.

Hong Kong will step up preventive measures against deadly new disease.

New China study sees this as an alternative to Hong Kong’s weak export markets.

Doing this will help boost Hong Kong’s economy, said Chief Executive CY Leung.