Hong Kong

PMI down to 51.1 in January amidst rising backlogs and lower employment

Firms also had to grapple with higher raw material prices which may have led to some layoffs.

3 in 5 companies willing to hire overseas to plug skill shortage

Most employers believe that skill shortages will hamper their daily operations in 2018.

Total visitor arrivals up 4.7% to 5.59m in December

The influx of tourists from the Mainland contributed significantly to the year-end figures.

Stamp duty rebate extension opens residential sales market to more players

As a result, more secondary homes may be put up for sale.

What are the key priorities for Hong Kong's financial institutions this year?

Battling anti-money laundering remains high on their agenda.

Shanghai Henlius Biotech eyes Hong Kong IPO

This comes amidst the bourse reform plan allowing the listing of pre-profit biotech companies.

Year-end home prices up for 14th month in a row

And it’s poised to rise by as much as 10% in 2018.

Hong Kong beats Singapore as world's freest economy

It has occupied the top spot for the 24th consecutive year.

Should the government provide refundable R&D credits to stimulate private investment?

However, the administration must first clarify its definition of R&D activities and expenditures, PwC said.

Strong earnings and below-budget expenditure to buoy government surplus to $168b in 2018

PwC forecasts that high profits from land sales, tax and stamp duty would buoy fiscal revenue to over $620b.

Healthier tourist arrivals boosts struggling retail sector as sales hit $446.1b in 2017

However, if retailers want to stay afloat, they should look for revenue sources other than mainland tourism.

Hong Kong and Australia ink fintech collaboration deal

It aims to assist businesses seeking capital and overseas expansion in each other's markets.

Hong Kong inks intermodal transport pact with the Mainland

Passengers traveling by air can take sea or land transport using the same air ticket.

Hong Kong International Terminals unveils remote-controlled cranes

The facilities upgrade aims to boost Hong Kong as a leading regional port hub.

High retail deposit requirements may prompt small banks to hike rates

The NSFR implementation compels the reporting of figures falling below 100% to the HKMA.