Economy

Hong Kong foreign currency reserves dip by US$500mn

Hong Kong foreign currency reserves dip by US$500mn

Hong Kong’s official foreign currency reserve assets worth US$272.7bn represent 54% of Hong Kong dollar M3.

Government proposed tax rebate of 75% of salaries tax

The Government has proposed new measures to answer the feedback received since the Budget address.

79% of adults in Hong Kong think that growth of China is good for their economy

87% even say that China will be the most influential economy in the next ten years.

Headline PMI eased to 53.7 in February 2011

February new orders fell to 54.1 from 58.1 in January while February employment index jumped to 52.6 compared to 51.1 in January.

Minimum MPF income may rise to $5.5k

If the move is approved, Statutory Minimum Wage implementation will not cut the take-home pay of workers whose current monthly income is fewer than...

Bulgarian businessmen encouraged to seize Hong Kong opportunities

Bulgarian businessmen were informed how Hong Kong can help them expand to China and Asia.

Social welfare spending up 11% this year

Education, social welfare and health care will account for $137 billion in total.

Government may adjust 2011-12 Budget proposals

People's views and lawmakers' recommendations pushed Financial Secretary John Tsang to study the suggestions and come up with new proposals.

Hong Kong total deposits up 1.4%

The Hong Kong-dollar loan-to-deposit ratio climbed from 78.1% at the end of December to 79.3% at the end of January.

Surplus reached $34.8bn in January 2011

A surplus of $93.8 billion was registered for the 10 months ending January 31.

Inflation for 2011 forecast at 5%

Absence of exchange rate adjustment flexibility and monetary policy dependence makes HK incapable of tackling inflation in a proactive manner.

Hong Kong records $16B trade deficit

Hong Kong recorded a trade deficit of 16 billion Hong Kong dollars in January.

Mercer welcomes new budget measures but recognises opportunities missed

Careful thought is required to maximize value from the recent Hong Kong budget measures to improve retirement savings and healthcare.

High 2010 economic growth pushed 2010-2011 surplus estimate to $140.5bn

The surplus is over six times the government's original estimate of 0.8 percent.

Inflation may soar to 4.5% in 2011

Although economic growth could hit 5% this year after expanding 6.8% last year, the Government should focus on "fighting inflation".

Challenges abound, but do the measures add up?: PwC

We believe that a comprehensive and orchestrated policy must be developed by the Government.

Inflation concern overshadows 6.8% economic growth in 2010

Rising inflation looms as a major issue to tackle in 2011, said Financial Secretary John Tsang.