In Focus

Government to review bus franchises

Three firms are interested to renew their franchises for another decade.

Government to review bus franchises

Three firms are interested to renew their franchises for another decade.

Government keen on proposed Competition Bill

Commerce & Economic Development secretary stressec that the bill will be instrumental in protecting SME’s right to compete in the market.

It’s no-sales weekend for five of the biggest private apartment projects

This is the first time since November amidst higher mortgage rates.

Hong Kong launches iBond subscription

Inflation-linked retail bond can be availed by Hong Kong residents through any of the 20 placing banks, securities brokers or the Hong Kong Securities Clearing Company.

Market volatility no effect on Hong Kong capital markets’ strength

More overseas companies seen to list in Hong Kong in the second half as new IPOs may reach up to HK$380bn in value in 2011.

Hong Kong’s IPO sees best interim performance in 10 years

An expected total fund raised of HK$400bn by 2011 end as companies use Hong Kong listing to tap China market.

Imminent Hong Kong protests seen as wealth gap widens

CE Tsang’s unpopularity in survey revealing his failure to solve Asia’s biggest rich-poor divide seen to trigger protests.

Overall consumer prices up 5.2% in May

And inflation is still likely to rise amid higher price pressures.

Hong Kong March workforce up 3%

Yet employment drops in the manufacturing and wholesale sectors by 6.1% and 0.3%, respectively.

Employers still hiring despite new minimum wage

And unemployment rate is forecast between 3 and 3.5% at the end of 2011.

Private consumption to grow 6%, says analyst

This is due to the one-off cash handouts to the consumers in this year’s revised budget.

Hong Kong first quarter GNP up 7%

Total factor income inflow was estimated at $228.4bn, equivalent to 50.6% of GDP, up 13.9% over a year earlier.

Hong Kong economy shows more signs of overheating--Hang Seng

Despite growing economic growth of 7.2% in the first quarter, business has become less willing to commit investment spending, as companies see more challenges ahead, according to a Hang Seng report.

Civil servants get pay increase

A pay increase of 6.16% to 7.24% will be back dated to April 1.

Hong Kong rate hikes may have burst housing boom

The government’s measure to cool the property market, which had surged almost 70% since the beginning of 2009 had limited impact.

Hong Kong to boost copyright protection

Copyright (Amendment) Bill 2011 aims to be more flexible in the wake of rapid advances in technology.

Labour Department launches wage check campaign

The special enforcement campaign targets 2,000 workplaces until June 15.