In Focus

Seven in ten said they intend to amass more cash to see them safely through the economic crisis.

Singapore has issued full banking licenses to branches of two Chinese Big Four banks.

A leading Chinese investment bank foresees property prices in Hong Kong jumping 10% this year despite government efforts to dampen soaring prices.

Pro-Beijing Jasper Tsang Yok-sing will retain his post as President of Hong Kong’s Legislative Council.

That is a US$3b increase from August, says the Monetary Authority.

Some 40% of Hang Seng Index companies had no women directors in 2011.

Hong Kong braces for a housing boom in the next six years fueled by developers awash in cash from the prolonged low-interest regime.

Total deposits in Hong Kong’s banking system inched forward by just 1% in August, said the Monetary Authority.

The first free trade agreement between Hong Kong and the European Free Trade Association member states of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland came into force yesterday.

The government is to increase Hong Kong’s minimum wage by HK$2 to HK$30 per hour on Labour Day 2013.

Property firm New World Development Company Ltd reported a net profit for fiscal 2012 that was 11% higher than a year ago but below market forecasts.

Premium office rents fell further in the third quarter with the average rate tumbling 23% from its peak level in 2008.

Net inflation rose 3.7% in August year-on-year despite a respite from rent increases.

Singapore's rich has a combined US$439 billion in 2011 compared to Hong Kong’s with US$408 billion.

Hong Kong’s banks are in for more pain as the new and unduly strict rules to curb property speculation choke decelerating market growth even further.

Hong Kong stands to see no growth in its total exports for this year as businessmen remain pessimistic about the economy.