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Hong Kong Stock Market Prepares for China Data and Policy Impacts

Hong Kong Stock Market Prepares for China Data and Policy Impacts

The Hong Kong stock market is bracing for a week of significant developments as it navigates between policy optimism and macroeconomic realities. The Hang Seng Index (HSI) recently rebounded, closing near the 26,000 level, following positive policy signals from China's annual economic conference. However, the index ended the week slightly lower, highlighting the market's volatility. Key factors influencing the market include China's commitment to expanding domestic demand and pursuing proactive fiscal and monetary policies in 2026. Additionally, the U.S. Federal Reserve's recent rate cut and Hong Kong's corresponding base rate adjustment are impacting local financial conditions.

Jimmy Lai, former pro-democracy newspaper founder, to hear verdict in national security case

Jimmy Lai, former pro-democracy newspaper founder, to hear verdict in national security case

A Hong Kong court will deliver its verdict in the national security case of former pro-democracy newspaper founder Jimmy Lai on Monday

U.S. and Japan Conduct Joint Military Exercises Amid Rising Tensions with China

U.S. and Japan Conduct Joint Military Exercises Amid Rising Tensions with China

The United States and Japan have conducted joint military exercises involving U.S. B-52H Stratofortress bombers and Japanese F-15J and F-35A fighter jets over the Sea of Japan. These exercises are a response to increased military activity by China, including the deployment of the Liaoning carrier strike group and joint bomber patrols with Russia. The drills are intended to demonstrate the strength of the U.S.-Japan alliance and enhance their deterrence and response capabilities. The exercises come amid heightened tensions following comments by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi regarding potential Japanese involvement in a Chinese invasion of Taiwan.

World shares track US stock market's rise to record highs despite AI bubble worries

World shares track US stock market's rise to record highs despite AI bubble worries

World shares are higher, tracking Wall Street's rise to records despite a sell-off for Oracle as worries persist about a potential bubble in artificial-intelligence technology

Asian shares are mixed after Fed cuts rates, pushing Wall Street near its record

Asian shares are mixed after Fed cuts rates, pushing Wall Street near its record

Asian shares are mixed after the U.S. stock market again approached its record high following the Federal Reserve’s cut in its main interest rate

U.S. and Japan Conduct Joint Military Drills Amid Rising Tensions with China

U.S. and Japan Conduct Joint Military Drills Amid Rising Tensions with China

U.S. strategic bombers and Japanese fighter jets conducted a joint military exercise over the Sea of Japan, showcasing their military cooperation as tensions with China escalate. This exercise followed a day after Chinese and Russian bombers flew near Japan, prompting Tokyo to scramble its fighter jets. The joint drills involved two U.S. B-52 bombers and Japanese F-35 and F-15 jets, demonstrating a strong resolve to prevent unilateral changes to the status quo by force. The exercise was not a direct response to a specific incident but occurred in the context of recent Chinese military activities, including radar-locking on Japanese jets, which have strained Japan-China relations.

China to Issue Ultra-Long Special Treasury Bonds in 2026 to Support Economic Growth

China to Issue Ultra-Long Special Treasury Bonds in 2026 to Support Economic Growth

China's finance ministry announced plans to implement a more proactive fiscal policy in 2026, which includes the issuance of ultra-long special treasury bonds. This initiative aims to bolster economic growth by utilizing government bond funds to support major national strategy projects, large-scale equipment upgrades, and consumer goods trade-in programs. Additionally, the government plans to use interest subsidies on loans to households and businesses to stimulate consumption. These measures were discussed during the Central Economic Work Conference, where officials also emphasized the importance of addressing local government debt risks and preventing the illegal addition of hidden debts.

U.S. Faces Strategic Decisions on China Amid Rising Tensions

U.S. Faces Strategic Decisions on China Amid Rising Tensions

The United States is at a critical juncture in its relationship with China, as tensions escalate in the Indo-Pacific region. Recent incidents, such as a Chinese military aircraft targeting Japanese fighter jets, highlight the growing geopolitical challenges. The Trump administration's decision to allow NVIDIA to sell advanced AI chips to China has sparked concerns about bolstering China's military capabilities. This move comes amid allegations of Chinese nationals smuggling biological pathogens into the U.S. for research, raising fears of biosecurity threats. The U.S. is urged to adopt a comprehensive strategy to contain China's influence, focusing on strengthening alliances with countries like Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan.

ANZ Predicts Copper Prices to Surpass $11,000 per Metric Ton in 2026 Amid Supply Constraints

ANZ Predicts Copper Prices to Surpass $11,000 per Metric Ton in 2026 Amid Supply Constraints

ANZ Predicts Copper Prices to Surpass $11,000 per Metric Ton in 2026 Amid Supply Constraints

Asian shares track US stock market's rise to record highs despite AI bubble worries

Asian shares track US stock market's rise to record highs despite AI bubble worries

Asian shares are higher, tracking Wall Street's rise to records despite a sell-off for Oracle as worries persist about a potential bubble in artificial-intelligence technology

Chinese Banks' November Loan Growth Falls Short of Expectations

Chinese Banks' November Loan Growth Falls Short of Expectations

Chinese banks issued 390 billion yuan ($55 billion) in new loans in November, marking an increase from the 220 billion yuan in October. However, this figure fell short of the 500 billion yuan anticipated by analysts, as reported by Reuters. The November loan issuance was also lower than the 580 billion yuan recorded in the same month the previous year. The People's Bank of China does not provide monthly breakdowns, so Reuters calculated the November figure based on cumulative data from January to November, compared to January to October. This shortfall in loan growth comes amid broader economic challenges faced by China, including efforts to stimulate economic activity and manage financial stability.

China holds low-key Nanjing Massacre memorial despite Japan tensions

China holds low-key Nanjing Massacre memorial despite Japan tensions

NANJING, China, Dec 13 (Reuters) - China held a low-key memorial ceremony on Saturday for the 1937 Nanjing Massacre, with President Xi Jinping not attending, despite a diplomatic crisis between Beijing and Tokyo over Taiwan.