Hong Kong

Hong Kong Moves to Number 1 Spot in Index

November 13, 2012
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Hong Kong is, today, one of the top financial markets in the world. In 2011, they took the number one spot on the World Economic Forum’s 2011 index of financial market development. And they were the first Asian financial center ever to do so. The report looks at 60 of the world’s leading financial systems with over 100 variables evaluated. Hong Kong jumped from its previous fourth place status with concerns swirling about the financial stability in the United...

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Asia Investment Banks (IBs): Overcrowding?

May 15, 2011
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It seems like Asia may be encountering a few too many IBs around at the moment, (15 altogether – nine bank-backed and six non-bank backed). But which ones are doing really well? Apparently the CIMB group has a lot to say for itself, having been described as “ambitious” in its attempts at becoming a “leading universal bank in South- East Asia, providing a full array of banking services ranging from savings accounts to large corporate transactions for fund-raising.” Going...

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It’s Always Sunny in Singapore?

May 12, 2011
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Stable Singapore Stakes Is it true that things (financially-speaking) are that good in Singapore these days? Is that what is making the area so attractive for hedge funds, financiers and investors? Indeed the answer should be a resounding yes. The country is for sure facilitating things for these financiers as “setting up shop” is now deemed as much easier in Singapore than in any other Asian city. If you just take a look at Hong Kong you will see...

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Foxy Financial Females?

April 28, 2011
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Are Asian Women Financially Savvy Today? Years ago the answer for sure would have been a resounding “no.” But today things are somewhat different. It seems that women in Asia (especially those married, 30+, in the workforce) know their won from their yen and their level of competence is likely to increase further “especially among the younger generation.” For example, women from Thailand topped financial planning (87) and investment (69.3) scores for financial literacy but Vietnamese women also did...

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Pridiyathorn To Peak Asia’s Economy?

March 10, 2011
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Pridiyathorn To Peak Asia’s Economy?

Asia’s economy is a bit of a mess.  Actually it's a  big mess.  And it doesn’t look like this situation is about to improve any time soon either.  Inflation looks set to continue; capital flows are extremely volatile.  But the fact that China has been trying to liberalize its currency exchange rate could be good news for economies in the region, enabling them to move away from trade settlement within the current global economic climate.  It’s a shame Pridiyathorn...

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Air Transport, Solar and Wind Power News

February 24, 2011
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Air Transport, Solar and Wind Power News

 A Japanese airline (a conglomeration of All Nippon Airways and ANA) will begin low cost domestic flights in November and services to China next year.  According to the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) over 5 million passengers were transported during the Spring Festival through domestic carriers, organizing close to 40,000 flights to meet increased holiday travel demand.  Services will be expanded between Dalian in China’s Liaoning Province and Toyama, Japan to Beijing.  Turkish airlines has grown, as well...

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Substantial Drop in Asian Shares

February 22, 2011
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  Recent world events – New Zealand earthquake, Japan’s credit rating downgrade and continued Middle East and Libyan unrest – led to a significant drop in stock markets across Asia.  For example, South Korea’s Kospi, the Nikkei 225 stock and Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index all plummeted around 2 percent.  As well, Japan had trouble dealing with its huge debt following Moody’s Investors Service downgrading its outlook for the country’s credit rating, citing “increasing uncertainty” over Japan’s capacity to...

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Wall Street News

February 16, 2011
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Wall Street News

Stock markets and oil prices in Asia recently saw an increase, indicating the demand for the latter could be improving.  As well, makers of electronics increased between 0.9 and 2.8 percent in Tokyo.  IN Hong Kong the Hang Seng index rose 0.4 percent but South Korea’s Kospi index was “nearly flat.”  While Australia’s S&P/ASX200 slightly increased, BHP Billiton Ltd. Saw a hit of 1.8 percent which was a marked difference from the company’s claim of over 70 percent net...

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Smith Electric Vehicles Close to Hong Kong Deal

February 2, 2011
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Smith Electric Vehicles owned by Tanfield Group is believed to be in advanced discussions with the Hong Kong government to provide the municipality with electric minibuses. It is known that Hong Kong has been actively pursuing electric vehicles for the city’s fleet. Hong Kong suffers from intense air quality issues, so it is hoped that the mini-buses from Smith Electric Vehicles (if the deal goes through), will help to increase the air quality in the city. This latest deal...

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Manulife Issues RMB Savings-Iinsurance Plan

January 16, 2011
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Manulife Issues RMB Savings-Iinsurance Plan

In expectation of the increasing value of China’s currency, Manulife is launching several renminbi-based financial/insurance plans in Hong Kong. During the last five years, the RMB has increased twenty five percent against the dollar. Meanwhile, with China’s approval, Hong Kong has become the major offshore center for China’s currency. From January to November 2010, Renminbi deposits increased by 240% to Rmb2.2 trillion which is $32.9 billion. Manulife’s first plan is a single-premium savings insurance plan which matures in five...

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