HKEX(HK:00388) Hu Xiu·2025-08-19 12:12Group 1 - The core point of the article highlights the stark contrast between the thriving financial sector in Hong Kong and the struggling local service industries, particularly the restaurant sector, which is experiencing a significant number of closures [11][12][16]. - In the first half of this year, nearly 300 shops in Hong Kong closed, with 70% being restaurants, indicating a severe downturn in the local dining scene [3][5]. - The vacancy rate in key commercial areas such as Central, Tsim Sha Tsui, Mong Kok, and Causeway Bay reached 12.1% in the first quarter, the highest in nearly four and a half years, surpassing even the rates during the pandemic [4][11]. Group 2 - Despite the struggles in the local service sector, the Hong Kong stock market has seen a surge in IPO activity, with 52 companies listed by July 25, raising a total of HKD 127.36 billion (approximately USD 16.27 billion), marking a new high since 2021 [7][10]. - The article notes that the retail sales in Hong Kong have been declining year-on-year for 14 consecutive months until stabilizing in May this year, contrasting with the rising Hang Seng Index, which reached a three-year high on August 14 [11][12]. - The article discusses the "High-end Talent Pass Scheme," which aims to attract talent to Hong Kong, but notes that only half of the applicants choose to renew their visas after two years, indicating challenges in retaining talent due to local living conditions [25][28].