Zhi Tong Cai Jing·2025-11-03 07:00Core Insights - Morgan Stanley reports that Hong Kong's retail sales increased by 5.9% year-on-year to HKD 31.3 billion in September, surpassing the bank's forecast of 2% growth and the market consensus of 2.6% [1] - The cumulative retail sales decline for the first nine months of the year has narrowed to a year-on-year decrease of 1%, prompting Morgan Stanley to revise its full-year forecast to a 2% decline, up from the previous expectation of a 5% drop [1] - Despite a year-on-year increase of 11% in mainland visitors in October, the bank maintains a cautious outlook due to potential impacts from increased outbound tourism and rising unemployment rates [1] Retail Sector Analysis - Retail rental stocks such as Wharf Real Estate Investment Company (01997) and Hysan Development Company (00014) are expected to benefit, with dividend yields ranging from 1.7% to 2.7%, which are higher than the yield on 10-year U.S. Treasury bonds [1] - Morgan Stanley forecasts a 4% year-on-year increase in Hong Kong's retail sales for October, primarily driven by an increase in visitor numbers during the eight-day National Day Golden Week holiday, although this may be partially offset by more public holidays leading to increased outbound travel [1]