Core Insights - The report highlights the performance of the Hong Kong stock market, with the Hang Seng Index at 26,086 points, reflecting a year-to-date increase of 30.0% despite a daily decline of 0.4% [3] - The report discusses the impact of macroeconomic factors, including the recent interest rate adjustments by the People's Bank of China and ongoing trade tensions between China and the U.S., which are expected to influence market conditions in the short to medium term [10][11] - The report provides a detailed analysis of the performance of individual stocks within the Hang Seng Index, noting significant gains for companies like SMIC and China Hongqiao, while highlighting losses for companies such as Hansoh Pharmaceutical [4][25] Market Overview - The Hang Seng Index has seen a trading volume of HKD 3,252.1 billion, with a price-to-earnings (PE) ratio of 11.9 and a price-to-book (PB) ratio of 1.22 [5] - The report notes that the H-share index and technology index also experienced declines, with the H-share index at 9,260 points, down 0.7% for the day and up 27.0% year-to-date [3][11] - The report indicates that the A-share market has shown positive performance, with the Shanghai Composite Index rising to 3,875 points, an increase of 1.7% [13] Company Performance - Galaxy Entertainment reported a year-on-year revenue increase of 8.3% to HKD 23.25 billion, with adjusted EBITDA rising 14.2% to HKD 6.87 billion, and a net profit increase of 19.4% to HKD 5.24 billion [25][26] - The report details the revenue breakdown for Galaxy Entertainment, noting a 10.7% increase in gaming operations revenue, while hotel and shopping center revenues grew by 2.5% [25] - The company's total assets are approximately HKD 94.8 billion, with total liabilities decreasing by 18.9% to HKD 14.7 billion, indicating a strong balance sheet [26] New Stock Dynamics - The report outlines upcoming IPOs, including Health 160 and Jinfang Pharmaceutical-B, with expected market interest due to their moderate fundraising sizes and potential for high demand [30][31] - The report provides insights into the pricing and expected market performance of these new listings, suggesting a favorable environment for new stock offerings [31]

US stocks closed at record highs on Thursday as the latest reading on inflation showed consumer prices ticked up in August and jobless claims rose to their highest level in nearly four years. Together, the data helped set expectations for the pace of interest rate cuts this year. The Dow Jones Industrial Average (^DJI) led stocks higher, rising 1.4%, or over 600 points, and closing above 46,000 for the first time. The S&P 500 (^GSPC) rose over 0.9%. The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite (^IXIC) gained around 0. ...

US stocks rose on Thursday as the latest reading on inflation showed consumer prices ticked up in August and jobless claims rose to their highest level in nearly four years, helping set expectations for the pace of interest rate cuts this year. The Dow Jones Industrial Average (^DJI) led stocks higher, rising over 1%, or around 500 points. The S&P 500 (^GSPC) rose over 0.6%, while the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite (^IXIC) gained around 0.5%, on the heels of a muted but record-setting session on Wednesday. ...

Inflation rose in August and remained well above the Federal Reserve's target rate as central bank policymakers weigh potential interest rate cuts at their meeting next week. The Bureau of Labor Statistics on Thursday said that the consumer price index (CPI) – a broad measure of how much everyday goods like gasoline, groceries and rent cost – rose 0.4% in August compared with last month, while it rose to 2.9% on a year-over-year basis. The monthly figure was hotter than the estimate of economists polled by ...

People shop at a supermarket on 18 July 2025 in Rockville, Maryland.Photograph: China News Service/Getty Images Inflation rose slightly in August as companies continued to push the cost of tariffs onto consumers. The newest update to the consumer price index (CPI), which measures a basket of goods and services, showed that prices increased 2.9% over the last year – the highest since January. Core CPI, which excludes energy and food costs, stayed stable at 3.1% after going up in July. Despite this slight u ...

Core Viewpoint - The central bank is reducing its benchmark interest rate to 40.5% from 43% due to a continued decline in inflation in the country [1] Group 1 - The benchmark rate will be lowered to 40.5% [1] - The previous benchmark rate was 43% [1] - The decision is influenced by the trend of decreasing inflation [1]

Economic Indicators - The US Producer Price Index (PPI) unexpectedly declined by 0.1% in August, marking the first drop in four months, with a year-on-year increase of 2.6%[11] - China's PPI fell by 2.9% year-on-year in August, while the Consumer Price Index (CPI) decreased by 0.4%[15] Market Performance - The Shanghai Composite Index rose by 0.13% to 3812.22 points, while the Shenzhen Component increased by 0.38%[1] - The Hang Seng Index closed up 1.01% at 26200.26 points, with the Hang Seng Technology Index gaining 1.27%[1] Trade Relations - Mexico plans to impose tariffs of up to 50% on Chinese automobiles, steel, and textiles, increasing from the current 20%[11] - The proposed tariffs aim to protect local jobs and industries, affecting approximately 1,400 products from countries without trade agreements with Mexico[11] Financial Market Developments - The total market turnover in Hong Kong reached 2882.086 billion HKD[1] - Tencent Holdings repurchased 86,600 shares for approximately 5.5 billion HKD, representing 0.586% of its total shares[12]

Core Viewpoint - The unexpected decline in the Producer Price Index (PPI) in the U.S. for the first time since April strengthens the rationale for the Federal Reserve to consider interest rate cuts [2][3] Group 1: PPI Data - The PPI fell by 0.1% month-over-month in August, marking the first decline in four months, while year-over-year it increased by 2.6% [2] - Excluding food and energy, the prices of goods rose by 0.3%, while service costs decreased by 0.2% [3][4] - The report indicates that despite higher costs from tariffs, companies refrained from significant price increases due to concerns about consumer behavior amid economic uncertainty [2][3] Group 2: Market Reaction - Following the PPI data release, U.S. stock index futures and Treasury prices rose, reflecting increased expectations for interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve [3][5] - The two-year Treasury yield fell, and the dollar weakened, with the market pricing in three rate cuts by the end of 2025 [5] Group 3: Economic Implications - The decline in wholesale inflation may influence the Federal Reserve's decision-making regarding interest rates, especially in light of a slowing labor market [3] - The upcoming Consumer Price Index (CPI) data is anticipated to provide further insights into the impact of tariffs on household inflation [3]

A sharper-than-expected drop in U.S. producer prices is bolstering expectations for rate cuts, but with Wednesday's Consumer Price Index on deck, investors will need to brace for a potentially stickier inflation picture. Economists forecast that the August Consumer Price Index will show headline inflation climbing to 2.9% year-over-year, up from 2.7% in July. If confirmed, that would be the highest annual pace since January 2025. The core inflation rate, which strips out volatile food and energy prices, ...

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the potential candidacy of Federal Reserve Governor Christopher Waller for the position of Fed Chair, highlighting his recent warnings about the labor market and his evolving relationship with the Trump administration [2][3][4]. Group 1: Waller's Economic Insights - Waller warned in July that private sector hiring was "approaching stall speed," indicating a potential downturn in the labor market, despite a stable unemployment rate of 4.1% at that time [2]. - His predictions were validated by subsequent weak employment reports in July and August, reinforcing his credibility as an economist [2]. - Waller's ability to articulate a coherent framework for interest rate cuts has enhanced his reputation on Wall Street, distinguishing him from other candidates who may lack such qualities [4]. Group 2: Political Dynamics - Waller's chances for the Fed Chair position appear limited due to his lack of visibility within Trump's inner circle and the political advisors associated with the "Make America Great Again" (MAGA) movement [3]. - Treasury Secretary Mnuchin has begun interviewing candidates for the Fed Chair position, with Waller being one of the three strong contenders mentioned by Trump, alongside Kevin Hassett and Kevin Warsh [2][3]. - The political climate surrounding the Federal Reserve has become contentious, with Trump expressing dissatisfaction with the institution's traditional independence and targeting Fed officials he disagrees with [3]. Group 3: Waller's Background and Qualifications - Waller's unique background, having spent much of his career in academia before joining the St. Louis Fed, allows him to communicate effectively with diverse audiences [5]. - His experience includes navigating complex economic discussions, which he believes is essential for formulating monetary policy [5][6]. - Waller's previous challenges to economic orthodoxy, particularly regarding interest rate hikes, have drawn both criticism and validation from the economic community [6]. Group 4: Current Economic Context - As of July, most Fed officials were cautious due to inflation remaining above the 2% target for four consecutive years, influenced by tariffs imposed by Trump [6]. - Waller argues that the Fed should focus on preventing labor market deterioration and consider interest rate cuts despite temporary price effects from tariffs [6][7]. - His recent vocal opposition to prevailing economic policies may be seen as a strategic move to position himself favorably for the Fed Chair role [7].