Economic Performance - Hong Kong's economy grew at a rate of 3.8% in the third quarter, with exports showing resilience [1] - The number of visitors to Hong Kong has increased significantly, indicating a recovery in the tourism market [4] Capital Market - Hong Kong's IPO financing reached over $500 billion, marking a four-year high [4] - The influx of international capital reflects confidence in Hong Kong's status as a global financial center [6] International Relations - The U.S. is considering providing Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine, which may not affect its own weapon stockpile [6] - Russia has expressed discontent, stating that supplying weapons will not resolve the conflict and may escalate tensions [8] U.S. Government Shutdown - The U.S. government has been shut down since last month, marking the second-longest shutdown in history [10] - Over one million U.S. soldiers are not receiving pay, leading to financial difficulties for many families [11] Precious Metals Market - Gold prices may rise if the government shutdown continues, as it typically increases demand for safe-haven assets [11] - Recent tax policies have significantly impacted the gold jewelry sector, potentially reducing profits by over 50% for some companies [25]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the imminent risk of a government shutdown in the United States due to unresolved budget disagreements between the Democratic and Republican parties, highlighting the potential consequences for federal employees and various government services [2][4]. Group 1: Government Shutdown Implications - If the temporary funding bill is not passed by midnight on September 30, approximately 800,000 federal employees will be forced into unpaid leave, and contractors will face delayed payments [7]. - Many public services, including museums, national parks, and immigration services, may close or reduce their hours, leading to longer processing times for passports, green cards, and visas [7]. - The economic impact of a shutdown could be significant, with estimates suggesting a weekly loss of about $7 billion to the U.S. economy, exacerbating market volatility and increasing borrowing costs if the shutdown extends [7]. Group 2: Political Dynamics - President Trump indicated that a government shutdown could lead to mass layoffs of federal employees and expressed a willingness to dismiss military leaders if dissatisfied [2]. - The meeting on September 29 between Trump and congressional leaders failed to bridge the gap between the two parties, particularly regarding healthcare policy, which remains a major point of contention [2][3]. - House Speaker Mike Johnson attributed the potential shutdown to the Democrats, claiming their focus on healthcare issues is irrelevant to the budget discussions [3]. Group 3: Historical Context - Since the 1970s, the U.S. federal government has experienced over 20 shutdowns due to budgetary disputes, with the longest shutdown occurring during Trump's first term, affecting over 800,000 federal employees and resulting in an estimated economic loss exceeding $10 billion [5].