Core Viewpoint - Kowloon Warehouse Properties (01997) reported a significant decline in its stock price, dropping over 10% following the release of its mid-year results for 2025, indicating ongoing challenges in the retail sector and potential impacts on future earnings [1] Financial Performance - The company reported a revenue of HKD 6.407 billion for the first half of the year, a year-on-year decrease of 1.45% [1] - Shareholders faced a loss of HKD 2.406 billion, which represents a substantial year-on-year increase of 128.71% [1] - Excluding the impairment of investment properties, the unaudited net profit was HKD 3.119 billion, slightly down from HKD 3.123 billion in the same period last year [1] Management Outlook - The Chairman and Executive Director, Wu Tianhai, expressed cautious optimism regarding the retail market, noting that while there are positive signs in the second quarter, the sustainability of these improvements into the third quarter remains uncertain [1] - The management's conservative outlook is reflected in expectations of low single-digit declines in rental renewals for the second half of the year, which aligns with market expectations [1] Asset Enhancement Plans - The company is evaluating an asset enhancement plan for its Marco Polo Hotels, which is expected to require capital expenditure of approximately HKD 2 billion [1] - The full renovation is anticipated to commence by the end of 2026, with a projected temporary impact of 5% to 6% on rental income during the enhancement period [1]

Core Viewpoint - Singapore's retail sales showed a year-on-year increase of 1.4% and a month-on-month increase of 1.0% in May, marking one of the strongest monthly performances of the year, driven primarily by a rebound in automobile sales, although non-automotive retail remains weak [1][2]. Group 1: Retail Sales Performance - The increase in retail sales was largely attributed to a significant rebound in automobile sales, which rose by 10.4% year-on-year, supported by an increase in the Certificate of Entitlement (COE) quota [1]. - Excluding automobiles, retail sales remained flat year-on-year in May, marking the lowest level since February, with a growth of only 0.8% in April [1]. - Non-essential consumer sectors are still experiencing declines, with clothing and footwear sales down 5.3% year-on-year, and department store sales down 3.9% [1]. Group 2: Monthly and Yearly Trends - The month-on-month growth of 1.0% in May was almost entirely driven by automobile sales; without this segment, overall retail sales would have declined by 0.6% [2]. - Year-to-date retail sales growth for the first five months of 2025 is at 1.0%, lower than the growth rates of 1.4% in 2024 and 2.3% in 2023, indicating a sluggish retail environment [2]. Group 3: Employment and Economic Factors - The employment market is under pressure, with only 2,400 net new jobs added in Q1 2025, significantly lower than the 7,700 jobs added in Q4 2024, and the unemployment rate increased from 1.9% to 2.1% [2][3]. - Consumer confidence is further impacted by a decrease in companies planning to raise wages, dropping to 21.2% from 21.7% [3]. Group 4: Future Outlook - The retail sector is expected to face growth challenges in the second half of the year, despite potential short-term boosts from government-issued vouchers aimed at stimulating domestic demand [3]. - Global policy risks, particularly the potential for unilateral tariffs from the U.S. on Singapore, could further strain the retail environment and consumer confidence [3].