Market Overview - The Tokyo stock market experienced a significant decline on August 14, with the Nikkei 225 index falling by 1.45% and the Tokyo Stock Exchange Price Index decreasing by 1.10% [1] - After two days of gains, profit-taking by investors dominated the market, leading to a slight opening decline [1] Index Performance - The Nikkei index closed down by 625.41 points at 42649.26 points, while the Tokyo Stock Exchange index ended down by 33.96 points at 3057.95 points [1] Sector Performance - Most of the 33 industry sectors on the Tokyo Stock Exchange saw declines, with machinery, wholesale, and transportation machinery sectors experiencing the largest drops [1] - Conversely, seven sectors, including banking, electric and gas utilities, and information and communication, recorded gains [1] Currency Impact - The Japanese yen appreciated against the US dollar, which contributed to selling pressure on export-related stocks, notably affecting companies like Toyota [1]

Core Viewpoint - The Tokyo stock market experienced significant gains on December 12, with both major indices reaching historical highs, driven primarily by foreign institutional investors and share buybacks from Japanese companies [1]. Market Performance - The Nikkei 225 index closed up by 2.15%, gaining 897.69 points to reach 42,718.17 points [1]. - The Tokyo Stock Exchange Price Index (TOPIX) rose by 1.39%, increasing 42.16 points to close at 3,066.37 points [1]. - Both indices opened higher and showed upward momentum during the morning session, although there was some profit-taking in the afternoon that slightly reduced the gains [1]. Sector Analysis - Most of the 33 industry sectors on the Tokyo Stock Exchange saw increases, with mining, banking, and information and communication sectors leading the gains [1]. - Conversely, seven sectors, including other products, petroleum and coal products, and pulp and paper, experienced declines [1].

Core Insights - The overall business confidence among Hong Kong SMEs remains cautious despite a slight increase in the Composite Business Index to 43.8, reflecting the uncertain global economic outlook [1] - Three out of five sub-indices showed growth, specifically in "Business Conditions," "Profit Performance," and "Investment Intentions," while "Global Economy" and "Recruitment Intentions" declined [1] - The "Global Economy" sub-index fell to 24.9, nearing levels seen in Q2 2022, indicating increased challenges for Hong Kong SMEs due to global trade uncertainties [1] Investment Trends - Over 94% of surveyed Hong Kong SMEs plan to maintain or increase investments, with a focus on online marketing, e-commerce training, IT systems, R&D projects, and overall employee training [2] - The "Financial and Insurance" sector experienced the highest increase in the business index, while "Information and Communication," "Real Estate," and "Accommodation and Food Services" saw significant declines [2] Cost Expectations - The anticipated rise in material costs has slowed, with 54% of SMEs expecting increases, down three percentage points from the previous quarter [2] - The percentage of SMEs planning to raise employee salaries decreased by seven percentage points to 20%, and only 17% intend to increase product or service prices, down three percentage points [2] Future Business Strategies - Approximately 78% of SMEs have plans to adapt to current risks, primarily by increasing local customer bases and enhancing operational processes with AI/digital applications [4] - Nearly 29% of SMEs are considering expanding into other markets within the next three years, with a notable interest in mainland China and ASEAN regions [4][5] Support Initiatives - The Hong Kong Productivity Council has established "The Cradle Outbound Service Center" to provide comprehensive support for SMEs looking to expand overseas, addressing challenges in product, technology, and management exports [5]