本公司正考虑科技农业业务的机遇，当中可包含现代化农场营运及相关农产品生产、销售、加工及农业 电子商务。 本集团主要从事于香港提供机构融资顾问服务及投资顾问服务，包括证券及期货条例(香港法例第571 章)项下第1类(证券交易)、第4类(就证券提供意见)、第6类(就机构融资提供意见)及第9类(资产管理)受规 管活动。 上述新业务为本集团提供了一个战略性机遇，使本公司得以在机构融资顾问服务及资产管理服务方面寻 求新的商机，以探索多元化收入来源的可能性，或为本集团带来额外收益。 宝积资本(08168)发布公告，Dragon Star Limited(本公司的直接全资附属公司)与中房集团国际投资股份 有限公司(中房投资)共同持有中房国际资本管理有限公司(中房资本管理)。中房资本管理于本公告日由 中房投资持有68%股权及Dragon Star Limited持有32%股权。 双方有意透过中房资本管理发展金融咨询服务(给包括但不限于基金及房地产资产项目)，特别一带一路 的国家，其中包括但不限于：为项目引荐专业团队，提供合规咨询服务，寻求在联交所上市的机会;为 项目寻求或设立私募基金或特殊目的收购公司;及为项目引荐融资、战略 ...

上述新业务为本集团提供了一个战略性机遇，使本公司得以在机构融资顾问服务及资产管理服务方面寻 求新的商机，以探索多元化收入来源的可能性，或为本集团带来额外收益。 本公司正考虑科技农业业务的机遇，当中可包含现代化农场营运及相关农产品生产、销售、加工及农业 电子商务。 双方有意透过中房资本管理发展金融咨询服务(给包括但不限于基金及房地产资产项目)，特别一带一路 的国家，其中包括但不限于：为项目引荐专业团队，提供合规咨询服务，寻求在联交所上市的机会;为 项目寻求或设立私募基金或特殊目的收购公司;及为项目引荐融资、战略投资者及设计离岸债务工具。 本集团主要从事于香港提供机构融资顾问服务及投资顾问服务，包括证券及期货条例(香港法例第571 章)项下第1类(证券交易)、第4类(就证券提供意见)、第6类(就机构融资提供意见)及第9类(资产管理)受规 管活动。 智通财经APP讯，宝积资本(08168)发布公告，Dragon Star Limited(本公司的直接全资附属公司)与中房集 团国际投资股份有限公司(中房投资)共同持有中房国际资本管理有限公司(中房资本管理)。中房资本管 理于本公告日由中房投资持有68%股权及Drago ...

Core Viewpoint - The Japanese yen is experiencing accelerated depreciation, raising concerns from the government and the Bank of Japan, primarily due to fiscal deterioration rather than a strong US dollar [2][8]. Group 1: Current Situation of Yen Depreciation - The yen's exchange rate against the US dollar is nearing historical lows, with rates approaching 158 yen per dollar, indicating significant depreciation pressure as the year-end approaches [2]. - The current depreciation is contrasted with a similar situation a year ago, where the yen also depreciated but without intervention from the government or the Bank of Japan [4]. Group 2: Government and Central Bank Response - The Bank of Japan, under Governor Kazuo Ueda, has expressed strong vigilance regarding the yen's depreciation, emphasizing the stability of import prices compared to previous years [6][8]. - The government has indicated a willingness to intervene in the currency market if the yen continues to depreciate rapidly, reflecting a shift in their stance compared to the previous year [9]. Group 3: Economic Implications - The current depreciation is pushing up import prices, which in turn is affecting domestic consumer prices, a situation that the government aims to avoid to prevent economic stagnation [8]. - Unlike last year, where the depreciation was primarily driven by a strong dollar, the current situation is attributed to the government's aggressive fiscal policies, raising concerns about potential inflation [8][10].

Group 1 - The Federal Reserve's interest rate cut has cleared the path for private companies to enter the U.S. IPO market, with many companies expected to file for IPOs in the coming weeks [1][3] - Companies like Neptune Insurance Holdings Inc. and the parent company of the University of Phoenix have submitted applications to U.S. regulators and may begin roadshows soon [1][3] - The current market conditions, including the U.S. stock market nearing historical highs and low volatility, are favorable for IPOs, leading to expectations of more companies conducting roadshows [1][2] Group 2 - As of mid-September, 14 companies have raised $7 billion through U.S. IPOs, marking the highest level for this period since 2020 [2] - If the market remains strong, the number of notable transactions in October may exceed those in September [2] - The beginning of the Federal Reserve's easing cycle is expected to create opportunities for companies seeking to go public, with a need for timely applications to avoid delays until 2026 [3] Group 3 - The fall IPO window has opened, with the number of IPOs reaching or exceeding $250 million, the highest level since October 2021 [3] - Recent IPO performance has been mixed, with some companies like StubHub Holdings Inc. and Gemini Space Station Inc. seeing stock prices fall below their IPO prices, while others like Figure Technology Solutions Inc. and Black Rock Coffee Bar Inc. have seen significant gains [4] - The performance of newly listed companies is crucial for encouraging investor interest in future IPOs, with recent trends prompting a reassessment of market conditions [4]

Group 1 - Vittoria, a Hong Kong financial consulting and IPO sponsorship service provider, has reduced the proposed transaction size for its upcoming IPO [1] - The company now plans to issue 1.8 million shares at a price range of $4 to $5 per share, raising $8 million, down from a previous plan to issue 2.3 million shares [1] - The revised financing amount represents a 20% decrease from earlier expectations [1] Group 2 - Vittoria operates through its wholly-owned subsidiary Red Solar, providing listing sponsorship, securities-related services, and financial and compliance consulting [1] - The company is actively involved in the Hong Kong equity capital market, serving private and listed companies in Hong Kong, mainland China, and Southeast Asia [1] - Established in 2017, Vittoria reported revenue of $4 million for the 12 months ending June 30, 2025, and plans to list on NASDAQ under the ticker symbol VTA [1]

Core Points - President Trump has dismissed Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook, marking the first time a sitting president has fired a Fed governor in the institution's 111-year history [1] - Trump's action represents a significant escalation in pressure on the Federal Reserve, as he has previously criticized the Fed for not lowering interest rates quickly enough to meet his policy demands [1][2] - Cook's legal team asserts that Trump's claims of "just cause" for her dismissal lack legal basis, and she intends to continue her duties [1][2] Summary by Sections Dismissal Details - Trump stated in his letter to Cook that he has determined there are sufficient reasons to remove her due to alleged fraudulent behavior in financial matters, which has led him to lose confidence in her integrity [2] - Cook was appointed by former President Biden in 2022 and is the first Black woman to hold the position [2] Legal and Institutional Implications - The legality of Trump's dismissal is uncertain, as the law allows the president to remove Fed governors only for "just cause," which is not clearly defined [1][2] - Cook's legal representatives have indicated they will take necessary actions to prevent what they describe as an illegal attempt by Trump [2] Impact on Federal Reserve Independence - The independence of the Federal Reserve is at risk, as it is designed to operate free from political influence to effectively manage inflation and employment [3][4] - Historical studies suggest that countries with independent central banks tend to achieve better economic outcomes, including lower inflation [3] - Trump's actions could undermine the credibility of the U.S. economy, potentially leading to negative repercussions for U.S. assets, including increased borrowing costs [3] Market Reactions - Following the announcement of Cook's dismissal, the U.S. dollar index fell, stock futures declined, and gold prices surged as investors sought safe-haven assets amid uncertainty [4]

Group 1 - The bond market has reduced expectations for a 50 basis point rate cut in September following concerning Producer Price Index (PPI) data, but traders remain overly optimistic about the speed and scale of the Federal Reserve's easing plans [1] - Tim Duy, Chief Economist at SGH Macro Advisors, predicts a "chaotic insurance cut" in September, but Powell is unlikely to commit to further cuts, linking policy to subsequent data which introduces uncertainty for fixed income markets [1][2] - Current market pricing indicates three rate cuts this year, totaling 100 basis points over the next 12 months [1] Group 2 - Duy emphasizes that the September rate cut is not guaranteed and is contingent on upcoming data, which may frustrate market participants [2] - He notes that consumer resilience and strong retail sales data contrast with persistent inflation, which could hinder rate cuts; the median forecast for inflation in Q4 2025 is 3% [2][4] - The core Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) price index is expected to be 3.1% year-on-year in Q4, significantly above the Fed's 2% target [2] Group 3 - The median forecast for the unemployment rate in Q4 is 4.4%, lower than previous estimates, indicating a potential shift in labor market dynamics [4] - Duy suggests that the dual mandate of the Fed complicates the likelihood of rate cuts, leading to hesitance among some board members, predicting only two cuts this year [4] - Since June of last year, the outlook for the Fed's dual mandate has deteriorated [6] Group 4 - Powell is expected to defend the Fed's independence in an upcoming speech at the Jackson Hole Economic Policy Symposium, maintaining cautious language regarding monetary policy [6]

Core Viewpoint - The collaboration between Shanghai Waigaoqiao and InnoCare in the financial sector is expected to enhance InnoCare's development and global market position through successful listing on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange [1] Group 1: Company Collaboration - Shanghai Waigaoqiao's subsidiary, Shanghai Wailianfa Business Consulting Co., Ltd. (UDC), has assisted InnoCare in its listing on the main board of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange [1] - UDC provides comprehensive lifecycle consulting services, including international development and cross-border financing [1] Group 2: Impact on InnoCare - The successful listing on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange is anticipated to leverage international capital markets, thereby improving InnoCare's global market standing [1] - This development is expected to enhance InnoCare's overall strength and facilitate its future overseas expansion and international cooperation [1]

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights that Waigaoqiao Group's subsidiary, Shanghai Wailianfa Business Consulting Co., Ltd. (UDC), has successfully assisted InnoCare Pharma in its listing on the main board of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, providing comprehensive consulting services for international development and cross-border investment financing [1] Group 1 - Waigaoqiao Group's financial consulting team played a crucial role in supporting InnoCare Pharma's listing [1] - The consulting services offered included full lifecycle support for international development and cross-border investment financing [1]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported revenues of $605 million for the first quarter, an 18% increase year-over-year, and adjusted earnings per share of $2.14, up 75% compared to the same quarter last year [5][6][10] - Adjusted compensation expenses were $372 million, up from $316 million in the same period last year, maintaining an adjusted compensation expense ratio of 61.5% [13][14] - Adjusted non-compensation expenses increased to $94 million from $80 million year-over-year, with a non-compensation expense ratio of 15.6% [14][15] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Corporate Finance generated $399 million in revenue, a 21% increase year-over-year, with 125 transactions closed, up from 116 [6][11] - Financial Restructuring revenues were $128 million, a 9% increase, with 35 transactions closed compared to 33 in the same quarter last year [7][12] - Financial and Valuation Advisory produced $79 million in revenues, a 16% increase, with 957 fee events, up from 847 [8][12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The U.S. market continues to outperform EMEA in terms of revenue and activity levels, with expectations that this trend will persist [11][12][56] - The company noted that while the sponsor activity has been muted, there are signs of improvement expected post-Labor Day [54][55] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on maintaining a diversified business model across industries and geographies, which has shown resilience in the current macro environment [6][10] - The company is committed to hiring senior talent and expanding its workforce through both organic growth and strategic acquisitions [9][78] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed cautious optimism regarding the business environment, acknowledging ongoing volatility and uncertainty [61] - The outlook for fiscal year 2026 remains positive, with expectations for continued growth across all business lines [10][19] Other Important Information - The company hosted the inaugural Houlihan Lokey ONE conference, which was well-received, showcasing its global reach and client engagement [9] - The adjusted effective tax rate for the quarter was negative 0.8%, a significant decrease from 31.2% in the same quarter last year, due to changes in stock-based compensation accounting [18][19] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on Corporate Finance market improvement - Management noted that while there is improvement quarter by quarter, it is not necessarily consistent month by month, with clients adapting to market conditions [25][26] Question: Backlog trends and sector performance - Management refrained from commenting on backlog specifics but indicated solid performance across sectors, with EMEA lagging behind the U.S. [28][29] Question: Quality of assets and deal activity - Management acknowledged a strong environment but noted that the volume of deals is expected to pick up after Labor Day [33][34] Question: Non-compensation expense growth expectations - Management confirmed expectations for high single-digit growth in non-compensation expenses for the year, despite a higher first quarter [36][37] Question: Restructuring market outlook - Management indicated that both in-court and out-of-court restructuring activities remain strong, with a good pipeline expected to continue [41][42] Question: Growth of the secondaries business - Management expressed satisfaction with the growth of the secondaries business, which is integrated within the Capital Solutions group [44][45] Question: Sponsor market activity post-Labor Day - Management expects an increase in sponsor activity after Labor Day, consistent with broader market trends [54][55] Question: Hiring strategy and focus areas - Management emphasized a commitment to hiring across all sectors, without specific focus areas, driven by growth opportunities [78][80]