Australia’s December Trade Surplus Expands but Falls Short of Expectations 
Dollar Steadies Ahead of ECB and BoE Decisions as Markets Turn Risk-Off 
Japanese Pharmaceutical Stocks Slide as TrumpRx.gov Launch Sparks Market Concerns 
U.S.-India Trade Framework Signals Major Shift in Tariffs, Energy, and Supply Chains 
Asian Stocks Slip as Tech Rout Deepens, Japan Steadies Ahead of Election 
China Extends Gold Buying Streak as Reserves Surge Despite Volatile Prices 
Silver Prices Plunge in Asian Trade as Dollar Strength Triggers Fresh Precious Metals Sell-Off 
U.S. Stock Futures Slide as Tech Rout Deepens on Amazon Capex Shock 
Bank of Japan Signals Readiness for Near-Term Rate Hike as Inflation Nears Target 
Gold and Silver Prices Rebound After Volatile Week Triggered by Fed Nomination 
Asian Markets Slip as AI Spending Fears Shake Tech, Wall Street Futures Rebound 
U.S. Stock Futures Edge Higher as Tech Rout Deepens on AI Concerns and Earnings 
Global Markets Slide as AI, Crypto, and Precious Metals Face Heightened Volatility 
RBI Holds Repo Rate at 5.25% as India’s Growth Outlook Strengthens After U.S. Trade Deal 
Singapore Budget 2026 Set for Fiscal Prudence as Growth Remains Resilient 
South Korea Assures U.S. on Trade Deal Commitments Amid Tariff Concerns 
Trump Lifts 25% Tariff on Indian Goods in Strategic U.S.–India Trade and Energy Deal 
HSBC Beats Q3 Earnings Estimates, Announces $3 Billion Buyback
HSBC Holdings PLC reported a stronger-than-expected third-quarter profit, highlighting the continued growth in its wealth management division and the positive impact of recent cost-cutting and restructuring initiatives. The Asia-focused lender reported pre-tax earnings of $8.48 billion, surpassing Bloomberg's forecast of $7.6 billion for the quarter ending September 30.
Wealth Management and Buyback Strategy Boost Returns
The bank’s profit was largely driven by a 5% rise in Q3 revenue to $17 billion, supported by sustained momentum in wealth management, despite a decline in net interest income from $9.2 billion to $7.6 billion. To reward shareholders, HSBC declared a $3 billion share buyback, following a similar buyback in Q2, along with a third interim dividend of $0.10 per share.
Restructuring and Strategic Changes Under CEO Georges Elhedery
HSBC also announced a strategic split between its Eastern and Western operations, part of a broader restructuring plan initiated by CEO Georges Elhedery. This operational overhaul, expected to streamline regional services, will continue to unfold, with more details anticipated in HSBC’s annual report in 2025.
The bank remains on track with its guidance, targeting mid-teens returns on average tangible equity through 2025. HSBC also projects $43 billion in net interest income for 2024, with anticipated cost growth capped at 5%.
