Asian Markets Mixed as Fed Rate Cut Bets Grow and Japan’s Nikkei Leads Gains 
European Oil & Gas Stocks Face 2026 With Cautious Outlook Amid Valuation Pressure 
Spain’s Industrial Output Records Steady Growth in October Amid Revised September Figures 
U.S. Futures Steady as Rate-Cut Bets Rise on Soft Labor Data 
Germany’s Economic Recovery Slows as Trade Tensions and Rising Costs Weigh on Growth 
RBI Cuts Repo Rate to 5.25% as Inflation Cools and Growth Outlook Strengthens 
Asian Markets Stabilize as Wall Street Rebounds and Rate Concerns Ease 
China’s Services Sector Posts Slowest Growth in Five Months as Demand Softens 
European Stocks Rise as Markets Await Key U.S. Inflation Data 
Japan’s Nikkei Drops as Markets Await Key U.S. Inflation Data 
Dollar Holds Steady as Markets Shift Focus to 2026 Rate Cut Expectations 
China Urged to Prioritize Economy Over Territorial Ambitions, Says Taiwan’s President Lai 
Oil Prices Hold Steady as Ukraine Tensions and Fed Cut Expectations Support Market 
Citi Sets Bullish 2026 Target for STOXX 600 as Fiscal Support and Monetary Easing Boost Outlook 
Asian Currencies Steady as Markets Await Fed Rate Decision; Indian Rupee Hits New Record Low 
Australia’s Economic Growth Slows in Q3 Despite Strong Investment Activity 
Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee delivered his fourth policy address, pledging to strengthen the city’s economy, improve public welfare, and solidify its role as a global financial hub. Lee reaffirmed Hong Kong’s 2025 economic growth forecast of 2%–3% and outlined initiatives to attract investment, enhance industries, and improve living standards.
A key highlight is the development of an international gold trading market, alongside expanded efforts in fintech, green finance, and sustainable investment. The Hong Kong Monetary Authority will encourage mainland Chinese banks to set up regional headquarters in the city and expand operations into Southeast Asia and the Middle East.
Lee also unveiled plans to diversify industries by expanding the aviation sector with recycling and trading of high-value parts and building a sustainable aviation fuel supply chain. In healthcare, Hong Kong aims to attract pharmaceutical firms to conduct clinical trials for rare disease treatments, cancer drugs, and advanced therapies.
Housing and social well-being remain central priorities. Lee emphasized improving housing access, raising incomes, and providing better care for the elderly, while ensuring stronger career prospects for youth.
The policy address further accelerates the Northern Metropolis project near Shenzhen, designed to house 2.5 million people and serve as a new innovation and business hub within the Greater Bay Area. This development will deepen integration with mainland China and enhance Hong Kong’s strategic position in regional growth.
Education is also a focus, with the government increasing the quota of non-funded places for international students from 40% to 50% to strengthen Hong Kong’s reputation as a global education hub.
Lee’s policy blueprint reflects a push to revitalize Hong Kong’s economy amid China’s slowdown and global trade tensions, positioning the city for long-term growth and competitiveness.
