GMT EIGHT - Economy&politics - Hong Kong

Hong Kong Census and Statistics Department: The average wage rate in Hong Kong in December 2025 increased by 3.4% year-on-year.

According to the figures released by the Hong Kong government's statistics department, calculated by the nominal wage index, the average wage rate in Hong Kong in December 2025 increased by 3.4% compared to the same period last year.

Hong Kong Innovation and Technology Bureau: Hong Kong will work with Beijing and Macao to build an AI innovation ecosystem and promote joint efforts in cutting-edge areas such as embodied intelligence and edge AI.

Hong Kong will leverage its advantages in international standard connectivity, international data exchange, global financing, industry-academia-research collaboration, and result commercialization to work with Beijing and Macau to create an innovative ecosystem for artificial intelligence. This will drive collaborative efforts in cutting-edge fields such as ubiquitous intelligence, industrial intelligence, and edge AI, supporting the global debut of excellent technology and products in Hong Kong. Leveraging platforms such as InnoHK and the Hong Kong Artificial Intelligence R&D Institute, the aim is to expand into international markets.

Hong Kong Transport Department: Proposed to expand the "Air Cargo Transshipment Exemption Scheme" to other multimodal transportations.

Hong Kong Transport and Logistics Bureau Director Amy Chan attended the Legislative Council Economic Development Committee meeting and gave an opening speech on facilitating the transfer of goods.

Likagok: Hong Kong property prices are expected to rise by nearly 15% in 2026, with rents expected to increase by around 7%.

According to this calculation, if the similar increase can be maintained in the remaining three quarters of this year, it is expected that housing prices will rise by nearly 15% for the whole year.

Knight Frank: Hong Kong's first-hand residential transaction volume in March did not show a significant slowdown, and the property market is expected to continue to rise steadily.

In March, the number of property transactions in Hong Kong remained as high as 1,600, with no significant signs of slowing down. The real estate market is expected to continue to steadily rise.

Hongtou Company's Chen Jiaqi: Internal rate of return has reached double digits, with every 1 RMB investment driving over 8 RMB of capital co-investment.

She said that currently, more than 50% of the funds of the Hong Kong Investment Company are invested in mainland projects, 30% in Hong Kong projects, and 20% in overseas projects.

Chen Maobo: Hong Kong has many advantages in encouraging the layout and application of AI intelligent bodies in industries.

Hong Kong has an international market environment, robust financial infrastructure, a sound legal system, and the advantage of gathering data domestically and internationally. These conditions can be leveraged to propel applications in areas including finance, trade, healthcare, and smart cities, creating a demonstration effect.

79 days broke through one trillion, with over 200 companies submitting applications; Hong Kong's IPO market will remain red-hot in 2026.

Since 2026, the Hong Kong IPO market has maintained a strong momentum. As of March 20, in just 79 days of the year, the total IPO fundraising amount has exceeded 100 billion Hong Kong dollars, breaking the record for the fastest reaching of a billion Hong Kong dollars since the listing reform in 2018 and possibly the fastest in Hong Kong history.

Hang Seng Index Company: Hang Seng Consumer Index Outperforms the Overall Market since the Beginning of the Year, Consumption Continues to Be a Policy Focus.

With the support of favorable policies, Hong Kong-listed consumer stocks represented by the Hang Seng Consumer Goods Index ("HSCGSI") have outperformed the overall market at the beginning of the year.

Hong Kong Dollar lending rates are rising across the board, with one-month interbank lending rates at 2.45%.

On March 27th, Hong Kong dollar interest rates rose across the board, with the one-month interbank rate related to building rising for the third consecutive day to 2.44786%, an increase of 3.47 basis points.

Hong Kong Rating and Valuation Department: Private residential property price index rose by 1.6% month-on-month in February, increasing for the ninth consecutive month.

In February 2026, the price index for private homes was reported at 307.6 points, with a monthly increase of 1.6%. Property prices have been rising for 9 consecutive months.

CBRE: Middle East turmoil may lead to capital inflow into Hong Kong, expected to drive property prices up by 3%-5% this year.

Compared to other investment categories, residential properties in Hong Kong are relatively stable and are currently in a stage of recovery or growth. It is believed that Hong Kong residential properties have some attractiveness and will attract more investors to enter the market.

Hong Kong Monetary Authority: Global Financial Center index once again confirms Hong Kong's stability and interconnected advantage.

Mr. Hong Pi Zheng, Chairman of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, stated that the index once again confirmed Hong Kong's stability, vitality, and advantages in connectivity as a leading international financial center.

Hong Kong's ranking in the Global Financial Centers Index has further increased and its ranking in global financial technology continues to be in the lead.

The 39th edition of the Global Financial Centres Index report shows that Hong Kong's overall score has further increased by 1 point to 765, maintaining its position as the third globally and the first in the Asia-Pacific region.

The Hong Kong Housing Authority has approved two "simplified public housing" project operation and management service contracts.

On March 26, the Hong Kong Housing Authority awarded the operation and management service contracts for the ninth and tenth "Simplicity Public Housing" projects to the joint venture of Ample Living Consultancy Services Limited, Caritas-Hong Kong and New Life Psychosocial Support Services Limited, with winning bids of approximately HK$173.6 million and HK$179.1 million respectively.

Edward Yau: Hong Kong is committed to deepening international exchanges and cooperation, expanding areas of diversified external cooperation, and exploring new paths for development together.

On March 26, the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Carrie Lam, attended the plenary session of the 2026 annual meeting of the Boao Forum for Asia in Hainan.

In February, the total value of exports and imports in Hong Kong increased by 24.7% and 29.9% respectively compared to the same period last year.

On March 26, the Census and Statistics Department of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government released foreign trade statistics, which showed that in February 2026, both the overall exports and imports of Hong Kong recorded year-on-year increases, rising by 24.7% and 29.9% respectively.

Hong Kong Housing Authority: The income and asset limits for public housing in the 2026/27 financial year will be raised by 2.8% and 1.4% respectively.

After review, the income limit for public housing in the 2026/27 fiscal year has been raised by an overall average of 2.8%, while the asset limit has been raised by an overall average of 1.4%, applicable to applicants of different family sizes.

Hong Kong Property Market: Over 700 second-hand residential properties valued over 10 million Hong Kong dollars were registered in March, creating a new high in the past three years.

According to the data from the Land Registry, as of the 24th of this month, more than 100 million Hong Kong dollars of second-hand residential properties have been registered, totaling 594 cases, an increase of about 17.4% compared to the same period last month. If the current registration progress is calculated, it is expected that there will be a chance to exceed 700 cases for the whole month of March, which would be a new high in 36 months (3 years).

Qiu Yinghua: Hong Kong has a superior business environment. Companies can leverage it as a trading and distribution center for high-end spirits.

Hong Kong will continue to play the role of super connector and super value-added person, bringing international funds in while assisting mainland liquor companies in developing overseas markets.

The Securities and Futures Commission of Hong Kong has obtained a court order to freeze assets worth up to HK$219 million belonging to individuals suspected of manipulating KNT HOLDINGS (01025).

According to the court's order, the four suspects who were alleged to have manipulated the shares of Jia Yi Holdings between February 28, 2019, and May 15, 2019, are prohibited from disposing or dealing with assets in certain real estate, securities, bank, and insurance accounts they own, in order to reduce or transfer the value of those assets out of Hong Kong, up to a limit of approximately 219 million Hong Kong dollars.

Benefiting from capital flight and investment demand, prices of luxury homes and properties in prime locations in Hong Kong are expected to reach new highs.

The industry expects that in the short term, residential demand will remain strong, driven by favorable policies and influx of talent, and the rental market atmosphere will also remain strong. Luxury homes and properties in traditional core areas will benefit from capital preservation, investment demand, and scarcity, with prices expected to remain stable or even reach new highs.

Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission CEO Leung Fung Yi has been reappointed as the chairman of the Asia Pacific Committee of the International Organization of Securities Commissions.

The Securities and Futures Commission of Hong Kong welcomes the reappointment of its Chief Executive Officer, Ms. Ashley Alder, as the Chair of the Asia-Pacific Regional Committee of the International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO). Ms. Alder's second two-year term will commence on the date of the annual IOSCO conference in May 2026.

Cheung Wan Mortgage: In February, there were a total of 541 cases of mortgage transfers in Hong Kong, a decrease of 1.1% compared to the previous month. HSBC reclaimed the top spot in market share.

In February 2026, Hong Kong banks recorded a total of 541 mortgage registrations, a slight decrease of 1.1% compared to the previous month. However, this is a slight increase from the low point at the end of last year, and the market is still mainly in a low level hovering state.

Li Jiachao: Establishment of a special class for mainland enterprises to go global, serving mainland enterprises in "going global" and bringing international capital "in".

On March 25, Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam continued her visit to Hainan, meeting with leaders of Hainan Province and Haikou City for discussions and exchanges.

Hui Cheung-yu's written response to the Legislative Council: The operation of the MPF Easy platform is stable and will strengthen support and accountability.

Xu Zhengyu added that if a member of the scheme incurs direct financial losses due to errors made by the Provident Fund Easy Company (such as delayed transfer of accumulated provident fund rights), they can seek compensation from the Provident Fund Easy Company.

Sun Dong: Anchoring the national "AI+" strategy, exploring the "AI+ manufacturing" industry ecosystem with multiple approaches.

The country has proposed to comprehensively implement the "Artificial Intelligence +" action, promoting extensive and deep integration of artificial intelligence with various industries and fields in the economy and society. The Innovation and Technology Bureau of Hong Kong is actively collaborating with the national "Artificial Intelligence +" action, driving the "industrialization of AI and AI industrialization" by application scenarios.

Xie Zhanhuan: Hong Kong's energy supply is stable, closely monitoring price trends and geopolitical changes.

The Director of Environmental Protection in Hong Kong, Xie Zhanhuan, responded to questions from lawmakers in the Legislative Council by stating that the current energy supply in Hong Kong is stable. The Hong Kong government will remain vigilant and closely monitor geopolitical changes, international energy price trends, and the local fuel supply situation to ensure a stable energy supply. He mentioned that about 80% of petroleum products in Hong Kong come from mainland China, and the department will maintain communication with relevant mainland units to support the stable supply of major raw materials to Hong Kong.

Sun Yuhuan: The overall impact on the costs of Hong Kong enterprises after the annual review of the statutory minimum wage is relatively minor.

On March 25, the Hong Kong Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Sun Yuhuan, responded to questions from members of the Legislative Council regarding the impact of statutory minimum wage on Hong Kong businesses.

Hong Kong Electrical and Mechanical Services Department: Adjust the maximum price of vehicle liquefied petroleum gas at each designated gas station in April to not exceed 4.36 Hong Kong dollars per liter.

After adjustment, the maximum price for vehicle liquefied petroleum gas at special gas stations is between 3.42 and 4.36 Hong Kong dollars per liter, with an increase of zero to 0.01 Hong Kong dollars per liter.

Xu Zhengyu: The People's Bank of China and the Hong Kong Monetary Authority are exploring arrangements and feasibility for upgrading digital currency wallets.

The Central Bank and the Hong Kong Monetary Authority are discussing the arrangements and feasibility of upgrading digital currency wallets to increase their usage limits, expand their application scenarios, and enhance user experience. As the policy and technical details involved still need further discussion, specific plans and timelines are yet to be confirmed.

Hong Kong Dollar interest rates have all increased across the board. The one-month interest rate has ended its five consecutive declines and is now at 2.13%.

On March 25th, the Hong Kong Interbank Offered Rate (HIBOR) rose across the board, with the one-month rate related to mortgages ending a five-day decline to report 2.12548%, an increase of 17.548 basis points.

Xu Zhengyu: Under geopolitical risks, Hong Kong must defend the national security line and play its role as a safe haven for funds.

He emphasized that Hong Kong must defend the national security line and solidify its unique role as a safe haven for capital.

Yuzexiangjiang Forum successfully held, Chan Mo-po: International capital and investors are confident in the future of Hong Kong.

International capital and investors are full of confidence in the prospects of Hong Kong. The stock market in Hong Kong performed strongly last year, and the asset and wealth management industry continued to thrive.

The Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission has banned former fund manager L Botang from re-entering the industry for life and fined him 17.43 million Hong Kong dollars.

On March 24, the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission announced a lifetime ban on former licensed representative of Rainfield Capital Limited, L Botang, from re-entering the industry, and imposed a fine of HK$17.43 million on him, equivalent to the profits he gained from misconduct.

Ministry of Finance: About 30% of the purchasing power in the first two months comes from buyers from the mainland, involving more than 1.7 billion Hong Kong dollars.

Compared with the same period last year, the number of mainland Chinese buyers buying large properties has increased by about 3.8 times, the number of units purchased has increased by about 4.8 times, and the amount invested has also increased by 3.2 times.

Hong Kong Productivity Council: Extend the reduction measures for small and medium enterprises, providing 50% reduction in fees.

The Department of Productivity announced that it will extend the small and medium enterprises' preferential measures to support businesses applying for new industrialization plans (subject to relevant terms and regulations). The effective period will be from April 1, 2026 to March 31, 2027.

Edward Yau: Hong Kong will continue to complement and promote free trade with Hainan Free Trade Port.

He has confidence that Hong Kong, as an international trade center, will continue to complement and benefit each other with Hainan free trade port, and work together to contribute to the promotion of free trade.

Hong Kong Treasury Department: Plans to expand tax incentives for family offices and funds.

Xu Zhengyu stated that the Hong Kong government plans to expand the scope of tax incentives for family offices and funds to cover more asset classes.

The trend of Hong Kong dollar interbank interest rates is mixed, with the one-month interbank interest rate falling for five consecutive days to report 1.95%.

On March 24th, the interest rates on Hong Kong dollar loans were mixed, with a one-month interest rate related to property falling for five consecutive days to report at 1.95%, a decrease of 0.107 basis points.

Zhongyuan Mortgage: The influx of risk aversion funds has increased the liquidity of the Hong Kong dollar, and the 1-month interbank interest rate has hit a seven-month low.

Today (March 23), the one-month Hong Kong Interbank Offered Rate (HIBOR) related to the property market further decreased to 1.95%, reaching a new low since 2026, and also the lowest level in over seven months since August 15, 2025 (1.45%).

Hong Kong Census and Statistics Department: The median monthly wage of employees in Hong Kong in May and June 2025 is HK$21,200.

In May and June of 2025, the median monthly salary for employees in Hong Kong was $21,200, which is 3.5% higher than the median from May to June 2024 ($20,500).

Midland Realty: "Midland Property Price Index" rises by 0.7% weekly, expects the upward trend in Hong Kong property prices to continue.

The latest "Melin Building Price Index" report is 140.72 points, up 0.7% weekly. The "Melin Confidence Index" remains significantly higher than the average, building prices still have upward momentum, and the upward trend is expected to continue.

JLL Report: 93% of investors believe that properties with technological features can generate higher returns.

The data indicates that up to 93% of investors believe that properties with technological features can generate more abundant returns.

Worldwide CBRE: The demand for upgrading and renovating logistics facilities is accelerating.

Hong Kong is rapidly transforming into a sustainable international smart logistics hub, driven mainly by the flourishing development of cross-border e-commerce, the increasing volume of high-value goods handling, and the market demand for advanced value-added logistics services. To maintain competitiveness, logistics operators are actively prioritizing high-spec logistics properties that feature automation technology, higher ceiling heights, energy-efficient systems, and comprehensive supporting facilities.

Hong Kong Post: Major postage adjustments will be made starting from April 13th.

Hongkong Post announced that it will adjust the main postage rates starting from April 13. Overall, the postage increase for over ninety percent of local mail and regular mail in Hong Kong is within two cents; the postage increase for about ninety percent of airmail is within five cents.

Hong Kong dollar lending rates are generally decreasing, with the one-month lending rate at 1.95%.

On March 23, Hong Kong dollar interest rates generally declined, with the one-month interbank offered rate related to property mortgages falling by 7.268 basis points to 1.95107%, marking the fourth consecutive day of decline.

Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEX): International companies flock to Hong Kong for listing, further solidifying Hong Kong's position as a global financial center.

Data from Dealogic shows that international companies coming to Hong Kong for main listings have raised over $5 billion in total by 2025, the highest since 2020. As of March 2026, the number of international companies listed in Hong Kong has exceeded 150.

The Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission has filed charges in a securities fraud case involving illegal short selling. A hearing will be held on April 9th.

On March 20, the Eastern District Court approved the application from the Department of Justice to transfer a securities fraud case previously prosecuted by the Securities and Futures Commission to the District Court for criminal legal proceedings.

Hong Kong: In February 2026, the CPI increased by 1.7% year-on-year.

In February 2026, the overall consumer price index increased by 1.7% compared to the same month a year ago, which is higher than the corresponding increase in January 2026 (1.1%).

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