HONG KONG

A batch of Australian F-35 fighter jet parts sent to the United States for repairs was rerouted from South Korea to Hong Kong, with Bloomberg reporting that China subsequently took possession of them. The US is investigating the incident.

The SFC said PwC Hong Kong failed to maintain its independence while auditing Evergrande. The two sides reached a settlement under which PwC set aside HK$1 billion to compensate eligible independent minority shareholders, but the liquidators have applied for a judicial review. The High Court heard the case in August.

HKEX issued a consultation paper on September 21 proposing to raise the threshold for transactions requiring shareholder approval from 25% to 50%, shorten the moratorium on spin-offs from three years to one, and strengthen disclosure requirements.

Hong Kong’s labour force increased by about 12,600 between June-August and May-July, while employment rose by only about 4,400. The number of unemployed grew by about 8,200 to 153,900, marking the largest increase for the same period in three years when compared with 2024 and 2025.

Hong Kong’s first local chikungunya case of the year involves a 55-year-old Tai Kok Tsui woman who was admitted to hospital after nine days of fever. She had spent time at home and in nearby parks during the period.

Minority shareholder Cheung Wing-chi has filed a High Court claim (HCA1611/2026) seeking about HK$3.559 million from Evergrande Property, alleging that its prospectus statement that it was “financially independent” was false. The only defendant named is the company itself; no directors are listed.

The US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration expects this El Niño to rank among the strongest on record, with analysts estimating that the CBOT corn price average could climb 20% to 30%. Federation of Hong Kong Industries chairman Lam Sai-ho had earlier warned that food prices in Hong Kong could rise significantly in the third and fourth quarters.

Chief Executive John Lee will deliver his Policy Address and Hong Kong's first five-year plan tomorrow, but the Tenant Purchase Scheme is unlikely to be relaunched immediately. The government may provide an update on the study, with any revival still dependent on its findings.

The number of tents at the public transport interchange at LOHAS Park station in Tseung Kwan O has fallen significantly since July, but some domestic helpers have moved to less conspicuous locations. A lawmaker has suggested providing indoor or outdoor rest areas, though no implementation timetable has been set.

A series of court cases in Hong Kong reveal a pattern of cross-border money laundering, involving syndicates and unsuspecting account holders, highlighting the city's growing challenge in tackling financial crime.

The Hong Kong Palace Museum's exhibition of Egyptian artefacts attracted over 550,000 visitors, highlighting Hong Kong's growing role as a global cultural hub and marking a significant diplomatic event.

Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index rose by 1.74% on September 4, driven by tech stocks, while nearly 478,000 retirees invested HK$119.77 billion in government bonds, highlighting contrasting market sentiments.

Star Cruises has cancelled its Hong Kong sailings for September to November, opting instead for a new Southeast Asia season, raising questions about Hong Kong's cruise industry growth.

Moonshot AI has reportedly made a confidential A1 filing with the HKEX and is advancing fundraising at a $50 billion pre-money valuation; compared with $300 million of annualized revenue and peer market-cap multiples, what underpins the valuation.

Victoria Harbour will host a 31,888-shell fireworks display on October 1, celebrating China's 77th anniversary. Sponsored by Sun Life Hong Kong, the event promises vibrant scenes and community spirit.

Pien Tze Huang, known as China's 'medicine Moutai,' reported a 24.22% drop in first-half net profit, with revenue down 14.98% and sales of its liver-treatment tablets declining significantly.

Joshua Wong has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to collude with foreign forces under Hong Kong's National Security Law, facing a potential life sentence. The case highlights ongoing tensions in the city.

Hong Kong Customs raided multiple sites, seizing 4.25 million illicit cigarettes valued at HK$20 million. Four men were arrested, suspected of running a syndicate taking cigarette orders by phone.

Hong Kong Tourism Board debuts its International Lantern Spectacular at Victoria Park, featuring Qinhuai lanterns and global designs, coinciding with the Mid-Autumn Lantern Carnival from September 17 to 27.

Swire Pacific sold 362.65 million Cathay Pacific shares, reducing its stake to 39.15% and raising HK$4.79 billion. The sale aligns with Swire's bond repurchase strategy, maintaining its position as Cathay's largest shareholder.

Shein's shares fell 5% on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, reflecting investor concerns over growth and profitability, despite stabilisation measures. The IPO raised HK$13.6 billion, valuing the company at $26.5 billion.

Hong Kong's billionaire count fell by two in 2025, yet the city remains a top wealth hub due to a 26.4% increase in ultra-high-net-worth individuals, driven by cross-border capital inflows.

Jollibee Foods Corp plans to list its international arm on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, shifting from an earlier US listing plan, to better align with its Asian market presence and growth ambitions.

Hong Kong's first humanoid robot-run convenience stores opened amid rain and internet issues, with Financial Secretary Paul Chan's humorous interaction with a robot becoming the day's highlight.

Regulators have delisted 35 online stores falsely trading under the 'Hong Kong Pharmacy' name, revealing mainland factories behind the misleading branding and unproven product claims.

Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index fell for a second day, led by tech giants like Alibaba, amid global tensions and Shein's disappointing IPO debut. Investors eye US jobs report for Fed clues.