Hong Kong

Hong Kong recorded a balance of payments deficit of $7.1 billion in 2Q12, as against a surplus of $63.8 billion in the first quarter.

The advent of Facebook and similar social networking portals and tools is profoundly changing the world of work. While these changes may not have made themselves felt at your workplace yet, you can be sure they are on the way, as the industrial and institutional legacies of the 20th century are replaced by open and collaborative communities.

Talent acquisition is an issue for many in Hong Kong. The slowdown in mainland China should make hiring easier in the short-term, but the combination of an aging population, increased competition, and a skills shortage will make it more difficult for leaders to find the right people in the long-term. To attract the best talent in the future, leaders must innovate.

LUKoil, Russia's second largest oil company, has postponed its Hong Kong listing to 2013.

Net inflation rose 3.7% in August year-on-year despite a respite from rent increases.

The continuing economic slump reduced the ranks of the rich in Hong Kong by over 17% in 2011.

Singapore's rich has a combined US$439 billion in 2011 compared to Hong Kong’s with US$408 billion.

Hong Kong has again been cited as the economy that offers the highest level of economic freedom worldwide.

Businesses are taking a beating amid the worsening economic crisis with bankruptcy petitions rising 12.3% in August compared to July.

Construction of residential homes accounted for more than half of the total value of construction in Hong Kong during the second quarter.

Hong Kong’s banks are in for more pain as the new and unduly strict rules to curb property speculation choke decelerating market growth even further.

Hong Kong could become Asia's leading information technology center because of its many competitive advantages, said international commercial real estate services firm Cushman & Wakefield.

Hong Kong stands to see no growth in its total exports for this year as businessmen remain pessimistic about the economy.

The Monetary Authority has issued tougher guidelines that order banks to tighten underwriting criteria for loans and to set a maximum loan tenor for all new mortgage loans.

The Philippines' airline regulator will hear on September 26 a petition by Hong Kong airline firms, Cathay Pacific Airways Ltd and Dragon Airlines Ltd, to increase passenger fares.

Seven agreements that include the further liberalization of Guangdong's trade services sector were signed between Hong Kong and that south China province.