Hong Kong’s technology and financial companies are poised to benefit from the city’s spending plan as the government accelerates artificial intelligence adoption across sectors. The government will establish a committee to promote AI use in industries and earmark at least HK$30 billion ($3.8 billion) to accelerate the development of a border tech hub, Financial Secretary Paul Chan said in his budg...
Hong Kong’s technology and financial companies are poised to benefit from the city’s spending plan as the government accelerates artificial intelligence adoption across sectors. The government will establish a committee to promote AI use in industries and earmark at least HK$30 billion ($3.8 billion) to accelerate the development of a border tech hub, Financial Secretary Paul Chan said in his budget speech on Wednesday. Authorities will also support the bond market, with plans to launch a trading platform for the asset later this year, and requested the city’s stock exchange to review listing rules for aerospace firms. The benchmark Hang Seng gauge held gains as Chan raised the city’s growth forecast. Hong Kong’ public finances have returned to surplus a year sooner than expected, thanks to stronger tax revenue and the city’s booming capital markets. First-time share sales had their busiest-ever January on record, while the bourse has said average daily trading turnover has already exceeded last year’s levels by reaching HK$272 billion. Read: Hong Kong Budget Bets on Tech, AI to Keep Growth Momentum Here’s a closer look at the stakeholders that may benefit or lose out from the budget unveiled Wednesday: WINNERS Technology firms: Hong Kong is pushing to inject AI across public services, from traffic management and employment services to flood alerts, allocating HK$100 million to accelerate the transformation. It will also spend HK$50 million to train residents how to use the technology. Financial institutions: Hong Kong Exchange & Clearing Ltd. , as well as brokerages and asset management firms are likely beneficiaries of the government’s push for more aerospace firms to list in the city. Chan has also vowed to enahnce its tax regime to attract more family offices and grow wealth management activities in the hub. Tourism and retailers: A HK$1.66 billion allocation to the Hong Kong Tourism Board would boost travel related companies including Trip.com Group Ltd. as wel...
Valterra Platinum Ltd. declared a dividend that smashed analyst expectations as earnings soared last year after a rally in the metals it produces. The Johannesburg-listed miner announced a total payout to shareholders for 2025 of 45 rand ($2.83) per share, beating the average analyst estimate of 23.1 rand per share. The company also said in a statement on Wednesday that profit more than doubled to...
Valterra Platinum Ltd. declared a dividend that smashed analyst expectations as earnings soared last year after a rally in the metals it produces. The Johannesburg-listed miner announced a total payout to shareholders for 2025 of 45 rand ($2.83) per share, beating the average analyst estimate of 23.1 rand per share. The company also said in a statement on Wednesday that profit more than doubled to 15.4 billion rand.
Horizons Middle East & Africa is your daily spotlight on one of the world's fastest-growing regions. Live from Dubai, we bring you the latest global markets and analysis, plus news-making interviews, with a special focus on MEA. All that and more, as you head to the office in the Gulf, pause for lunch in Hong Kong, or start your day in London or Johannesburg. (Source: Bloomberg)
Horizons Middle East & Africa is your daily spotlight on one of the world's fastest-growing regions. Live from Dubai, we bring you the latest global markets and analysis, plus news-making interviews, with a special focus on MEA. All that and more, as you head to the office in the Gulf, pause for lunch in Hong Kong, or start your day in London or Johannesburg. (Source: Bloomberg)
(RTTNews) - Ageas (AGS.BR) reported that its fiscal 2025 Group Net Operating Result was 1.65 billion euros, an increase of 33% from last year. Net Operating Earnings per share was 8.80 euros compared to 6.78 euros. Adjusted for one-off impact, assuming a 25% tax rate, Net Operati
(RTTNews) - Ageas (AGS.BR) reported that its fiscal 2025 Group Net Operating Result was 1.65 billion euros, an increase of 33% from last year. Net Operating Earnings per share was 8.80 euros compared to 6.78 euros. Adjusted for one-off impact, assuming a 25% tax rate, Net Operati