GEM, a Chinese electronics recycling company, intends to list its shares in Hong Kong. The firm specializes in recycling batteries, electronic waste, discarded vehicles, and plastic waste and is seeking capital to accelerate its worldwide growth.

The firm stated that they intend to engage with pertinent middlemen to deliberate on strategies for progressing with the listing. Nonetheless, they cautioned that specifics are still under discussion, and a "substantial amount of uncertainty" persists concerning the procedure.

Established in 2001 in the city of Shenzhen, which is adjacent to Hong Kong, GEM is a company that focuses on the recycling of electronic waste, batteries, discarded vehicles, waste plastics, and other materials. In addition to recycling, the company also manufactures materials that are used in the production of power batteries. This has allowed GEM to position itself as a major player in the international new energy supply chain, as stated on their website.

State media, referencing informed sources, has reported that the firm's share release in Hong Kong is scheduled for April.

GEM's stock increased by 0.15 percent on Tuesday, reaching 6.54 yuan in Shenzhen.

Real estate agents suggest that an increasing number of Hong Kong property buyers might abandon their buying deposits due to high rates. There was a 75% increase in defaults on home deposits last year, reaching 449, and realtors predict this pattern will persist through 2025.

According to a study by real estate firm Centaline, there was a significant rise in the number of first-time home buyers who abandoned their deposits last year. The figure reached 449, marking a 75% rise from the previous year and the largest number since 2019. In the last three months of the year alone, there were 104 such instances, almost three times the 40 recorded in the preceding quarter. The company did not disclose the total amount of the defaulted deposits, but industry insiders suggest that the initial deposit usually stands at around HK$100,000 (US$12,844).

Agents indicated that the count of default instances will remain elevated in the near future.

"Given the anticipated market activity following the Lunar New Year and the discounts offered by developers, we foresee a sustained high level of default rates on newly built properties," stated Yeung Ming-yee, a high-ranking associate director at Centaline. "We predict approximately 100 instances of this in the first three months of 2025."

Forfeits suggest that either purchasers are incapable of proceeding with their acquisitions, or they anticipate locating substantially improved offers.

New trade data implies that EU duties are ineffective in halting the influx of Chinese electric vehicles. The surge in Chinese EV exports to the European Union in December has sparked concerns about a potential trade war in 2025.

Despite the newly implemented tariffs by the European Union, China's electric vehicle exports to the region saw an unexpected increase in December. This has led to concerns in the market that trade disputes between China and Europe could intensify further come 2025.

The amount of electric vehicles exported from China to the European Union increased to 32,849 units in December, marking an 8.3 per cent rise from the previous year, as per the Chinese customs data unveiled on Monday.

In 2024, the European Union continued to be the leading purchaser of Electric Vehicles (EVs) from China, accounting for almost 30% of China's EV exports. However, the annual total of Chinese EVs imported by the 27-member union experienced a 6% decline compared to the previous year.

Belgium, Germany, Spain, Netherlands, and Romania were the primary European purchasers of Chinese electric vehicles, as per the information.

A rise in quantity but a drop in worth indicates declining costs, which is the main worry for those setting policies in Europe. Experts cautioned that there is a significant chance for a continued decline in relations between the EU and China this year, with additional trade items possibly being affected by policies favoring local goods and services.

Technology shares spearhead the downfall in Hong Kong, breaking a six-day successful run. JD.com, Bilibili, NetEase, and Alibaba experience a dip, while New Oriental Education & Technology suffers a steep drop due to poor earnings.

The Hang Seng Index experienced a 1.6 per cent decrease, closing at 19,778.77, and the Hang Seng Tech Index saw a 2.4 per cent loss. Over on the mainland, both the CSI 300 Index and the Shanghai Composite Index dropped by 0.9 per cent.

Online retail behemoth JD.com saw a decrease of 4.3 per cent, falling to HK$151.60. There was a decrease of 6.4 per cent in the share price of the video-sharing service Bilibili, which landed at HK$129.20. Alibaba Group Holding also experienced a drop of 3.1 per cent to HK$82.20, while the gaming company NetEase saw its shares dip 1.7 per cent to HK$154.80. Finally, Tencent Holdings saw a decline of 1 per cent to HK$383.40.

Shares in New Oriental Education & Technology saw a significant drop of 24.2% to HK$35.40 due to its second-quarter profits not meeting the predicted figures by analysts. On Tuesday, the firm announced adjusted earnings of US$0.22 per American depository share for the second quarter, falling short of the anticipated US$0.32 consensus estimate.

Shares in Chinese firms that focus on domestic services and cater to daily necessities are favored choices to counter the fluctuations due to short-term downturns, says Kai Wang, a top stock analyst for Asia at Morningstar.

HSBC Trustee has been aiding families in protecting their wealth and inheritance for almost eight decades. It is estimated that a wealth transfer of around US$5.8 trillion is set to take place in the Asia-Pacific region. However, according to a report by HSBC, numerous families are without a plan for succession.

As economies in Asia keep progressing, the demand for efficient wealth transfer across generations among individuals of high and ultra-high net worth is also increasing.

McKinsey, a consulting agency, recently predicted that approximately $5.8 trillion is set to be passed down to the following generations in the Asia-Pacific area by 2030. Despite this, the 2024 HSBC Global Entrepreneurial Wealth Report disclosed that 66% of those surveyed in Hong Kong lack a plan for transferring their wealth, and 64% still don't have a succession strategy for their companies.

A notably larger proportion of Hong Kong business owners lack a plan for handing over their companies, compared to the global average of 52%, according to Christina Tung, the leader of trust and fiduciary services for HSBC Global Private Banking in North Asia. In addition, she notes, over one-third of these entrepreneurs anticipate leaving their businesses within the next half-decade, a figure that exceeds the worldwide average of 23%. These facts underscore the pressing need for these families to meticulously and strategically plan for their business transitions.

Planning for the transfer of wealth in contemporary families

Considering the intricacies of passing on wealth between generations in today's worldwide setting, financial planning has evolved to include more than just managing estates, holding assets, and setting up trusts for tax purposes.

"Contemporary trusts necessitate strong expert trustees who collaborate with families, professional consultants and private banking relationship managers to manage legal and regulatory demands," states Brent York, the global head of trust and fiduciary services at HSBC Global Private Banking. He further emphasizes that the bank's goal is to become the top global wealth manager and private bank for Asian and international customers and business owners.

Sunac's domestic debt agreement is a positive sign for China's struggling real estate industry, according to experts. This agreement could potentially serve as a beneficial example for other beleaguered Chinese property developers.

This arrangement also positions Sunac as the first mainland Chinese developer that defaulted to decrease its domestic debt.

In a document submitted to the Hong Kong stock exchange on Tuesday, the developer based in Tianjin announced that the repayment of the main amount and interest on the 10 bonds would be "modified." They also stated that they would examine several restructuring alternatives, including bond buybacks, cash tender proposals, payment through equity, and debt resolution with assets.

The firm announced that it would organize for the bondholders to choose their preferred repayment methods.

Market participants expressed that Sunac's agreement signals positive prospects for China's real estate industry.

"Domestic creditors are typically resistant to making concessions," stated Raymond Cheng, a director at CGS International Securities in Hong Kong. "If restructuring… can be extended to include developers' domestic debts, it could greatly alleviate the financial strain on developers."

The agreement might "serve as a feasible benchmark for other struggling Chinese real estate developers," stated Kenny Ng, a strategist from Everbright Securities International.

Economists at Davos caution that Trump's intimidations might push nations away from the US dollar. They contend at the World Economic Forum that the US president's warnings directed at countries considering other currencies could prove adverse over time.

Economists at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, on Tuesday suggested that President Donald Trump's warnings to nations aiming to lessen their dependence on the U.S. dollar might instead speed up their departure from the American currency.

"Encouraging individuals to adopt your currency is tied to its ability to offer stability and a method of payment," commented Kenneth Rogoff, a Harvard University economics professor, as part of a panel discussion at the event.

"If you're under threat, I believe it only strengthens the motivation to strive for diversity."

Should they not comply, Trump cautioned, the US would retaliate by imposing tariffs of 100 per cent on their goods.

"There's absolutely no possibility of the BRICS supplanting the U.S. Dollar in global commerce, and any nation attempting to do so should bid farewell to the United States," he posted on his social media site, Truth Social, at that time.

For many years, the US dollar has reigned supreme in worldwide commerce and has been the principal reserve currency stored by global central banks. However, its prominence is progressively being contested, with nations such as China striving to lessen their reliance on the dollar and globally promote their own currencies.

Haymans Fung of Standard Chartered Bank's 2025 Forecast for Marketing

Fung offers some guidance for marketers planning for the upcoming year: "Ensure your marketing plan genuinely corresponds with the business plan. Communicate with your stakeholders, comprehend the shortcomings and prospects, and confirm that your efforts are addressing the company's tangible issues.

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Kevin Huang, the Chief Operating Officer at SCMP, and Haymans Fung, who serves as the Global Head of Wealth and Retail Bank Marketing, as well as the Head of Wealth and Retail Bank Marketing in Hong Kong for Standard Chartered Bank.

When the final moments of 2024 faded into history at the stroke of midnight, Haymans Fung, who holds the titles of global head of wealth and retail bank marketing, as well as head of wealth and retail bank marketing for Hong Kong at Standard Chartered Bank, probably let out a breath of relief. The year had been a roller coaster ride for the financial institution with a history spanning more than 165 years, filled with hurdles and impressive accomplishments.

"She remarks on how swiftly 2024 has passed, while taking a moment to look back on the year. She found it rewarding, especially managing Hong Kong and other significant markets. She's impressed by the tremendous work they've done and takes great pride in their achievements."

Without a doubt, 2024 was a year full of significant events for Standard Chartered Bank. Their first-ever Family Office Forum in Hong Kong was attended by 80 ultra-rich families from around the world, featuring the famous Rockefeller family. This prestigious occasion not only solidified the bank's relationship with the world's super-rich, but it also displayed its proficiency in catering to the unique requirements of the ultra-affluent segment.

Enhancing the community. However, Fung's attention isn't solely on expanding the business.

"She emphasizes the significance of our actions being truly motivational and beneficial for the community," she articulated. "We possess a powerful platform, and it's essential that we utilize it to contribute and create a positive difference."

European Union import duties fail to curb influx of Chinese vehicles, BYD impacted by labor allegations: 7 key stories on electric vehicles

These include news on Chinese auto manufacturers' global strategies and the US prohibiting Chinese technology in intelligent cars – seven electric vehicle narratives that might have escaped your attention.

1. Despite EU tariffs, influx of Chinese electric vehicles continues, according to recent trade data.

Despite new tariffs imposed by the European Union, there has been an unexpected increase in the number of Chinese electric vehicle (EV) deliveries in December. This has raised concerns in the market that trade disputes between China and Europe may worsen by 2025.

2. Chinese electric vehicle titan, BYD, faces hurdles in Brazil amid allegations of 'slave-like' working conditions

Extended work schedules, bare sleeping platforms, and a single bathroom used by a large group of people – these are typically standard circumstances for Chinese construction workers. However, in Brazil, these are seen as intolerable "slave-like conditions". Although Brazil's economy is nowhere near the scale of China's, it surpasses the latter in terms of worker protection.

3. In 2024, trade restrictions on China reached an all-time high due to concerns about overproduction.

China's Zijin Mining competes with Glencore following a year of unprecedented profits. The gold and copper manufacturer's market value is equivalent to that of the worldwide commodity trading behemoth, Glencore.

The Chinese company, Zijin Mining Group, achieved an unprecedented yearly profit due to a surge in growth that put it on par with the international commodities behemoth, Glencore. However, the firm has decided to lower its production goals for the current year.

The company reported a 52% increase in net income for 2024, amounting to 32 billion yuan (approximately US$4.4 billion), according to a filing with the Hong Kong stock exchange late Tuesday. The company's market value is now roughly equivalent to Glencore, following an increase in copper production and benefiting from record gold prices last year.

However, indications of a decrease in the rapid rate of growth are evident, as Zijin reduces its copper production goal by approximately 6 per cent to 1.15 million tons. The venture into lithium has also stumbled, following its negligible production last year and a significant cut in its 2025 production target by roughly 60 per cent to 40,000 tons.

Shares of Zijin saw a decrease of 1.1 per cent, dropping to HK$14.84 in Hong Kong on Wednesday. Meanwhile, the standard Hang Seng Index experienced a 1.6 per cent decline.

Over the last ten years, the mining company has expanded rapidly, establishing itself as a significant international provider of copper. This was achieved by launching substantial new initiatives in the Democratic Republic of Congo and mainland China. Similar to its competitor, Rio Tinto Group, Zijin has identified lithium as a critical component of its future goals, with plans to become one of the largest global producers.

The surge in lithium has been hindered by a tumultuous market. Previous year, it delayed two new ventures in Argentina and Western China. A drastic drop of nearly 90% in the cost of the battery metal from 2022 has compelled a multitude of global companies to limit their growth strategies or reduce production.

Banks in Hong Kong brace for challenging times as the growth in profits for the last nine months decelerates. The net interest margin shrank to 1.5 per cent in the initial nine months of the previous year, down from 1.67 per cent in 2023, based on data from the HKMA.

Banks in Hong Kong reported the weakest profit increase in three years, caused by reduced net interest margins and an increase in unpaid loans, which counterbalanced earnings from wealth management.

The data revealed that the difference in the interest rates for loans and deposits, known as the net interest margin (NIM), for banks dropped to 1.5 per cent in the initial nine months of the previous year. This is a decrease from 1.67 per cent in 2023. In previous years, the NIM was recorded at 1.31 per cent in 2022, 0.98 per cent in 2021, and 1.18 per cent in 2020.

Banks continued to be profitable, however, we need to shift our attention towards problems with bad debt and the rising occurrence of financial frauds this year," stated Arthur Yuen Kwok-hang, the deputy CEO of HKMA, during a press conference on Wednesday.

Yue indicated that the initial data gathered from banks in the last quarter mirrored the trend observed in the first three quarters, suggesting that the complete annual data might reflect the same trend.

HSBC introduces HyQ, a 25-level office skyscraper in Qianhai aimed at fostering international cooperation. The bank believes there is considerable opportunity for business and trade partnership between Guangdong and Hong Kong.

The structure serves as the headquarters for HSBC China's Shenzhen division, HSBC Qianhai Securities, and HSBC Software Development Guangdong, which is a financial technology hub. According to the bank, this tower will act as a critical hub to accelerate business expansion in the Greater Bay Area. This area, encompassing various cities in the southern mainland, including Hong Kong and Macau, is expected by Beijing to emerge as a globally competitive economic region by 2035.

HSBC sees great opportunities for economic and trade partnerships between Guangdong and Hong Kong as more top-tier Chinese firms shift towards global innovation and growth, stated Peter Wong Tung-shun, HSBC's Chairman for the Asia-Pacific region, during Wednesday's inaugural event.

"Similar to this towering structure, we too possess extensive aspirations and eagerly anticipate enhancing collaboration with additional partners. Our aim is to significantly contribute to the growth of the Greater Bay Area as well as the reciprocal advancement of both the Chinese and global economies."

The Qianhai structure is set to accommodate facilities for securities and funding services, wealth administration, along with private and business banking. In addition, administrative support will be available on the premises.

In the previous week, officials from both Hong Kong and mainland China announced several steps to bolster and improve cross-border links. These involve a trade-finance facility worth 100 billion yuan and enhancements to the Bond Connect program. Furthermore, they mentioned, it will shortly be more straightforward for residents of Hong Kong to open bank accounts on the mainland without being physically present there.