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Those who manage to stay ahead when the market and consumer behaviour are changing fast stand a better chance of thriving Continuous 2 to 3 per cent growth in the economy makes Hong Kong the envy of many in the world. It looks even more remarkable considering the city was among the hardest hit by the coronavirus pandemic just a few years ago. Yet there is no shortage of indicators reflecting the challenges facing some local industries. The disturbing decline in retail sales is one of them. Official data showed the city's retail sales dipped for the 12th straight month in February, falling by 13 per cent year on year to a total value of HK$29.4 billion for the month. Do you have questions about the biggest topics and trends from around the world? Get the answers with SCMP Knowledge , our new platform of curated content with explainers, FAQs, analyses and infographics brought to you by our award-winning team. The sharper-than-expected decline was attributed to th...

K-food-exports SEOUL, April 3 (Yonhap) -- In the first quarter, South Korea saw its exports of agricultural and food items increase by 7.9% compared to the previous year, hitting an all-time high due to the rising influence of Hallyu, as reported by the Ministry of Agriculture on Thursday. The value of outbound shipments for agriculture and food products reached US$3.18 billion during the January-March period, marking an increase from the $2.95 billion reported in the same quarter the previous year, as stated by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. The ministry also noted that this was the most substantial first-quarter figure ever recorded. Individually, exports of instant noodles jumped 27.3% to reach $343.9 million. Snack product sales grew by 5.5%, totaling $174.1 million, whereas beverage exports climbed 4.5% to hit $156.8 million. The sales of South Korean cigarettes increased by 14.5 percent year-over-year to reach $261 million, whereas sauce exp...

The Canada Border Services Agency has brought positive news for Canadian resort owners and their American visitors by stating that groups crossing the border will not have to pay a 25 percent tariff on the food supplies they bring along to consume. When Canada imposed its retaliatory tariff last month, officials from Ontario and Manitoba who handle tourism matters, along with fishing equipment providers and lakeside retreats, thought that visitors might have to present receipts for their food items and other goods consumed during their stay. On Wednesday, though, a spokesperson from the government stated that border officials will not enforce the new tariff on incoming personal-use items if these goods seem appropriate considering the traveler’s length of stay, reason for visiting, and overall trip plans within Canada. It was highlighted by the spokesperson that these products should solely serve personal needs during their visit. It falls upon the border service officers a...

Supporters traveling down to Augusta you will once more have the pleasure of encountering some of the most budget-friendly refreshment options available at any athletic competition. For over two decades, the Masters has fulfilled its renowned role as Pimento cheese sandwich For just over a dollar. According to veteran sports industry analyst Darren Rovell, this won’t be different in 2025. Writes Rovell: "The Pimento Cheese sandwich at the Masters has maintained a consistent price of $1.50 for the past 23 years in a row. The previous adjustment occurred back in 2002 when the price increased from $1.25 to $1.50. Interestingly, in 1997, this same sandwich sold for just $1. When adjusted for inflation, however, we find that the current price is actually 50 cents less expensive than it would have been relative to historical values." Enthusiastic supporters were thrilled to hear about it. A user commented, 'This is merely one of numerous factors t...

Canada pledged to hit back with counter-tariffs should President Donald Trump impose further duties on Canadian products as part of his anticipated rollout of extensive measures. new tariffs on Wednesday. Should further actions be taken, we will respond accordingly," said Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney to journalists on Tuesday. "If more measures are imposed on Canada tomorrow, we will implement countermeasures. Moments later, when addressing journalists, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt reaffirmed Trump's intention to declare extensive new tariffs on April 2nd, a date he refers to as "liberation day." Our nation has maintained one of the most open economic environments globally, and we boast an exceptional customer base," stated Leavitt. "However, numerous foreign nations keep their markets inaccessible to our products. Sources informed ABC News that the Trump administration is considering various policy choices befor...

Topline Multiple economists have cautioned that the Trump administration might inadvertently drive the U.S. into an avoidable recession, given President Donald Trump and his chief economic advisors' approaches. refuse to rule out A downturn, shaking both Wall Street and consumers—and the statistics provided below can assist in assessing just how near the economy might be to reaching a critical juncture. Key Facts Goldman Sachs economists hiked They revised the likelihood of a recession occurring within the coming year from 20% to 35%, issuing a gloomy update to clients on Sunday. This came with increased projections for both inflation and joblessness, alongside reduced expectations for economic expansion. Economists at JPMorgan hold an even bleaker outlook, estimating a 40% chance of a downturn. The UCLA Anderson Graduate School of Management published earlier this month, an official "Economic Downturn Alert" was initiated ...

Topline Within slightly over 24 hours, President Donald Trump plans to implement what appears to be his most significant trade policy so far: reciprocal tariffs. naming Wednesday was designated as "Liberation Day" for American commerce—although he has created uncertainty regarding which nations and products will be affected, as well as the extent of the measures that will be taken. Key Facts "April 2nd is Liberation Day in America," stated Trump. wrote earlier this month, mentioning something from his previous discussion described Like the "BIG ONE," retaliatory tariffs. Trump will present his "Freedom Day" strategy at the White House Rose Garden on Wednesday at 3 p.m. EDT. according According to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, he will unveil a "nation-specific tariff strategy aimed at reversing unfair trading practices that have harmed our country for years." ...

On Monday, which marked the final trading session of the quarter, U.S. equities faced significant declines over this duration. Both the S&P 500 and the Nasdaq Composite ended their runs of five consecutive quarterly gains with substantial drops, experiencing their most considerable three-month setbacks since 2022. Currently, the Nasdaq continues to be in a correction phase. However, this won’t be the final period of stock market volatility they encounter. Retaliatory tariffs targeting “all nations” will commence on Wednesday, according to U.S. President Donald Trump’s statement on Sunday. Although Trump characterizes the initiation of these tariffs as "independence day,” not everyone views it with such optimism. For instance, Goldman Sachs reduced its prediction for U.S. economic expansion and increased its estimate for the inflation rate in 2025, indicating the potential for stagflation. Alternatively, they foresee a possible recession. Consequently, this led them to...

The economic situation is quite unpredictable. Although inflation seems to be easing, rising tariffs , stock market dips and global uncertainty are keeping everyone on edge As mortgage rates fluctuate, homebuyers are querying whether housing will become more affordable during an economic downturn. After more than 20 years in real estate I've experienced plenty of highs and lows, ranging from prosperous periods to severe downturns, such as the one in 2008. The reality is that there's always an opportunity For some homebuyers, particularly during an economic decline, the real estate market does not halt during a recession. Instead, it changes direction. If you are financially prepared, this change can work to your advantage. work in your favor . Let's explore what a downturn truly signifies. mortgage rates , whether house prices might drop and when would be a good time to buy. buy a home . Recession risks are real There are numerous signs of an ...

Dealerships throughout the U.S. might experience an increase in visitors this week as budget-savvy consumers aim to dodge potential price hikes and higher upkeep expenses in the coming years, say experts in the automotive sector. The increasing worry about sticker shock can be attributed to one factor: President Donald Trump’s actions. 25% tariffs On imported vehicles and components, set to be implemented this Thursday, the tariffs are anticipated to affect the price of domestically manufactured automobiles as well, potentially increasing costs by several thousand dollars each. This is due to the fact that there isn’t truly an entirely "American" vehicle. Of the 10.2 million cars produced in U.S. plants last year, nearly all incorporated numerous imported parts, largely sourced from Canada and Mexico. Following an uptick in automobile purchases, car sales may decline as both new and used vehicle prices rise; additionally, certain model lines could be discontinued, ...

(NEXSTAR) — If gas prices weren't already steep enough, there's an additional annoyance: a persistent fraction tacked onto each gallon, specifically nine-tenths of a cent. You typically notice this unusual pricing at the gas station (and almost never anywhere else). Since we cannot pay in fractions of a cent, why don’t gas stations simply round up? So where exactly does that 9/10 come from anyway? This tradition is a century-old custom that refuses to disappear. Ed Jacobsen, the founder of the Northwoods Petroleum Museum in Wisconsin, points out that the practice of setting prices at fractions of a penny originated with the initial gasoline taxes levied by state and federal governments beginning in 1919 through the period of the Great Depression. Back then, a gallon of gasoline could be purchased for approximately 10 cents, hence the taxes were relatively modest, measured in increments of one-tenth of a cent. Jacobsen told WSYR Gas stations directly transferre...

This week in home news As Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) rates approach 8%, home values have reached another milestone with the 20th consecutive record-high price. In this edition, we explore topics such as how the Federal Reserve’s interest rate choices impact expenses related to home equity borrowings, reasons behind lending institutions restricting accessible equity amounts, older adults utilizing home equity for increasing long-term care expenditures, and distinctions between home equity loans and those intended for renovations. Additionally, we offer guidance on identifying unscrupulous lenders and clarifying initial low-interest promotional periods for HELOCs. Leading headlines in home equity, mortgage news, and property market developments Why lenders restrict your ability to use all your home equity Soaring house values have resulted in numerous homeowners accumulating an unprecedented level of equity. However, even though your property investm...

The Federal Reserve convened earlier this month and declared it would continue the rate pause It has been in effect since the start of the year. The Federal Reserve's choice probably indicates that certificate of deposit (CD) Rates will remain unchanged for now, as certificate of deposit (CD) rates typically align with adjustments in the Federal Reserve's key interest rate. This is positive news for savers since CD rates continue to be high following their peak over the last few years. Actually, accounts that have at least 4% can be easily obtained from numerous banking institutions. When purchasing CDs, you generally face two main options: long-term CDs with durations exceeding one year and short-term CDs lasting twelve months or fewer. Each type offers fixed interest rates along with assured earnings and represents a minimal risk investment strategy. In today’s financial climate, long-term CDs present an intriguing possibility due to their compet...

By Rahul Paswan and Sarah Qureshi (GudangMovies21) - Gold prices continued to rise, reaching an all-time high on Friday as tensions escalated over the trade war after U.S. President Trump imposed new tariffs. Meanwhile, attention was also focused on the upcoming inflation data set for release later in the day. Bullion rose 0.6% to reach $3,075.77 an ounce by 11:08 AM Greenwich Mean Time, following an unprecedented peak of $3,086.21 earlier. The prices are set for their fourth consecutive weekly increase. U.S. gold futures increased by 0.1% to reach $3,081, following an intraday high of $3,124.4 earlier during the session. Ole Hansen, who leads commodity strategy at Saxo Bank, stated that "gold remains and will stay a long-term investment for buying and holding because of its capability to protect wealth and serve as an insurance policy during instability in other types of assets." "The market remains supported by strong haven demand amid tariff concerns...

Since 2025 started, a prominent theme has shaped the economy and significantly affected numerous sectors: the tariffs levied against Canada, Mexico, and China. President Donald Trump assured that upon winning the election, he would swiftly introduce tariffs, which he indeed accomplished. Nonetheless, his assertions that these tariffs would boost economic expansion haven’t held up, with rising costs for consumer products and notable declines in certain stock values. ⏰ Gain valuable expertise and practical trading signals from seasoned investment professionals and hedge fund leaders. Sign up for GudangMovies21Pro now and enjoy your initial month at no cost. 🤑 One rationale behind Trump’s choice to impose tariffs on numerous sectors is that these measures would encourage businesses to initiate or increase production within the U.S., consequently generating additional employment opportunities for American workers. Nevertheless, some specialists remain unconvinced ab...

Canadians and Americans have fought together on fields ranging from Vimy Ridge to Kandahar. However, they are now preparing for an economic conflict with one another. Canadian economist Mike Moffatt is raising concerns about the potential collapse of this 150-year-old partnership as President Trump's tariffs alter perceptions among Canadians. Don't miss I am 49 years old with no savings set aside for retirement—what steps should I take? Stay calm. Consider these suggestions: 5 of the simplest methods to quickly get back on track Auto insurance in the U.S. currently averages an impressive $2,329 per year. Here’s how 2 minutes can help you save over $600 in the year 2025. Earn possible quarterly returns from this $1 billion private real estate fund—regardless of whether you're a millionaire or not. Here’s how you can begin with just $10 at hand. "I believe it's due to a mix of being wounded and furious," stated the previous ...

By Saeed Azhar NEW YORK (GudangMovies21) - Bank of America experienced an 80% increase in mortgage applications from January to March due to higher home availability and declining long-term bond yields attracting more buyers, according to an executive statement. "There’s been a consistent rise in home purchasing trends, exceeding typical seasonal patterns,” stated Matt Vernon, who leads consumer lending at the nation's second-largest bank, during his conversation with GudangMovies21. “From January until now, we’ve experienced an 80% surge in loan applications compared to our usual expectation of approximately 60%. The decline in U.S. 10-year Treasury yield levels this past autumn—which serve as indicators for mortgage interest rates—prompted additional buyers to re-enter the real estate market.” In September, the yield fell to around 3.6%, marking the lowest point since June 2023. This decline led to a decrease in the 30-year mortgage rate to 6.1% in early October....

This week saw a minor decrease in the typical interest rate for a 30-year mortgage across the U.S., which is good news for those looking to buy homes during the season when the real estate market usually peaks. The rate dropped to 6.65% from 6.67% the previous week, according to mortgage buyer Freddie Mac on Thursday. Compared to this time last year when the rate was averaging 6.79%, there has been a slight decrease. This marks the first decrease in the average rate following two consecutive increases. Since mid-January, when rates peaked at slightly above 7%, the average rate has been trending downward, providing some respite for potential buyers finding it difficult to purchase homes amid persistently high costs. The borrowing expenses for 15-year fixed-rate mortgages, commonly chosen by homeowners looking to refinance their home loans, increased this week. This rise pushed the average interest rate up to 5.89% from 5.83% recorded the previous week. According to Freddie M...