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Faisal Islam: How high will interest rates go?

Nov 5, 2026

The BBC's economics editor views one more interest rate as likely, but thinks that will be all.

Three ways the interest rate rise could affect you

Nov 5, 2026

Interest rates hiked to 4% in first increase in over three years

Nov 5, 2026

Why do veterinary fees and sausage rolls vary in price across London?

Nov 5, 2026

China Blocks SoftBank’s $5.4 Billion Robotics Takeover, Impeding Foreign Deals

Nov 5, 2026

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Nov 5, 2026

Welsh aviation firm AerFin bought in £475m deal

The company, which was majority owned by a private equity firm, said it was beginning a "new chapter".

Nov 5, 2026

Here’s Who Is Meeting Israel’s President to Recommend a Prime Minister

Nov 5, 2026

In Victory, Democrats See Economic Mandate to Cut Costs and Curtail Trump

Nov 5, 2026

Drunk and dangerous e-bike riders face on-the-spot fines under crackdown

Nov 5, 2026

What Shaped Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei’s Thinking on A.I.

Interesting Read

In the Style of P.C. Vey: The Funniest Reader Cartoons We Received

More than 200 people answered our call for cartoons in the spirit of P.C. Vey. Here are some of the best ones.

Nov 5, 2026

HK cheer as Trump thumping may spell woe for AI boom

Tech firms tumbled Thursday as investors contemplated the outlook for the AI boom after Democrats swept the US midterms, partly on the back of growing anger over the rapid building of data centres across the country. In Hong Kong, the benchmark Hang Seng Index soared 877 points, or 3.7 percent, to end at 24,796 on comparatively high turnover of HK$356.67 billion. The tech index rose 218 points, or 5.5 percent, to 4,154 while the China enterprises index gained 311 points, or 3.9 percent, to 8,369. On the mainland, the Shanghai Composite Index closed up three points, or 0.1 percent, at 3,689 on turnover of 979.71 billion yuan. The Shenzhen Component Index was 135 points, or 1.2 percent, higher at 11,471 on turnover of nearly 1.14 trillion yuan while the ChiNext Index was up 22 points, or 0.87 percent at 2,566 on turnover of 576.11 billion yuan. The tech losses, which happened mostly in tech-heavy benchmarks like the Nikkei and Kospi, came after US President Donald Trump's Republicans were dealt an historic defeat that was blamed on high prices, tariffs and the Iran war. The result stoked hopes he will look to wind down the Middle East conflict, which would help temper inflation and even soften his stance on trade. But AI-linked firms came under the cosh amid fears for planned data centre construction projects as well as renewed scrutiny from newly installed Democrats on Capitol Hill. The sector had already been in the crosshairs of investors owing to questions about the vast sums pumped into new facilities, R&D and chip development, and when any companies would see a profit. Charu Chanana at Saxo Markets said the vote was accelerating a reassessment of AI that was already under way. "A Democratic Congress introduces another layer of uncertainty: regulatory scrutiny," she wrote, adding that the three main risks were more oversight, data centre restrictions and capital spending uncertainty. "The congressional scrutiny could accelerate demands for AI safety standards, independent model evaluations and greater accountability for data centre developers." However, Chanana also said: "This is not the same as an outright anti-AI policy agenda. AI is strategically important for US competitiveness, particularly against China, and there remains considerable bipartisan interest in maintaining American leadership." In Tokyo, the Nikkei ended 1,110 points, or 1.79 percent, in the red at 61,077, dragged lower by a sharp selloff in AI and chip shares even as the vast majority of stocks on the index rose. The broader Topix index gained 45 points, or 1.2 percent, to 3,940. In Seoul, the Kospi closed down 300 points, or 5.28 percent, at 5,383 to a seven-month closing low, as chipmakers tracked overnight losses in US tech stocks on worries about a slowdown in AI investment following a Democratic win in the midterm elections. (Agencies) Edited by Tony Sabine

Nov 5, 2026

HK 'to widen trade reach to help nation go global'

Chief Executive John Lee on Thursday said Hong Kong would continue to expand its international trade network to better contribute to the country's overall development. Speaking at the Hong Kong sub-forum of the Hongqiao International Economic Forum in Shanghai, he noted the event was the first major conference held by the SAR since the unveiling of its first-ever five-year plan in September. The conference, Lee said, allowed experts and industry leaders from both the mainland and Hong Kong to gather and explore how the city could leverage its unique position under "One Country, Two Systems" and integrate into national development. One key focus area is trade, he said. “Hong Kong has become the fifth-largest merchandise trading entity in the world, having signed free-trade agreements with 21 economies and investment agreements with 34 economies," Lee said. "The SAR government will continue to expand its international economic and trade network to play a greater role in the country’s high-standard opening up." The world, Lee pointed out, is experiencing a once-in-a-century transformation, which is happening alongside a global supply chain restructuring and rapid technological advancement. He stressed that Hong Kong must proactively plan for its future and implement a forward-looking strategic plan with a calm and measured approach. Another key focus area, Lee said, is finance. Describing it as Hong Kong’s fundamental and greatest area of strength, he stressed that the SAR must consolidate its role as an international financial centre. He added that Hong Kong would strengthen its position as the world's largest offshore renminbi hub to expand the global use of the currency and actively build a commodity and gold trading ecosystem. Lee also noted that Hong Kong would proactively align with national scientific research and industrial strategies, accelerate its investment in science and technology, and help mainland enterprises expand overseas through its GoGlobal Task Force. Later, Lee toured various booths hosted by Hong Kong enterprises and institutions taking part in the China International Import Expo, which is being held concurrently with the forum. He listened to a briefing by Hong Kong Polytechnic University representatives, and at one booth, tasted traditional sweetheart cakes — also known as wife cakes. A representative told the chief executive that the pastries have been a huge hit at high-speed rail stations on the mainland, adding that they have revamped their packaging to feature Hong Kong elements on the design, such as trams, to appeal to younger generations. Lee also visited a craft beer booth to try a brew infused with the flavour of salty-lemon 7Up — an iconic Hong Kong cha chaan teng drink that mixes 7Up with salted preserved lemon. A representative at the booth told him that Hong Kong enjoys a major advantage in sourcing raw ingredients thanks to being a highly international city. Lee said Hong Kong could host its own beer festival in the future, encouraging the business to keep growing and build itself into a premier local brand for such events. Frederick Ma, chairman of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, said the council led a delegation of more than 70 Hong Kong enterprises at this year's expo, with records set in both the number of participating exhibitors and the amount of exhibition space used. _____________________________ Last updated: 2026-11-05 HKT 17:10 Edited by Tony Sabine

Nov 5, 2026

Top import expo opens in Shanghai

The ninth edition of the China International Import Expo opened in Shanghai on Thursday amid fanfare. It's the country's largest import expo and the world's first national-level exhibition dedicated to imports. Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang delivered a keynote speech at the opening ceremony. "China's continuous hosting of the China International Import Expo is not only a concrete measure to proactively expand imports, but more importantly, a practical action to advocate for an open world economy, promote a proactive, dynamic and upward trade balance, and drive global development towards becoming more balanced, coordinated and inclusive," he said. “Everyone is concerned about trade market issues, the key is how to realise trade balance.” This year's event, which runs through November 10, has attracted 4,142 overseas exhibitors from more than 160 countries, regions and international organisations. More than 480 exhibits are making their global, Asian or China debuts at the 2026 event, the highest number ever. This year's expo retains its six major exhibition areas and an innovation incubation section, covering areas such as intelligent industry and information technology, consumer goods, food and agricultural products, automobiles and smart mobility, medical devices and healthcare products, and trade in services. (Xinhua and agencies) Edited by Tony Sabine

Nov 5, 2026

What the Democratic midterms sweep changes for U.S.-China relations

Analysts note the growing risks around U.S. President Donald Trump's ability to maintain a fragile trade truce.

Nov 5, 2026

HK 'is largest cross-boundary wealth management hub'

Financial Secretary Paul Chan on Thursday said Hong Kong’s wealth management sector is growing strongly and is well positioned to capture a fair share of business emanating from shifting global affluence. In a keynote speech at the Wealth Management Summit, he pointed to a survey in July by the Securities and Futures Commission that showed assets under management jumped 20 percent to more than HK$42 trillion. The city, Chan said, is now the largest cross-boundary wealth management centre in the world. A survey by summit organiser Private Wealth Management Association offered a similarly encouraging picture, as it found 77 percent of member firms reported stronger demand to open accounts or book client assets in Hong Kong and that 94 percent were moderately or highly optimistic about the city's prospects over the next five years. Chan said sentiment at this week’s Global Financial Leaders’ Investment Summit, which drew some 280 international leaders from the sector, including around 120 chairmen or chief executives, was "decidedly positive", with some planning to increase investment and headcount in the city. International capital was showing fresh confidence in Hong Kong, he said, with it being reinforced by policy measures to boost private wealth management. "Our tax concession for family-owned investment vehicles is now well established and Hong Kong is home to over 3,300 single-family offices, up 25 percent in just two years," he said at the summit. "The New Capital Investment Entrant Scheme has received some 4,300 applications, representing an expected investment of HK$150 billion, and we have introduced legislation to further enhance the preferential tax regimes for funds, single-family offices and carry interest, which we aim to pass by the end of this year." Chan said higher rates and uncertainty were redrawing the map for capital flows, with cash earning a return again and investors diversifying across markets and currencies. Hong Kong is a clear beneficiary, he said, noting that deposits rose 7.7 percent to HK$20.9 trillion in the first nine months of this year. Initial public offerings raised, Chan pointed out, a record HK$388 billion and capital is arriving from the United States and Europe, as well as the mainland, Southeast Asia, Central Asia and the Middle East. He also pointed to technology and AI as a growing source of wealth: tech is now the largest source of wealth among the world's richest tycoons, and mainland billionaire fortunes rose over 20 percent to US$1.8 trillion last year. Hong Kong is capturing it at source – 116 A- and H-share listings in the first three quarters accounted for about 70 percent of funds raised, over half of which were in AI, semiconductors and robotics, with some 500 applications in the pipeline. Edited by Tony Sabine

Nov 5, 2026

Candy and Smiles on MS NOW, and Some Regrets on Fox News

On TV, the outcome of the midterm elections became clear early on. Pundits celebrated and grieved by turns.

Nov 5, 2026

HK stocks gallop up as midterms fuel caution in region

Oil, chip stocks and the US dollar were under pressure in Asia on Thursday and just about everything else was up after US voters swept the Democrats to a series of stunning midterm election wins, a result that raised hopes for an end to the country's war on Iran. In Hong Kong, the benchmark Hang Seng Index opened up 397 points, or 1.66 percent, at 24,316 and almost doubled its gains to be 784 points up in early trading. The tech index rose 56 points, or 1.43 percent, to open at 3,992 while the China enterprises index too was higher by a similar margin, putting on 116 points, or 1.45 percent, to 8,174. Up north, the Shanghai Composite Index opened down 39 points, or 1.1 percent, at 3,646. That downward trend held too for the Shenzhen Component Index, putting it 118 points, or 1.1 percent, lower at 11,216 while the ChiNext Index was 51 points, or two percent, down at 2,493. In Tokyo, the Nikkei opened 196 points, or 0.32 percent, higher at 62,384, buoyed by declines in crude oil but with gains held in check by fears that the US midterms trashing for President Donald Trump will result in Democrats slowing the pace of AI data centre expansion. The 225 benchmark was 104 points down at one stage before noon. In Seoul, the Kospi opened 103 points, or 1.82 percent, lower at 5,580 on fears for AI and chip shares and was 182 points down at one stage before lunch. Brent crude futures dived nearly 9 percent overnight, falling below US$100 a barrel. Brent has dropped by about 20 percent so far this week. If sustained through to Friday's close, it would make for the largest weekly drop in oil prices since a week in April 2020 when US crude briefly fell into negative territory. Tumbling energy prices encouraged a rally in bonds, which lowered yields, pulled the dollar to a one-month low of US$1.1273 per euro, and helped stocks. Solar supply chain stocks jumped the most, in anticipation of Democrats boosting support for renewables, while shares in data centre companies and their equipment suppliers across Asia fell on expectations of tougher regulation. Democratic data-centre opponents who campaigned, in part, on moratoriums on the AI linchpin won stunning victories in Texas and Georgia in a sign public opinion is shifting on the booming sector. To be sure, most analysts think it ultimately won't dent demand for artificial intelligence, data centres or computer chips but do now expect at least a temporary slowdown. "The magnitude of the victory is what has caught markets off guard," said Chris Weston, head of research at brokerage Pepperstone in Melbourne. At US$93.50, oil was testing overnight lows in the Asia morning as traders chose to bet that Trump, facing a Democratic Congress and hurt by high energy prices caused by the Mideast conflict, would be less likely to escalate the war with Iran. Trump acknowledged on Wednesday that the war played a role in Republicans' defeat and his vice president, JD Vance, was even more blunt on X: "The reason we lost is the war." A resolution could push oil prices lower still, alleviating inflation pressure and reducing the likelihood of future interest rate hikes. (Reuters/Xinhua) Edited by Tony Sabine

Nov 5, 2026

Stocks surge, oil tumbles after Trump's election rout

Wall Street stocks surged on Wednesday as markets greeted the resolution of US midterm elections while oil prices tumbled on expectations the Democratic sweep could hasten a resolution to the US-Iran war. Democrats seized control of both houses of Congress in a victory that gives them the power to block legislation, open investigations into Trump's administration and influence government budgets, including the Pentagon. Heading into Tuesday's vote, some investors had viewed a decisive Democratic win as representing trouble for stocks, citing the risk to the buildout of artificial intelligence data centres. But stocks bounced on Wednesday as analysts said the election outcome resolved uncertainty and pointed to relief that Trump did not contest the results. Oil prices were under pressure throughout the session, adding to losses after US Vice President JD Vance said in a social media post that the Republican defeat was due to the unpopularity of the Iran war, which has sent the prices of fuel and other staples soaring. Crude prices finished the day down more than eight percent with both major contracts under US$100 a barrel. "I think that the election might be leading the market to conclude that Trump might now be inclined to make a deal," said Andy Lipow of Lipow Oil Associates. "Also, with the Democrats in charge of the Senate and House, they may be inclined to restrict funding for the war, and that forces Trump into ending the conflict." The drop in oil prices added momentum to Wall Street stocks, which opened higher following positive sessions on leading European exchanges. All three major indices finished solidly higher, with the Dow ending up three percent, or more than 1,500 points at 53,356. Opposition to data centres fuelled campaigns in key states like Texas, Georgia and Ohio where Democrats won gubernatorial elections previously held by Republicans. But Wednesday's gains by Microsoft, Amazon and other hyperscalers suggest markets may see an upside to constraints that deter overbuilding, said Steve Sosnick of Interactive Brokers. "At some level, people are happy that the industry might be saved from its own worst instincts," said Sosnick, who noted that Nvidia and other chipmakers fell following the results. Both of Elon Musk's publicly traded companies fell after the billionaire's huge political donations failed to stop the Democratic tide. SpaceX fell 3.8 percent and Tesla dropped 3.3 percent. Lockheed Martin, which lost 6.9 percent, was among the defence companies that retreated, while First Solar jumped 4.6 as the election lifted the prospects for renewable energy. Earlier, Europe's main indices finished with gains of around two percent despite official data on Wednesday showing that eurozone inflation reached a three-year high of 4.0 percent in October. Markets across Asia also performed strongly, though Tokyo ended lower as its tech sector struggled. The S&P 500 rose 1.6 percent, to 7,689, the Dow rose 3 percent, to 53,356, while the Nasdaq rose 1.4 percent, to 25,737. (AFP) Edited by Robert Kemp

Nov 4, 2026