Business News
Latest business news and updates
Total: 3058
Li Ka‑shing Group Sells UK Power Networks to Engie for HK$110.8bn, Recycling Capital for New Bets
Three Cheung Kong group companies have sold their combined 100% stake in UK Power Networks to Engie for HK$110.75 billion, generating significant accounting gains and cash for future investment. The move reflects asset recycling by Hong Kong utilities investors and gives Engie a stronger foothold in UK electricity distribution as the sector prepares for major decarbonisation investment.
Yuan’s Post‑Holiday Rally Reaches 2023 Highs — Beijing Signals Vigilance as Policy Shifts
The yuan has rallied sharply since the Lunar New Year, pushing to its strongest levels versus the dollar since April 2023 as onshore and offshore rates break 6.87. Analysts attribute the move to improving Sino‑US ties, dollar weakness amid U.S. political turbulence, and accelerated export settlements, while the PBOC has signalled a readiness to use the exchange rate as an automatic stabiliser and to step in if moves become disorderly.
China’s Record Spring Festival: 596 Million Trips, RMB 803 Billion Spent — Where the Money Went
China’s nine‑day Spring Festival generated a record 596 million domestic trips and about RMB 8.03 trillion in tourism spending, with Guangdong, Zhejiang and Jiangsu the biggest beneficiaries. Southern provinces led growth in 2026, and higher per‑visitor spending — driven by overnight stays and experiential travel — lifted receipts faster than headcounts in most places.
Shanghai’s ‘New Seven Measures’ Sparks a Spike in Inquiries — Cautious Sellers and Gig Workers Lead the Early Uptick
Shanghai’s municipal authorities introduced a seven‑point package on 25 February easing purchase rules for some non‑local residents, expanding provident‑fund loan capacity and adjusting property tax arrangements. The measures prompted an immediate rise in enquiries — particularly from five‑year residence‑permit holders without social insurance and young non‑local workers nearing contribution thresholds — and a modest uptick in relisted second‑hand homes, though agents warn loan access and income stability will limit quick sales.
Panasonic Hands Europe and North America TV Business to Skyworth as Chinese Makers Reshape Global TV Market
Panasonic has agreed with Skyworth to hand over operation of Panasonic-branded televisions in Europe and North America, while retaining control in Japan. The deal exemplifies a broader industry shift in which Chinese manufacturers are consolidating global market share through acquisitions, joint ventures and regional operating rights, reshaping competition in premium TV segments such as OLED and Mini LED.
Duan Yongping's $17.5bn War Chest Bets Big on Nvidia and AI Infrastructure
Duan Yongping’s H&H International Investment held roughly $17.5bn in US equities at end-2025 and dramatically increased its Nvidia stake while trimming Apple and cutting ASML. The fund also initiated small positions in AI infrastructure and healthcare AI plays — CoreWeave, Credo Technology and Tempus — signaling a strategic pivot toward the AI compute stack and monetizable applications.
Chinese Tourist Exodus Deepens: January Visits to Japan Plunge 60.7%, Hitting Retail and Hotels
January arrivals from mainland China to Japan fell 60.7% year‑on‑year, deepening a decline that began in December and contributing to Japan’s first monthly drop in foreign visitors in four years. The slump has hit hotels and duty‑free retail, with media and private data linking the fall to controversial comments by Japanese politician Sanae Takaichi and resulting cancellations during the Lunar New Year.
Inland Rise and Coastal Pause: How Jiangsu and Chongqing Rewrote China’s 2025 Consumption Map
Jiangsu surpassed Guangdong to become China’s largest provincial retail market in 2025, while Chongqing overtook Shanghai as the country’s top retail city. The data show stronger consumption growth in central and western provinces driven by targeted subsidies, tourism and night‑time economy initiatives, while first‑tier cities such as Beijing face structural headwinds.
From Lion City to Gulf Sands: Why China's Wealth Is Boarding Flights to Dubai
Regulatory tightening in Singapore and attractive residency and tax regimes in Dubai have prompted a notable reallocation of Chinese wealth from Southeast Asia to the Gulf. The trend reflects policy‑sensitive capital seeking speed, tax advantages and regulatory predictability amid shifting geopolitics and regional integration.
Bitcoin Nudges Above $68,000 in Modest Rally as Market Volatility Lingers
Bitcoin rose above $68,000 with a modest intraday gain of 0.85%, a small rebound following recent volatility that saw it trade below $67,000. The move reflects the market’s sensitivity to ETF flows, derivatives positioning and macro risk sentiment rather than a decisive structural shift.
Infineon Bets on Humanoid Robots to Drive Revenue and Shore Up Margins
Infineon’s CEO says humanoid robots represent a major growth opportunity that could boost revenues and stabilise margins for the Munich‑based chipmaker. Success will hinge on the company’s ability to win integrated design partnerships amid stiff global competition and uncertain adoption timelines.
Buffett’s Farewell Portfolio: Berkshire Slashes Amazon and Trims Apple and BAC, Opens a Position in The New York Times
Berkshire Hathaway’s last 13F filed while Warren Buffett was CEO shows large reductions in Amazon (over 77% cut), continued trimming of Apple and significant sales of Bank of America, while opening a new roughly $352m stake in The New York Times. The moves—combined with increases in Chevron and Chubb—suggest a selective rotation into energy and insurance and a cautious stance on big tech amid questions about AI‑related spending.