Tai O Heritage Hotel – a piece of historic heaven

It’s a holiday. Where can you go for lunch in Hong Kong that’s interesting, out of town and doesn’t require a mortgage? After years of trying steakhouses in Tseng Kwan O, seafood places on Lamma and obscure eateries with names like 131, I have the answer: Tai O.

via Business feed http://www.scmp.com/business/money/wealth/article/1394028/tai-o-heritage-hotel-piece-historic-heaven

Taipei duck goes off with a bang

A giant yellow duck on display in a northern Taiwan port exploded Tuesday, just hours before it was expected to attract a big crowd to count down th...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=44839

Hong Kong exports to have rosy 2014 after key markets post Christmas sales uptick

Christmas sales in Hong Kong’s key export markets – the United States and European Union – improved marginally, according to the the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, but still raised hopes of a better run next year.

via Business feed http://www.scmp.com/business/economy/article/1393836/hong-kong-exports-have-rosy-2014-after-key-markets-post-christmas

Bangladesh seeks fugitive garments factory owners

A Bangladesh court ordered the arrest of the owners of a garments factory and four others over a fire last year that killed 111 workers, after polic...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=44829

Female doctor admits Shaanxi stolen baby trade

A female doctor has admitted in a court in China that she stole babies from the hospital where she worked and sold them to human traffickers, state me...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=44828

Sri Lankan fire dancers ignite HK countdown

Fire-breathing traditional folk dance performers from Sri Lanka will be among other entertaining acts that will welcome 2014 at a countdown carnival p...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=44827

Cameroon footballers face Indonesian horror

It was the dream of sporting glory that drew talented Cameroonian striker Salomon Bengondo (Pictured) to Indonesia – but his story ended in poverty,...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=44826

(NBA) Denver treat for LeBron birthday

LeBron James celebrated his 29th birthday by scoring 26 points and adding 10 assists Monday to spark the reigning NBA champion Miami Heat over the D...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=44825

(NBA) Tyreke Evans hits game winning jumper for Pelicans

Tyreke Evans sank the game-winning basket with 1.2 seconds remaining Monday to give the New Orleans Pelicans a 110-108 victory over the Portland Tra...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=44824

Hang Seng wraps up positive year

Stocks in Hong Kong closed 0.26 percent higher, finishing a mixed year on a bright note following another record close for the Dow on Wall Street. T...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=44823

Indonesia volcano blows top again

Authorities say a volcano in western Indonesia that has been spewing lava and clouds of gas has let out a new burst, triggering panic. Indonesia's di...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=44822

US civil rights group seeks details of executive order to illegally listen in on international calls

A civil liberties group sued the US government Monday, saying various agencies have failed to provide adequate documents related to what it calls the ...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=44821

From Abenomics to Abegeddon

Until Christmas, Shinzo Abe’s eponymous Abenomics programme to rescue Japan from decades of deflation and low growth was an important success, according to most economic commentators, among them the International Monetary Fund, investors on the Tokyo stock market, who too

via Business feed http://www.scmp.com/business/economy/article/1393753/abenomics-abegeddon

Xi gathers political advisers for morning tea

China's leaders celebrated the dawn of a new year with political advisers in Beijing today. President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Keqiang, and five other ...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=44820

China's new overseas asset rules may yield both anti-graft, liberalisation benefits

Moves by Beijing to strengthen monitoring of the mainland’s balance of payments are as likely tied to the long-promised liberalisation of the country’s capital account as they are to a clampdown on corruption.

via Business feed http://www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/1393751/chinas-new-overseas-asset-rules-may-yield-both-anti-graft

Apple dictating compliance inquiry line and impeding access, lawyer complains

A Washington lawyer monitoring Apple Inc compliance with antitrust laws after a judge found it conspired with publishers to raise electronic book pric...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=44819

Buffett's firm acquiring Phillips 66 chemical unit

Billionaire Warren Buffett's company has agreed to trade roughly US$1.4 billion of its stock in Phillips 66 for one of the refiner's chemical business...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=44818

Quake rattles Tokyo

A shallow 5.4-magnitude earthquake hit eastern Japan today, rocking buildings in Tokyo but there were no reports of any damage, seismologists said. ...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=44817

How to get rich-by a Russian billionaire

Everyone's writing their best of 2013 columns and blogs, but some of the year's most interesting financial advice came from an exiled Russian billionaire. Yevgeny Chichvarkin is the owner of Hedonism Wine in Mayfair, London.

via Business feed http://www.scmp.com/business/money/wealth/article/1393709/how-get-rich-russian-billionaire

Hang Seng edges higher

Stocks in Hong Kong edged up 0.36 percent at the beginning of trade on the last trading day of the year Tuesday, boosted by another record close for...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=44816

Young British man faces ferry arson charges

A British man was charged Monday with causing a fire onboard a ferry carrying more than 1,000 people from Newcastle to Amsterdam, police said. Bode...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=44815

Philippines, Pakistan and India murder capitals in Asia for media professionals

Some 108 journalists and media professionals were killed around the world doing their jobs this year, with conflict-torn Syria the deadliest country...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=44814

South Korea inflation eases

South Korea's consumer prices edged down in December from the previous month, staying well below the central bank's target band, government data show...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=44813

More women recognized in UK honors list

The gynaecologist who helped deliver the first child of Prince William and his wife Kate was given a knighthood and veteran actress Angela Lansbury w...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=44812

26 Palestinian prisoners win freedom from Israel

Israel released 26 Palestinian prisoners, a Palestinian official told AFP, in accordance with commitments made to revive US-brokered peace talks. “T...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=44811

Investors reckon Wall Street headed for near-term pullback in new year after robust gains

The US stock market ended a quiet Monday mostly where it began as investors shut their books for what has been an extraordinary year on Wall Street. ...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=44810

Chinese securities regulator approves five new listings ending year-long suspension

China’s national securities regulator has approved the public listing of five companies in Shanghai and Shenzhen ending a year-long halt of new IPOs.

via Business feed http://www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/1393679/chinese-securities-regulator-approves-five-new-listings

Optimism running high for Chinese shares next year

Chinese shares may be poised to become an unlikely star of Asian emerging markets next year, outshining India, thanks to cheap valuations and optimism about reforms.

via Business feed http://www.scmp.com/business/money/markets-investing/article/1393426/optimism-running-high-chinese-shares-next-year

Chinese companies end the year as Asia's top borrowers

Chinese firms were the biggest borrowers of 2013, more than doubling the amount of money they raised on the previous year in the onshore syndicated loan market and nearly matching that feat offshore, according to the latest industry data which also reveals mainland banks were the region's top lenders.

via Business feed http://www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/1393430/chinese-companies-end-year-asias-top-borrowers

Busting the sweatshop boom

Shen Jianhe lost both her job and home when Italian police shut down her garment factory in the Tuscan city of Prato. By day, the 38-year-old mother of four would sew trousers at one of the nearly 5,000 workshops run by Chinese immigrants in Prato, which largely turn out cheap clothing for fast-fashion companies in Italy and across Europe.

via Business feed http://www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/1393427/busting-sweatshop-boom

Cooper Tire ends US$2.5b sale agreement with Apollo

Cooper Tire & Rubber terminated a proposed US$2.5 billion sale to Apollo Tyres yesterday, saying the Indian tyre maker had failed to find financing for the transaction.

via Business feed http://www.scmp.com/business/companies/article/1393432/cooper-tire-ends-us25b-sale-agreement-apollo

Greek bonds outshine all others

Greek bonds returned almost four times as much as any other government securities this year as the nation that sparked Europe's sovereign debt crisis moved toward economic recovery after six years of contraction.

via Business feed http://www.scmp.com/business/money/markets-investing/article/1393408/greek-bonds-outshine-all-others

Slumping yen buoys Japanese shares

Japanese shares are on track to post their best annual performance in more than four decades, far outpacing any other major bourse, mostly thanks to a plunge in the value of the yen.

via Business feed http://www.scmp.com/business/money/markets-investing/article/1393410/slumping-yen-buoys-japanese-shares

Australian dollar extends decline on Fed tapering

The Australian dollar headed for its biggest yearly decline since 2008 as signs of improvement in the economy in the United States boosted expectations that the Federal Reserve will continue to scale back stimulus that has debased the US dollar.

via Business feed http://www.scmp.com/business/banking-finance/article/1393409/australian-dollar-extends-decline-fed-tapering

New fund chiefs face uncertainty in the new year

Top fund houses have changed their Hong Kong-based regional heads in recent months as they look to develop strategies for a new year in which uncertainties about mainland economic growth and global capital flows are expected to increase.

via Business feed http://www.scmp.com/business/companies/article/1393407/new-fund-chiefs-face-uncertainty-new-year

China's gold imports drop 42pc

The mainland's net gold imports from Hong Kong fell 42 per cent to below 100 tonnes last month, reflecting a drop in demand from jewellers and retail investors after strong purchases in recent months.

via Business feed http://www.scmp.com/business/commodities/article/1393461/chinas-gold-imports-drop-42pc

Hong Kong exports show healthy rise despite uncertainty

Hong Kong's merchandise exports grew more strongly than expected last month, by 5.8 per cent year on year, but economic uncertainties in key markets continue to muddy the outlook.

via Business feed http://www.scmp.com/business/economy/article/1393460/hong-kong-exports-show-healthy-rise-despite-uncertainty

Ex-clients quizzed in probe of deVere

Former clients of the world's largest expatriate financial advisory firm, deVere, say they have been contacted by Hong Kong investigators probing possible regulatory breaches in a move that comes as the firm embarks on a major expansion in the city.

via Business feed http://www.scmp.com/business/companies/article/1393457/ex-clients-quizzed-probe-devere

Debt surge signals rising risks in Chinese financial system

China’s local government debt had swollen to 17.9 trillion yuan by the middle of this year according to the latest figures from the National Audit Office (NAO), up nearly 70 per cent from its previously disclosed total in a fresh sign of the risks building inside the fina

via Business feed http://www.scmp.com/business/banking-finance/article/1393334/debt-surge-signals-rising-risks-chinese-financial-system

Bangladesh winds down year amid more turmoil

Bangladesh's capital was effectively cut off from the rest of the country today, with transport services into Dhaka halted to thwart the second day ...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=44809

Maldives corpse shock for Beckham family

A human corpse washed up at an exclusive island resort in the Maldives where English footballer David Beckham is taking a Christmas holiday with his...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=44808

Woman doctor in Shaanxi charged with selling seven newborns to traffickers

An obstetrician accused of trafficking seven babies, one of whom died, was brought to court in northwestern Shaanxi Province today. Zhang Shuxia, a d...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=44807

Carlsberg widens footprint with Chongqing Beer deal

Danish brewer Carlsberg said it had bought the owner of eight Chinese breweries for 1.4 billion kroner (188 million euros) as it continues to grow o...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=44806

Physicians guarded on Schumacher’s condition

Doctors treating Michael Schumacher refused to predict the outcome for the former Formula One driver, saying they were taking his very critical head i...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=44805

Local government debts rise to 20.7 trillion yuan

The National Audit Office said in a statement that governments at various levels held debts of 20.7 trillion yuan by the end of June. Total debt guar...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=44804

Schumacher remains ‘critical'

Michael Schumacher, 44, the retired seven-time Formula One champion, was still in “critical condition'' today after suffering severe brain trauma i...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=44803

Shanghai shipyard blast kills two

Two people were killed and another two injured in a shipyard explosion in Shanghai today, local work safety authorities said. The explosion occurred ...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=44801

Woman held for trying to deposit 19, HK$1,000 fake notes

A woman has been arrested for using counterfeit bank notes after she aroused suspicions at a bank where she tried to deposit 19 HK$1,000 notes. A tel...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=44802

German envoy’s Athens home attacked

The home of Germany's ambassador to Greece was sprayed with a burst of automatic gunfire early today, in a suspected terrorist attack the government s...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=44800

Stones fly in Bangladesh clashes

Bangladesh ruling party supporters and their opponents threw stones at each other today on the second day of sporadic violence in the capital Dhaka, a...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=44799

President Xi to take economic reform agenda into own hands

President Xi Jinping will head a leading group for overall reform in the economy, the Communist Party Central Committee’s Political Bureau decided tod...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=44798

Britain shrugs off EU curbs on coal plants despite looming threat of blackouts

The United Kingdom will not challenge the European Union’s environmental rules which have led to closure of many old coal power plants, even as the country faces threats of power blackouts within the next two years, The Times of London reported on Monday.

via Business feed http://www.scmp.com/business/commodities/article/1393168/britain-shrugs-eu-curbs-coal-plants-despite-looming-threat

US deports Singaporean criminal who planned deadly arms shipment to terrorists

A Singaporean arms dealer who was convicted and jailed following a sting in the US during which he attempted to purchase deadly weapons for Sri Lanka'...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=44792

(NBA) Warriors beat Cavaliers in OT

Stephen Curry scored 29 points and made a clutch jumper with 13.5 seconds left as the Golden State Warriors opened a long road trip with their fifth s...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=44790

MTR slammed over maintenance

Sai Kung District Councillors have criticized the MTR Corporation for failing to ensure the quality of maintenance on its Tseung Kwan O Line. This fo...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=44789

Tokyo shares close year on a high

Japanese shares posted their best annual performance in more than four decades, far outpacing any other major bourse, mostly thanks to a plunge in t...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=44788

Seven school children drown at Vietnam seaside picnic

Seven Vietnamese school children drowned while swimming in the sea during a picnic near the southern business hub of Ho Chi Minh City, local police ...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=44787

Russia bus bomb kills 10

Russia's Emergency Situations Ministry says at least 10 people have been killed in a bus explosion in Volgograd, a day after a suicide bombing that ki...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=44786

Diplomats of all levels dodge criminal sanctions despite abusing their helpers in US

The prosecution of an Indian consular official in New York for allegedly forcing her domestic helper to toil for little pay highlights a problem advoc...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=44785

Pro-establishment parties not in line with govt, advisor says

National Association of Study on HK and Macao vice-chairman Lau Siu-kai said the relationship between Hong Kong and Beijing is moving to a new stage, ...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=44784

Police gun down eight Xinjiang 'attackers'

Eight “attackers'' armed with knives and explosives were shot dead today during an assault on a police station in restive Xinjiang, authorities said...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=44783

Hang Seng directionless at break

Stocks in Hong Kong ended the morning session flat as investors wind down ahead of the New Year break. The benchmark Hang Seng Index edged up 18.35 p...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=44781

Former Zhou Yongkang's aide in corruption probe

A former aide to retired Chinese security tsar Zhou Yongkang has been placed under investigation for corruption, the government said, the latest move ...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=44782

Mainland insurers poised for plum premium-income growth in 2014

Following a breakthrough year for reforms, the mainland’s life insurers are poised for a year of decent growth in premium income, which will likely be backed by product diversity after the changes in rules.

via Business feed http://www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/1393049/mainland-insurers-poised-plum-premium-income-growth-2014

Canadian missing from Royal Caribbean cruise ship

The US Coast Guard was searching Sunday for a Canadian passenger who jumped off a Royal Caribbean Cruises ship as it motored off a remote Puerto Rican...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=44780

American intel agency intercepts hardware and Microsoft crash reports to break into Windows machines

A German magazine lifted the lid on the operations of the American National Security Agency's hacking unit Sunday, reporting that US spies intercept c...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=44779

(NBA) Durant on fire for Thunder

Scoring leader Kevin Durant netted 33 points and grabbed 13 rebounds to spark Oklahoma City past Houston 117-86 Sunday in Oklahoma City, giving the ...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=44778

Nikkei up at break

Stocks in Tokyo edged up 0.38 percent Monday morning, supported by a weak yen, as the Japanese market winds down trading for the year. On the last se...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=44776

Yuan climbs against dollar

The yuan, marched to a new record high against the US dollar today. The yuan strengthened 26 basis points to reach 6.1024 per US dollar, the stronges...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=44775

Moderate recovery predicted for Hong Kong and China container shipping sector

Next year, Hong Kong’s status as a port will continue to decline, while a modest recovery for the container shipping sector of Hong Kong and China is the best that can be hoped for, analysts predict.

via Business feed http://www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/1393024/moderate-recovery-predicted-hong-kong-and-china-container

Shanghai's shipping industry raises doubts over snubbing in new Free Trade Zone

Xiong Hao, a senior executive at a Shanghai shipping firm, doubts whether the city’s proposed Free Trade Zone has what it takes to make it a world-class trading hub.

via Business feed http://www.scmp.com/business/economy/article/1393018/shanghais-shipping-industry-raises-doubts-over-snubbing-new-free

Six killed in Guangdong apartment blaze

Six people were killed in a fire in Qingyuan City in Guangdong Sunday, local authorities said today. The fire broke out in a three-story residential ...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=44773

(Football) Arsenal bounce back

Arsenal returned to the top of the Premier League with a scrappy 1-0 win at Newcastle. Olivier Giroud ensured Arsenal will start 2014 on top of the s...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=44772

(Football) Chelsea rally to lash Liverpool

Eden Hazard and Samuel Eto'o scored first-half goals as Chelsea came from behind to secure a 2-1 win over title rival Liverpool in the English Premier...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=44771

(Yachting) Victoire victorius

The 50-foot yacht Victoire was Monday named the overall winner of the Sydney to Hobart ocean race, after the only boat still at sea that could beat ...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=44770

Seoul exports tumble, but current account swells

South Korea posted a current account surplus of US$6.03 billion in November, the central bank said. The accumulated surplus so far this year exceed...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=44769

Hang Seng gains at start

Stocks in Hong Kong added 0.47 percent at the beginning of trade, in line with a regional advance as investors wind down at the end of the year. Th...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=44768

(NFL) Manning continues record run

Peyton Manning broke one US National Football League passing record and stretched another Sunday as the Denver Broncos also set a league mark for the...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=44767

Israeli tank fire fells two Palestinians in Gaza

Two Palestinians in the Gaza Strip were wounded Sunday by Israeli tank fire, medical sources said, less than a week after cross-border violence peak...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=44766

Debt-laden Greece to borrow again

Indebted Greece is hoping to return to bond markets in the second half of 2014 – but only if growth and a primary budget surplus permits, the financ...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=44765

Hollande talks business with Saudis, the biggest Mid-East client

French President Francois Hollande met Saudi King Abdullah yesterday on a visit aimed at boosting commercial ties and addressing escalating tensions...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=44764

EU's Van Rompuy pitches recovery message

European Council president Herman Van Rompuy forecast an economic upswing for Europe in 2014 in an interview with Belgium's Flemish-speaking broadcas...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=44763

16 killed in Russian city by suicide murderer

A female suicide bomber killed at least 16 people Sunday in an attack on the main train station of the southern Russian city of Volgograd, heighteni...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=44762

Schumacher’s wife and children at French hospital

Retired Formula One champion Michael Schumacher’s wife Corinna was at his side with his two children, the hospital in the southeastern French city of ...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=44761

Positive start in Tokyo

Stocks in Tokyo opened 0.56 percent higher as the yen dropped to its lowest level in more than five years. The benchmark Nikkei 225 index was up 90.28...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=44760

Motor racing champ Schumacher fighting for life after French Alps skiing accident

Seven-time Formula One champion Michael Schumacher was in critical condition after undergoing brain surgery following a skiing accident in the French ...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=44759

Michael Kadoorie grooming his children as possible successors

Michael Kadoorie, the 72-year old patriarch tycoon of a global business empire spanning luxury hotels to local electricity supply, is preparing to pass the baton to the family’s next generation.

via Business feed http://www.scmp.com/business/companies/article/1392830/michael-kadoorie-grooming-his-children-possible-successors

Michael Kadoorie looks to future with an eye on past

Stepping into Michael Kadoorie's office on the 24th floor of the St George's Building in Central is like going back in time.

via Business feed http://www.scmp.com/business/companies/article/1392597/michael-kadoorie-looks-future-eye-past

It's the end of the year and battle for talent begins again

It's the end of the year again, and a time when some human resources managers may get nervous about one thing - how to keep their staff.

via Business feed http://www.scmp.com/business/article/1392728/its-end-year-and-battle-talent-begins-again

Acquisitions and refinancing top the agenda

China is going through a boom in offshore acquisitions. CNOOC's US$15.1 billion purchase of Calgary-based Nexen, which does oil drilling and tar sand extraction, defined the trend. This was the first major offshore deal by a mainland energy firm.

via Business feed http://www.scmp.com/business/money/markets-investing/article/1392713/acquisitions-and-refinancing-top-agenda

Apple chief gets US$4.25m paycheque

Apple chief executive Tim Cook received compensation valued at US$4.25 million this year, a 1.9 per cent increase over 2012, even as the iPhone maker's stock gains lagged the S&P 500 Index.

via Business feed http://www.scmp.com/business/companies/article/1392749/apple-chief-gets-us425m-paycheque

Bumpy road for sales of yuan wealth products

The sale of unit trusts hit a bump in the second half amid growing concern about uncertain investment sentiment next year, especially over yuan-denominated wealth management products.

via Business feed http://www.scmp.com/business/banking-finance/article/1392712/bumpy-road-sales-yuan-wealth-products

Surge in interbank rates and bond yields spurs listing rush

Hong Kong's listing market has experienced its busiest quarter on record in the face of a surge in interbank rates and bond yields when the People's Bank of China abstained from accommodating the seasonal demand for cash.

via Business feed http://www.scmp.com/business/article/1392711/surge-interbank-rates-and-bond-yields-spurs-listing-rush

Directors' selling slows over holiday week

Buying of their own company shares by directors rose for the fourth straight week and selling slowed during the holiday-shortened week of December 23 to 27.

via Business feed http://www.scmp.com/business/article/1392747/directors-selling-slows-over-holiday-week

Hong Kong asset manager targets A shares

Fund manager Value Partners plans to launch a pure equity fund to invest offshore yuan in the mainland’s A-share market next quarter, as part of its response to Beijing’s efforts to globalise its currency.

via Business feed http://www.scmp.com/business/money/markets-investing/article/1392804/hong-kong-asset-manager-targets-shares

Heirs to the crown

Along Kowloon's teeming Nathan Road, it is common to see multiple Luk Fook jewellery stores on the same block.

via Business feed http://www.scmp.com/business/companies/article/1392730/heirs-crown

Pump up the volume

Don't be fooled by the slack performance of the Hang Seng Index or its A-share counterpart; Hong Kong and mainland corporations raised a lot of money this year: US$541.8 billion in loan, bond and equity markets, according to Thomson Reuters.

via Business feed http://www.scmp.com/business/money/markets-investing/article/1392714/pump-volume

Boards far from balanced despite adding more women

A year after Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing announced a new rule on board diversity, and three months after its implementation, there have been more women on company boards in the city, but little improvement has been made in other areas mandated by the rule, such as a greater diversity of ages, races or knowledge bases.

via Business feed http://www.scmp.com/business/companies/article/1392746/boards-far-balanced-despite-adding-more-women

IPO surge sets up bright 2014 for Hong Kong

If the fourth quarter of 2013 is anything to go by, the year ahead will be busy for initial public offerings, with a diverse set of issuers and lots of new cash coming into the market.

via Business feed http://www.scmp.com/business/money/markets-investing/article/1392752/ipo-surge-sets-bright-2014-hong-kong

Early 2014 the best time to buy gold

Investors and consumers looking to take advantage of lower gold prices are advised to buy next quarter, with some analysts tipping prices to recover later, although they are set to post this year the biggest loss since 1981.

via Business feed http://www.scmp.com/business/commodities/article/1392755/early-2014-best-time-buy-gold

Li Ka-shing's British power firm UKPN under fire over alleged tax avoidance

A British energy firm owned by tycoon Li Ka-shing has come under fire amid allegations the company, at the centre of a storm over Christmas power blackouts, avoided paying millions of pounds in taxes.

via Business feed http://www.scmp.com/business/companies/article/1392727/li-ka-shings-british-power-firm-ukpn-under-fire-over-alleged-tax

Watch out, onesies are about to come

In the 1980s and 90s, the UK was plagued with shell suits. These were basically tracksuits, but often made of brushed velour or some stretchy nylon fabric.

via Business feed http://www.scmp.com/business/money/wealth/article/1392526/watch-out-onesies-are-about-come

Mainland China's mega-lenders could make mark in 2014

China's banks are racking up foreign assets, driven by trade flows, and the country's corporate diaspora. Even at the current slow pace, what today looks like "following the client" could soon become "following everyone's clients".

via Business feed http://www.scmp.com/business/banking-finance/article/1391196/mainland-chinas-mega-lenders-could-make-mark-2014

GM and partner SAIC recall 1.5m cars

General Motors' mainland joint venture will recall almost 1.5 million vehicles due to potential safety issues in one of the biggest recalls in the world's biggest car market.

via Business feed http://www.scmp.com/business/companies/article/1391324/gm-and-partner-saic-recall-15m-cars

Korea vows to boost domestic demand

South Korea's economy will gather further momentum next year but the government will maintain a growth-supportive policy stance in the face of elevated risks both at home and abroad, the finance ministry said yesterday.

via Business feed http://www.scmp.com/business/economy/article/1391318/korea-vows-boost-domestic-demand

Investors switch to unloved stocks after market surge

With the stock market in the United States on pace to end the year with a gain of almost 30 per cent, including dividend payouts, fund managers are finding themselves searching for stocks that have been largely ignored as they head into 2014.

via Business feed http://www.scmp.com/business/money/markets-investing/article/1391307/investors-switch-unloved-stocks-after-market-surge

High-flyers' wings clipped under bankruptcy orders

Rafael Hui Si-yan, former chief secretary of the city, now faces the same fate as the 7,767 other individuals who were declared bankrupt by the courts this year - a minimum of four years of having his financial affairs closely controlled and monitored.

via Business feed http://www.scmp.com/business/banking-finance/article/1391285/high-flyers-wings-clipped-under-bankruptcy-orders

Beauty-care firms crack the feminist psyche and wallet

On the evening of December 19, a Pantene commercial ran on US television that skirted all the formal avenues of parent company Procter & Gamble's typical advertising process.

via Business feed http://www.scmp.com/business/companies/article/1391336/beauty-care-firms-crack-feminist-psyche-and-wallet

ADB chief sees Asia weathering Fed's taper

Asian Development Bank president Takehiko Nakao is confident emerging Asian economies will weather the impact of reduced United States monetary stimulus, predicting growth of about 6 per cent this year and next.

via Business feed http://www.scmp.com/business/banking-finance/article/1391322/adb-chief-sees-asia-weathering-feds-taper

Yu E Bao's future may offer clue to the potential of state reforms

The words to watch next year are Yu E Bao (Leftover Treasure). They will offer a significant clue to the role of private entrepreneurs in the eyes of President Xi Jinping and the potential of his reforms.

via Business feed http://www.scmp.com/business/article/1391309/yu-e-baos-future-may-offer-clue-potential-state-reforms

Coal feels the heat

About US$8 trillion of known coal reserves lie beneath the earth's surface. The companies planning to mine and burn them are being targeted by the growing ranks of investors concerned with the greenhouse gases that will be made.

via Business feed http://www.scmp.com/business/commodities/article/1391305/coal-feels-heat

Furla weaves China dream amid affordable luxury boom

It is a family brand that has sought to infuse Italian passion, elegance and heritage into its leather handbags and stilettos. Now, it has its sights set on making China its largest market within the next five years.

via Business feed http://www.scmp.com/business/companies/article/1391335/furla-weaves-china-dream-amid-affordable-luxury-boom

Rafael Hui borrowed HK$75m - but how?

Legislators have questioned how Hong Kong banks came to lend a sum believed to exceed HK$75 million to former chief secretary Rafael Hui Si-yan - an amount equal to almost 200 times his monthly salary while he was still in office, and more than 900 times the monthly pension he received when he retired in 2007.

via Business feed http://www.scmp.com/business/banking-finance/article/1391286/rafael-hui-borrowed-hk75m-how

Growth potential sets the scene for rally in Asian units

Taiwan's dollar and the Indonesian rupiah are forecast to lead a recovery in Asian currencies next year as attention shifts to the region's growth potential and away from the reduction in the monetary stimulus in the United States.

via Business feed http://www.scmp.com/business/banking-finance/article/1391319/growth-potential-sets-scene-rally-asian-units

Price rises put Japan halfway towards inflation goal

Japan has passed the halfway mark towards its inflation goal as new data showed prices rose last month by the most in five years, while regular wages halted 17 months of declines, underlining progress under Abenomics on key fronts to revive the economy.

via Business feed http://www.scmp.com/business/economy/article/1391354/price-rises-put-japan-halfway-towards-inflation-goal

Li urges young entrepreneurs to make an impact

Premier Li Keqiang urged young mainland entrepreneurs to innovate and make a global impact as he toured Tianjin yesterday, a day after the city became the nation's latest region to use market forces to curb air pollution through the trading of carbon dioxide emission rights.

via Business feed http://www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/1391346/li-urges-young-entrepreneurs-make-impact

Beijing revisits one-child policy to offer choices

Beijing has examining a draft to loosen the one child policy, the start of the legislative procedure, authorities said. The Standing Committee of Bei...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=44758

HTC designer Chien charged with leaking smartphone secrets to Beijing contacts

Taiwan prosecutors indicted a chief designer and five employees at leading smartphone maker HTC for allegedly leaking crucial trade secrets to China...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=44757

Urban enforcers jailed for killing watermelon vendor

A court in China has sentenced four municipal security officers to prison for a clash that left a watermelon seller dead and triggered a public outcry...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=44756

Macau 11-month arrivals rise to 26.7m

Macau's visitor arrivals increased by 2 percent year-on-year to 2.43 million in November 2013, according to figures by the Statistics and Census Servi...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=44755

Early uptick in European markets

Europe's main stock markets gained Friday as trading resumed after the Christmas break, with London's benchmark FTSE 100 index opening up 0.14 percen...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=44754

Ex-PM’s aide killed in Lebanon bombing

The state news agency of Lebanon says a bombing in central Beirut has killed five people, including a senior aide to former Lebanese Prime Minister Sa...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=44753

Elderly Saudi man dies from Sars-like virus

Saudi Arabia says a 73-year-old man has died from a new respiratory virus related to SARS, bringing to 57 the number of deaths in the kingdom at the c...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=44752

GM pulls 1.5m defective Buick Excelle models in China

China's product quality agency says General Motors and its main Chinese partner will recall almost 1.5 million cars to replace a bracket that secures ...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=44751

Hang Seng, Shanghai close higher

Stocks in Hong Kong gained 0.27 percent Friday following new record highs on Wall Street. The benchmark Hang Seng Index advanced 63.69 points to 23,2...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=44750

Young Indian woman gang raped twice, 10 held

Police in India have arrested 10 people for their involvement in the gang rape of a 21-year-old woman in the southern territory of Puducherry on Chris...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=44749

Indian rapist caged for beastly acts against Spanish woman in Mumbai

A court in India sentenced a man to life in jail after convicting him of raping a 26-year-old Spanish woman at her house in Mumbai last year. The cou...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=44748

(NBA) Blazers shove aside Clippers in overtime

LaMarcus Aldridge scored 32 points and grabbed 10 points to spark Portland over the Los Angeles Clippers 116-112 in overtime in a National Basketbal...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=44747

(Cricket) England pin down Aussies

Jimmy Anderson took three wickets as part of a dominant England bowling display today which left Australia in trouble on 164 for 9 wickets at stumps o...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=44746

Cambodia garment factory workers protesting for higher wages face down police violence

Police in Cambodia fired warning shots during a brief clash with striking garments factory workers demanding higher wages, an official said. The vio...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=44745

Yingluck threatens to call in army to help run Thai poll

Thailand said it would ask the army to provide security for February elections after violent clashes between police and opposition protesters left t...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=44744

Nikkei recovers to a positive close

Tokyo's Nikkei 225 edged up 0.03 percent Friday as late buying pushed the benchmark index back into positive territory, while a weaker yen also booste...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=44743

(NBA) Parker, Duncan reverse Mavericks’ run

Tony Parker scored 23 points and Tim Duncan added 21 points and 13 rebounds to spark the San Antonio Spurs to a 116-107 victory in a National Basketb...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=44742

Teen among two gunned down in Manila

Two people including a teenager were gunned down in the Philippine capital Manila yesterday, reports said. One person was wounded. The teenager was k...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=44741

American found dead in Manila hotel

An American tourist has been found dead in his hotel room in Quezon City in Manila, Philippines today. The body of Dominic Joseph Salte Jr, 50, was f...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=44740

China jobless target remains at 4.6pc in new year

China aims to keep the unemployment rate below 4.6 percent in 2014, unchanged from the prevailing target. The Minister of Human Resources and Social ...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=44739

Mainlander driving stolen taxi killed

A mainlander suspected of stealing a taxi was killed in an early morning traffic accident on the Tolo Highway. According to police, the 34 year old ...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=44738

Hang Seng higher at break

Stocks in Hong Kong gained 0.29 percent in the morning session following record highs on Wall Street. The benchmark Hang Seng Index gained 67.1 points...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=44737

Sinopec secures upsized loan of US$3.5 billion

Mainland oil giant Sinopec has raised US$3.5 billion through a syndicated loan. The deal was upsized from an initially targeted US$2.5 billion following strong demand in syndication.

via Business feed http://www.scmp.com/business/companies/article/1390824/sinopec-secures-upsized-loan-us35-billion

Yuan hits a new high against greenback

The yuan touched a new record high against the US dollar today strengthening 106 basis points to reach 6.1050 per greenback, the strongest since July ...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=44736

Five die in Sichuan mall fire

A fire in a shopping mall in downtown Luzhou City in southwestern Sichuan province last night left 5 people dead and 35 injured, including five seri...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=44735

China icebreaker sails to join other vessels assisting research ship trapped off Antarctica

A icebreaker from China was due to reach the frozen seas where a scientific mission ship is trapped off Antarctica, as those onboard welcomed the easi...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=44734

Hong Kong accounting watchdog's chief bends to reforms, but won't give up regulatory power

The Hong Kong accountancy watchdog has agreed to change some of its practices but wants to retain its role as the regulatory authority for the sector.

via Business feed http://www.scmp.com/business/money/article/1390803/hong-kong-accounting-watchdogs-chief-bends-reforms-wont-give

US airbase move from Okinawa agreed

Okinawa officials approved the long-stalled relocation of a controversial US military base, the defense ministry said, a breakthrough that looks set...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=44733

State media frowns on predictably lame condemnations against ‘fascist’ Abe

China must take “excessive'' counter-measures after Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's controversial war shrine visit, state-run media urged today...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=44732

(Football) West Brom defy Spurs

Tim Sherwood's first game in full charge of Tottenham ended in disappointment as Emmanuel Adebayor's error gifted West Bromwich a 1-1 draw in the Engl...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=44731

(Football) Losing Scotsman Mackay suffers more blows

Southampton gave Cardiff City’s Scottish manager Malky Mackay more problems by ending a six-game losing run in the Premier League with a 3-0 victory i...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=44730

(Football) Failure Lomas booted from Millwall

Steve Lomas, the former Northern Ireland international midfielder, was sacked as Millwall manager yesterday just hours after his struggling Championsh...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=44729

(NBA) LeBron, Durant top fan choices in All-Star ballot

Four-time NBA Most Valuable Player LeBron James and scoring leader Kevin Durant are the top ballot choices in fan voting for the 2014 US National Ba...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=44728

(Football) Arsenal climb to the top

Arsenal are on top of the English Premier League heading into the second half of the season as Arsene Wenger looks to win the trophy for the first tim...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=44727

Chilly mornings at the weekend

Mornings at the weekend will be much cooler, the weather watchers said today. The winter monsoon is bringing cold and dry weather to southern China...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=44726

Political adviser Yang Gang under scrutiny for graft

Yang Gang, a national political adviser, is under investigation for “suspected serious law and discipline violations," the discipline watchdog of the ...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=44725

US Treasury 10-year yield rises past 3pc

The yield on the 10-year US Treasury bond gained to 3 percent Thursday for the first time since September. The yield, up from 2.98 percent on Tuesda...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=44724

17,800 more join French jobless ranks

The number of registered jobseekers in France increased by 17,800 in November to 3.29 million, the labor ministry said, challenging government claim...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=44723

Nikkei gives up gains

Stocks in Tokyo lost opening gains driven by a weaker yen today, after strong US data pushed Wall Street to new record highs. The headline Nikkei in...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=44722

Explosion shatters Sichuan mall

A blast ripped through a shopping mall in downtown Luzhou City in southwestern Sichuan Province last night, local authorities said. It is not immedi...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=44721

Positive start for Hang Seng

Stocks in Hong Kong opened 0.15 percent higher Friday following fresh record highs on Wall Street. The benchmark Hang Seng Index climbed 33.73 points...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=44720

(Yachting) Wild Oats on Perpetual Loyal’s tail in light winds

Perpetual Loyal led fellow super maxi and defending champion Wild Oats XI in what turned into a two-yacht duel Friday in the Sydney to Hobart race. P...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=44719

(Cricket) England get early breakthrough

Australia were 38 for 2 wickets at lunch in reply to England's 255 on the second day of the fourth Ashes test in Melbourne, Australia today. Chris R...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=44718

Another American Jew missing claims US abandoned him

A 72-year-old American Jew reported to have been kidnapped in Pakistan by al-Qaida more than two years ago appealed to US President Obama in a video T...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=44717

Budget deal behind US, but debt limit looms large

US President Barack Obama signed a bipartisan budget deal easing spending cuts and a defense bill cracking down on sexual assault in the military, mar...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=44716

Wall Street leaps to new high

US stock markets Thursday continued their bull run of 2013, closing at new records after a strong US unemployment report. The Dow Jones Industrial ...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=44715

Thai bus plunges into ravine killing 29

At least 29 people were killed and four badly injured when a bus plunged into a deep ravine in northeast Thailand, police said. The accident occurre...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=44714

Nikkei positive

Stocks in Tokyo opened higher today, as Wall Street continued to rally on strong US data, while a weaker yen provided a further boost to the Japanes...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=44713

Japan consumer prices rise again

Japan's core consumer prices marked a sixth straight monthly increase in November, official data showed today. The core consumer price index, which ...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=44712

UK seeks to improve funding for SMEs

The British government is considering rule changes that would make it easier for new banks and alternative finance providers to provide funding to small and medium-sized companies.

via Business feed http://www.scmp.com/business/economy/article/1390505/uk-seeks-improve-funding-smes

Volkswagen set to be No 1 carmaker in China

Volkswagen is poised to sell more vehicles in China than General Motors (GM) for the first time in nine years, regaining its place as the biggest foreign carmaker in the world's largest car market.

via Business feed http://www.scmp.com/business/companies/article/1390432/volkswagen-set-be-no-1-carmaker-china

Japan bank regulator targets rate rigging

Japan's banking regulator will seek to introduce penalties for manipulation of financial benchmarks, joining market watchdogs around the globe in pushing for broader authority and tougher supervision.

via Business feed http://www.scmp.com/business/banking-finance/article/1390502/japan-bank-regulator-targets-rate-rigging

Tax crackdown reaping rewards in China

Chinese tax authorities' increasing co-operation with other countries has resulted in a huge increase in the recovery of taxes dodged by multinationals on the mainland, say analysts.

via Business feed http://www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/1390488/tax-crackdown-reaping-rewards-china

Private firms shake up China's mobile market

The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) yesterday handed out the first batch of licences to 11 private enterprises, including a unit of Alibaba Group, to sell mobile services, breaking the monopoly of state-owned firms in the telecommunications sector.

via Business feed http://www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/1390491/private-firms-shake-chinas-mobile-market

Graft fight In new phase with UK Rolls Royce probe

The accelerating anti-graft campaign in China could be entering a new phase, with word that Britain's anti-corruption watchdog has formally launched an investigation into jet engine maker Rolls-Royce.

via Business feed http://www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/1390239/graft-fight-new-phase-uk-rolls-royce-probe

Peripheral bitcoin services like BitPay safer investment than bitcoin: economist

Investors looking for a smart way to make money from the global bitcoin phenomenon should steer clear of speculating in the pseudo-currency and follow Li Ka-shing’s gambit of buying into services spawned by its creation, a top economist has said.

via Business feed http://www.scmp.com/business/banking-finance/article/1390224/peripheral-bitcoin-services-bitpay-safer-investment-bitcoin

China estimates 2013 growth slowed to 7.6 per cent

China’s Cabinet estimates this year’s economic growth edged down to 7.6 per cent and warned it faces pressure to decline further, state news agency Xinhua said Thursday.

via Business feed http://www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/1390161/china-estimates-2013-growth-slowed-76-cent

US critics savage Pope Francis Christmas goodwill message as "pure Marxism"

It is Christmas, markets are subdued and many people are enjoying a holiday, good food and drink, even if they do not believe the Christian story about peace on Earth and good will to all men heralded by the birth of a baby God-man 2,000 years ago.

via Business feed http://www.scmp.com/business/economy/article/1390110/us-critics-savage-pope-francis-christmas-goodwill-message-pure

Hong Kong accounting firms to hire more for active IPOs

Hong Kong accounting firms are likely to recruit about 10 per cent more new staff next year in light of the more increased active stock market activity and more takeover deals.

via Business feed http://www.scmp.com/business/banking-finance/article/1390057/hong-kong-accounting-firms-hire-more-active-ipos

Macau casino taps David Beckham's star power as it courts mainland China

Retired soccer star and sometime underwear model David Beckham has signed on to help promote Las Vegas Sands' properties in Macau and Singapore.

Sands said in a statement that it hoped to cash in on Beckham's popularity in the region.

via Business feed http://www.scmp.com/business/companies/article/1389740/macau-casino-taps-david-beckhams-star-power-it-courts-mainland

Japan's SoftBank on course to buy T-Mobile

Japan's SoftBank plans to acquire T-Mobile US through its subsidiary Sprint in a move that would create the world's second largest mobile carrier by revenue after China Mobile, a report said Wednesday.

via Business feed http://www.scmp.com/business/companies/article/1389733/japans-softbank-course-buy-t-mobile

World markets rise on eased China credit worry

Global stocks posted further gains on Tuesday as concerns over a cash crunch in China eased. Trading volumes were light in shortened Christmas Eve sessions.

via Business feed http://www.scmp.com/business/money/markets-investing/article/1389722/world-markets-rise-eased-china-credit-worry

Nigella Lawson and Charles Saatchi - ‘first world’ problems

Now that the messy but fascinating UK court case starring loaded art dealer and advertising guru Charles Saatchi, his unhappy ex-wife Nigella Lawson and their two Italian housekeepers is over, it’s interesting to reflect.

via Business feed http://www.scmp.com/business/money/wealth/article/1389714/nigella-lawson-and-charles-saatchi-first-world-problems

Toronto ice sheath will linger, weather forecaster warns

Utility crews rushed to restore electricity to hundreds of thousands of people who faced a Christmas without lights after a messy storm downed power ...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=44711

New chopper takes flight

China's medium lift utility helicopter the Z-20, is said to have made its maiden flight Monday at an airport in China's Northeast region, according t...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=44710

Thugs attack pastor's lawyers, churchgoers

The wife of a detained Chinese Christian pastor says a group of rights lawyers and churchgoers were attacked by hired thugs on Christmas Eve at her ho...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=44709

French economy shrinks

The French economy contracted 0.1 percent in the third quarter of 2013, the statistics body INSEE confirmed Tuesday, but it is expected to post 0.4-...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=44708

Europe markets lower

European stock markets eased at the start of shortened trading sessions Tuesday. London's benchmark FTSE 100 index was down 0.10 percent to 6,672.22 ...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=44707

Electric stars aglow

A square in Maracaibo in the state of Zulia in Venezuela, dazzles with Christmas lights. –Xinhua ...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=44706

Rainbow falls

Niagara Falls is illuminated for Winter Festival of Lights in Ontario, Canada. A winter lights festival for holiday celebration is held from November ...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=44705

(NBA) King James leads Heat over Hawks in OT

LeBron James had 38 points on Monday to carry the Wade-less Miami Heat over the Atlanta Hawks 121-119 through overtime. James had eight rebounds and ...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=44704

(NBA) Nowitzki moves to 13th on NBA scoring list

The Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki moved up to the 13th place on the overall scoring list after hitting 31 points on Monday. The 35-year-old ...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=44703

Sri Lanka boots out insulting Aussie hotelier

Sri Lanka barred the Australian owner of one of the world's most exclusive hotels from returning to the island for flying the national flag upside do...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=44702

Japanese diplomat suspected of plundering US$260,000 charged with arson at African embassy

A Japanese diplomat in charge of accounting at Tokyo’s embassy in the Democratic Republic of the Congo was charged today with setting fire to the miss...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=44701

In Siberia’s cold, Pussy Riot girls find freedom’s warmth in a hug

Two members of anti-Kremlin punk band Pussy Riot embraced each other as they reunited in the Siberian city of Krasnoyarsk, a day after they walked o...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=44700

Nikkei touches new high at close

Tokyo's Nikkei index closed up 0.12 percent at a six-year high, encouraged by a weak yen and a record-breaking rally on Wall Street. The benchmark N...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=44699

Woman blackmailer’s jail term affirmed

A former pub manager has failed in her bid to appeal against a seven-year jail sentence for blackmailing her former lover. Ki Chun-yim was found gui...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=44698

Yusef Lateef: Jazz maestro celebrated world’s music

Grammy-winning musician and composer Yusef Lateef, one of the first to incorporate world music into traditional jazz, has died. He was 93. Lateef die...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=44697

Snowden feels vindicated by media’s revelations of illegal spying

Former US National Security Agency contractor Edward Snowden said his “mission's already accomplished'' after revealing illegal intelligence gathering...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=44696

Shenzhen drug maker Biokangtai investigated following baby deaths

China has sent health experts to investigate a drug maker to establish if the deaths of several babies in recent weeks were related to vaccines they r...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=44695

(NBA) Knicks withstand Magic run

The New York Knicks lost Carmelo Anthony to a sprained ankle, but turned back a furious Orlando rally to post a 103-98 victory over the Magic in a US...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=44694

Hang Seng rallies at mid day

Stocks in Hong Kong rallied 1.13 percent, taking the lead from a record close on Wall Street after another batch of upbeat US data. The benchmark Han...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=44693

Think tank predicts stable home prices next year

Home prices in the largest cities may peak in the first quarter and drop at the end of next year, according to a report by the Chinese Academy of Soci...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=44692

Japan approves highest-ever national budget of US$922 billion for 2014

Japan approved a record budget of US$922 billion on Tuesday, as an improving economy and a sales tax hike made room for more defence spending and the first step towards achieving a balanced budget.

via Business feed http://www.scmp.com/business/economy/article/1389641/japan-approves-highest-ever-national-budget-us922-billion-2014

US$40m target for fund to aid Bangladesh garment factory victims

A compensation fund to benefit the mostly female victims of an April factory building collapse in Bangladesh that killed more than 1,100 people is bei...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=44691

Shortened trading session in HK

Trading in Hong Kong stocks will end at noon today in a shortened trading day at the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong. Trading will end at noon. ...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=44690

Japan sets more defense outlays in record US$922b budget

Japan approved its biggest budget today, as an improving economy and a sales tax increase made room for more defense spending and the first step tow...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=44689

Nikkei higher at break

Stocks in Tokyo gained 0.79 percent, backed by a weaker yen and a record-breaking rally on Wall Street. The bellwether Nikkei 225 index gained 124....



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=44688

Activists say police slaughter of Uighur family including six women led to Xinjiang clash

Six Uighur women were among 16 people killed in a clash in the restive Xinjiang region last week, campaign groups said, contradicting Beijing's vers...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=44687

(Football) Failing Scotsman Mackay survives for now

Cardiff City manager, Scotsman Malky Mackay admitted he had expected to be sacked over the weekend. The Scot, who led the Bluebirds to promotion last...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=44686

(Football) Chelsea frustrate Arsenal

Arsene Wenger failed for the 10th time to get the better of Jose Mourinho as Arsenal were held to a 0-0 draw by Chelsea yesterday in London, missing a...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=44685

Disney names Twitter founder Dorsey to board

Disney is adding Twitter Chairman and Square Chief Executive Jack Dorsey to its board of directors. Walt Disney Co says Dorsey is joining the board e...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=44684

Shortened trading session on Wall Street

The New York Stock Exchange and the Nasdaq Stock Market will be closed Wednesday for Christmas. Both exchanges will also close at 1 p.m on Tuesday for...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=44683

Bolivia's Morales says fugitive American fleeing crimes

Bolivian President Evo Morales said a US businessman's decision to flee the South American nation was tantamount to admitting to the money laundering ...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=44682

Positive start for Hang Seng, Shanghai

Stocks in Hong Kong climbed 0.54 percent at the start of trade, extending the previous day's gains, following another strong lead from Wall Street. ...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=44681

AK47 creator Mikhail Kalashnikov dies

Mikhail Kalashnikov started out wanting to make farm equipment, but the harvest he reaped was one of blood as the designer of the AK-47 assault rifle,...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=44680

Dubai locks up Sri Lanka-born American for parody

A court in the United Arab Emirates sentenced eight people including a Sri Lanka-born American to up to a year in prison Monday after being convicted ...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=44679

Thousands face dark Christmas without power in frozen Toronto, air and road travel disrupted

Fewer than 200,000 customers in Canada's largest city are now without power following a weekend ice storm that wreaked havoc through Ontario to the At...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=44678

Nikkei rallies

Stocks in Tokyo opened 0.54 percent higher following record-breaking advances on Wall Street. The benchmark Nikkei 225 index was up 85.48 points to 15...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=44677

Winds, waves cause chaos in Europe

High winds and heavy rain battered parts of Europe Monday. At least two people died and one man was lost at sea off France. Christmas travel was disr...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=44676

14 killed in car bomb at Egyptian city police HQ

A car bomb tore through a police headquarters in the Egyptian city of Mansoura early Tuesday, killing at least 14 people, mostly policemen, medics a...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=44675

Indian female consul charged with domestic helper visa fraud needs US approval for UN transfer

The United Nations says it has processed the Indian government's request to register the country's deputy consul general, who is accused of lying on a...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=44674

Beware: thieves stealing hand baggage on Dragonair flights

Hold on tight to your hand baggage inflight, that’s the message this Christmas. Dragonair is working with police to tackle the problem of organised gangs of Mainland thieves operating onboard their flights.

via Business feed http://www.scmp.com/business/money/wealth/article/1389585/beware-thieves-stealing-hand-baggage-dragonair-flights

Disgraced Glasgow-born politician MacShane caged for expenses fraud

Glasgow-born Denis MacShane, 65, (Pictured) who served as Europe minister under former Prime Minister Tony Blair, has been jailed for six months for p...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=44672

Helicopter wreckage to be salvaged from French river in search of clues to tycoon Lam Kok’s death

French police launched a delicate operation to lift a helicopter from a river bed for clues into a crash in which Chinese tycoon Lam Kok, 46, and Fren...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=44671

Rolls-Royce investigated for overseas corruption

Engine maker Rolls-Royce said Britain's Serious Fraud Office had launched a formal investigation into alleged bribery linked to the group's overseas ...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=44670

Adidas steps into smaller cities in China

Adidas is looking to expand into smaller urban centers of China, its top executive for the country said in an interview published Monday. “We are cu...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=44669

Hang Seng rebounds, Shanghai breaks losing run

Stocks in Hong Kong ended 0.48 percent higher, taking a lead from Wall Street's record Friday close after data showed the US economy grew more than e...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=44668

Rodman plays defense on Pyongyang trip

Retired American basketballers Dennis Rodman left North Korea, but did not answer questions from the media on whether he had met with leader Kim Jong ...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=44667

Freed Pussy Riot woman sinks claws into Putin

Russia freed one of the jailed members of punk band Pussy Riot whose almost two-year incarceration for a performance against President Vladimir Puti...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=44666

In season of goodwill, Pakistan Christians face terror

For Christians in Pakistan's troubled, violent northwestern city Peshawar, Christmas this year will be dominated by absent faces. (Pictured, a woma...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=44665

Jaguar, Land Rover, and Toyota pull defective cars

Japan’s Toyota Motor was ordered to recall more than 11,000 cars in South Korea due to defective air-conditioning system, Seoul's transportation minis...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=44664

Caps off in Manila malls crime fight

Police in Philippine capital Manila have banned people from wearing caps in shopping malls to deter criminals from concealing their identity. Last we...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=44663

Five Chinese held in Bangladesh accused of running illegal telecom operation

Bangladesh security forces have arrested five Chinese and 32 Taiwanese, mostly in their 20s, after raiding an illegal internet telephone operation the...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=44662

Akihito marks 80 years

Thousands thronged Japan's Imperial Palace to celebrate Emperor Akihito's 80th birthday, as he lauded his wife for standing by him in his “lonely'' ...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=44661

Thai protesters determined to boot out Shinawatra regime

Thai opposition protesters stepped up their campaign to disrupt upcoming elections, trying to block candidate registrations as part of efforts to ba...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=44660

HK banks await ease on daily yuan conversion to push investment product sales

The sale of unit trusts – a type of investment product commonly seen in Hong Kong, often involving financial derivatives – hit a bump in the road in the second half of this year amid growing concern about uncertain investment sentiment, especially related to yuan-denomina

via Business feed http://www.scmp.com/business/money/investment-products/article/1388953/hk-banks-await-ease-daily-yuan-conversion-push