Big Four cut ties to China’s debt-ridden property giants as developers delay results March 30, 2022 The Big Four auditors have begun cutting their links to China’s heavily indebted property developers, amid mounting concerns over the sector’s debt crisis. Accountancy giants Deloitte and PwC have both pulled out of auditing at a slew of Chinese property developers over the past three months. The exits come as PwC is reportedly set to [...]
Chipmaker Arm looks to transfer shares in China division to accelerate IPO plans March 30, 2022 British chipmaker Arm is preparing to transfer shares in its China division to a special purpose vehicle set up by its owner Softbank, as it looks to accelerate its move onto the public markets.
Seeds of progress in Russia-Ukraine peace talks partly offset China slowdown fears in City March 28, 2022 Seeds of progress in peace talks between Russia and Ukraine were enough to partially offset concerns about a looming slowdown in the Chinese economy in the City yesterday. The capital’s premier FTSE 100 index edged down 0.14 per cent to 7,473.14 points, while the domestically-focused mid-cap FTSE 250 index, which is more aligned with the [...]
Hong Kong life insurance market value to exceed £73bn in next four years March 28, 2022 Hong Kong’s life insurance market value has been pegged to soar over the next few years, driven by the pandemic-era trend to get one’s affairs in order. The industry is forecast to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 6.6 per cent, and more than five per cent over the 2022. Analysts at GlobalData [...]
Shareholders prepare to turn back on Ericsson chief amid supposed Isis payments March 28, 2022 Some of Ericsson’s biggest investors have said they would vote against clearing some of its board members of responsibility over the possible payment of bribes to militant groups in Iraq, such as the Islamic State. Cevian Capital and Norway’s sovereign wealth fund have revealed their plans to vote against the motion due tomorrow at the [...]
As tourism returns, we say: ‘Good morning Vietnam!’ March 28, 2022 Like much of the world, Vietnam was on its knees these last few years. Around 18 million foreign tourists visited in 2019 compared to a paltry 3,500 in 2021. But now visitors are flocking back. What’s more, there’s never been a better time to go: some high-end resorts are offering 25 per cent discounts on [...]
Gorillas on the hunt for fresh $500m funding injection March 27, 2022 Rapid grocery delivery firm Gorillas is looking for a fresh $500m funding injection to fuel its growth as investor cash continues to pour into the sector.
Business of Space: Can the relationship with Roscosmos ever be repaired? March 25, 2022 This week: Isotropic Systems on track for first commercial launches Space cooperation between Russia and Europe “destroyed” OneWeb goes on deal-making spree Isotropic Systems Satellite firm Isotropic Systems is on track for its first commercial launches this year, following the final successful round of testing its multi-link satellite tech. The ground terminal provider has developed technology which [...]
What impact is “greenflation” having on commodities? March 24, 2022 Under-investment in the supply of commodities across energy, metals and agriculture, as a result of policies to mitigate climate change, is limiting supply growth and driving prices higher. Commodities outperformed bonds and equities for the first time in almost a decade in 2021. Even before the Russian invasion of Ukraine, these trends looked set to [...]
Hong Kong to soon ‘open up to world’ just as Singapore eases its own restrictions March 24, 2022 Hong Kong is looking likely to “open up to the rest of the world” once its latest Covid-19 wave fades, before the lights of Singapore grow too tempting for corporate expats. Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam said she is “very optimistic” the financial hub will soon pull off pandemic restrictions which have blanketed the city [...]