Abstracts » Business, international

Waiting game

Article Abstract:

Economic statistics from Hong Kong for the first quarter of 1996 suggest that the city-state is still growing sluggishly with higher than average unemployment. Some analysts predict an upswing because property transactions in Mar 1996 jumped 74.2% above 1995 levels, and increased property sales often result in retail sales increases. The retail sector has been dragged down by slow car sales. Growth may appear slow because construction of the Chek Lap Kok airport is winding down.

Economic indicators

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Garage gold

Article Abstract:

Large property companies such as Super Gain Holdings and Hutchison Whampoa are currently making very large sums of money from selling parking spaces at their developments in Hong Kong, where car parking space is in very great demand. This activity is particularly profitable because there is no natural competition. There is believed to be a shortage of 26,000 residential parking spaces in Hong Kong, and this is set to rise as new developments are constructed.

Parking lots

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Downside up

Article Abstract:

The plunge in prices of convertible bonds was a boon for Hong Kong companies that bought back their own bonds at a discount, turning a profit while reducing future payments and avoiding share dilution. Hong Kong Lan Holdings, Applied International, and Goldlion Holdings all acted in 1994 to buy bonds they had issued as recently as 1993. Such purchases also show company stability and make the convertibles more liquid for remaining investors.

Prices and rates, Convertible bonds

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