[2025-12-31 20:30 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: China housing market gets VAT relief on resales but demand outlook stays subdued

Snippet: Policy lowering VAT to 3 per cent reduces seller costs but demand recovery is key to stabilising the housing sector, property agents say

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/business/banking-finance/article/3338284/china-housing-market-gets-vat-relief-resales-demand-outlook-stays-subdued

[2025-12-31 20:03 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 92]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: Nvidia asks chipmaker TSMC to ramp up H200 production amid China demand: sources

Snippet: Chinese tech companies place orders for more than 2 million H200 chips for 2026, according to sources

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/tech/big-tech/article/3338308/nvidia-asks-chipmaker-tsmc-ramp-h200-production-china-demand-jumps-sources-say

[2025-12-31 20:00 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: China rolls out trade-in funding for 2026 as campaign to spur spending continues

Snippet: The programme, which has helped stimulate consumption increases, will continue to subsidise purchases of big-ticket goods and refurbishments

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/economy/policy/article/3338298/china-rolls-out-trade-funding-2026-campaign-spur-spending-continues

[2025-12-31 19:30 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: Beijing renews trade-in subsidy scheme amid domestic car market’s gloomy outlook

Snippet: Buyers who replace their petrol and electric cars with new vehicles will receive a cash subsidy of up to US$2,858 per unit

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/3338281/beijing-renews-trade-subsidy-scheme-amid-domestic-car-markets-gloomy-outlook

[2025-12-31 17:49 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: Hong Kong restaurants, bars gear up for packed 2026 countdown parties

Snippet: Lan Kwai Fong’s restaurants and bars nearly 90 per cent booked, while seaview eateries in Kowloon could take a hit from cancelled fireworks show

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3338270/hong-kong-restaurants-bars-gear-packed-2026-countdown-parties

[2025-12-31 16:07 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: AP News

Title: If someone's always late, is it time blindness, or are they just being rude?

Snippet: Commuters walk along a corridor in the World Trade Center, Monday, Nov. 18, 2019 in New York. (AP Photo/Mark Lennihan, File)

Read full article: https://apnews.com/article/time-blindness-being-late-adc0f6ed720d6fe5ef12d2e213fb0c52

[2025-12-31 15:30 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 92]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: China’s DRAM giant CXMT plans US$4.2 billion IPO on Shanghai’s Star Market

Snippet: Listing aims to fund wafer expansion and DRAM upgrades as Beijing drives tech self-reliance

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/news/china-future-tech/semiconductors/article/3338246/chinas-dram-giant-cxmt-plans-us42-billion-ipo-shanghais-star-market

[2025-12-31 15:26 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: China’s factory activity breaks 8-month contraction, but headwinds persist

Snippet: China’s manufacturing PMI rose to 50.1 in December, but analysts said it was too early to point to a sustained recovery

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3338015/chinas-factory-activity-breaks-8-month-contraction-headwinds-persist

[2025-12-31 14:20 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: China AI start-up MiniMax kicks off US$538 million Hong Kong IPO

Snippet: Start of Shanghai-based company’s share sale follows launch of rival Zhipu’s US$560 million IPO a day earlier

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/3338239/china-ai-start-minimax-kicks-us538-million-hong-kong-ipo

[2025-12-31 13:24 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: Hong Kong, mainland China stocks finish year with world-leading gains

Snippet: City’s benchmark Hang Seng Index ends 2025 up 28 per cent, while the CSI 300 Index of mainland stocks rises 18 per cent

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/3338233/hong-kong-mainland-china-stocks-poised-notch-second-straight-annual-gains

[2025-12-31 12:00 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: Xi renews call to boost grain output after trade war sharpens food security push

Snippet: Beijing renews push to fortify domestic crop supplies and modernise agriculture amid a tense geopolitical climate

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/economy/policy/article/3338186/xi-renews-call-boost-grain-output-after-trade-war-sharpens-chinas-food-security-push

[2025-12-31 11:30 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: Exclusive | US anti-piracy firm Vobile buys top floor of Bank of America Tower at a discount

Snippet: The Emmy-winning firm has bought the top floor of the US bank’s Admiralty office for US$25.4 million – more than 60 per cent below its peak

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/business/companies/article/3338192/us-anti-piracy-firm-vobile-snaps-top-floor-bank-america-tower-steep-discount

[2025-12-31 11:00 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: Takaichi is shaping up as Japan’s Thatcher. How long can she last?

Snippet: The prime minister has defied the odds by winning back LDP voters with sweeping immigration, economic policies and a tough stance on Beijing

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3338138/takaichi-shaping-japans-thatcher-amid-china-feud-can-her-popularity-last

[2025-12-31 10:30 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: China’s second-hand boom fuels bruising battle for trade-in traffic

Snippet: Recycling platform ATRenew is scaling up as China’s young consumers shed the stigma around second-hand shopping

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/3338093/chinas-second-hand-boom-fuels-bruising-battle-trade-traffic

[2025-12-31 09:24 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: Students join protests in Iran as economic hardship fuels discontent

Snippet: Iran’s leadership acknowledges protests stem from economic pressures as currency hits a record low

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/news/world/middle-east/article/3338220/iranian-students-join-protests-tehran-over-soaring-cost-living

[2025-12-31 07:00 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: Daily News

Title: New disaster relief loan scheme for SMEs - DailyNews

Snippet: Maximum loan amount of Rs.25 Mn Loans at an annual interest rate of 3% All loans repayable within three years

Read full article: https://dailynews.lk/2025/12/31/local/924852/new-disaster-relief-loan-scheme-for-smes/

[2025-12-31 03:25 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: Beijing trims property resale tax in fresh push to stabilise housing market

Snippet: Under new rules, sellers will pay just 3 per cent VAT if they offload a property within two years of purchase, down from 5 per cent

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3338209/beijing-trims-property-resale-tax-fresh-push-stabilise-housing-market

[2025-12-31 01:09 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: All Hong Kong retail banks to offer anti-scam service, locking cash in accounts

Snippet: ‘Money Safe’ users will have to meet a bank employee to undergo verification process to ensure their funds are not going to scammers

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3338200/all-hong-kong-retail-banks-offer-anti-scam-service-locking-cash-accounts

[2025-12-31 00:10 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: Hang Seng Bank to leave Hang Seng Index after 53 years if buyout passes

Snippet: Brokers say the well-established benchmark is unlikely to be affected, as shareholders are poised to back HSBC’s privatisation plan

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3338198/end-era-hang-seng-bank-leave-hang-seng-index-after-53-years-if-buyout-passes

[2025-12-31 00:00 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: How China is upgrading its digital yuan for the stablecoin era

Snippet: Beijing is upgrading its digital currency in response to the rise of stablecoins, but the goal is to create a fundamentally different system

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3338159/how-china-upgrading-its-digital-yuan-stablecoin-era

[2025-12-30 22:44 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: Hong Kong set to unveil bottled water probe results, take disciplinary action

Snippet: Financial Services and Treasury Bureau says review of government’s procurement system and related disciplinary investigation is concluded

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3338190/hong-kong-set-unveil-results-disciplinary-action-after-bottled-water-probe

[2025-12-30 22:26 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: South Korea’s Lee Jae-myung to visit China on economic and nuclear mission

Snippet: The pragmatic president is seeking to balance relations with Beijing while keeping Washington onside

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3338188/south-koreas-lee-jae-myung-visit-china-economic-and-nuclear-mission

[2025-12-30 22:00 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: China’s Shenzhen targets AI in ‘every household’ as US tech rivalry heats up

Snippet: Local officials want to embed cutting-edge tech across society in coming five-year plan

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3338158/chinas-shenzhen-targets-ai-every-household-us-tech-rivalry-heats

[2025-12-30 21:46 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: Deutsche Welle

Title: Iran : les commerçants dénoncent la dégradation économique

Snippet: L'Iran souffre depuis des années d'une hyperinflation chronique. En décembre, les prix ont ainsi augmenté en moyenne de 52% sur un an, selon le Centre de statistiques d'Iran, un organisme officiel. Mais ce chiffre est loin de refléter avec fidélité les hausses observées spécifiquement sur les produits de première nécessité.

Read full article: https://www.dw.com/fr/iran-d%C3%A9gradation-%C3%A9conomique-commer%C3%A7ants/a-75340581

[2025-12-30 20:41 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: Asia Times

Title: US-Indonesia minerals deal points to new global trade era - Asia Times

Snippet: Keep independent journalism alive

Read full article: https://asiatimes.com/2025/12/us-indonesia-minerals-deal-points-to-new-global-trade-era/

[2025-12-30 19:28 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: Hong Kong private subsidised flat scheme suffers new blow as site reassigned

Snippet: Tung Chung site, originally designated for Private Subsidised Sale Flat Pilot Scheme, will be handed over to Housing Society, authorities say

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3338151/hong-kong-private-subsidised-flat-scheme-suffers-new-blow-tung-chung-site-reassigned

[2025-12-30 19:00 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: Asia’s year of costly climate disasters spurs calls for ‘decisive action’

Snippet: With Asia accounting for four of the world’s six costliest weather disasters in 2025, experts urge investment in climate resilience

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/health-environment/article/3338144/asias-year-costly-climate-disasters-spurs-calls-decisive-action

[2025-12-30 18:00 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: China’s lagging basic research calls for core tech pivot, economic adviser urges

Snippet: Wang Yiming says Beijing must innovate from the ground up to create deterrents against foreign supply cuts, citing missed R&D spending target

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/economy/global-economy/article/3338116/chinas-lagging-basic-research-demands-core-tech-pivot-us-curbs-bite-economic-adviser

[2025-12-30 17:08 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: New Hong Kong industrial park eyes edge in smart manufacturing, Chinese medicine

Snippet: Some industries have indicated interest in settling in Hung Shui Kiu, such as makers of environmentally friendly concrete, official says

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3338121/new-hong-kong-industrial-park-eyes-edge-smart-manufacturing-chinese-medicine

[2025-12-30 16:00 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 92]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: China’s Zhipu AI launches US$560 million share sale amid heated IPO tech race

Snippet: The company, marketed overseas as Z.ai, eyes US$6.6 billion valuation with Hong Kong’s first large language model listing

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/business/investor-relations/ipo-quote-profile/article/3338107/chinas-zhipu-ai-launches-us560-million-share-sale-hong-kongs-ipo-tech-race-heats

[2025-12-30 15:18 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: Hong Kong authorities question World Bank’s ‘unfair’ business-ready grades

Snippet: ‘Some assessment results … differ from rankings and highly positive evaluations many other international organisations have given Hong Kong,’ Digital Policy Office says

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3338102/hong-kong-authorities-question-world-banks-unfair-business-ready-grades

[2025-12-30 14:00 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: China’s Hainan hosts duty-free shopping spree under new customs regime

Snippet: A flurry of activity accompanied the official establishment of the island’s tariff and tax exemptions - but will the frenzy last?

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3338035/chinas-hainan-hosts-duty-free-shopping-spree-under-new-customs-regime

[2025-12-30 13:22 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: Hong Kong stocks edge higher on last full trading day of year

Snippet: Hang Seng Index edges higher as Chinese yuan surpasses 7 against US dollar for first time since May 2023

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/3338089/hong-kong-stocks-trade-narrow-range-last-full-trading-day-year

[2025-12-30 13:13 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: China vital to Insilico’s plan to build biotech’s AI ‘Einstein’ for new drugs

Snippet: US firm, backed by Fosun and Tencent, expands research base in China as it develops an AI-powered drug-discovery tool

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/3337942/china-vital-insilicos-plan-build-biotechs-ai-einstein-drug-discovery

[2025-12-30 12:40 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: Insilico Medicine leads 6 Hong Kong IPOs, capping banner fundraising year

Snippet: Debutants raise total of US$899 million as exchange wraps up one of the most active months for IPOs since 2021

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/business/banking-finance/article/3338086/insilico-medicine-leads-sextet-hong-kong-ipos-capping-banner-year-fundraising

[2025-12-30 11:00 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: New approach to fast-track Hong Kong industrial park gets thumbs up from firms

Snippet: New company to speed up work on 23-hectare park under Northern Metropolis project wins praise as ‘one-stop service centre’

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3338074/new-approach-fast-track-hong-kong-industrial-park-gets-thumbs-firms

[2025-12-30 11:00 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: Chinese firms flock to Dubai free zones to navigate trade barriers, expand reach

Snippet: JD.com, CNBM, carmakers and hundreds of other Chinese companies use the hub to reach consumers across Asia, Africa and Europe

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/3337928/chinese-firms-anchor-dubai-free-zones-navigate-trade-barriers-and-expand-reach

[2025-12-30 09:45 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: Editorial | Hong Kong working to stay in the fast lane to better connectivity

Snippet: As drivers adapt to the Yau Ma Tei section of the Central Kowloon Bypass, the focus should quickly shift to how the artery will be an economic asset

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/opinion/comment/article/3338023/hong-kong-working-stay-fast-lane-better-connectivity

[2025-12-30 08:30 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: Opinion | Forest conservation must be long-term priority for Southeast Asia

Snippet: The region’s challenges are primarily political as underfunding and business interests create fragmented institutions, weak enforcement and poor data

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/opinion/asia-opinion/article/3337932/forest-conservation-must-be-long-term-priority-southeast-asia

[2025-12-30 07:00 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: Daily News

Title: Govt has met all revenue targets for 2025 – Minister - DailyNews

Snippet: ‘Economic stability gradually improving’ ‘We have achieved remarkable economic growth despite daunting challenges’ ‘Opposition’s claims baseless’

Read full article: https://dailynews.lk/2025/12/30/local/923975/govt-has-met-all-revenue-targets-for-2025-minister/

[2025-12-30 06:33 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: Daily News

Title: Shangri-La Hambantota recognised among World’s Finest Golf Resorts - DailyNews

Snippet: Shangri-La Hambantota has been ranked 70th in the Golf World Top 100 – World Resorts, placing it among the most respected golf and resort destinations worldwide.

Read full article: https://dailynews.lk/2025/12/30/business/923634/shangri-la-hambantota-recognised-among-worlds-finest-golf-resorts/

[2025-12-30 04:38 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: Iran’s president urges dialogue as currency plunge sparks protests

Snippet: Anger over Iran’s worsening economic situation pushes people onto the streets in Tehran and other cities

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/news/world/middle-east/article/3338075/iran-central-bank-governor-resigns-protests-erupt-over-currency-drop

[2025-12-30 01:35 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: Deutsche Welle

Title: Cum e afectată România de războiul dronelor

Snippet: De mai multe ori, Bucureștiul a ordonat ridicarea avioanelor de luptă împotriva dronelor kamikaze de tip Shahed. Aceste drone costă între 20.000 - 50.000 de dolari, au o încărcătură explozivă de 50 de kilograme și o rază de acțiune de circa 2500 de kilometri. Ridicarea aviației de apărare costă până la 30.000 de dolari pentru o oră de zbor, în vreme ce folosirea rachetelor sol-aer și aer-aer costă și mai mult: între 120.000 și 800.000 de dolari, potrivit unei analize

Read full article: https://www.dw.com/ro/cum-e-afectat%C4%83-rom%C3%A2nia-de-r%C4%83zboiul-dronelor/a-75328033

[2025-12-30 00:00 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: China has logged a US$1 trillion trade surplus. Where is all that money going?

Snippet: Trade surplus growth has not been matched in foreign exchange reserves – a gap analysts said can be explained by private sector outflows

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3338034/china-has-logged-us1-trillion-trade-surplus-where-all-money-going

[2025-12-29 23:30 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: Opinion | Europe risks a self-fulfilling prophecy of war with Russia

Snippet: The EU should secure its future through fair contributions to Nato and a lucrative transatlantic defence market, not conflict with Moscow

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/opinion/world-opinion/article/3337989/europe-risks-self-fulfilling-prophecy-war-russia

[2025-12-29 22:00 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: Chinese robot vacuum maker Dreame gives staff gifts of gold, trip to Antarctica

Snippet: Dreame’s surprise largesse reflects its robust business growth in 2025, as it remains one of the world’s top robot vacuum cleaner brands

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/tech/tech-trends/article/3338029/chinese-robot-vacuum-maker-dreame-gives-gifts-gold-and-trip-antarctica-employees

[2025-12-29 21:30 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: OCBC, Bangkok Bank, First Abu Dhabi join US$14 billion offshore yuan scheme

Snippet: Leading banks from Southeast Asia and the Middle East are taking part in the programme, underscoring the city’s push as an offshore yuan hub

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/business/banking-finance/article/3338044/ocbc-bangkok-bank-first-abu-dhabi-join-hong-kongs-us14-billion-offshore-yuan-scheme

[2025-12-29 21:00 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: Hong Kong to close Central roads from 2pm on New Year’s Eve ahead of countdown

Snippet: Event at Chater Road pedestrian zone will feature music and light shows instead of fireworks following deadly Tai Po inferno

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3338040/hong-kong-close-roads-central-2pm-new-years-eve-ahead-countdown

[2025-12-29 19:59 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: Hong Kong exports jump 18.8% in November, sharpest increase in 22 months

Snippet: Growth follows year-on-year increases of 17.5 per cent in October and 16.1 per cent in September

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3338027/hong-kong-exports-jump-188-november-sharpest-increase-22-months

[2025-12-29 19:13 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: Hong Kong sets up Hung Shui Kiu industrial park operator, sweetens land tender

Snippet: Development Bureau says Hung Shui Kiu Industry Park Company will be fully operational by mid-2026, land tender with incentives to run for six months

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3338018/hong-kong-government-sets-non-statutory-company-run-northern-metropolis-site