US losing out to China with ‘onslaught’ on cutting-edge research: Nobel laureate
America risks losing the tech race to China unless it elects a government more supportive of scientific research, Nobel-winning economist says
· Kandy Wong
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Newest first · UTC+11:00Hong Kong to build elite fencing, sports venues in Northern Metropolis
Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Rosanna Law confirms strategic sites in Northern Metropolis earmarked for top-tier fencing training and competition venues
· Oscar Liu
‘No reliable evidence’ Taipan bakery chain can settle debts: Hong Kong judge
Deputy Judge Gary Lam says parent company Vast Luck has twice failed to pay debts, leading to breach of earlier pledge to court
· Harvey Kong
Shanghai to open ‘free-to-fly’ zones covering 46% of city for consumer drones
From February 1, consumer drones will be allowed to fly in designated airspace under new rules to boost the city’s low-altitude economy
· Iris Deng
Why Iran's fate means more to oil markets than Venezuela's
Energy and resources experts agree — if the situation in Iran gets out of control, it will have a massive impact on global oil and financial markets. That was not the case after the removal of Nicolas Maduro in Venezuela. Then again, Iran produces four times as much oil.
· Thomas Kohlmann
How China is rethinking export-led growth as global trade walls rise
Protectionism is forcing a shift towards balancing exports with outbound investment, analysts say
· Alice Li
China fines e-commerce firm PDD for tax violations amid probe
Operator of leading online retail platform was cited for failure to comply with Shanghai’s tax requirements
· Iris Deng
China should leverage buying power to boost yuan’s use, former PBOC adviser says
With the yuan’s fixing at fresh 2023 highs and US dollar uncertainty rising under Trump, Beijing is urged to expand yuan-settled imports to internationalise its currency
· Sylvia Ma
Hong Kong stocks trade rangebound on Japan bond rout, Greenland unease
Signs emerge that the flare-up of geopolitical tensions could spill over to the financial markets
· Zhang Shidong
China has tools to step up trade curbs on Japan amid tensions: Morgan Stanley
But Beijing is likely to conclude that further action would be counterproductive, according to the investment bank
· Ralph Jennings
DFCC Aloka banking partner and Diamond Sponsor for WCIC ‘Prathibhabhisheka’ Awards - DailyNews
DFCC Bank, through its women-focused proposition DFCC Aloka, continued its long-standing support for women-led entrepreneurship by partnering with the Women’s Chamber of Industry and Commerce (WCIC) as Diamond Sponsor and Official Banking Partner of the Prathibhabhisheka – Women Entrepreneur Awards 2025, held at the…
· Gayan Abeykoon
National Savings Bank Pettah Branch relocates - DailyNews
The National Savings Bank (NSB) Pettah Branch had delivered a supreme customer service for the past 40 years, with a view to offer a better banking experience to the customers of the area, the Branch was relocated recently to a new location, at Malwatte Road, Colombo 11.
· Gayan Abeykoon
Shares - Colombo Stock Exchange ( Market Statistics on 20.01.2026 ) - DailyNews
Sri Lanka’s most Trusted and Innovative media services provider
· Gayan Abeykoon
US economy: One year into Trump's second term
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China’s zero-tariff gambit: why Beijing is slashing duties as Trump raises them
China’s average effective tariff rate estimated to be as low as 1.3 per cent in 2025, helping it secure raw materials and build soft power
· Ralph Jennings
China’s Xi pushes ‘holistic’ execution by local cadres for 5-year plan
Xi pushes need for full grasp of 2026-2030 goals, setting boundaries amid domestic malaise and external challenges to get the ball rolling
· Frank Chen
Hong Kong promotes ‘responsible and sustainable’ digital asset regime at Davos
Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po says finance and technology are ‘mutually reinforcing’ but balanced approach needed to support development
· Connor Mycroft
China’s He Lifeng warns of ‘law of the jungle’, blasts protectionism, at Davos
Amid escalating transatlantic rifts fuelled by Donald Trump, vice-premier urges global cooperation, free trade and dialogue, pledging to boost imports and open China’s market
· Xiaofei Xu
Ukraine: Overnight Russian attack cuts off power in Kyiv
Russia carried out an aerial attack on Kyiv overnight, severing power and water supplies for thousands of residential buildings in the Ukrainian capital amid a temperature of -14 degrees Celsius (6.8 degrees Fahrenheit), the city's mayor said Tuesday. The drone and missile strikes hit the east bank of the Dnipro R…
· Dharvi Vaid
China targets hi-tech industries, household spending in 2026 with policy package
Beijing announces support for small businesses and the tech sector, after 2025 economic data shows heavy reliance on exports
· Xinyi Wu
Ukraine war gives rise to an exorcism economy in Russia - Asia Times
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· Santa Kravcenko
Hong Kong’s jobless rate holds steady at 3.8% amid growth outlook
Movements in unemployment rate in different industry sectors varied for October to December period, but magnitudes were generally small
· Oscar Liu
Opinion | How generational wealth transfer will reshape China’s economy
China’s generational wealth transfer will involve more than assets changing hands; it will reconfigure capital markets and global financial power
· James David Spellman
China’s consumers refuse to open their wallets. Is ‘luxury-phobia’ the problem?
Chinese households are not splashing out on luxury goods partly because they feel ‘stigmatised’ for doing so, scholar argues
· Xinyi Wu
Labubu maker Pop Mart surges after buy-back in show of confidence
Repurchase signals management’s confidence and healthy balance sheet, analysts say, though stock remains 40 per cent below last year’s peak
· Cao Li
Shanghai unveils road map to rival world cities in finance, tech and innovation
Economic powerhouse has sights set on AI, advanced manufacturing and global financial services, reflecting a national 5-year plan’s first explicit financial-centre directive
· Frank Chen
Chinese-owned Temu catches up with Amazon in global cross-border e-commerce
Shein, another Chinese-founded retail giant, stabilised its market share at 9 per cent in 2025, while AliExpress held 8 per cent
· Coco Feng
Chinese automotive suppliers speed up localisation to boost global market share
International carmakers’ orders from Chinese vendors are an endorsement of the quality and competitiveness of their products, analyst says
· Daniel Ren
Editorial | Hong Kong must tackle the ‘demoralising impact’ of unaffordable housing
With a new study underlining how much harder it has become for young people to afford a flat in the private market, the search for solutions should be stepped up
· SCMP Editorial
Hong Kong degree is ‘passport’ to jobs in the world’s third-largest art market
Art graduates from the mainland, looking to expand their horizons and gain an edge in the job market, are flocking to Hong Kong for further study
· Frank Chen
UK grants major trade advantage to Sri Lanka’s apparel sector - DailyNews
The United Kingdom remains one of Sri Lanka’s most important trading partners and is currently the second-largest export destination for Sri Lankan goods. In a significant move to strengthen trade relations with developing countries, the UK introduced the Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS) with effect from J…
· damith
NGJA revises tax method for rough gem imports to ease industry burden - DailyNews
The National Gem and Jewellery Authority (NGJA) has announced a revised taxation methodology for the importation of rough gemstones, a move aimed at easing financial pressure on industry stakeholders and supporting Sri Lanka’s ambition of reaching US$1 billion in annual gem and jewellery export earnings.
· damith
Maritime dominance in the Indo-Pacific - DailyNews
The Indo-Pacific region is the focal point of global geopolitical and geostrategic ambitions, and it is a construct centered on the interconnectedness and interdependence of oceans. This region at the confluence of oceans is home to more than half of the world’s population and accounts for 62 per cent of the world’s…
· damith
Why Sri Lanka must sustain 7% growth - DailyNews
Since gaining independence, Sri Lanka has faced one of the most challenging economic crises. Things are beginning to look up for Sri Lanka, as macroeconomic stability, along with confidence, is beginning to return. However, recovery is the only challenge, and there is a lack of clear growth opportunities. Stagnation…
· damith
HNB introduces Pay by Bank Account feature via JustPay Web partnering with MarxPay - DailyNews
HNB PLC announced its partnership with MarxPay and LankaPay to introduce ‘Pay by Bank Account’ feature via JustPay Web enabling customers to make online payments directly from their bank accounts instead of using credit or debit cards.
· damith
Sampath Bank launches ‘Women Entrepreneurs Pitch for Growth’ under ‘Sampath Saviya’ Programme - DailyNews
Sampath Bank PLC continues to further its role as a catalyst for inclusive economic growth with the ‘200 Women Startups Development Programme’, which was launched under its flagship Sampath Saviya Entrepreneurship Development Programme.
· damith
Share Market Statistics on 19.01.2026 - DailyNews
Sri Lanka’s most Trusted and Innovative media services provider
· damith
US trade war? China had bigger plans in 2025 as ‘belt and road’ deals surged
China’s global infrastructure strategy logged a record US$213 billion of new deals in 2025, as metals projects in Central Asia soared, report finds
· Mia Nurmamat
Hong Kong to develop low-altitude sector blueprint as firms eye overseas expansion
Logistics chief Mable Chan says city well positioned for growth given established legal regime and status as financial hub
· Ambrose Li
At least 14 dead, dozens missing in Pakistan shopping centre fire | South China Morning Post
Investigators blamed the market’s layout and the presence of flammable materials for keeping the deadly fire burning.
डायबिटीज की वजह से भारत पर पड़ेगा अरबों डॉलर का बोझ
भारत में डायबिटीज का इलाज मरीज के स्वास्थ्य और जेब दोनों को प्रभावित करता है. अब यह देश की अर्थव्यवस्था पर गहराता बोझ भी बनता जा रहा है. नेचर मेडिसिन जर्नल में प्रकाशित एक नए वैश्विक अध्ययन के अनुसार आने वाले दशकों में डायबिटीज दुनिया भर में भारी आर्थिक नुकसान का कारण बनेगा. भारत उन देशों में शामिल है जिसपर इसका असर…
· शिवांगी सक्सेना
Hong Kong AFF will showcase city’s ‘superconnector’ role
Titled Co-creating New Horizons amid an Evolving Landscape, the annual government flagship event will run from January 26 to 27
· Enoch Yiu
President reviews 2026 plans for advancing Sri Lanka’s digital economy - DailyNews
A high-level discussion to assess the progress of digital projects implemented in 2025 and to examine new initiatives planned under the 2026 budget took place this morning (19) at the Presidential Secretariat, under the patronage of the Minister of Digital Economy, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.
· Supuni Kulasinghe
中国靠出口撑经济 人口连续4年下跌成隐忧
（德国之声中文网）中国国家统计局週一（1月19日）公布经济数据指出，2025年第四季经济成长率为4.5%，略高于市场预期，但较第三季4.8%的增速更低，也创下3年来新低，主要受消费与投资疲软拖累。不过，中国称去年仍然达成官方设立的“约5%”成长目标，国内生产总值（GDP）突破140兆元人民币。
· 周依恩
中國靠出口撐經濟 人口連續4年下跌成隱憂
（德國之聲中文網）中國國家統計局週一（1月19日）公佈經濟數據指出，2025年第四季經濟成長率為4.5%，略高於市場預期，但較第三季4.8%的增速更低，也創下3年來新低，主要受消費與投資疲軟拖累。不過，中國稱去年仍然達成官方設立的「約5%」成長目標，國內生產總值（GDP）突破140兆元人民幣。
· 周依恩
Gov Pay launched for online traffic fine payments in Kegalle and Avissawella - DailyNews
The Ministry of Digital Economy, the Information and Communication Technology Agency (ICTA), and LankaPay have jointly launched the Gov Pay online payment system to facilitate the payment of traffic fines in the Sabaragamuwa Province.
· Supuni Kulasinghe
Bank Indonesia independence questioned as Prabowo nominates nephew to board
Thomas Djiwandono’s nomination comes amid fears that monetary policy autonomy may fall victim to the president’s ambitious economic targets
· Reuters
58% more applicants per job in Hong Kong in 2025 amid AI takeover of roles
Jobsdb Hong Kong says competition even keener for frontline roles, but some jobs hit by AI, with technology automating many repetitive processes
· Leopold Chen
Baby bust: China births plunge 17% in 2025 to historic low as population shrinks
With Beijing having accelerated family-support policies and childcare subsidies, analysts warn that structural reforms are vital to arrest the deepening slide
· Luna Sun
Rs. 2,000 note: Central Bank explains security features and how to verify authenticity - DailyNews
The Central Bank of Sri Lanka has issued guidelines to help the public easily verify the authenticity of the Rs. 2,000 commemorative currency note, released on 28 August 2025 to mark the Bank’s 75th anniversary.
· Supuni Kulasinghe