Business
BlackRock Wants Investors to Increase China Exposure, Should You Follow?
News Analysis BlackRock, the world’s largest investment manager with more than $9 trillion in assets under management, recently made a very contrarian call. The investing giant argued that China is no longer an emerging market and as such, investors need to boost their investments in Chinese stocks and bonds. China is underrepresented in investors’ portfolios, Wei Li, chief investment strategist at BlackRock Investment Institute, told the Financial Times on Aug. 17. BlackRock’s latest bullish call on China follows a research report it issued in May, which also argued that Chinese stocks and bonds allocation in global benchmark indices is too low. In that report, BlackRock said that global economic growth is becoming increasingly bipolar, led by the United States and China at opposite ends of that spectrum, and that investors need exposure to both in almost equal measures. It’s an especially contrarian view considering the recent pain surrounding Chinese stocks. Many …
Business
China’s Travel Surge: Expanded Visa Exemptions Enhance Tourism and Business Prospects, Improving Access for Travelers and Strengthening Global Connectivity – Travel And Tour World
China has improved travel access by expanding visa exemptions, attracting millions of international visitors and fostering cultural exchanges, while enhancing global connectivity and positively shifting perceptions of the country.
The Shift in China’s Travel Landscape
China is experiencing a travel boom driven by a significant reduction in visa restrictions. Starting December 1, 2023, travelers from 38 countries, including major European nations, can visit visa-free for up to 30 days. This change reflects China’s commitment to enhance global mobility and revitalize its tourism industry post-pandemic. As a result, international arrivals increased to over 8.1 million by the third quarter of 2024, marking a 48.8% rise from the previous year.
Exploring Beyond Traditional Destinations
The new access has prompted travelers to seek immersive experiences, venturing beyond iconic sites like the Forbidden City. Tourists increasingly explore local cultures and markets, enhancing their understanding of daily life in China. Guides have adapted, offering tours that include cultural hotspots and local culinary experiences, thereby enriching the overall visitor journey and promoting authentic engagement.
Broader Implications for Global Connectivity
China’s visa-free initiatives foster greater international connectivity and cooperation in trade. As foreign travelers find it easier to engage with Chinese businesses, reciprocal visa easings may follow globally. The improved perceptions of safety and hospitality, highlighted through social media, contribute to a renewed interest in China’s diverse cultural landscape and its potential as a primary travel destination.
Banking
HSBC to Scale Back China Credit Card Operations Amid Expansion Challenges – Reuters
HSBC is withdrawing from its China credit card business due to difficulties in expanding, marking a strategic retreat in a challenging market environment.
HSBC’s Strategy Shift in China
HSBC is scaling back its credit card operations in China, highlighting challenges the bank has faced in expanding its customer base. The competitive landscape, combined with changing consumer preferences, has made it increasingly difficult for the bank to maintain its position in this lucrative market.
Market Challenges Ahead
Recent reports indicate that HSBC is reassessing its strategy, focusing resources on other areas where it sees stronger growth potential. The decision to pull back reflects the broader difficulties foreign banks encounter when trying to penetrate China’s financial services sector.
Future Focus
As HSBC pivots away from its credit card business in China, it aims to concentrate on digital banking and wealth management services. This strategic shift underscores the bank’s commitment to adapting to the evolving landscape of financial services while ensuring long-term sustainability in the region.
Source : Exclusive: HSBC pulling back from China credit card business after struggling to expand – Reuters
Business
iClick Interactive Finalizes Strategic Divestment of China Marketing Business | ICLK Stock Update
iClick Interactive announced the completion of its disposal of demand side marketing solutions in mainland China, aiming to improve operational efficiency, liquidity, and profitability to enhance long-term shareholder value.
iClick Interactive Completes Business Disposal
HONG KONG, Nov. 27, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — iClick Interactive Asia Group Limited (NASDAQ: ICLK), a leading online marketing provider in Asia, has finalized the sale of its demand side marketing solutions business in mainland China. This move aligns with a share purchase agreement dated September 11, 2024, signaling a strategic shift for the company.
Enhancing Operational Efficiency
The company plans to enhance operational efficiencies and realign its focus to meet evolving market trends. These initiatives aim to boost liquidity and profitability, potentially increasing long-term shareholder value. iClick aims to leverage its strengths to drive business growth amidst dynamic industry conditions.
About iClick Interactive
Founded in 2009, iClick offers data-driven online marketing solutions across Asia, helping brands optimize performance throughout the consumer lifecycle. For further information, visit iClick’s investor relations. This release contains forward-looking statements about the company’s strategies and performance; actual outcomes may differ.
Source : iClick Interactive Completes Strategic China Marketing Business Divestment | ICLK Stock News
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