Real-time News

ECB Vice President Guindos: The rise in European bank valuations after COVID-19 highlights the achievements of the financial system.

January 15th - According to sources, CK Hutchison Holdings (00001.HK) is seeking a valuation of approximately US$30 billion for its retail subsidiary, Watsons Group, in a Hong Kong and London listing deal that could take place as early as the second quarter. The group aims to complete the dual listing no later than mid-year. Temasek, which holds a 25% stake in Watsons Group, is seeking to exit its investment in the IPO.

ECB Vice President Guindos: We support the full implementation of the Basel III framework, but if not all jurisdictions are aligned, we need to take a more balanced approach.

ECB Vice President Guindos: Institutional investors are somewhat confused about the capital structure of European banks.

Bank of England: Demand for unsecured loans is expected to remain unchanged in the first quarter.

Bank of England: Lenders expect mortgage demand to decline in the first quarter.

ECB Vice President Guindos: The narrowing valuation gap between US and European banks indicates an improvement in the quality of European regulation.

According to a new study by Omdia, the global smartphone market grew by 4% year-over-year in Q4 2025, driven by seasonal demand recovery and improved inventory management, although some manufacturers began to be affected by rising component costs. Growth was primarily concentrated among leading manufacturers, including Apple and Samsung, which performed exceptionally well in key regions. For the full year 2025, global smartphone shipments grew by 2% year-over-year, reaching 1.25 billion units. This reflects a steady but uneven market recovery: a weak first half and a stronger second half driven by robust demand in emerging markets and positive responses to flagship model launches. However, rising memory costs and supply shortages have begun to impact the market and limit Q4 shipment potential. Increasing cost pressures at the end of the year mean that manufacturers will focus more on price control, profitability, and operational efficiency as they enter 2026.

ECB Vice President Guindos: We support cross-border integration of the banking sector.

European Central Bank Vice President Guindos: The European Commission has procedures in place to address the political difficulties facing the banking union.

January 15th - According to the latest research from Omdia, the total smartphone shipments in mainland China will reach 282.3 million units in 2025, a slight decrease of 1%. Huawei regains the top spot with 46.8 million units shipped, capturing a 17% market share. Vivo follows closely in second place with 46 million units shipped, holding a 16% market share. Apple, thanks to its strong performance in the fourth quarter, ships 45.9 million units for the year, securing a place among the top three. Xiaomi ships 43.7 million units, and OPPO ships 42.8 million units, ranking fourth and fifth respectively.

India's Trade Secretary: India and the US are in negotiations, and both sides believe an agreement is possible.

European Central Bank Vice President Guindos: Taxing banks should not affect credit or financial stability.

German air traffic control: Aircraft should avoid Iranian airspace until February 10.

German Ministry of Economic Affairs: Economic development may stabilize further at the beginning of the year and is expected to gradually gain momentum throughout the year.

Germany's Ministry of Economic Affairs: Weak foreign demand is hindering a full recovery in the industrial sector.

German Ministry of Economic Affairs: Inflation is likely to remain around 2% or below in the coming months.

On January 15th, local time, the UK's communications regulator, Communications Authority (CFA), welcomed the recent policy adjustments made by Elon Musk's AI company xAI, but stated that it will continue its formal investigation into the company and its AI chatbot "Grock" forging pornographic images. A statement released by CFA on the 15th said: "This is a welcome development. However, our formal investigation is ongoing. We are working day and night to determine the nature of the problem and the appropriate remedial measures."

Sources familiar with the matter say some Bank of Japan officials believe the yen's impact on the economy is intensifying.