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Business Recorder
6 days ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
Mispricing the volatility regime?
It's hard to price in the unpredictable. That's the market's dilemma with Trump's second coming. While some optimistic investors may still dream of a 'Trump put' redux, the man clearly isn't reading from the same script. His tariffs and tax cuts – especially their shapes, sizes and implications – are no longer just rhetorical threats. From floating a 10pc blanket import duty to calling for 60pc tariffs on Chinese goods and 100pc on EVs, Trump has made it clear he sees trade war as economic strategy—not the exception, but the policy. Markets may still be banking on a familiar deregulatory boom, but what if they're mispricing a volatility regime? The dollar's supremacy, long seen as unshakable, is starting to look more conditional. Even longtime skeptics of de-dollarisation have begun to ask if something's shifting. The US still accounts for a quarter of global GDP and much of world trade is still settled in greenbacks. But lately, more eyes are on the political risk side of the ledger. Can investors afford to shrug off a future where US policy whipsaws based on one man's mood? Recent moves suggest they're not so sure. Foreign central banks have trimmed their Treasury holdings. The dollar's share of global FX reserves has slipped to its lowest in over two decades. Japan's once-reliable appetite for US debt is cooling as rising JGB yields make domestic assets more attractive. Taiwan and Korea have been selling dollars to prop up their currencies—some say to curb inflation, others whisper it's a quiet rethink of old habits. Even the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, usually conservative to a fault, has begun diversifying away from Treasuries. Let's not forget that these aren't fringe players. They're the same surplus nations that once backstopped American deficits. It's not that the world has found a better alternative—China's yuan isn't convertible, and the eurozone is still a fragmented fiscal union. But that doesn't mean the growing fear of dollar overexposure is real. After the West froze Russia's reserves in 2022, more than a few capitals started drawing up contingency plans. If geopolitics can render hundreds of billions unusable overnight, then the dollar's neutrality is in doubt. That's not a gold-standard problem — it's a trust problem. Trump's policies could accelerate that trust erosion. Blanket tariffs, trade spats with Europe, exit threats from NATO, and a willingness to weaponise the US financial system all feed the perception that dollar dependence now carries political risk. That's a new variable for markets used to treating US assets as the default safe haven. If tariffs slam global trade, EM economies take a hit — and they may not look to Washington for shelter next time. Even in the US, markets are jittery. The Fitch and Moody's downgrades didn't come out of nowhere. They were warnings: the world's biggest economy is racking up deficits like there's no tomorrow, with little sign of political will to reverse course. A Republican tax package passed this year adds another $3.8 trillion to the national debt over the next decade. Interest payments are now the fastest-growing line item in the federal budget. How long can the US count on foreign capital to fund this spree if the returns — economic, political, reputational — begin to diminish? The carry trade, too, is unwinding. For years, Japan's near-zero rates made it the funding base for global risk-taking. But now that the BoJ is hiking and the yen is gaining strength, that cheap money is reversing. That's already made another generation of over-eager investors that got their over-stretched portfolios burnt living examples of a chilling bit of Wall Street folklore; that when carry trades reverse, they don't trickle, they rush. This isn't just a Japanese problem; it's a liquidity problem for every market that grew fat off foreign flows chasing yield. Wall Street is still treating these as technical shifts. But what if they're signs of a more permanent rotation? If capital begins to fragment across blocs — into yuan zones, euro zones, regional settlement schemes — what happens to the dollar's one-size-fits-all role? What if the next crisis doesn't see a rush into Treasuries, but into a basket of alternatives? These are not tomorrow's hypotheticals. They're already live questions, whispered in policy circles and currency desks alike. Trump's erratic style is now forcing them to the surface. Treasuries and the dollar did not rally in the latest Big Money rush to safety. In the past, investors could count on some baseline policy coherence — even when politics turned ugly. But the current moment lacks that cushion. If one tweet can send tariffs sky-high, alliances are downgraded to 'transactional,' the rules of the game keep shifting, then why bother playing with the same chips? It would be naive to call this the end of the dollar's reign, of course. But for the first time in decades, its privileges are being questioned not just by fringe critics, but even by the very institutions that have always held it up. And that makes Trump's volatility turn from just a domestic issue to a global market variable. There was a time when erratic leadership was seen as priced in. That's no longer guaranteed. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
iMort - The Hong Kong Startup Bank Mortgage Platform Achieves 30% Higher Approval Rates
AI-Powered Platform Instantly Customizes Optimal Mortgage Solutions from All Banks HONG KONG, May 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- In a transformative leap for financial services, Hong Kong's first-of-its-kind iMort AI Mortgage Platform is harnessing artificial intelligence (AI) to deliver tailored mortgage solutions for homeowners and investors. Since its launch, iMort has empowered over 8,000 users and processed a total mortgage volume exceeding HK$4 billion, redefining the mortgage experience with cutting-edge technology and unparalleled convenience. The platform offers access to more than 40 mortgage loan plans from a wide array of local and international banks, combining machine learning and real-time data analysis to help users accurately match the most competitive mortgage options. By streamlining the traditionally complex application process, iMort liberates users from time-consuming research and paperwork, making the journey to property ownership more efficient and secure. Traditionally, getting a good mortgage plan requires a certain understanding of the latest mortgage loan regulations from the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) and visit multiple banks for comparison, which is time-consuming and strenuous. Currently, mortgage applicants in Hong Kong often struggle with information asymmetry, making it difficult to identify the most suitable bank and interest rates for their needs. In 2022, iMort was launched to address the issue of excessive and sometimes misleading information in Hong Kong's mortgage market. It instantly consolidates all relevant and useful information for users and provides access to multiple banks' mortgage plans. Clients using traditional mortgage brokerage services often face another issue: the recommended bank plans may not fully align with the borrower's actual eligibility criteria, leading to unnecessary delays and errors. These complexities and uncertainties pose significant obstacles, negatively impact the mortgage application experience and success rate. iMort's innovative service is designed to address these market pain points, offering a more efficient and transparent solution for Hong Kong's mortgage market. The iMort platform leverages machine learning, data collection, and analysis to accurately assess users' mortgage needs and personal circumstances, generating the most favorable mortgage recommendations in just three simple steps. Its unique feature lies in its ability to instantly update mortgage information from the market, ensuring users can obtain the latest interest rates, terms and estimated loan amount based on the latest market and regulatory information. Without any professional banking knowledge, mortgage applicants can use this intelligent platform to filter out irrelevant disinformation and obtain the best mortgage plan tailor made independently. Eliminate potential biases from different parties. Key Advantages of the iMort Platform The platform's intelligent algorithm and extensive bank network provide more precise and personalized mortgage recommendations. It updates local and international banks' mortgage rates and terms daily, analyzing users' property details, income status, and repayment capacity to generate tailored mortgage suggestions instantly. Right after users input the property and applicant information, iMort's intelligent algorithms analyze and generate tailored mortgage recommendations. Users can instantly compare multiple plans and apply to several banks simultaneously, aided by an auto-fill feature that eliminates repetitive form-filling. Compared to the traditional application timeline of 1–2 months, iMort users secure approvals in 2–3 weeks, which is a time reduction of over 50%, it also increases applicants' success rates by 30% to over 90%. Beyond automation, iMort offers robust customer service. A dedicated team of mortgage advisors provides real-time assistance via WhatsApp, phone calls, and other channels, ensuring users receive personalized guidance throughout their application journey. Unmatched Market Position and Recognition iMort has earned prestigious accolades, including the "HK01 FinTech Awards 2021", "Most Popular Mortgage Service Platform", "Hong Kong Fintech Impetus Awards 2022", and the "Hong Kong's Most Outstanding Business Awards 2020". These honors reflect iMort's commitment to excellence and user satisfaction. Security and Trust at the Core iMort prioritizes data security with multi-layered protections, including end-to-end encryption for data transmission and advanced encryption at the database level. Adhering strictly to privacy regulations, the platform uses customer data only with explicit consent. Regular security audits and penetration testing proactively safeguard user information, ensuring compliance and trust. About iMort AI Mortgage Platform iMort is an automated platform that covers the entire mortgage application process, dedicated to streamlining the mortgage application procedure and enhancing efficiency. We believe that communication and time costs are the primary factors affecting the mortgage experience. iMort aims to be a pioneer in intelligent mortgage financing, focusing on minimizing communication barriers between applicants and banks to maximize the success rate and efficiency of mortgage applications, allowing applicants to secure the most suitable banking solutions for their needs. Through the platform's precise mortgage calculator and repayment capacity assessment, iMort instantly matches clients with over 20 banks and submits online mortgage applications to the target banks, eliminating cumbersome procedures. This enhances the overall efficiency and success rate of the mortgage process, saving valuable time and resources for both applicants and banks. Address：10/F, Tai Sang Bank Building, 130-132 Des Voeux Road Central, Hong KongTel︰＋852 9728 8809Website: Hashtag：#iMort #Fintech #Mortgage #FinancialTechnology #Mortgage #LoanPlatform #BankMortgage #MortgageLoan #NewDevelopments #PropertyInvestment #Valuation #Homeowner #RealEstate #MortgageReferral #MortgageApplication #HighCashBack #LowInterest #AIMortgage #PreApproval #PreSale #PropertyMortgage #PropertyLoan View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE iMort HK Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
iMort - The Hong Kong Startup Bank Mortgage Platform Achieves 30% Higher Approval Rates
AI-Powered Platform Instantly Customizes Optimal Mortgage Solutions from All Banks HONG KONG, May 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- In a transformative leap for financial services, Hong Kong's first-of-its-kind iMort AI Mortgage Platform is harnessing artificial intelligence (AI) to deliver tailored mortgage solutions for homeowners and investors. Since its launch, iMort has empowered over 8,000 users and processed a total mortgage volume exceeding HK$4 billion, redefining the mortgage experience with cutting-edge technology and unparalleled convenience. The platform offers access to more than 40 mortgage loan plans from a wide array of local and international banks, combining machine learning and real-time data analysis to help users accurately match the most competitive mortgage options. By streamlining the traditionally complex application process, iMort liberates users from time-consuming research and paperwork, making the journey to property ownership more efficient and secure. Traditionally, getting a good mortgage plan requires a certain understanding of the latest mortgage loan regulations from the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) and visit multiple banks for comparison, which is time-consuming and strenuous. Currently, mortgage applicants in Hong Kong often struggle with information asymmetry, making it difficult to identify the most suitable bank and interest rates for their needs. In 2022, iMort was launched to address the issue of excessive and sometimes misleading information in Hong Kong's mortgage market. It instantly consolidates all relevant and useful information for users and provides access to multiple banks' mortgage plans. Clients using traditional mortgage brokerage services often face another issue: the recommended bank plans may not fully align with the borrower's actual eligibility criteria, leading to unnecessary delays and errors. These complexities and uncertainties pose significant obstacles, negatively impact the mortgage application experience and success rate. iMort's innovative service is designed to address these market pain points, offering a more efficient and transparent solution for Hong Kong's mortgage market. The iMort platform leverages machine learning, data collection, and analysis to accurately assess users' mortgage needs and personal circumstances, generating the most favorable mortgage recommendations in just three simple steps. Its unique feature lies in its ability to instantly update mortgage information from the market, ensuring users can obtain the latest interest rates, terms and estimated loan amount based on the latest market and regulatory information. Without any professional banking knowledge, mortgage applicants can use this intelligent platform to filter out irrelevant disinformation and obtain the best mortgage plan tailor made independently. Eliminate potential biases from different parties. Key Advantages of the iMort Platform The platform's intelligent algorithm and extensive bank network provide more precise and personalized mortgage recommendations. It updates local and international banks' mortgage rates and terms daily, analyzing users' property details, income status, and repayment capacity to generate tailored mortgage suggestions instantly. Right after users input the property and applicant information, iMort's intelligent algorithms analyze and generate tailored mortgage recommendations. Users can instantly compare multiple plans and apply to several banks simultaneously, aided by an auto-fill feature that eliminates repetitive form-filling. Compared to the traditional application timeline of 1–2 months, iMort users secure approvals in 2–3 weeks, which is a time reduction of over 50%, it also increases applicants' success rates by 30% to over 90%. Beyond automation, iMort offers robust customer service. A dedicated team of mortgage advisors provides real-time assistance via WhatsApp, phone calls, and other channels, ensuring users receive personalized guidance throughout their application journey. Unmatched Market Position and Recognition iMort has earned prestigious accolades, including the "HK01 FinTech Awards 2021", "Most Popular Mortgage Service Platform", "Hong Kong Fintech Impetus Awards 2022", and the "Hong Kong's Most Outstanding Business Awards 2020". These honors reflect iMort's commitment to excellence and user satisfaction. Security and Trust at the Core iMort prioritizes data security with multi-layered protections, including end-to-end encryption for data transmission and advanced encryption at the database level. Adhering strictly to privacy regulations, the platform uses customer data only with explicit consent. Regular security audits and penetration testing proactively safeguard user information, ensuring compliance and trust. About iMort AI Mortgage Platform iMort is an automated platform that covers the entire mortgage application process, dedicated to streamlining the mortgage application procedure and enhancing efficiency. We believe that communication and time costs are the primary factors affecting the mortgage experience. iMort aims to be a pioneer in intelligent mortgage financing, focusing on minimizing communication barriers between applicants and banks to maximize the success rate and efficiency of mortgage applications, allowing applicants to secure the most suitable banking solutions for their needs. Through the platform's precise mortgage calculator and repayment capacity assessment, iMort instantly matches clients with over 20 banks and submits online mortgage applications to the target banks, eliminating cumbersome procedures. This enhances the overall efficiency and success rate of the mortgage process, saving valuable time and resources for both applicants and banks. Address：10/F, Tai Sang Bank Building, 130-132 Des Voeux Road Central, Hong KongTel︰＋852 9728 8809Website: Hashtag：#iMort #Fintech #Mortgage #FinancialTechnology #Mortgage #LoanPlatform #BankMortgage #MortgageLoan #NewDevelopments #PropertyInvestment #Valuation #Homeowner #RealEstate #MortgageReferral #MortgageApplication #HighCashBack #LowInterest #AIMortgage #PreApproval #PreSale #PropertyMortgage #PropertyLoan View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE iMort HK Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Citi Unveils Citi AI to Enhance Hong Kong Operations
Citigroup Inc. (NYSE:C) is turning to artificial intelligence to enhance internal operations and efficiency. On May 22, the US bank unveiled Citi AI, a new suite of artificial intelligence tools designed to support internal operations in Hong Kong. Employees can use the tool to retrieve vital information from the company's policy library and create electronic communication drafts. 360b / In addition, Citi AI can help employees answer questions about compliance, finance, and risk policies. Additionally, it can be used to summarize, compare, and translate multiple documents. The unveiling of the new AI-powered tool aligns with the Hong Kong Monetary Authority's push to enhance the adoption of AI across the banking industry. Citi AI supports responsible AI adoption in banking, aligning with the Hong Kong Monetary Authority's commitment, said Aveline San, Citi Hong Kong and Macau CEO. The platform is accessible to 150,000 employees across 11 countries, including the U.S., India, and Singapore. Citi has also started equipping its in-house developers with Generative AI tools to make writing code more efficient and easy. It is part of the bank's push to develop new products and solutions much faster. The push also comes against the US bank slashing up to 200 information technology contractor roles in China. While we acknowledge the potential of Citigroup Inc. (NYSE:C) as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and have limited downside risk. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than C and that has 100x upside potential, check out our report about the cheapest AI stock. READ NEXT: 20 Best AI Stocks To Buy Now and 30 Best Stocks to Buy Now According to Billionaires. Disclosure: None. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Business Times
20-05-2025
- Business
- Business Times
Hong Kong dollar funding cost drops in FX intervention aftermath
[HONG KONG] Hong Kong's key interbank borrowing cost slumped following foreign-exchange intervention by the city's authorities, fuelling bearish bets against the local dollar. The one-month Hong Kong interbank offered rate, or Hibor, extended its drop as it fell below 1 per cent on Tuesday (May 20) for the first time since 2022, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. The local dollar has fallen nearly 1 per cent in May to head for its biggest monthly decline since 1983 when it was first pegged to the greenback. The moves came after the Hong Kong Monetary Authority stepped in to cool the rally in the local currency by selling it heavily in early May. The operation boosted liquidity in the market, lowered borrowing costs and thereby eased the appreciation pressure on the currency. The ample liquidity conditions have spilled over to the derivatives market, and added to the bearish sentiment toward the local dollar. Major tenors of forward points of the Hong Kong dollar, ranging from one-month to six-month, were all near their historic lows on Tuesday. That indicates the cost to short the local dollar is close to the lowest it's ever been. 'The deeply discounted Hong Kong dollar points are a big incentive for the return of long USD/HKD carry trades,' said Eddie Cheung, senior emerging markets strategist at Credit Agricole CIB in Hong Kong. 'We expect long USD/HKD carry trades to remain in the driving seat supporting USD/HKD toward 7.85. Only then will we see an easing in Hibor conditions.' The Hong Kong dollar was at 7.8248 per greenback on Tuesday, as it inched closer to the weak end of its 7.75 to 7.85 permitted trading range. BLOOMBERG
