A UK research report has found a growing number of couples over 60 live in separate households, a trend particularly pronounced among those entering a new relationship at this stage of their lives. Improved mental health is a bonus.
Speakers of the calibre of David Knoff, the expedition leader stranded with his team in Antarctic during COVID, can regularly be heard at this global institution that places a premium on knowledge, not qualifications.
Why it’s party time for Chinese investors
Hong Kong stocks are on a tear, rising some 7 per cent in the past week at the time of writing, boosted by the tech sector. It’s all to do with the US regulators wanting to delist Chinese stocks. China’s Securities Regulatory Commission is considering allowing US officials to inspect documents on firms that don’t possess sensitive data. The US accounting watchdog is insisting that Beijing provide complete access to audits of Chinese companies that trade in New York, setting a high bar for any deal that allows the firms to maintain their American listings.
Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index extended earlier gains, rising 9% rebounding from its lowest close in six years. Chinese tech giants Alibaba and Tencent rose by more than 20%, while other major Chinese tech stocks went up.
Over the last week, markets were worried that forced Chinese stock delistings from US exchanges were to take place, adding to concerns of Covid-19 and the Ukraine war. JP Morgan’s China analyst added to these concerns by labelling the sector “uninvestable,” going on to downgrade 28 of the stocks the firm covers.
The Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC) had earmarked five Chinese companies listed in the US for possible delisting. According to regulations passed in 2020, the SEC has the power to delist Chinese companies from US exchanges if regulators cannot review company audits for three consecutive years.
Beijing generally prevents Chinese companies from allowing such audits due to sensitive information. But this change in attitude has signalled support for Chinese stocks.
The Hang Seng Tech index is up 7.76% to 4,572.79, with Tencent up 6.27%, Alibaba up 12.46% and JD.com up 15.85%.
