Hong Kong SAR

The US president says China will lower trade barriers and make a deal with Washington, the recently merged banking and insurance watchdog officially launches, and Vanguard makes five exchange-traded funds (ETFs) available in RMB and dollars in Hong Kong.

Beijing and Washington raised the stakes in a trade stand-off with new tariffs, the chief executive of Hong Kong’s stock exchange remains upbeat despite the launch of Chinese depository receipts (CDRs) and Bank of China’s cross-border RMB index ends 2017 on the up.

Wise Talent Technology Services Co, the operator of Chinese online recruitment platform Liepin.com, has set the ball rolling for an IPO in Hong Kong.

China Resources Land bagged Rmb4bn ($635.7m) from a two tranche Panda bond on Wednesday, marking its fifth outing in the market. But the issuer had to change tack at the last minute after investor demand built up for the longer-dated note.

Logistics company GLP has struck two Panda bond deals in the past week, making it the only issuer to have raised funds from both the interbank and exchange markets so far this year.

Redsun Properties Group has filed a listing application with the Hong Kong Stock Exchange through three Chinese brokerages.

As the introduction of weighted voting rights (WVR) and pre-revenue companies’ listings get nearer in Hong Kong, Clawback columnist Philippe Espinasse sees an opportune time for a quick take on the types of companies that the exchange — which is probably the most volatile of the world’s major primary markets — readily allows.

China’s National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) and Hong Kong have signed an economic partnership agreement, solidifying Hong Kong’s role in the Mainland’s international fundraising activity.

Chinese smartphone and laptop maker Lenovo Group has sealed a $1.5bn borrowing from 21 lenders, according to bankers.

The Asian green loan market is finally starting to take shape, with a handful of borrowers approaching banks for fundraising. It’s still early days but there are huge opportunities for growth. Rashmi Kumar reports.

AIA Group wrapped up a swift deal during New York hours on Tuesday, taking advantage of the ample liquidity in the US market and investors’ appetite for longer tenors. The life insurance company’s $500m deal outperformed most recent trades — both in the primary and secondary markets.

Chinese banks appear to be taking a step back from lending aggressively after a rise in funding costs and tightening onshore liquidity combined to put pressure on their balance sheets. As they become more selective, there will be winners and losers in the loan market, writes Pan Yue.