The Financial Secretary said in his blog that the Appropriation Bill 2019 has been passed by the Legislative Council after third reading, with various allowances estimated to be disbursed before the end of next month, benefiting about 1.5 million elderly or grassroots residents. Hong Kong's revised first-quarter economic growth was 0.6%, and the authorities will closely monitor the impact of China-US trade friction while stepping up explanation on the amendments to the fugitive offenders transfer ordinance.
Why read this: The blog lists the disbursement dates for various allowances under the Budget, along with the number of beneficiaries, while pointing out the slowdown in first-quarter economic growth and the variables arising from China-US trade friction.
The Financial Secretary said in a blog post that the HKSAR Government has no intention of relaxing the three property market cooling measures, namely the Special Stamp Duty (SSD), the Double Stamp Duty (DSD) and the Buyer's Stamp Duty (BSD), as members of the public still face difficulties in purchasing homes. He said that, without affecting the risk of the banking system, the Government would explore solutions for first-time buyers who are capable of servicing a mortgage but lack sufficient down payments, and would conduct continuous dynamic assessments taking into account property prices, transaction volumes, residential supply and the overall economic situation, without setting a rigid deadline.
Why read this: The blog post breaks down the policy objectives of each of the three property market cooling measures and sets out four factors to be assessed when considering relaxing mortgage rules, allowing readers to compare and understand the Government's stance.
The Financial Secretary announced that the tax deduction cap for qualifying deferred annuity premiums and MPF tax-deductible voluntary contributions would be raised from the originally proposed $36,000 to $60,000, representing the maximum total deduction available to each taxpayer. An amendment bill will soon be submitted to the Legislative Council for scrutiny, and it is hoped that the relevant deductions can take effect from 1 April next year once passed, after which the Insurance Authority will publish a list of qualifying deferred annuity products on its website.
Why read this: The blog sets out the arrangements for raising the deduction cap from $36,000 to $60,000, its effective date and how to apply, allowing readers to check the deductions they may claim.
Sept 30Sun
Sun
Translation is not available yet. Showing the Traditional Chinese version.
Financial Secretary said in his blog that the HKD touched the 7.85 weak-side convertibility undertaking last Thursday, with the Hong Kong Monetary Authority intervening four times to buy about HK$9.66 billion, marking its first market intervention since the Linked Exchange Rate System was refined in 2005. He explained that the four-step process of capital outflows leading to a stable exchange rate is normal operation by design, and noted that the Hong Kong Monetary Authority holds about US$130 billion in assets, while banks' liquidity coverage ratio is close to 150%.
Why read this: The blog lists figures such as the amount absorbed by the Hong Kong Monetary Authority through market intervention and banks' liquidity coverage ratio, allowing readers to check whether the buffers supporting the Linked Exchange Rate System are sufficient.
Apr 1Sun
Sun
Translation is not available yet. Showing the Traditional Chinese version.