Citigroup Greater China economist Lei Zhiyan predicts that economic activity in Hong Kong will recover faster next year, but the growth rate will slow slightly. Because of the high base, GDP growth is forecast to be 2.2% in the first half of next year, accelerate to 2.9% in the second half of the year, and grow 2.5% for the whole year. Citi expects the Federal Reserve to cut interest rates further next year, which will help keep HIBOR at a low level and support a 3% increase in Hong Kong housing prices next year, while commercial buildings will continue to be pressured. Citi predicts that the Hang Seng Index will rise to 27,500 points in the middle of next year, and is expected to reach 28,800 points by the end of the year. The two major risk factors in the future are the continuing uncertainty of geopolitics; the second is the accelerated integration of Hong Kong and the mainland, which means greater industry competition, and the small and medium-sized enterprises and the restaurant industry will face more obvious pressure on operations and profits.

Citigroup Greater China economist Lei Zhiyan predicts that economic activity in Hong Kong will recover faster next year, but the growth rate will slow slightly. Because of the high base, GDP growth is forecast to be 2.2% in the first half of next year, accelerate to 2.9% in the second half of the year, and grow 2.5% for the whole year. Citi expects the Federal Reserve to cut interest rates further next year, which will help keep HIBOR at a low level and support a 3% increase in Hong Kong housing prices next year, while commercial buildings will continue to be pressured. Citi predicts that the Hang Seng Index will rise to 27,500 points in the middle of next year, and is expected to reach 28,800 points by the end of the year. The two major risk factors in the future are the continuing uncertainty of geopolitics; the second is the accelerated integration of Hong Kong and the mainland, which means greater industry competition, and the small and medium-sized enterprises and the restaurant industry will face more obvious pressure on operations and profits.