EUR/USD
1.16601
-0.053%
Gold
4595.58
-0.037%
Oil
59.468
-0.298%
USD/JPY
158.679
0.330%
GBP/USD
1.34768
0.085%
GBP/JPY
213.854
0.423%
Real-time News
On January 13th, Morningstar analyst Jeff Zhang stated in a report that Pop Marts domestic revenue growth may slow in the fourth quarter. He indicated that due to a "high base and delays in the launch of new plush keychains featuring its flagship IPs," the companys overall revenue growth in the Chinese market in the fourth quarter may be lower than in the third quarter. He added that some Labubu products are experiencing inventory backlogs in certain retail stores, indicating that market interest in older products is waning. Morningstar maintains its fair value estimate for the stock at HK$280. "After the recent sharp decline in share price, Pop Marts valuation is now attractive, and we believe the markets concerns about its short-term revenue fluctuations are excessive."On January 13th, the Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) announced that its newly formed Financial Policy Committee has finalized its seven members, including two external appointees. The committee will hold its first meeting in February. This move stems from several surveys conducted last year regarding competition in New Zealands banking sector, which recommended that the RBNZ strengthen its financial policy-making capabilities. With the support of Finance Minister Willis, the RBNZ Board of Governors established the committee to enhance the professionalism of policy decisions. The committees responsibilities include setting prudential regulatory requirements for financial institutions and making decisions on macroprudential policy. In addition, the committee will advise the Finance Minister on legislative reforms, regulatory measures, or other regulatory activities, and will be responsible for approving the central banks semi-annual Financial Stability Report.On January 13th, former Bank of Japan (BOJ) policy board member Makoto Sakurai stated that the BOJ may raise interest rates as early as April due to the continued weakness of the yen caused by escalating market concerns about Prime Minister Sanae Takaichis "dangerous" fiscal policies. "The BOJ must raise rates at least once before June or July, but the action could come in April." (The market generally expects the BOJ to raise rates approximately every six months, so an April rate hike would be earlier than the market consensus.) These remarks came as the yen further depreciated following reports in Japanese media that the Takaichi municipal government was considering holding an early general election next month. Sakurais comments indicate that he believes the BOJ will not take action to support the yen at its next two meetings, and if the yen continues to depreciate, the responsibility for maintaining the exchange rate during this period will fall on the Ministry of Finance.On January 13th, Zhou Haibing, Vice Chairman of the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), stated at a regular press conference that it is necessary to clarify the boundaries of responsibility between the government and enterprises, adhere to the principle of "whoever pollutes, cleans up," and prevent situations where "enterprises make money but leave behind pollution," making the government and the public pay the price. Going forward, the NDRC will work with relevant departments to improve supporting systems, issue management measures for the comprehensive utilization of power batteries for new energy vehicles, revise the guidance catalog for industrial restructuring, and intensify restrictions and elimination of outdated technologies and equipment.On January 13, Zhou Haibing, Vice Chairman of the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), stated that this year the NDRC will lead the formulation of the 15th Five-Year Plan for the Development of the Circular Economy, clarify the development goals and tasks for the circular economy in key areas, deploy key measures for the recycling and utilization of traditional renewable resources, rare and precious metals, and "new three types" of solid waste, improve the guarantee system, further improve resource utilization efficiency, strengthen resource security, support green and low-carbon transformation, and promote new achievements in the high-quality development of the circular economy.
