Hong Kong Finance & Policy: Financial Secretary Paul Chan said Hong Kong can add value to Beijing’s “China Opportunity 2.0” by acting as a bridge for mainland firms to turn research into globally recognised asset value, highlighting the Northern Metropolis as a commercialisation engine. AI Capital Markets: Hong Kong posted a $44 billion 5-year high in share sales for the first half of 2026, up 29% year-on-year, with AI-linked offerings driving demand despite a softer Hang Seng backdrop. Energy Costs: HK Electric warned of steeper bills after Qatar gas supply was cut off following Middle East disruptions, raising July fuel surcharges by 33.9% to 41.9 HK cents per unit. Semiconductors & Data Centres: As AI strains data-centre power, some Chinese chipmakers are betting on silicon carbide (SiC) to improve efficiency, with Basic Semiconductor advancing toward a Hong Kong IPO. Trade & Shipping Risk: With tensions around the Strait of Hormuz, an Indian-flagged bulk carrier APJ Priti 2 transited via the Iran route carrying 65,000 tonnes of fertiliser, while authorities kept the regional threat level elevated. Regulation Watch: Hong Kong’s regulator and lawyers are debating whether prediction markets on broker platforms could be treated as “financial products” rather than illegal gambling. Sustainability & Community: The Jockey Club opened the SCENES Building at Tai Tam Scout Centre, a near-HK$100m green upgrade aimed at scaling environmental education for up to 60,000 visitors a year.