Everybody expects HSBC to report growth in earnings, but whether it is a single or double-digit increase it is something that is keenly awaited.

Despite occasional bad news, hot money is still flowing into the local market as shown by the healthy turnover and with the index going beyond the 18,000 mark.

Competition is increasing and people are expecting prices to come down.

The Hong Kong market is a tough one for the banking sector.

About 70 companies were listed on the Hong Kong Main Board and Growth Enterprise Market (GEM).

We can't rule out double-digit retail sales growth in the final quarter.