Essex Bio-Technology (HKG:1061) expects profit for the first half of 2026 to decline by approximately 30% from HK$163.4 million a year earlier, according to a Friday Hong Kong bourse filing.
Revenue for the period is expected to decrease by approximately 10% from HK$876.5 million in the corresponding period of 2025.
The company attributed the expected decline mainly to higher VAT expenses following the implementation of China's new VAT law.
GF Securities (SHE:000776, HKG:1776) issued two tranches of bonds amounting to 6 billion yuan, according to a Shenzhen bourse filing on Friday.The first tranche, worth 4.2 billion yuan, has a 1.50% coupon rate and a term of 287 days.The second tranche, worth 1.8 billion yuan, has a 1.51% coupon rate and a term of 357 days.
Japan's government and the ruling Liberal Democratic Party are eyeing to raise the minimum ownership stake required for shareholders to call extraordinary general meetings to 5% from 3%, Nikkei Asia reported Friday.The proposal also seeks to limit shareholder proposals by restricting changes to articles of incorporation related to business decisions such as fundraising, organization, and personnel. The Japanese government could submit a bill in the ordinary Diet session beginning in January 2027, the report said.(Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)
AMP's (ASX:AMP) balance of the business looks to be performing better than consensus expectations, Jefferies said in a Thursday note.AMP reported that first half underlying net profit after tax is likely to fall between AU$170 million and AU$180 million, with a consensus forecast of AU$142 million, due to factors which include a stronger contribution from the China partnerships as well as improved investment income.It will recognize AU$18 million of pre-tax carried interest in the period within Other Partnerships, relating to DigitalBridge's sale of a 51% stake in the remaining assets of a legacy AMP Capital infrastructure fund. Further upside remains possible if the remaining 49% interest is sold and the necessary criteria are met.Mortgage securitizations so far in 2026 are signaling a more capital-light model.The investment firm retained a buy rating to AMP and raised the price target to AU$2.07 from AU$1.75.AMP's shares were up nearly 4% in recent Friday trade.