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Hong Kong retail sales increased more than expected year-over-year in September.
Year-over-year, sales rose 6.4 percent (+5.6), compared with the Bloomberg analyst consensus, which expected an increase of 4.7 percent.
During the first nine months of the year, GDP increased by 5.1 percent, the strongest growth in five years.
The increase was driven primarily by higher exports of electronics, supported by global demand for AI technology, as well as higher investment and a recovery in the property market.
The Hong Kong government currently expects GDP growth of 3.5-4.5 percent for full-year 2026, but the forecast may be raised further.
Hong Kong, %September, 2026ConsensusAugust, 2026Retail sales, YY6.44.75.6Consensus data from Bloomberg