Asia 30 April 2026

HSBC falls as investors look at Asia strategy and AI plans
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HSBC falls as investors look at Asia strategy and AI plans

HSBC Holdings shares slipped in early London trading on Wednesday. Investors weighed the bank’s new Asia investor-day pitch alongside a weaker tone in Europe and new doubts over the impact of artificial intelligence on costs. The stock was down 0.44% at 1,321.00 pence by 09:14 BST, having traded between 1,316.40p and 1,325.60p so far. HSBC kicked off a two-day Asia seminar in Hong Kong. Chief Executive Georges Elhedery, CFO Pam Kaur and regional execs are expected to lay out plans for the group’s Hong Kong business, Hang Seng Bank and its corporate and institutional banking units.
May 20, 2026
Prudential plc’s $686 Million Quarter Puts Asia Growth — and Inflation Risk — Back in Focus
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Prudential plc’s $686 Million Quarter Puts Asia Growth — and Inflation Risk — Back in Focus

Prudential plc posted a 10% jump in new business profit for the first quarter, crediting strong figures from Hong Kong and mainland China. The company also flagged risks from higher energy-related inflation, which it said could hurt consumer demand in some of the smaller ASEAN countries. For the three months to March 31, new business profit—reflecting anticipated earnings from policies written during the period—came in at $686 million. Why is this update important? Prudential is facing demands to prove its Asia-and-Africa-centric strategy still has momentum after Hong Kong’s post-pandemic surge. Chief Executive Anil Wadhwani said the company is sticking with its plan for double-digit gains in major financial measures by 2026, with 2027 targets still in sight.
April 30, 2026