Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
FEHD releases fifth batch of gravidtrap indexes for Aedes albopictus in December
District
District Among the fifth batch of First Phase Gravidtrap Indexes covering nine survey areas and Area Gravidtrap Indexes covering six survey areas in December, all were below 10 per cent, and most of the areas recorded zero per cent, indicating that the distribution of Aedes albopictus mosquitoes was not extensive.
The FEHD has so far released five batches of gravidtrap indexes for Aedes albopictus in December 2025, covering 64 survey areas. Among these 64 survey areas, 60 recorded a decrease or remained unchanged in the individual gravidtrap index compared to the Area Gravidtrap Index last month, i.e. November 2025, representing that the areas’ mosquito infestation improved or maintained a low level. Four other areas recorded a slight increase, but the indexes were lower than 10 per cent. Starting in August this year, following the completion of the surveillance of individual survey areas, and once the latest gravidtrap index and the density index are available, the FEHD has been disseminating relevant information through press releases, its website and social media. It aims to allow members of the public to quickly grasp the mosquito infestation situation and strengthen mosquito control efforts, thereby reducing the risk of chikungunya fever (CF) transmission.
Following recommendations from the World Health Organization and taking into account the local situation in Hong Kong, the FEHD sets up gravidtraps in districts where mosquito-borne diseases have been recorded in the past, as well as in densely populated places such as housing estates, hospitals and schools to monitor the breeding and distribution of Aedes albopictus mosquitoes, which can transmit CF and dengue fever. At present, the FEHD has set up gravidtraps in 64 survey areas of the community. During the two weeks of surveillance, the FEHD will collect the gravidtraps once a week. After the first week of surveillance, the FEHD will immediately examine the glue boards inside the retrieved gravidtraps for the presence of adult Aedine mosquitoes to compile the Gravidtrap Index (First Phase) and Density Index (First Phase). At the end of the second week of surveillance, the FEHD will instantly check the glue boards for the presence of adult Aedine mosquitoes. Data from the two weeks of surveillance will be combined to obtain the Area Gravidtrap Index and the Area Density Index. The gravidtrap and density indexes for Aedes albopictus in different survey areas, as well as information on mosquito prevention and control measures, are available on the department’s webpage (www.fehd.gov.hk/english/pestcontrol/dengue_fever/Dengue_Fever_Gravidtrap_Index_Update.html#Issued at HKT 17:00
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Designation of Domestic Systemically Important Authorized Institutions The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) has completed its annual assessment of the list of Domestic Systemically Important Authorized Institutions (D-SIBs). Based on the assessment results, the list of authorized institutions designated as D-SIBs remains unchanged compared to the list of D-SIBs published by the HKMA on December 31, 2024. The latest list of D-SIBs is shown in the Annex.
Under the D-SIB framework, each of the authorized institutions designated as a D-SIB will be required to include a Higher Loss Absorbency (HLA) requirement into the calculation of its regulatory capital buffers within a period of 12 months after the formal notification of its designation. The HLA requirement applicable to a D-SIB (expressed as a ratio of an authorized institution’s Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) capital to its risk-weighted assets as calculated under the Banking (Capital) Rules) ranges between 1 per cent and 3.5 per cent (depending on the assessed level of the D-SIB’s systemic importance). Compared to the list of D-SIBs published on December 31, 2024, there is no change to the HLA requirements applied to the designated D-SIBs. Background
1. D-SIB framework in Hong Kong
The Banking (Capital) Rules and the HKMA’s regulatory framework for D-SIBs follow the provisions in “A framework for dealing with domestic systemically important banks” issued by the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision in October 2012, by enabling the Monetary Authority (i) to designate an authorized institution as a D-SIB if the Monetary Authority considers the authorized institution to be of systemic importance in the context of the Hong Kong banking and financial system and (ii) to require an authorized institution designated as a D-SIB to be subject to an HLA capital buffer. 2. HLA requirement for authorized institutions designated as D-SIBs
The Monetary Authority is empowered under sections 3U and 3V of the Banking (Capital) Rules to designate D-SIBs and to determine an HLA requirement for each of these D-SIBs by reference to the degree of domestic systemic importance which the Monetary Authority assesses them to bear. To achieve this aim, the HKMA’s regulatory framework for D-SIBs provides for authorized institutions designated as D-SIBs to be allocated to different HLA “buckets”. This differentiated approach reflects the diversified nature and varying degrees of systemic importance of authorized institutions in Hong Kong.Issued at HKT 17:00
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The Government announced today (December 31) its financial results for the eight months ended November 30, 2025.
Expenditure and revenue from April to November 2025 amounted to HK$496.6 billion and HK$371.9 billion respectively, resulting in a deficit of HK$18 billion after taking into account HK$135.2 billion received from issuance of Government Bonds and repayment of HK$28.5 billion principal on Government Bonds.
A Government spokesperson said that the deficit for the period ended November 2025 was lower than that ended October 2025, mainly due to the fact that some major types of revenue including salaries and profits taxes are mostly received towards the end of a financial year. The revised estimates for the current financial year will be published along with the 2026-27 Budget.
The fiscal reserves stood at HK$636.3 billion as at November 30, 2025.
Detailed figures are shown in Tables 1 and 2.
TABLE 1. CONSOLIDATED ACCOUNT (Note 1)
Month ended
November 30, 2025
HK$ million
Eight months ended
November 30, 2025
HK$ million
Revenue
79,423.6
371,887.3
Expenditure
(57,695.4)
(496,610.4)
Surplus/(Deficit) before issuance
and repayment of
Government Bonds
21,728.2
(124,723.1)
Proceeds received from issuance of Government Bonds
18,614.0
135,169.8
Repayment of
Government Bonds*
(1,590.5)
(28,465.5)
Surplus/(Deficit) after issuance
and repayment of
Government Bonds
38,751.7
(18,018.8)
Financing
Domestic
Banking Sector (Note 2)
(38,533.5)
14,680.8
Non-Banking Sector
(218.2)
3,338.0
External
–
–
Total
(38,751.7)
18,018.8
* Being repayment of principal on Government Bonds and does not include the associated interest and other expenses.
Government Debts as at November 30, 2025 (Note 3)
HK$410,245 million
Debts Guaranteed by Government as at November 30, 2025 (Note 4)
HK$115,251 million
TABLE 2. FISCAL RESERVES
Month ended
November 30, 2025
HK$ million
Eight months ended
November 30, 2025
HK$ million
Fiscal Reserves at start of period
597,546.3
654,316.8
Consolidated Surplus/(Deficit) after issuance and repayment of Government Bonds
38,751.7
(18,018.8)
Fiscal Reserves at end of period
(Note 5)
636,298.0
636,298.0
Notes :
1. This Account consolidates the General Revenue Account and the following eight Funds: Capital Works Reserve Fund, Capital Investment Fund, Civil Service Pension Reserve Fund, Disaster Relief Fund, Innovation and Technology Fund, Land Fund, Loan Fund and Lotteries Fund. It excludes the Bond Fund, the balance of which is not part of the fiscal reserves. The Bond Fund balance as at November 30, 2025, was HK$170,055 million.
2. Includes transactions with the Exchange Fund and resident banks.
3. The Government Debts, with proceeds credited to the Capital Works Reserve Fund, comprise:
(i) the Green Bonds (equivalent to HK$203,190 million as at November 30, 2025) issued under the Government Sustainable Bond Programme. They were denominated in US dollars (US$11,250 million with maturity from January 2026 to January 2053), euros (5,880 million euros with maturity from February 2026 to November 2041), Renminbi (RMB34,500 million with maturity from February 2026 to July 2054) and Hong Kong dollars (HK$24,500 million with maturity from February 2026 to November 2027);
(ii) the Infrastructure Bonds (equivalent to HK$97,710 million as at November 30, 2025) issued under the Infrastructure Bond Programme. They were denominated in Renminbi (RMB34,500 million with maturity from December 2025 to June 2055) and Hong Kong dollars (HK$59,730 million with maturity from February 2026 to June 2055); and
(iii) the Silver Bonds with nominal value of HK$109,345 million (with maturity in October 2027 and October 2028 and may be redeemed before maturity upon request from bond holders) issued under the Infrastructure Bond Programme.
They do not include the outstanding bonds with nominal value of HK$124,194 million and alternative bonds with nominal value of US$1,000 million (equivalent to HK$7,786 million as at November 30, 2025) issued under the Government Bond Programme with proceeds credited to the Bond Fund. Of these bonds under the Government Bond Programme (including Silver Bonds with nominal value of HK$53,694 million, which may be redeemed before maturity upon request from bond holders), bonds with nominal value of HK$77,094 million will mature within the period from December 2025 to November 2026, and the rest within the period from December 2026 to May 2042.
4. Includes guarantees provided under the SME Loan Guarantee Scheme launched in 2001, the Special Loan Guarantee Scheme launched in 2008, the SME Financing Guarantee Scheme launched in 2012, the Loan Guarantee Scheme for Cross-boundary Passenger Transport Trade, the Loan Guarantee Scheme for Battery Electric Taxis and the Loan Guarantee Scheme for Travel Sector launched in 2023, and the commercial loan under Guaranteed Medium Term Note Programme of the Hong Kong Cyberport Management Company Limited.
5. Includes HK$249,817 million, being the balance of the Land Fund held in the name of “Future Fund”, for long-term investments up to December 31, 2030. The Future Fund also includes HK$4,800 million, being one-third of the actual surplus in 2015-16 as top-up.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:
According to statistics published today (December 31) by the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, total deposits with authorized institutions increased by 0.7 per cent in November 2025. Among the total, Hong Kong dollar deposits and foreign currency deposits increased by 0.2 per cent and 1.1 per cent respectively in November. In the year to end-November, total deposits and Hong Kong dollar deposits increased by 10.5 per cent and 3.4 per cent respectively. Renminbi deposits in Hong Kong increased by 0.6 per cent in November to RMB1,002.0 billion at the end of November. The total remittance of renminbi for cross-border trade settlement amounted to RMB1,033.0 billion in November, compared with RMB1,006.6 billion in October. It should be noted that changes in deposits are affected by a wide range of factors, such as interest rate movements and fund-raising activities. It is therefore more appropriate to observe the longer-term trends, and not to over-generalise fluctuations in a single month.
Total loans and advances increased by 0.1 per cent in November, and increased by 1.0 per cent in the year to end-November. Among the total, loans for use in Hong Kong (including trade finance) decreased by 0.1 per cent while loans for use outside Hong Kong increased by 0.4 per cent in November. The Hong Kong dollar loan-to-deposit ratio decreased to 73.2 per cent at the end of November from 73.6 per cent at the end of October, as Hong Kong dollar deposits increased while Hong Kong dollar loans decreased.
Hong Kong dollar M2 and M3 both increased by 0.2 per cent in November, and both increased by 4.5 per cent when compared to a year ago. The seasonally-adjusted Hong Kong dollar M1 increased by 1.2 per cent in November, and increased by 14.9 per cent compared to a year ago, reflecting in part investment-related activities. Total M2 and total M3 both increased by 0.9 per cent in November. Compared to a year earlier, total M2 and total M3 both increased by 11.2 per cent.
As monthly monetary statistics are subject to volatilities due to a wide range of transient factors, such as seasonal funding demand as well as business and investment-related activities, caution is required when interpreting the statistics.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority announced the results of the residential mortgage survey for November 2025.
The number of mortgage applications in November decreased month-on-month by 2.9 per cent to 8 019.
Mortgage loans approved in November decreased by 7 per cent compared with October to HK$29.1 billion. Among these, mortgage loans financing primary market transactions decreased by 12.6 per cent to HK$10.8 billion and those financing secondary market transactions decreased by 2.3 per cent to HK$15.6 billion. Mortgage loans for refinancing decreased by 9.6 per cent to HK$2.7 billion.
Mortgage loans drawn down during November decreased by 2.3 per cent compared with October to HK$19.7 billion.
The ratio of new mortgage loans priced with reference to HIBOR decreased from 91.9 per cent in October to 90.7 per cent in November. The ratio of new mortgage loans priced with reference to best lending rates decreased from 1.3 per cent in October to 1.1 per cent in November.
The outstanding value of mortgage loans increased month-on-month by 0.3 per cent to HK$1,913.5 billion at end-November.
The mortgage delinquency ratio stood at a low level of 0.14 per cent and the rescheduled loan ratio was unchanged at nearly 0 per cent.
In light of an expected increase in people hiking in country parks during the New Year holidays, the Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation Department today urged hikers to pay attention to safety and to use the designated hiking trails managed and maintained by the department.
The department has added barriers and placed warning signs around the Po Pin Chau Viewing Platform in Sai Kung and its vicinity to prevent hikers from wandering into dangerous areas and suffering accidents.
It reminded the public that the cliffs near the viewing platform have been weathered and eroded over the years and said hikers must follow waymarks, stay on designated hiking trails and refrain from striding over railings.
During the New Year holidays, the department will deploy additional staff at the platform and in its vicinity to disseminate messages about hiking safety.
It added that it provides comprehensive information about trails on the “Enjoy Hiking” website, and that this can be used to plan suitable hikes.
The department has also placed information boards and signs at appropriate locations within the country parks. Warning signs have been installed near various dangerous areas.
The Government today announced the updated Hong Kong Biodiversity Strategy & Action Plan (BSAP), setting out the strategies and priority actions for the next 10 years to protect nature and support sustainable development. The BSAP will contribute to national and global efforts aimed at achieving harmony between humans and nature.
At the 15th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity, the country adopted the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, which proposed a new global strategic framework for biodiversity conservation. In January 2024, the Ministry of Ecology & Environment released the China National Biodiversity Conservation Strategy and Action Plan (2023-2030).
To align with these frameworks while considering Hong Kong’s circumstances and stakeholder input, the Government has updated the BSAP and outlined actions for the next phase. This new plan builds upon the first phase, which was launched in 2016.
The updated action plan introduces four strategic areas, including nature conservation, deepening mainstreaming, capacity building and collaborative partnering, all supported by 30 priority actions and 81 projects.
Priority actions for nature conservation include: strengthening management of protected areas and establishing a wetland conservation system; restoring degraded ecosystems and revitalising remote countryside areas; stepping up enforcement against wildlife crimes and management of invasive alien species; and preventing deterioration of the aquatic environment by controlling pollution discharges.
The Government aims to strengthen the city’s biodiversity conservation through continued community collaboration. To ensure oversight, the updated BSAP’s implementation will be monitored by an interdepartmental working group, with regular progress reports submitted to the Advisory Council on the Environment.
A dedicated website on related work progress will be launched later, the Government added.
The Digital Policy Office today announced its collaboration with the Hong Kong Cyberport Management Company to launch the Digital Corporate Identity (CorpID) Sandbox Programme.
This programme offers a free simulated environment for service providers, including public and private organisations as well as government departments, to conduct proof-of-concept testing and application development for CorpID. This initiative facilitates the design of tailored solutions and application scenarios across various industries and markets.
The initiative aims to kick-start ecosystem development for CorpID to help Hong Kong corporations accelerate their digital transformation, while further strengthening the business environment for Hong Kong corporations.
To speed up the development of Hong Kong’s digital economy, the office plans to launch the CorpID Platform for Hong Kong corporations by the end of 2026 with a gradual extension of services.
The platform’s main functions are to facilitate secure and convenient digital identity authentication and signature verification for Hong Kong corporations, which streamlines e-government services and online transactions. This is achieved through digital corporate identity authentication, digital signing, pre-filling of forms and storage of digital licences and permits.
These features eliminate the need for complicated, paper-based procedures involving the submission and verification of duplicate original documents and company chops.
The platform will also enable corporations to reuse information previously provided when using different electronic services, saving processing time and reducing human errors while facilitating their digital transformation.
The CorpID Sandbox Programme will provide participating service providers with technical support, reference documents and simulated Application Programming Interface. It will also introduce suitable application scenarios, allowing service providers to test CorpID functions. Interested service providers can register online.
Hong Kong residents born between 1950 and 1976 can enrol in the Colorectal Cancer Screening Programme from January 1, 2026, the Department of Health announced today.
The programme subsidises asymptomatic residents aged between 50 and 75 to undergo screening tests for colorectal cancer every two years in the private sector. Participants should attend a medical consultation provided by an enrolled primary care doctor and receive a Faecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) screening.
Participants with positive FIT results will be referred to an enrolled colonoscopy specialist to receive a colonoscopy examination subsidised by the Government. People with a negative FIT result are advised to repeat the screening two years later.
As of the end of November, more than 66,000 new participants have enrolled in the programme this year, bringing the total number of participants to more than 579,000. Among them, 15% had positive FIT screening results with about 45,000 participants having benign colorectal tumors, known as adenomas.
Under the programme, about 3,800 people were diagnosed with colorectal cancer after colonoscopy examinations, with more than half of those cases in the early stages.
The Centre for Health Protection noted that in 2023, there were 5,467 newly diagnosed colorectal cancer cases, accounting for 14.4% of all new cancer cases.
Colorectal cancer screenings can identify people at higher risk of colorectal cancer and asymptomatic patients, and help them receive early treatment, the centre added.
Eligible residents can join the programme by registering in the Electronic Health System. Call 3467 6300 for details.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Special traffic and transport arrangements for New Year’s Eve Road closures
Road closures and traffic diversions will be implemented in phases from 2pm that day in the vicinity of Central. The public light bus stands, taxi stands and roadside parking spaces on the corresponding road sections will be suspended. Depending on the actual situation, the Police may extend the closure area in the vicinity of Central in phases.
The TD urged members of the public to heed ad-hoc traffic and public transport measures which may be implemented by the Police in the Tsim Sha Tsui area at short notice, including road closures, traffic diversions, alterations or suspension of public transport services and their relevant stops, to maintain public order and safety.
Public transport service arrangements
(i) In connection with the actual road closure arrangement, the bus and green minibus (GMB) routes operating in the affected areas will be subject to temporary diversions, suspension of services or adjustments of associated stops;
(ii) The following MTR service enhancements will be implemented on that day:(iii) Eleven special bus services (including KMB route nos. N43, N64P, N71, N243, N272 and N276; Citybus route nos. NB3, R11 and R22; New Lantao Bus (NLB) route no. NB2; and Cross Harbour route no. 976S) will be operated in the small hours on New Year’s Day. The service level and operating hours of various bus routes (including 18 KMB routes, two NLB routes and three Cross Harbour routes) will be strengthened or extended respectively;
(iv) The operating hours of eight GMB routes in Kowloon and the New Territories will be extended; and
(v) Cross-boundary coach operators will provide service via Shenzhen Bay Port during the small hours on New Year’s Day. The Lok Ma Chau/Huanggang short-haul cross-boundary coach service will also be strengthened subject to passenger demand. The en-route stop of the short-haul cross-boundary coach service from Jordan to Huanggang Port (northbound) at China Ferry Terminal Bus Terminus will extend service hours on New Year’s Eve till 2.30am the following day.
Central to Mid-Levels Escalator and Walkway System Services
The operating hours of the Central to Mid-Levels Escalator and Walkway System on New Year’s Eve will be extended to 3am on the following day.
Due to road closures, the TD anticipates that the traffic in the vicinity of Central will become significantly congested. Motorists are advised to avoid driving to these areas affected by the road closures. In case of traffic congestion, motorists should exercise patience and drive with care, and follow the instructions of the Police on site.
Members of the public are advised to make use of public transport services as far as possible to avoid traffic congestion and unnecessary delays. The TD and the Police will closely monitor the traffic situation and implement appropriate measures when necessary. Subject to the prevailing crowd and traffic conditions in the areas, the Police may adjust the traffic arrangements. The public should pay attention to the latest traffic news through radio, television or the TD mobile application “HKeMobility”.
Details of the special traffic and public transport arrangements will be uploaded to the TD website (www.td.gov.hkIssued at HKT 20:27