HKU Lifts Hong Kong 2026 GDP Growth Forecast to Up to 4%
The University of Hong Kong raised its 2026 economic growth forecast for Hong Kong by 1 percentage point to a range of 3.5% to 4.0%, according to its quarterly macroeconomic forecast released Thursday. The university's APEC Studies Programme estimated Hong Kong's economy grew 4.2% in the second quarter, slowing from 5.9% growth in the first quarter as inventory accumulation moderated. The unemployment rate is expected to edge down to 3.6% in the third quarter from 3.7% in the second quarter. Meanwhile, consumer price inflation is forecast to accelerate to 2.5% as higher energy costs are gradually passed on to consumers. The report said economic growth in the second half of the year will be driven mainly by domestic demand, supported by improving consumer sentiment, a rebound in asset prices, and investment related to the Northern Metropolis development.
The University of Hong Kong raised its 2026 economic growth forecast for Hong Kong by 1 percentage point to a range of 3.5% to 4.0%, according to its quarterly macroeconomic forecast released Thursday.
The university's APEC Studies Programme estimated Hong Kong's economy grew 4.2% in the second quarter, slowing from 5.9% growth in the first quarter as inventory accumulation moderated.
The unemployment rate is expected to edge down to 3.6% in the third quarter from 3.7% in the second quarter.
Meanwhile, consumer price inflation is forecast to accelerate to 2.5% as higher energy costs are gradually passed on to consumers.
The report said economic growth in the second half of the year will be driven mainly by domestic demand, supported by improving consumer sentiment, a rebound in asset prices, and investment related to the Northern Metropolis development.