Talking points
Our editors will be looking ahead today to these developing stories ...
The Japanese and mainland Chinese markets get their first chance to react to the fiscal cliff deal in the US as they open for the first time since the New Year holidays. Markets in the US and elsewhere in Asia showed a strong bounce after US President Barack Obama signed bills agreed by the US Congress and Senate to end the threat of huge tax rises and spending cuts.
People hoping to get their hands on a low-cost second-hand Home Ownership Scheme flat get their first chance to submit their applications. Some 5,000 buyers with a household income of less than HK$40,000 who are renting in the private market will be able to buy flats without paying a land premium, substantially reducing the cost. Applications can be submitted until January 18.
