Talking points

China's parliament, the National People's Congress, begins its deliberations. The opening day of the meeting commences with the final work report delivered by outgoing Premier Wen Jiabao, one of his last official duties before handing the reins to Li Keqiang. The work report is a review of government activities over the previous year and a look at what the nation can look forward to in the coming year. Wen is also expected to comment on his 10 years in office.

Standard Chartered posts its annual results for the year, offering a further indication of the state of the banking industry in Hong Kong and beyond. The bank reported in December that profit last year, excluding one-off items, was expected to grow at a rate in the high single digits from 2011. Profit before tax was expected to grow at a rate in the mid-single digits, taking into account US$667 million the bank had to pay in the United States to settle money laundering charges.