Rebound in Hong Kong’s home prices unlikely to come this year: analysts

Credicorp, one of Peru’s largest financial firms, is taking legal action against the country’s tax authority over what it claims are unfair tax assessments. The company argues the demands don’t align with regulations, signaling a growing tension between businesses and tax officials in Peru.

Editor’s Note: When a major bank like Credicorp goes to court over taxes, it’s not just about one dispute—it reflects broader concerns about how Peru’s tax system treats businesses. If other companies feel similarly, this could spook investors or even lead to policy changes down the line.

Mercedes-Benz has reassured investors and customers that its supply chain remains unaffected despite recent concerns about export disruptions from China. The automaker emphasized that production and deliveries are running smoothly, with no immediate impact on operations.

Editor’s Note: With global supply chains still recovering from pandemic-era shocks, any hint of disruption—especially involving a major manufacturing hub like China—can rattle markets. Mercedes’ quick clarification helps ease worries about potential delays or shortages, which is good news for car buyers and investors alike. It also highlights how closely companies are monitoring geopolitical and trade risks these days.

Spirent director Jonathan Silver is taking on an additional role, joining the board of specialty chemicals company Synthomer. This isn’t a dramatic shake-up, but it’s a notable move for both companies—Silver’s experience in tech and leadership could bring fresh perspective to Synthomer’s operations.

Editor’s Note: Board appointments like this often signal strategic shifts or a desire for cross-industry expertise. Synthomer, which deals in niche chemicals for everything from adhesives to latex gloves, might be looking to bolster its governance as it navigates supply chain or innovation challenges. For Silver, it’s a chance to expand his influence beyond Spirent’s telecom testing world. Not front-page news, but worth a glance for investors tracking executive moves.

The government is rolling out some last-minute welfare concessions to win over hesitant MPs ahead of a crucial vote. This comes after backlash over proposed benefit cuts forced them to backtrack—now they’re scrambling to smooth things over with skeptical lawmakers.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just bureaucratic tinkering—it’s a sign of how shaky the government’s position is. If they’re making concessions to avoid another rebellion, it shows they’re worried about losing control. For voters, it hints at whether deeper welfare cuts are still on the table or if the pushback has forced a real rethink.

Some savers using the UK's Lifetime ISA (LISA) scheme are actually ending up with less money than they initially put in, thanks to hefty withdrawal penalties and tricky rules. MPs are now pushing for changes to fix what was supposed to be a helpful tool for first-time homebuyers and retirement savers.

Editor’s Note: LISAs were designed to give people a leg up, but the fine print is biting back. If you’re penalized for withdrawing early (even for good reasons), it defeats the whole purpose. This isn’t just about bad luck—it’s a policy flaw that could hurt ordinary savers who thought they were doing the right thing. That’s why MPs are stepping in—before more people get burned.