Hong Kong retail sector offsets office market weakness
According to the half-year report released by Wharf Holdings, Harbour City in Hong Kong achieved a 5% YoY increase in overall rental income to HK$4.6 billion ($589 million), with profits rising by 3%. The mall’s rental income saw a strong performance, up 7% YoY to HK$2.9 billion ($369 million), and profits grew by 5%. Last year, Harbour City’s total revenue was HK$8.9 billion ($115 billion), with mall revenue at HK$5.5 billion ($699 million) and total profit at HK$7.2 billion ($912 million). Rental income from Harbour City’s office spaces declined by 2% to HK$1.13 billion ($144 million), with profits down by 10%, but the strong growth in the mall segment effectively offset the weakness in the office market.