Inflation eases in Hong Kong in November
Hong Kong’s inflation rate eased slightly last month from a 13-month high in October.  According to the Census and Statistics Department, the city’s composite consumer price index rose 2.6 percent year-on-year last month, down slightly from 2.7 percent in October.  Netting off the effects of the government’s one-off relief measures, the underlying inflation increase was 1.6 percent, also down by 0.1 percent from October.  For the first eleven months of the year, it rose 2.1 percent year-on-year. A government spokesman said while the underlying consumer price inflation rate remained moderate last month, prices of dine-out and takeaway meals, clothing and footwear continued to show notable increases. But prices of electricity, gas, and water saw notable declines. Looking ahead, authorities expect overall inflation to remain moderate in the short term, but said domestic business costs may face pressures as the economy continues to recover.