TOPIC

/ location

Switzerland

The latest news, analysis and opinion on Switzerland. In-depth analysis, industry insights and expert opinion.

Capital

Bern

Head of State

President Viola Amherd

Head of Government

President Viola Amherd

Gold is forecast to climb to between US$4,750 and US$5,500 an ounce by the end of 2026, according to State Street Investment Management. Photo: Reuters

Investing

Why gold may rebound 13% this year – and what could hold it back

Metal’s upside rests on central-bank demand and easing oil shock, but higher yields and AI spending may temper recovery, money managers say.

13 Jun 2026 - 9:30AM

US, Israel war on Iran

US ‘80-85%’ confident of signing peace deal with Iran, senior official says

13 Jun 2026 - 6:55AM

Wealth management

Hong Kong gazettes tax break for fund manager bonuses to boost wealth hub role

12 Jun 2026 - 5:41PM

Timepieces

Rolex celebrates 100 years of the Oyster, its first waterproof wristwatch

‘Oyster Story’ traces the history of the brand’s first waterproof wristwatch, from Mercedes Gleitze’s English Channel ‘vindication swim’ to modern horological marvels.

12 Jun 2026 - 1:17PM

The Octagonal Rolex Oyster from 1926. Photo: Handout

US, Israel war on Iran

Iran’s ‘unity of theatres’ strategy exposes US-Israel rift

Analysts say Iran’s new tactic is both an attempt to reassert strategic deterrence and a political bargaining chip ahead of negotiations.

11 Jun 2026 - 6:00PMvideocam

Hong Kong property

US fintech firm iCapital doubles prime office space in Hong Kong

Company leases a 9,000 sq ft space in One IFC in Central, with an eye towards doubling its staff amid rising demand for wealth services.

10 Jun 2026 - 11:07AM

Banking & finance

Hong Kong rolls out incentives to boost role as a corporate treasury hub

Plan expands tax concessions and introduces pre-approval mechanism to lure multinationals to manage capital and risk in the city.

9 Jun 2026 - 6:07PM

Hong Kong is also pursuing more double-taxation agreements with major trading partners to prevent overseas companies using Hong Kong as a treasury base from being taxed twice. Photo: Karma Lo

My Take

My Take | China’s Confucian AI vs America’s oligarchic version

Chinese officials and bosses have shown a sense of social responsibility towards citizens and workers. The tech bros in the US are happy to take artificial intelligence wherever they want, as long as they come out on top.

7 Jun 2026 - 9:20PM

India

Is US wielding new tariff threat to secure big bargain in India trade talks?

Additional 12.5 per cent levy over forced labour supply-chain concerns seen as leverage in negotiations, analysts say.

5 Jun 2026 - 5:03PMvideocam

US-China relations

Trump Jnr tells investors he would avoid investing in China

The US president’s son says he is concerned in particular by a Chinese legal system he believes is tilted against foreign entities.

5 Jun 2026 - 8:13PMvideocam

Donald Trump Jnr takes part in the announcement of Trump Mobile in New York in June 2025. Photo: AP

Banking & finance

Opinion | Hong Kong is emerging as a leading capital hub of the multipolar era

As wealth creation’s centre of gravity shifts, expect Hong Kong to not only survive but also gain renewed strategic importance.

3 Jun 2026 - 9:30AMvideocam

US-China relations

Can China fill funding and leadership gaps after America quit the WHO?

Beijing is now the global health body’s biggest assessed contributor, but its voluntary donations remained low in 2025.

3 Jun 2026 - 8:41AMvideocam

Style Edit

Style Edit: Hublot unveils new boutique at The Venetian Macao

To mark the occasion, Hublot is also introducing the Big Bang Ceramic Carbon timepiece – exclusively available in Greater China.

2 Jun 2026 - 10:00AM

Banking & finance

Family offices eye shifting assets from North America to China, survey finds

Privately run firms managing investments of wealthy families showing ‘growing interest’ in China, UBS report says.

1 Jun 2026 - 2:30PM

Chinese 100-yuan banknotes at a branch of China Merchants Bank in Hefei, Anhui province. Photo: Reuters

Italy

Italy bans Kanye West concert over security concerns

Authorities scrap festival performance following pressure from local Jewish groups over rapper’s controversial history.

1 Jun 2026 - 9:58AM

Kanye West after arriving at Shanghai Pudong International Airport in 2025. Photo: AFP

Timepieces

Why white ceramic watches are such a bold fashion choice

The bold watches are challenging to work with and even seen as ‘offensive’ by some … so why do brands like Omega, Cartier and IWC Schaffhausen seem to love them? Chris Rovzar finds out.

30 May 2026 - 6:00AM

Hong Kong economy

Opinion | Cross-border wealth hub crown latest sign Hong Kong is roaring back

City overtook Switzerland in BCG wealth report, underscoring vital ‘superconnector’ role between mainland and international capital markets.

29 May 2026 - 7:15AM

Crime

3 wounded in blade attack at Swiss railway station

The suspect – a 31-year-old Swiss-Turkish man – has been arrested. The attack is being treated as a terrorist act , a security official said.

29 May 2026 - 2:32AM

Police officers remove barrier tape at the scene of a stabbing incident at the railway station in Winterthur, Switzerland on Thursday. Photo: EPA

Banking & finance

Hong Kong beats Switzerland as world’s largest offshore wealth hub, BCG finds

City tops cross-border wealth on IPO surge and mainland China inflows, as Singapore and US trail in consultancy’s global rankings.

28 May 2026 - 8:05AM

Hong Kong economy

Editorial | Paul Chan’s trip just one step in strengthening relations with Europe

Hong Kong must continue to build on the finance secretary’s visit to highlight the city’s financial strengths and ease concerns over money laundering.

26 May 2026 - 7:15AM

US-China relations

US investment returning? Chinese data shows double-digit growth in early 2026

Other rapidly growing sources of foreign direct investment included Luxembourg, Switzerland and France, Ministry of Commerce says.

25 May 2026 - 7:32PM

US companies increased their investment in China in the first four months of this year. Illustration: Reuters

China consumption

China sales hold up as European luxury brands warn of Iran war impact

While LVMH, Hermes and Prada recorded increased sales in Chinese market, Kering reported a decline.

25 May 2026 - 3:00PM

A Labubu toy hangs from a bidder’s Hermes bag at an auction by Yongle International Auction in Beijing in June last year. Photo: Reuters

Hong Kong economy

Hong Kong’s Paul Chan urges closer Europe ties, dialogue to work out differences

Finance chief says opportunities exist to tap city’s capital markets, while acknowledging concerns over trade imbalances.

24 May 2026 - 7:55PM

Hong Kong economy

Hong Kong finance chief woos French wealth managers as European tour starts

Paul Chan, who arrived in Paris on Monday, met representatives of French asset management association and think tank Asia Centre in Paris, sources say.

19 May 2026 - 8:30AM

Africa

US to screen for Ebola at airports as American worker is infected

US implements airport screenings and suspends visa services following a WHO declaration over the deadly Ebola strain.

19 May 2026 - 1:14PM

A digitally colourised scanning electron micrograph depiction shows numerous filamentous Ebola virus particles in green, budding from a chronically infected VERO E6 cell in orange. Photo: NIAID via Reuters

World Health Organization (WHO)

‘Crises’: WHO kicks off annual assembly amid Ebola, US withdrawal

Aid cuts ‘have disrupted health systems, widened inequalities’ said UN chief Antonio Guterres, with WHO budget down by almost US$1 billion.

18 May 2026 - 10:07PMvideocam

A health official uses a thermometer to screen people outside a hospital in Kampala, Uganda, on Saturday. Photo: AP

Hong Kong economy

Hong Kong’s Paul Chan is heading to Europe. So what’s on the itinerary?

Finance chief’s trip announced on Sunday and follows easing of tensions after US President Donald Trump visited mainland China.

17 May 2026 - 10:10PM

Style Edit

Style Edit: Richard Mille’s pared-back powerhouse, RM 55-01 Manual Winding

All 3 versions of the new watch – in black Carbon TPT, and in grey or white Quartz TPT – are masterpieces of minimalism.

15 May 2026 - 10:00AM

Help preserve 120 years of quality journalism.

SUPPORT NOW

Switzerland

Why gold may rebound 13% this year – and what could hold it back

Metal’s upside rests on central-bank demand and easing oil shock, but higher yields and AI spending may temper recovery, money managers say.

US ‘80-85%’ confident of signing peace deal with Iran, senior official says

Hong Kong gazettes tax break for fund manager bonuses to boost wealth hub role

Rolex celebrates 100 years of the Oyster, its first waterproof wristwatch

‘Oyster Story’ traces the history of the brand’s first waterproof wristwatch, from Mercedes Gleitze’s English Channel ‘vindication swim’ to modern horological marvels.

Iran’s ‘unity of theatres’ strategy exposes US-Israel rift

Analysts say Iran’s new tactic is both an attempt to reassert strategic deterrence and a political bargaining chip ahead of negotiations.

US fintech firm iCapital doubles prime office space in Hong Kong

Company leases a 9,000 sq ft space in One IFC in Central, with an eye towards doubling its staff amid rising demand for wealth services.

Hong Kong rolls out incentives to boost role as a corporate treasury hub

Plan expands tax concessions and introduces pre-approval mechanism to lure multinationals to manage capital and risk in the city.

.css-1pcrwvc{color:#2aa191;}My Take | China’s Confucian AI vs America’s oligarchic version

Chinese officials and bosses have shown a sense of social responsibility towards citizens and workers. The tech bros in the US are happy to take artificial intelligence wherever they want, as long as they come out on top.

Is US wielding new tariff threat to secure big bargain in India trade talks?

Additional 12.5 per cent levy over forced labour supply-chain concerns seen as leverage in negotiations, analysts say.

Trump Jnr tells investors he would avoid investing in China

The US president’s son says he is concerned in particular by a Chinese legal system he believes is tilted against foreign entities.

Opinion | Hong Kong is emerging as a leading capital hub of the multipolar era

As wealth creation’s centre of gravity shifts, expect Hong Kong to not only survive but also gain renewed strategic importance.

Can China fill funding and leadership gaps after America quit the WHO?

Beijing is now the global health body’s biggest assessed contributor, but its voluntary donations remained low in 2025.

Style Edit: Hublot unveils new boutique at The Venetian Macao

To mark the occasion, Hublot is also introducing the Big Bang Ceramic Carbon timepiece – exclusively available in Greater China.

Family offices eye shifting assets from North America to China, survey finds

Privately run firms managing investments of wealthy families showing ‘growing interest’ in China, UBS report says.

Italy bans Kanye West concert over security concerns

Authorities scrap festival performance following pressure from local Jewish groups over rapper’s controversial history.

Why white ceramic watches are such a bold fashion choice

The bold watches are challenging to work with and even seen as ‘offensive’ by some … so why do brands like Omega, Cartier and IWC Schaffhausen seem to love them? Chris Rovzar finds out.

Opinion | Cross-border wealth hub crown latest sign Hong Kong is roaring back

City overtook Switzerland in BCG wealth report, underscoring vital ‘superconnector’ role between mainland and international capital markets.

3 wounded in blade attack at Swiss railway station

The suspect – a 31-year-old Swiss-Turkish man – has been arrested. The attack is being treated as a terrorist act , a security official said.

Hong Kong beats Switzerland as world’s largest offshore wealth hub, BCG finds

City tops cross-border wealth on IPO surge and mainland China inflows, as Singapore and US trail in consultancy’s global rankings.

Editorial | Paul Chan’s trip just one step in strengthening relations with Europe

Hong Kong must continue to build on the finance secretary’s visit to highlight the city’s financial strengths and ease concerns over money laundering.

US investment returning? Chinese data shows double-digit growth in early 2026

Other rapidly growing sources of foreign direct investment included Luxembourg, Switzerland and France, Ministry of Commerce says.

China sales hold up as European luxury brands warn of Iran war impact

While LVMH, Hermes and Prada recorded increased sales in Chinese market, Kering reported a decline.

Hong Kong’s Paul Chan urges closer Europe ties, dialogue to work out differences

Finance chief says opportunities exist to tap city’s capital markets, while acknowledging concerns over trade imbalances.

Hong Kong finance chief woos French wealth managers as European tour starts

Paul Chan, who arrived in Paris on Monday, met representatives of French asset management association and think tank Asia Centre in Paris, sources say.

US to screen for Ebola at airports as American worker is infected

US implements airport screenings and suspends visa services following a WHO declaration over the deadly Ebola strain.

‘Crises’: WHO kicks off annual assembly amid Ebola, US withdrawal

Aid cuts ‘have disrupted health systems, widened inequalities’ said UN chief Antonio Guterres, with WHO budget down by almost US$1 billion.

Hong Kong’s Paul Chan is heading to Europe. So what’s on the itinerary?

Finance chief’s trip announced on Sunday and follows easing of tensions after US President Donald Trump visited mainland China.

Style Edit: Richard Mille’s pared-back powerhouse, RM 55-01 Manual Winding

All 3 versions of the new watch – in black Carbon TPT, and in grey or white Quartz TPT – are masterpieces of minimalism.

My Take | China’s Confucian AI vs America’s oligarchic version