Diving and surfing in Hong Kong

(still in progress)

 

Hong Kong offers wonderful diving and surfing activities. The experiences are really immersive and breathtaking!

 

1.          Snorkeling and freediving

One popular place for Snorkeling and diving is a place near the Clear water bay second beach (https://www.map.gov.hk/mapviewer/map.do?gmid=meEXM9E24z&lg=en  ). In days with good weather, you can find a dozen people diving there. I went there many times. You can see many beautiful reel fishes and reels, bringing you unforgettable memories. The water there is shallow, so it is very safe. The picture below was taken by me there. That was such a wonderful experience, I just wanted time to stop.

How to get there? Google Map can show that you can take public transportation (such as minibus or buses) or taxi to Clear water bay second beach. Once you arrive at the beach sands, walk the right-hand side 100-150 meters, and you will reach the place. See the red curve in the picture below.

 

2.          Surfing

There are two surfing beaches that can be reached by public transportation. I went to both places many times. Because of its weather, you can surf all year round. You can check the popular App Surfline for wave conditions.

The first is big wave beach in Hong Kong island (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Big_Wave_Bay_Beach ). Please note that it is not the big wave beach in Sai Kung. It is very affordable to rent a surfing board at Ho Lok Store (HK$50).

 

The second is the Lower Cheung Sha Beach (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lower_Cheung_Sha_Beach ) in the Lantau Island (where the airport is located). You can find a nice surfing school too (https://hongkongsurfinglesson.com  ).

 

Enjoy!

US Federal Reserve interest rate decision

 

Recent high inflation experience

 One of the biggest changes in the financial markets over the past five years was the sudden increase in inflation starting in 2021. The U.S. inflation rate reached 9%, the highest in the past 40 years (https://tradingeconomics.com/united-states/inflation-cpi  ). High inflation led to high interest rates and created many challenges. As a finance student, you need to understand this.

High inflation happened in many countries, including UK, many European countries, and Australia. One of the main causes of the inflation is demand and supply changes due to Covid-19.

Why bond yields are increasing though central banks have cut interest rates.

  

There is a very nice Podcast by Economist.com to explain why bond yields are increasing

though central banks have cut interest rates.

 

https://www.economist.com/podcasts/2025/01/14/investor-fears-rock-bond-markets-and-raise-borrowing-costs

2024 World Financial Markets Review

We are in 2025 now. What did happen in world financial markets in 2024? As finance students or practitioners, you need to understand this. There is an interesting article about the 2024 world financial markets (https://www.apsbank.com.mt/blog/financial-markets-2024/ ). Please have a look at it. 

JP Morgan also has a related review. https://am.jpmorgan.com/gb/en/asset-management/per/insights/market-insights/market-updates/monthly-market-review/

Weekly market review: 28/03-01/04

The S&P 500 had a 0.1% gain this week, cooling off from a strong start to the week. The market was driven by the geopolitics. The market started strongly at the start of the week partly because the peace talk between Russia and Ukraine looked promising. The market retraced those gains over the next couple of days, though, as Russia refuted progress in talks with Ukraine. Oil prices fell 12.6%, or $14.29, to $99.54/bbl after the U.S. and other nations said they will release oil from their strategic reserves to help alleviate gas prices. The U.S. plans to release one million barrels per day for the next six months.

Weekly market review: 14/03-18/03

This was a great week for the stock market. S&P 500 increased by 6.2%, one of the best weeks for two years. This website (https://www.briefing.com/weekly-wrap ) argue that this was due to several factors including • Oil prices losing 5.6% • Fed Chair Powell saying the probability of a recession within the next year is low • Early reports indicating progress in ceasefire talks between Russia and Ukraine • China vowing support for its economy and markets