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Hong Kong stocks close down more than five percent

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Hong Kong stocks crumbled more than five percent on Tuesday, making it one of the worst performers on a painful day for Asian markets after a record-breaking collapse on Wall Street fuelled by concerns over rising US interest rates.

The Hang Seng Index dived 5.12 percent, or 1,649.80 points, to end 30,595.42 — its biggest close since the China-fuelled sell-off in August 2015.

The Shanghai Composite Index lost 3.35 percent, or 116.85 points, to 3,370.65 while the Shenzhen Composite Index, which tracks stocks on China’s second exchange, plunged 4.44 percent, or 80.21 points, to 1,726.09.

The HSI last month hit a series of records — hitting an all-time high of 33,484 on January 29 — as traders rode a wave of global euphoria following Donald Trump’s huge US tax cuts, strong earnings and optimism for the world economy.

The gains were also boosted by a flood of cash from mainland Chinese investors, attracted by cheaper valuations than at home, taking advantage of a cross-border stocks connect.

But the past week has seen the yield on US 10-year benchmark Treasury bills — a key guide for global rates — hit a four-year high and a strong US jobs report that also showed rising wage growth.

This sparked worries inflation would power higher, forcing the Federal Reserve to lift borrowing costs.

The losses Tuesday were the worst since August 2015, when a yuan devaluation by Beijing sparked concerns about the Chinese economy.

Still, some analysts were upbeat. “I actually think there’s buying opportunities, maybe not today, but through this week as this sell-off exacerbates,” Sean Fenton, a portfolio manager at Tribeca Investment Partners in Sydney, told Bloomberg News.

– Energy firms tank –
Energy firms were some of the biggest losers as oil prices sank on the back of the global asset sell-off, while traders have also been spooked by news that US firms had brought more rigs online, offsetting production caps by OPEC and Russia.

At the end of the day CNOOC was down 5.17 percent at HK$11.74 while PetroChina had plunged 5.83 percent to HK$5.81 and Sinopec dived 4.59 percent to HK$6.45.

Tech companies were also handed a beating following another hammering for US titans Apple and Google parent Alphabet after they unveiled disappointing earnings reports.

AAC Technologies plunged 6.60 percent to HK$137.30 and Tencent was 7.03 percent down at HK$410.00.

Among other firms HSBC tanked 3.32 percent to HK$80.10 and Ping An Insurance was off 5.96 percent at HK$84.35.

While Shanghai avoided being dragged into a worldwide sell-off on Monday, it took a hit Tuesday, meaning it has lost about five percent since hitting two-year highs last month.

“Investor sentiment was largely affected by the slump overnight on Wall Street, which caused big selling pressure in China,” said Li Daxiao, an analyst with Yingda Securities.

China’s government, still smarting from a dizzying 2015 stock rise and crash followed by a moribund 2016, has taken increasing steps over the past year to steady the nation’s often volatile share markets.

Li said “we can’t exclude the possibility” that authorities played a role in helping limit China’s share losses on Tuesday.

Shanghai shares ended higher on Monday, bucking hefty selling elsewhere.

“China markets usually are independent from global markets, so investors do not need to worry too much,” Li said.

Insurance companies were among the biggest losers in Shanghai. Ping An Insurance gave up 2.56 percent to 73.77 yuan and China Life Insurance dropped 2.85 percent to 31.04 yuan.

Banking giant ICBC lost 2.32 percent to 7.57 yuan and China Construction Bank retreated 3.98 percent to 9.40 yuan.

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Beyoncé Achieves Historic Milestone As Most Certified Female Artist

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Beyoncé is most RIAA certified female artist of all time | fab.ng

Renowned singer Beyoncé has solidified her position as the most certified female artist of all time, a distinction bestowed upon her by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).

Her recent surge in song certifications has propelled her to an impressive total of 103 RIAA-certified titles, surpassing all other female artists in this category.

The RIAA celebrated this monumental achievement in a post on X on Tuesday.

“Crowning achievement! Congratulations to @Beyonce, who now holds the record for the most certified titles for a female artist in RIAA history, including her first two Diamond singles! @parkwood @columbiarecords,” RIAA announced in a post on X on Tuesday.

Among her numerous accolades are Diamond certifications for two iconic singles: “Halo” and “Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It).” These certifications signify extraordinary sales and streaming figures.

Additionally, Beyoncé boasts a string of impressive certifications for her albums. “Renaissance” has achieved 2x Platinum status, “Lemonade” has attained 4x Platinum, and both “Sasha Fierce” and “Dangerously In Love” have earned 7x Platinum certifications.

This latest milestone further solidifies Beyoncé’s legacy as one of the most influential and successful artists of all time.

Her ability to consistently deliver groundbreaking music that resonates with audiences worldwide has undoubtedly contributed to her unparalleled success.

Check out more music updates here.

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“Gladiator II” Becomes Denzel Washington’s Most Successful Movie With $320 Million Worldwide Gross

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Gladiator II is Denzel Washington's Most Successful Movie | fab.ng
Gladiator II has become the highest-grossing film of Ridley Scott’s career. The movie features the legendary actor Denzel Washington.

Known as one of Hollywood’s most respected figures, Washington has built an extraordinary career filled with iconic performances and critical acclaim.

His influence extends far beyond Hollywood, earning him global admiration. However, despite his illustrious career, Washington has not always been the first name associated with record-breaking box office success compared to some of his contemporaries.

His recent collaboration with Ridley Scott has now changed that narrative. Gladiator II has shattered expectations, becoming Washington’s highest-grossing film worldwide.

The movie has earned an impressive $320.2 million globally. This surpasses his previous record-holder, American Gangster, which grossed $267.9 million.

This milestone solidifies Gladiator II as Washington’s most financially successful film directed by Scott.

Domestically, American Gangster has maintained its position as Washington’s top-earning film for 17 years, with a domestic gross of $130.1 million.

However, this record may soon be eclipsed by Gladiator II, which has already reached $111.4 million domestically and continues to draw large audiences.

The success of Gladiator II marks a significant achievement in Washington’s career. It shows his enduring appeal and the powerful collaboration with Ridley Scott.

 

This box office triumph not only highlights Washington’s versatility and star power but also sets a new benchmark for future projects.

Fans and industry insiders alike are watching closely, anticipating how far this latest release will go in redefining the actor’s box office legacy.

READ ALSO: Gladiator II” Records ₦99.1 Million In Its Opening Weekend At The Nigerian Box Office

Throughout his decades-long film career, Washington has taken on a variety of action roles, many of which have been box-office successes.

The Equaliser franchise, for instance, has grossed approximately $190 million worldwide per installment.

Even some of his less critically acclaimed films, such as 2012’s Safe House, achieved significant commercial success, grossing $208.1 million against a budget of $85 million.

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Lee Min-Ho Returns To The Big Screens In Netflix’s “When The Stars Gossip”

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Lee Min-Ho back to the screen in When The Stars Gossip | fab.ng

Lee Min-ho is set to make a triumphant return to the big screens with Netflix’s upcoming South Korean series When The Stars Gossip.

After a well-planned hiatus, the iconic actor will star in this highly anticipated sci-fi romance alongside Gong Hyo-jin.

The series will premiere globally on January 4, 2025. Netflix K-Content announced it with exclusive first-look images that tease a captivating narrative exploring love and life among the stars.

In the series, Min-ho takes on the role of an OB-GYN who becomes a space tourist. Meanwhile, Gong portrays a space mission commander. Their characters promise an exciting dynamic that blends romance and adventure in an interstellar setting.

Renowned as one of South Korea’s most celebrated actors, Lee Min-ho rose to international fame with his breakout role as the charismatic Gu Jun-Pyo in the 2009 drama Boys Before Flowers.

His performance earned widespread acclaim and established him as a key figure in the global Hallyu wave. Over the years, he has enthralled audiences with his performances in hit dramas. These dramas are The Heirs (2013), Legend of the Blue Sea (2016), and The King: Eternal Monarch (2020).

Known for his selective approach to roles, Min-ho consistently curates projects that highlight his versatility, leaving fans eagerly anticipating his next move.

His most recent major project, Apple TV+’s Pachinko, showcased his exceptional acting skills. In seasons one (2022) and two (2024), Min-ho delivered a critically acclaimed performance as Koh Hansu, a morally complex and nuanced character. This role further cemented his reputation as a versatile and skilled actor.

Lee Min-ho’s deliberate approach to choosing projects has elevated the anticipation for When The Stars Gossip. Fans are thrilled to see him return to the small screen in a fresh and compelling narrative.

The series boasts an impressive supporting cast. They include Gong Hyo-jin (When the Camellia Blooms), Oh Jung-se (It’s Okay to Not Be Okay), Han Ji-Eun (Be Melodramatic), Kim Joo-hun (Castaway Diva), Lee El (My Liberation Notes), Lee Cho-hee (Once Again), and Heo Nam-jun (Sweet Home).

Indeed, the show promises to captivate audiences worldwide with its unique mix of sci-fi and romance.

Check out more movie updates here.

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