Markets at a glance

Original Arants conceptual illustration. Not a photograph or data chart.

October factory surveys released November 2 point to slower expansion in major chip-exporting economies. Japan’s PMI eased to 53.3, South Korea’s to 51.3 and Taiwan’s to 54.9, all still above 50. China’s private RatingDog reading was 52.0, distinct from the weaker official survey. These are survey indexes, not output-growth percentages. Strong technology demand is coexisting with expensive energy and uneven business confidence.

Reuters via Business Recorder · November 2

Original Arants conceptual illustration. Not a photograph or data chart.

Saudi Arabia’s preliminary third-quarter real GDP was 3.8% below a year earlier, according to GASTAT figures reported by Saudi Gazette. Oil activity fell 20.4%, while non-oil activity grew 1.9%. Yet seasonally adjusted GDP rose 1.3% from the preceding quarter. A quarterly recovery and an annual decline can occur together. These flash estimates remain preliminary and should not be read as finalized national accounts.

Saudi Gazette, reporting GASTAT · November 2

Original Arants conceptual illustration. Not a photograph or data chart.

Binance reported $4.65 billion in withdrawals and $1.01 billion in deposits during the first nine and a half hours of its November 1 reopening, about $3.64 billion in net outflows. The company’s $171 billion asset comparison used an October 28 reserve snapshot. These are dated company figures, not a live balance or an independent audit. Phased access and recovery still require scrutiny after the reported theft.

The Block · November 1, updated 11:44 a.m. EST

Original Arants conceptual illustration. Not a photograph or data chart.

HSBC plans to open an AI and emerging-technology institute in Hong Kong in the first quarter of 2027, partnering with Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. Staffing for the new institute was not disclosed. Separately, the Hong Kong Monetary Authority outlined testing and governance work for financial AI agents. The announcements describe investment plans and safeguards, not measured productivity gains or a completed launch.

Reuters via MarketScreener · November 2

Original Arants conceptual illustration. Not a photograph or data chart.

A November 2 parliamentary committee report calls for a more predictable framework for business with China: protect selected strategic capabilities, set safeguards for higher-risk engagement and support lower-risk trade. It also proposes stronger trade remedies and research-security protections. The report recognizes commercial benefits as well as risks. These are lawmakers’ recommendations, not enacted government policy; the government has two months to respond.

UK Parliament committee report · November 2

Original Arants conceptual illustration. Not a photograph or data chart.

Iran’s foreign minister described a two-day proposal for reopening the Strait of Hormuz after discussions with Qatari and Pakistani mediators. His account requires U.S. measures first, with shipping access following. The November 2 report does not establish U.S. acceptance or resumed normal passage. A shorter proposed timetable is therefore a diplomatic development, not proof that shipping disruption or the underlying conflict has ended.

Arab News Pakistan, with AFP input · November 2