Hong Kong's Christmas cheer muted as spending falls, jobs lost

Riot police standing guard near Harbour City shopping mall in Hong Kong on Sunday. Months-long anti-government protests have led to a drop in tourist arrivals as well as a fall in spending at shops and eateries in the city. The Hong Kong Retail Manag
Riot police standing guard near Harbour City shopping mall in Hong Kong on Sunday. Months-long anti-government protests have led to a drop in tourist arrivals as well as a fall in spending at shops and eateries in the city. The Hong Kong Retail Management Association says more than 5,600 retail jobs could be lost in the next six months. PHOTO: BLOOMBERG
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Merrymaking in Hong Kong this festive season looks set to be more muted, with some people opting for low-key celebrations instead of splashing out on Christmas and New Year.

Wiping out some of the December joy is Hong Kong's weak economy, which has entered a technical recession amid the government's struggle to cope with protests that have lasted more than six months.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on December 19, 2019, with the headline Hong Kong's Christmas cheer muted as spending falls, jobs lost. Subscribe