A Bank of England–watched survey showed permanent staff recruitment rose in August for the first time since September 2022, the Recruitment and Employment Confederation said. Recruiters said the pickup reflects stronger business confidence as firms win new contracts. After months of relying on temporary workers, employers reported growth in both permanent and temporary hiring in August. KPMG UK CEO Jon Holt said the dual rise suggests market confidence is starting to return.

Interfax, citing the Russian Defence Ministry, reported that Russia struck a vessel carrying military cargo at Ukraine's port of Chornomorsk.

Huatai Securities says persistent global liquidity uncertainty is likely to cap further valuation recovery for Hong Kong equities; recommends low-volatility, high-dividend names as core holdings (banks, utilities) and advises limiting exposure to sectors with high U.S. Treasury-yield beta such as metals. Earnings: aggregate Hong Kong-listed profit growth in 1H2026 rebounded sharply YoY but is highly divergent — high-dividend earnings turned positive mainly on resource-sector strength (sustainability uncertain), innovative drugs sustained strong growth, while internet profit declines widened. Based on earnings signals and sensitivity to rate expectations, Huatai favors innovative drug and CXO leaders with both earnings realization and market recognition. Staples such as food & beverage have moved into the latter stage of their fundamental trough but lack near-term catalysts; recommend patience.