IN BRIEF (Page 18)

Fitch sells its stake in China joint venture

Fitch Ratings Inc has sold its minority stake in its China joint venture, sparking expectations that international ratings agencies might seek independent development in China, as the country has pledged to further open the credit rating sector to foreign players by removing ownership restrictions.

Insurer's healthcare arm plans HK listing

Ping An Good Doctor, the online healthcare and medical platform backed by Shenzhen-based Ping An Insurance Group, filed an application to list on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, firing the first shot for a fresh bout of Chinese mainland technology and internet companies looking to make their market debuts in Hong Kong this year.

Equities extend losses, led by real estate, bank firms

SHANGHAI - China stocks extended losses on Tuesday, led by real estate and banking firms, as investors pocketed gains after a sell-off in Apple shares triggered a downturn on Wall Street.

Belt & Road boosts foreign investment

The Belt and Road Initiative represented a big boon for Chinese investors amid an overall slump in outbound Chinese merger and acquisition activity in 2017, according to a report released by Morning Whistle Group, a Shanghai-based trade group specializing in cross-border M&A.

Rebound expected in China's TV sales

China's television industry is expected to rebound this year after witnessing a downturn in 2017, with sales ascending to 48.98 million units, up 3.1 percent year-on-year, an industry report said.

Country's largest winery buying stake in Australian winemaker

China's largest wine producer, Yantai Changyu Pioneer Wine Co, is purchasing 80 percent of Kilikanoon Estate Pty Ltd of Adelaide, Australia, at A$20.65 million ($16.45 million), a decision that will further enhance the Chinese winery's global portfolio and help meet Chinese consumers' growing demand for quality wine.

Affiliates key to Xiaomi's IPO dreams

As Xiaomi Corp scrambles to progress its reportedly $100 billion valuation initial public offering plan, how the Chinese tech giant deals with its more than 100 affiliated companies could determine its long-term value, analysts said on Monday.

Traditional sector companies benefit from reform drive

Benefiting from the country's ongoing supply-side reform, Chinese listed companies from traditional sectors are showing increased prosperity as they report positive fiscal results for 2017.

Chinese cartoon merchandise takes off as Luo Bao Bei clicks

Move over Tom, Jerry, Donald Duck, Mickey Mouse and the lot, Luo Bao Bei is here.

Mars to energize hungry travelers, sweeten Festival

A plane painted with a giant-sized image of Snickers chocolate landed at the Shanghai Hongqiao airport on Jan 15 as part of Mars Incorporated's latest efforts to reach out to the world's largest number of travelers during the upcoming Spring Festival on Feb 16.

World's watchmakers pin future hopes on China's economic recovery

GENEVA - Watchmakers at the industry's major fair in Geneva this month said they are bringing themselves up to speed in the digital age following China's economic recovery.