Violent protests push Hong Kong into a recession with no recovery in sight

The economy in Hong Kong contracted in the second quarter, almost certainly in the third quarter and the data are still deteriorating

Hong Kong is facing its first recession since the global financial crisis, with little prospect of an immediate recovery as the city confronts its most violent protests in decades.

From luxury hotels and major shopping malls to neighborhood stores and restaurants in tourist hubs like Central, Causeway Bay and Tsim Sha Tsui, businesses are closing early or seeing fewer customers. Even when things are open, stores and the airport are quiet, as tourists stay away.

The city’s subway network, or MTR, was closed entirely for long stretches during the holiday weekend from October 4 amid the violent backlash to Chief Executive Carrie