Y. F. LUK
Dr. Y. F. LUK
Economics
Honorary Associate Professor

3910 2310

KK 305

Academic & Professional Qualification
  • AB (Chicago), MA, PhD (Cornell)
Biography

Dr. Luk joined HKU in 1993 and retired from his full-time position in 2017. He is currently teaching part-time in FBE.

Teaching
  • Global Economy, Money and Banking
Research Interest
  • Global Economy, Money and Banking, Economies of China and Hong Kong
Service to the University/Community
  • Former Director, School of Economics and Finance, HKU
  • Former Associate Dean, Faculty of Business and Economics, HKU
Recent Publications
Will Trump Dismiss Powell?

With Trump’s recent victory in the U.S. presidential election, the new administration is set to appoint a fresh slate of department heads. However, the position of Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell will remain unchanged. Despite being Trump’s nominee, Powell has often found himself at odds with the President, particularly over interest rate hikes, which Trump has publicly criticized.

The U.S., Tariffs, and Trump

In the highly anticipated US presidential election, regardless of the outcome, the elected candidate will significantly impact the international political and economic landscape. Trump's foreign economic policy during his first term has already become apparent, with a strong focus on using tariffs as a negotiation tool. If re-elected, he intends to impose tariffs of up to 60% to 100% on Chinese products and 10% to 20% on goods from other countries.

US Election and the Domestic and Global Economy

The upcoming US presidential election is poised to be a historic one, with its outcome closely tied to economic performance. Recent events, including the Russia-Ukraine war, soaring inflation, and the US-China tech rivalry, have created a turbulent global landscape. Voters are primarily concerned with economic issues, employment, healthcare, and immigration.

US Election and the Domestic and Global Economy

The upcoming US presidential election is poised to be a historic one, with its outcome closely tied to economic performance. Recent events, including the Russia-Ukraine war, soaring inflation, and the US-China tech rivalry, have created a turbulent global landscape. Voters are primarily concerned with economic issues, employment, healthcare, and immigration.

Africa Needs More Trade for Economic Development

While Africa is gaining a voice globally, with the African Union joining the G20, its economic progress lags behind. Africa's per capita income declined from 30% of the global average in 1990 to only 21% in 2023, with low participation in international trade beyond exporting raw materials.

Africa Needs More Trade for Economic Development

While Africa is gaining a voice globally, with the African Union joining the G20, its economic progress lags behind. Africa's per capita income declined from 30% of the global average in 1990 to only 21% in 2023, with low participation in international trade beyond exporting raw materials.

Whither US Trade Policy?

Will the US-China trade war further hinder global development? In May, the U.S. government announced raising tariffs on US$18 billion worth of Chinese imports, escalating the trade war. This follows the previous administration's "America First" approach, using tariffs as a main trade tactic.

Whither US Trade Policy?

Will the US-China trade war further hinder global development? In May, the U.S. government announced raising tariffs on US$18 billion worth of Chinese imports, escalating the trade war. This follows the previous administration's "America First" approach, using tariffs as a main trade tactic.

The 2-Percent Inflation Target and US Inflation

When will rate-hiking cycle end? The US Federal Reserve has just announced that it will keep the current interest rate unchanged, which has been at a 23-year high for the sixth straight meeting. An interest rate cut is expected to occur later than originally anticipated. What determines whether interest rates are raised or lowered? The goal of the Fed’s monetary policy is commonly known as the dual mandate - pursuing maximum employment while maintaining price stability. This is mainly achieved through controlling inflation.

The 2-Percent Inflation Target and US Inflation

When will rate-hiking cycle end? The US Federal Reserve has just announced that it will keep the current interest rate unchanged, which has been at a 23-year high for the sixth straight meeting. An interest rate cut is expected to occur later than originally anticipated. What determines whether interest rates are raised or lowered? The goal of the Fed’s monetary policy is commonly known as the dual mandate - pursuing maximum employment while maintaining price stability. This is mainly achieved through controlling inflation.