Layoffs The financial turmoil is quickly starting to have its affect on the workforce in Hong Kong, with several sectors scaling back. Money Magazine looks at the impact being felt by property agencies, restaurants and the financial sector. Germany-Trade Implications Germany is Hong Kong’s biggest trading partner in the European union. The country is at the forefront of a coordinated effort to salvage Europe's banking system. Money Magazine looks at the implications the world's financial turmoil will have on trade between HK and Germany. Gold Futures Amid the global financial meltdown, Hong Kong started gold futures trading quietly on October 20, with an expected low trading volume of 500 contracts. The price of gold has fallen from a peak of beyond US$1,000 per ounce earlier this year, to below US$800 recent weeks. What does the future hold for gold futures in HK? Market experts say that investors shouldn't expect too much.