Accounting giant Deloitte on Monday raised its full-year forecast for Hong Kong's retail sales to a growth of 8.4 percent year on year to HK$412 billion in 2026. This figure is slightly higher than its February prediction of HK$410 billion for the year. The upgrade is attributed to stronger-than-expected first-half results, boosted by high visitor numbers, positive wealth effects, and rising demand for AI-enabled products. However, Deloitte warned that growth could slow in the coming months due to global economic uncertainties, the US mid-term elections, and Middle East geopolitical tensions.