PRESS DIGEST - Hong Kong - April 28

HONG KONG, April 28 (Reuters) - These are some of the leading stories in Hong Kong newspapers on Monday. Reuters has not verified these stories and does not vouch for their accuracy.

HONG KONG ECONOMIC TIMES

-- Secondary property market transactions are increasing as more people choose to buy because mortgage payments are becoming smaller than residential rents.

-- Some Hong Kong lenders are considering increasing mortgage rates because they are under pressure to improve the margins of such products in the face of falling interest rates.

APPLE DAILY

-- A union poll for PCCW (0008.HK: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) employees has found that the telecom giant only increased salaries for about 20 percent of its Hong Kong work force last year and the rate was at 1.5 to 2 percent. Although their bonuses were larger, the employees were dissatisfied with the below-inflation pay rise.

MING PAO DAILY NEWS

-- Starbucks coffee chain opened its 100th outlet in Hong Kong. Thirty were opened last year when retail rental rates rose sharply. The chain says it is now looking at residential areas for its future outlets.

SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST