Group 1 - Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKEX) is exploring the possibility of implementing a 24-hour trading mechanism to enhance market efficiency and attract more foreign investment [1] - Recent data shows that South Korean retail investors' holdings in Hong Kong stocks have reached $2.4 billion, the highest level in four years, indicating growing foreign interest in the Chinese market [1] - Goldman Sachs released a report titled "Bullish on China, Excitement Beyond," expressing a positive outlook on the Chinese market [1] Group 2 - The performance of the ChiNext board has significantly declined, with a drop of 1%, while technology and AI-related ETFs have faced large-scale sell-offs, particularly those related to innovation [2] - Despite the recent downturn, the ChiNext AI ETF has increased by 81% over the past year, raising concerns about potential risks of a significant correction [2] - The NetWave Ten-Year Investment Plan has shown impressive performance, with a return rate of 113% this year and a cumulative excess profit of 2122.46% from March 2023 to August 2025 [2] Group 3 - The market is experiencing a divergence trend, with large broad-based ETFs performing strongly while small and medium-sized innovation sectors face correction pressure [2] - Regulatory bodies are actively seeking opinions on antitrust guidelines in the public utility sector, reflecting a focus on market competition [2] - New regulations on merger loans are being gradually implemented by the financial regulatory authority, providing new guidance for future merger transactions [2]

Group 1 - The Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKEX) reported record high revenue and profit for the first half of 2025, with total revenue and other income reaching HKD 14.076 billion, a 33% increase compared to the first half of 2024 [1] - HKEX's CEO, Charles Li, mentioned the consideration of extending trading hours, noting that Nasdaq plans to implement a 24-hour trading mechanism five days a week starting in the second half of 2026 [1] - Over 200 companies have submitted applications to list on the Hong Kong stock market [1]

Core Viewpoint - Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKEX) reported strong mid-term results for 2025, highlighting ongoing efforts to enhance market infrastructure and adapt to changing global client needs [1] Group 1: Market Initiatives - HKEX is open to suggestions for extending trading hours but emphasizes the need for careful consideration due to potential market impacts and the necessity of consulting all market participants [1] - The exchange has already extended the trading hours for its derivatives market until 3 AM from Tuesday to Saturday [1] Group 2: Future Developments - HKEX is developing the "Navigator" derivatives platform to improve trading, clearing, and risk management capabilities in the derivatives market [1] - The company plans to continue enhancing market vitality and competitiveness in the second half of the year, including discussions on shortening the settlement cycle for the cash market and optimizing trading and settlement services [1]

Core Viewpoint - Market participants have suggested that Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEX) should extend trading hours, similar to Nasdaq's proposed 24-hour trading mechanism starting in the second half of 2026. However, HKEX emphasizes the need for careful consideration before making such changes [1] Group 1 - HKEX's CEO, Charles Li, stated that the exchange is open to suggestions for providing more convenience to investors [1] - The extension of trading hours is seen as having a significant overall impact on the market, presenting considerable challenges that require thorough examination [1] - HKEX highlighted the importance of consulting all market participants regarding any potential changes to trading hours [1] Group 2 - The current trading structure allows for several hours of buffer time to address any issues that may arise, which would be lost in a continuous 24-hour trading model [1] - The need for a cautious approach is underscored by the potential risks associated with a non-stop trading environment [1]

Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Buy" rating for Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (0388.HK) [1] Core Views - The report highlights a significant increase in performance driven by high market activity, with the IPO market returning to the global forefront [1] - For the first half of 2025, the company achieved a revenue of HKD 14.076 billion, representing a year-on-year increase of 32.5%, and a net profit attributable to shareholders of HKD 8.519 billion, up 39.1% year-on-year [1] Revenue Structure - The revenue structure shows a continued rise in market activity, leading to an increase in the proportion of trading and settlement fees. In the first half of 2025, trading and trading system usage fees, settlement and clearing fees, and custody services accounted for 62.0% of total revenue, up 5.9 percentage points year-on-year [2] - The listing fees from the Stock Exchange accounted for 5.8% of total revenue, down 1.0 percentage point year-on-year, while net investment income accounted for 20.4%, down 3.3 percentage points year-on-year [2] Market Activity - The report notes that the stock market's trading activity remains robust, with the IPO fundraising amount returning to the top globally. In the first half of 2025, the total amount raised through IPOs reached HKD 109.4 billion, a staggering increase of 716% year-on-year [4] - The average daily turnover of Hong Kong stocks reached HKD 1.110 trillion, a year-on-year increase of 196%, indicating a significant rise in participation from mainland investors [3] Financial Performance - For the first half of 2025, the total revenue from the cash segment, including trading and settlement fees, reached HKD 5.995 billion, a year-on-year increase of 71% [3] - The report projects that the company will maintain high trading volumes in 2025, benefiting from the favorable conditions in the Hong Kong capital market and the valuation recovery of Chinese stocks [9] Earnings Forecast - The report raises the earnings forecast for the company, estimating EPS for 2025, 2026, and 2027 to be HKD 13.72, HKD 15.03, and HKD 16.90 respectively, with corresponding PE ratios of 32, 29, and 26 times [9] - The target price is set at HKD 494.0, based on a 36 times PE valuation for 2025 [5]

Group 1 - The core viewpoint of the article is that the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKEX) is considering the implementation of a 24-hour trading mechanism, as indicated by the CEO's openness to suggestions regarding extended trading hours [3]. - HKEX has been actively seeking to provide more convenience for investors and is open to all related suggestions, but any changes to trading hours will require careful consideration and consultation with all market participants [3].

Core Viewpoint - Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEX) is committed to enhancing market efficiency but emphasizes the need for caution regarding the extension of trading hours, as it could significantly impact the market and requires thorough consultation with all market participants [1] Group 1 - HKEX's CEO, Charles Li, clarified that the exchange is open to suggestions for extending trading hours but highlighted the complexities and challenges involved [1] - The potential implementation of a 24-hour trading mechanism was misunderstood by some market participants, leading to speculation about HKEX's intentions [1] - The exchange recognizes the importance of having time to rectify issues that may arise during trading, which would be compromised in a continuous trading environment [1]

Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Buy" rating for Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (0388.HK) [2][9]. Core Views - The report highlights that the Hong Kong Exchanges has shown strong performance across various business segments, achieving record high mid-year results for 2025. The company reported revenue and other income of HKD 140.76 billion, a year-on-year increase of 32.53%, and a net profit attributable to shareholders of HKD 85.19 billion, up 39.1% year-on-year [6][9]. Summary by Sections Financial Performance - For the first half of 2025, the company achieved a revenue of HKD 140.76 billion, representing a 32.53% increase year-on-year. The net profit attributable to shareholders was HKD 85.19 billion, reflecting a 39.1% year-on-year growth [6][9]. - Revenue breakdown by fee types shows significant growth: trading and trading system usage fees increased by 49.12%, listing fees by 12.55%, settlement and clearing fees by 48.47%, and market data fees by 14.04% [6][9]. Market Activity - The report notes a substantial increase in trading activity across various markets. The average daily turnover for stock securities rose by 122.1%, with the Stock Connect programs showing increases of 31.6% and 196.0% respectively [6][9]. - The derivatives market also saw growth, with trading fees increasing by 13.8% due to heightened activity in stock options and warrants [6][9]. Future Projections - The report projects that from 2025 to 2027, the company will achieve revenues of HKD 283.44 billion, HKD 303.43 billion, and HKD 322.26 billion respectively, with net profits of HKD 176.18 billion, HKD 188.76 billion, and HKD 200.46 billion [2][10]. - The expected price-to-earnings (PE) ratios for these years are 31.75, 29.63, and 27.90 respectively, indicating a positive outlook for the company's valuation [2][10].

Core Viewpoint - The Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKEX) is open to suggestions regarding extended trading hours but emphasizes the need for careful consideration due to the significant impact on the market [1] Group 1: Trading Hours Discussion - Market participants suggested extending trading hours during the HKEX mid-year performance meeting [1] - HKEX CEO Charles Li clarified that while the exchange is open to ideas, extending trading hours poses substantial challenges and requires thorough consultation with all market participants [1] - The potential risks of a 24-hour trading mechanism were highlighted, including the lack of time to rectify errors that could occur without a break [1]

Core Viewpoint - Goldman Sachs reports that Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (00388) exceeded expectations in Q2 performance, primarily driven by higher-than-expected investment income [1] Group 1: Financial Performance - Core profit, excluding investment income, showed a strong year-on-year growth of approximately 40%, aligning with expectations [1] - The average daily turnover in the cash market nearly doubled year-on-year during the period [1] Group 2: Earnings Forecast - Following the Q2 performance and recent market turnover trends, Goldman Sachs has raised its earnings per share forecasts for HKEX for 2025, 2026, and 2027 by 3%, 1%, and 2% respectively [1] - The target price for HKEX has been increased from HKD 500 to HKD 509 [1] Group 3: Management Insights - Management indicated that with the decline in HIBOR and the reduction of external investment portfolios due to funding headquarters acquisitions, the outlook for investment income is expected to weaken [1] - Goldman Sachs' forecasts already incorporate these factors, predicting a year-on-year decline in investment income of approximately 17% and 11% for the current and next year, respectively [1] - Despite the anticipated decline in investment income, strong profit growth is expected to continue in the second half of the year [1]