余伟文：港元低利率环境未必持续 置业或投资须注意风险

Core Viewpoint - The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) indicates that the Hong Kong dollar (HKD) interbank rates are approaching US dollar rates due to market supply and demand, with current conditions showing an oversupply of HKD funds. Future fluctuations in the HKD exchange rate and interest rates are anticipated, and citizens are advised to consider potential risks in their financial decisions [1][4]. Group 1: Market Conditions - The HKD has recently strengthened due to increased capital market activities, particularly from the southbound stock connect, with the Hang Seng Index rising approximately 10% year-to-date and the technology index up 14% [2]. - In early May, the HKMA intervened in the market, buying a total of $16.7 billion USD and selling 129.4 billion HKD, as the HKD exchange rate approached the strong-side convertibility guarantee level of 7.75 HKD to 1 USD [2][3]. Group 2: Interest Rate Dynamics - Following the HKMA's market intervention, the HKD liquidity surged nearly fourfold, increasing from approximately 45 billion HKD to about 174 billion HKD, leading to a significant drop in interbank rates, with the one-month interbank rate falling from an average of 3.65% in April to 0.96% [3]. - The overnight rate also decreased from an average of 3.41% in April to 0.03%, reflecting normal market behavior under the linked exchange rate system [3]. Group 3: Future Outlook - The future trajectory of the HKD exchange rate and interest rates remains uncertain, influenced by factors such as seasonal demand for funds from new stock offerings and dividend distributions, as well as external factors like US Federal Reserve policies and global financial market conditions [4]. - If the oversupply of HKD persists, the market forces from carry trades may weaken the HKD exchange rate, potentially leading to a rise in HKD interbank rates, which could approach US dollar rates [4].