
Core Viewpoint - The Hong Kong dollar (HKD) has recently experienced significant fluctuations against the US dollar, triggering both the "strong-side convertibility guarantee" and the "weak-side convertibility guarantee" due to changes in liquidity and interest rates [1][2]. Group 1: Currency Exchange and Monetary Policy - On April 30, the HKD/USD exchange rate hit 7.75, activating the "strong-side convertibility guarantee" [2]. - From May 3 to 6, the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) injected a total of 129.4 billion HKD into the market, leading to an expansion of HKD liquidity [2]. - The injection of HKD significantly lowered the HIBOR rates, with the 1-month HIBOR dropping from 3.65% in April to 0.67%, and overnight rates approaching 0% [2]. Group 2: Market Reactions and Expectations - The widening of the HKD-USD interest rate differential (HIBOR-SOFR) has prompted carry trades, resulting in a depreciation of the HKD, which is now approaching the "weak-side convertibility guarantee" at 7.85 [2]. - The HKMA is expected to tighten liquidity in the short term, which may alleviate the depreciation pressure on the HKD as HIBOR rates rise again [2]. - Historically, the HKD has touched the "weak-side convertibility guarantee" four times since 2017, leading to pressure on the Hang Seng Index and Hang Seng Tech Index during those periods [2].