HKEX(HK:00388) Shang Hai Zheng Quan Bao·2025-08-20 19:11Core Insights - Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKEX) reported record high revenue and net profit for the first half of 2025, with total revenue reaching HKD 14.076 billion, a 33% year-on-year increase, and net profit at HKD 8.519 billion, up 39% [2][3] Financial Performance - HKEX's net profit for the first half was HKD 8.519 billion, with Q2 net profit at HKD 4.442 billion, reflecting a 41% increase compared to Q2 2024 [3] - The average daily trading volume in the Hong Kong stock market was HKD 240.2 billion, a 118% year-on-year increase [3] - The average daily trading volume for Hong Kong ETFs reached HKD 33.8 billion, up 184% year-on-year [3] - Northbound and Southbound trading volumes under the Stock Connect program reached record highs, with Northbound daily trading volume at RMB 171.3 billion, a 32% increase, and Hong Kong Stock Connect daily trading volume at HKD 111 billion, up 196% [3] - The Bond Connect Northbound daily trading volume was RMB 45.9 billion, a 3% year-on-year increase [3] - HKEX declared a mid-term dividend totaling approximately HKD 7.6 billion, indicating that nearly 90% of profits are distributed as dividends, reflecting strong cash flow and a focus on shareholder returns [3] IPO Market Activity - In the first half of 2025, 44 companies listed on the Hong Kong stock market, raising a total of HKD 109.4 billion, a 716% year-on-year increase, marking the strongest half-year performance since 2021 [4] - Notable IPOs included Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Ltd. (CATL), which raised HKD 41 billion, the largest IPO in Hong Kong since February 2021 [4] - Interest from international issuers has increased, with several Southeast Asian companies listing on HKEX, such as Thailand's IFBH [4] - As of June 30, 2025, the number of IPO applications being processed by HKEX reached 207, more than double the 84 applications at the end of the previous year [4] Reform and Development - During the mid-term performance meeting, HKEX's CEO revealed several ongoing reform initiatives [5] - The introduction of the "Tech Company Fast Track" in May 2025 aims to provide pre-listing guidance for specialized technology and biotech companies, with 50 new IPO applications received under this program [6] - HKEX is exploring the possibility of shortening the settlement cycle for the cash market, with a technical system upgrade expected to support T+1 settlement by the end of the year [6] - Future initiatives include expanding the paperless listing mechanism and implementing new pricing regulations for IPOs [6]