Zhi Tong Cai Jing·2025-08-22 08:13Core Viewpoint - UBS has raised its average daily trading volume forecasts for Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing (HKEX) for the years 2025 to 2027, reflecting positive market data and institutional targets for the Hang Seng Index [1] Group 1: Trading Volume and Earnings Forecast - The average daily trading volume forecast for HKEX has been increased to HKD 230 billion, HKD 193 billion, and HKD 219 billion for 2025, 2026, and 2027 respectively [1] - Earnings per share estimates have been raised by 5%, 3%, and 2% to HKD 12.5, HKD 10.9, and HKD 11.8 for the same years [1] - The target price for HKEX has been adjusted from HKD 430 to HKD 464, while maintaining a "Neutral" rating [1] Group 2: Southbound Trading and Market Participation - The contribution of southbound trading to HKEX's overall average daily trading volume is expected to nearly double from approximately 16% in Q1 of last year to nearly 28% in the current third quarter [1] - Increased participation from a broader base of domestic investors, particularly retail investors, indicates further potential for growth in southbound trading [1] Group 3: Future Developments - HKEX is exploring the possibility of zero-day options, although the complexity of execution means that a specific timeline is still unclear [1] - The exchange believes that extending trading hours requires comprehensive consideration from various perspectives [1]