Investment Rating - The investment rating for the company is "Strong Buy" (maintained) [1][11] Core Views - The report highlights that the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKEX) has shown strong performance in the first half of 2025, with total revenue reaching 14.076 billion HKD, a year-on-year increase of 33%, and net profit attributable to shareholders at 8.519 billion HKD, up 39% year-on-year [2][6] - The report emphasizes the recovery of trading sentiment and the potential for performance and valuation recovery, driven by increased trading activity and improved market conditions [4][6] Financial Performance Summary - For the first half of 2025, the trading fees and transaction system usage fees increased by 49%, settlement and clearing fees by 48%, and listing fees by 13% [6] - The average daily trading volume in the cash market reached 240.2 billion HKD, more than double that of the first half of 2024, with the average daily trading volume for the Stock Connect program also showing significant growth [6] - The report projects a strong growth trajectory for the company, with net profit forecasts for 2025, 2026, and 2027 revised to 18.8 billion HKD, 20 billion HKD, and 21.1 billion HKD respectively, reflecting year-on-year growth rates of 44%, 6%, and 5% [6][8]

Core Viewpoint - Hong Kong-listed REITs are expected to enter the mainland market through the Stock Connect program, which is seen as a significant breakthrough for capital market connectivity and has strategic value for both Hong Kong and mainland investors [1][2]. Group 1: Performance of Listed REITs - Most listed REITs in Hong Kong reported a decline in revenue and net property income in their interim results [3][4]. - Yuexiu REIT reported total revenue of 966 million RMB, down 6.6% year-on-year, and net property income of 679 million RMB, down 8.6% [3]. - Prosperity REIT achieved revenue of 855 million HKD, down 2% year-on-year, with net property income of approximately 613 million HKD, down 3.2% [3]. - Sunshine REIT reported revenue of 391 million HKD, down 4.8% year-on-year, and net property income of approximately 307 million HKD, down 5.4% [3]. - SF REIT achieved revenue of approximately 230 million HKD, up 3.4% year-on-year, with net property income of approximately 192 million HKD, up 6% [3]. Group 2: Sector Performance - The performance of office, retail, and logistics properties remains challenging, while the hotel and tourism sectors have shown strong performance [5][7]. - The overall occupancy rate for Yuexiu REIT's properties was approximately 82.2%, a slight decline of 1.8 percentage points year-on-year [6]. - Sunshine REIT's overall occupancy rate was 89.2%, down 2 percentage points from the beginning of the period, with office occupancy at 90.0% and retail occupancy at 87.6% [6]. - The hotel and tourism sectors have seen significant growth, with properties like Guangzhou IFC serviced apartments achieving record revenue [7]. Group 3: Financing Costs - Financing costs have decreased, alleviating pressure on distributable income for several REITs [8]. - Yuexiu REIT reported financing costs of 403 million RMB, down 13.5% year-on-year, saving approximately 63 million RMB compared to the previous year [8]. - Sunshine REIT's weighted average financing cost decreased from 4.2% to 3.7% year-on-year [8]. - Prosperity REIT's financing costs decreased by 12.6% to 173 million HKD during the reporting period [8].

Core Viewpoint - The inclusion of exchange-traded funds (ETFs) in the mutual market access mechanism between mainland China and Hong Kong is aimed at enhancing the development of both capital markets and providing more investment opportunities for domestic and foreign investors [1][2][3]. Group 1: Regulatory Developments - The China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC) and the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) have agreed to include eligible ETFs in the mutual market access framework [1]. - The public consultation on the rules for including ETFs in the mutual market access was initiated by the Shanghai and Shenzhen Stock Exchanges [3]. - The mutual market access mechanism has been operating steadily since its inception, contributing positively to attracting foreign long-term capital and improving market structure [1]. Group 2: ETF Inclusion Criteria - The criteria for including ETFs in the mutual market access require that mainland ETFs have an average daily asset size of 1.5 billion RMB over the past six months, while Hong Kong ETFs must have an average daily asset size of 1.7 billion HKD [3]. - The ETFs must primarily consist of stocks eligible for the Stock Connect program and must have been listed for at least six months with their underlying index published for at least one year [3]. Group 3: Market Impact and Investor Benefits - The inclusion of ETFs is expected to enrich the investment channels and products available to both domestic and foreign investors, facilitating better market resource alignment [4]. - Analysts believe that this move will improve the investor structure and promote the healthy development of the ETF market [4]. - The overall benefits of including ETFs in the mutual market access include promoting the joint development of capital markets, enriching investment options for investors, and enhancing the scale and liquidity of ETFs in both markets [4].

Core Viewpoint - The approval of the trading calendar optimization for the Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect and Shenzhen-Hong Kong Stock Connect is a significant step towards enhancing the interconnectivity of the capital markets between mainland China and Hong Kong, promoting long-term stability and healthy development of both markets [1][4][7]. Group 1: Trading Calendar Optimization - The trading calendar optimization allows for joint trading days between the Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Hong Kong stock exchanges, addressing the issue of non-trading days due to differing holiday schedules [1][4]. - The optimization is expected to reduce the number of non-trading days by approximately half, enhancing trading efficiency for investors [4][5]. - The annual average increase in trading days is projected to be 9 for southbound trading and 5 for northbound trading, improving the coverage of trading days significantly [5]. Group 2: Market Impact - As of June 2023, the Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect held A-shares worth 2.55 trillion yuan and the Shenzhen-Hong Kong Stock Connect held Hong Kong stocks worth 1.91 trillion yuan, indicating their importance in the market [2]. - The optimization is anticipated to lead to a net inflow of approximately 32 billion yuan for southbound trading and 60 billion yuan for northbound trading, reflecting a positive trend in capital movement [5][6]. - The changes are expected to enhance the synchronization of trading between the two markets, providing greater convenience for cross-border investors [6][9]. Group 3: Regulatory and Institutional Support - The China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC) and the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) have collaborated to develop the optimization plan based on extensive feedback from market participants [4][7]. - Financial institutions are closely monitoring the new rules and guidelines related to the additional trading days, ensuring effective risk management measures are in place [7][8]. - The optimization reflects a progressive regulatory approach that aims to meet the evolving needs of domestic and international investors [7][10].

Group 1 - The core viewpoint is that the inclusion of 129 A-shares, including 11 from the Sci-Tech Innovation Board, into the FTSE Global Equity Index Series signifies increasing international recognition and investment in the A-share market [1][2] - The addition of these A-shares is expected to enhance foreign capital allocation and bring in more incremental funds, particularly an estimated $100 million for the Sci-Tech Innovation Board [1][2] - The move reflects a growing demand from overseas investors for investment in the Sci-Tech Innovation Board, which is anticipated to boost trading volume and liquidity, thereby enhancing overall valuations [2][3] Group 2 - The trend of increasing foreign investment in the A-share market is supported by China's long-term economic confidence and ongoing capital market reforms [3] - Recent data indicates that foreign capital has been steadily increasing its allocation to the A-share market, with net purchases reaching 217.178 billion yuan over the past year [3] - The process of international indices gradually incorporating A-shares is evolving from a limited selection to a broader coverage, reflecting a deeper understanding of the Chinese capital market [3]

Summary of Key Points Core Viewpoint - The Hong Kong Stock Exchange reported that during the week of July 21 to July 27, a total of 9 companies submitted applications, 1 company passed the hearing, and 1 new stock was listed. Company Summaries - **GoerTek Inc.**: Submitted an application on July 21, focusing on smart sensing interaction solutions, particularly acoustic sensors. It is the fifth largest global provider in this sector with a market share of 2.2% and the largest in China. Revenue for 2022 to 2024 was approximately RMB 31.21 billion, RMB 30.01 billion, and RMB 45.36 billion respectively, with net profits of RMB 3.26 billion, RMB 2.89 billion, and RMB 3.09 billion [2][2]. - **Guangdong Tianyu Semiconductor Co., Ltd.**: Submitted an application on July 22, specializing in silicon carbide epitaxial wafers. It holds the top position in China's market with a revenue market share of 30.6%. Revenue for 2022 to 2024 was approximately RMB 4.37 billion, RMB 11.71 billion, and RMB 5.2 billion respectively, with net profits of RMB 281.4 million, RMB 95.88 million, and a loss of RMB 500 million [3][3]. - **Daheng Technology (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd.**: Submitted an application on July 22, known for its folding bicycles, holding a market share of 26.3% in volume and 36.5% in revenue in China. Revenue for 2022 to 2024 was approximately RMB 2.54 billion, RMB 3 billion, and RMB 4.51 billion respectively, with net profits of RMB 314.34 million, RMB 34.85 million, and RMB 52.29 million [4][4]. - **Juzhi Technology Development Co., Ltd.**: Submitted an application on July 23, focusing on baby monitoring products. Revenue for 2022 to 2024 was approximately RMB 1.90 billion, RMB 3.48 billion, and RMB 4.62 billion respectively, with net profits of RMB 34.82 million, RMB 63.36 million, and RMB 94.69 million [5][6]. - **Jiangsu Zhonghui Yuantong Biotechnology Co., Ltd.**: Submitted an application on July 24, specializing in vaccines. Revenue for 2023 to 2025 was approximately RMB 52.17 million, RMB 260 million, and RMB 410,000 respectively, with net losses of RMB 425 million, RMB 259 million, and RMB 87.32 million [7][7]. - **Fujian Lemo IoT Technology Co., Ltd.**: Submitted an application on July 25, a leader in smart massage services in mainland China, with a market share of 33.9% to 42.9% from 2022 to 2024. Revenue for 2022 to 2024 was approximately RMB 3.30 billion, RMB 5.87 billion, and RMB 7.98 billion respectively, with net profits of RMB 6.48 million, RMB 87.34 million, and RMB 85.81 million [8][8]. - **Anhui Jinyan High Clay New Materials Co., Ltd.**: Submitted an application on July 25, specializing in kaolin materials with a market share of 19.1%. Revenue for 2022 to 2024 was approximately RMB 1.90 billion, RMB 2.05 billion, and RMB 2.67 billion respectively, with net profits of RMB 24.42 million, RMB 43.61 million, and RMB 52.60 million [9][9]. - **Shandong Shengruan Technology Co., Ltd.**: Submitted an application on July 26, providing digital solutions for energy and manufacturing sectors. Revenue for 2022 to 2024 was approximately RMB 3.91 billion, RMB 5.02 billion, and RMB 5.25 billion respectively, with net profits of RMB 37.60 million, RMB 53.70 million, and RMB 59.30 million [10][10]. - **AIWB Inc.**: Submitted an application on July 25, focusing on smart building solutions in Texas. Revenue for 2022 to 2024 was approximately USD 103 million, USD 121 million, and USD 105 million respectively, with net losses of USD 347,000, USD 620,000, and USD 531,000 [11][11]. Company Hearing and IPO - **Jiangsu Zhonghui Yuantong Biotechnology Co., Ltd.**: Passed the hearing on July 27, focusing on innovative vaccines with two core products. Revenue for 2023 to 2025 was approximately RMB 52.17 million, RMB 260 million, and RMB 410,000 respectively, with net losses of RMB 425 million, RMB 259 million, and RMB 87.32 million [12][12]. - **Vili Zhibo-B (09887.HK)**: Launched an IPO from July 17 to July 22, with a subscription rate of 3494.78 times in the public offering. The stock began trading on July 25 at HKD 67.10, a 91.71% increase [13][14].

Group 1 - Hong Kong's international financial center is thriving, with the Hong Kong Stock Exchange leading global IPO activities, completing 35 IPOs and raising nearly 1000 billion HKD by June 23, 2025 [1] - The number of companies waiting for IPO approval in Hong Kong exceeds 160, with over 40 applications submitted in May alone [1] Group 2 - Chinese securities firms play a crucial role in enhancing Hong Kong's status as an international financial center, becoming significant players in the IPO market and driving fundraising to global prominence [2][3] - The IPO market in Hong Kong has shown a notable recovery, with fundraising exceeding the total for the entire year of 2024, aided by Chinese securities firms' deep local resources and understanding of regulatory frameworks [3] Group 3 - Chinese securities firms are increasingly dominating the IPO market, surpassing foreign institutions in the number of projects, as evidenced by the successful listing of Haitian Flavoring and Food Company, which became the second-largest IPO in Hong Kong this year [4] - The involvement of major international investment banks alongside Chinese firms highlights the growing maturity and competitiveness of Chinese securities firms in the local market [4] Group 4 - Chinese securities firms facilitate cross-border capital flow and deepen the connectivity between mainland and Hong Kong capital markets, with a significant increase in trading volume through the Hong Kong Stock Connect [5] - In 2024, the trading amount serviced by Chinese securities firms for the Hong Kong Stock Connect reached 11.2 trillion HKD, a year-on-year increase of 64.9% [5] Group 5 - Chinese securities firms are expanding their presence in Hong Kong, with 35 subsidiaries established by the end of 2024, reflecting their commitment to the market [6] - The establishment of a wholly-owned subsidiary by Western Securities with an investment of 1 billion RMB underscores the confidence of Chinese firms in maintaining financial stability in Hong Kong [6]

Core Viewpoint - The "ETF Connect" has significantly transformed the capital market landscape in China over the past three years, enhancing trading activity and providing new momentum for market development [1][2]. Summary by Sections Development and Growth of "ETF Connect" - Since its launch on July 4, 2022, the number of "ETF Connect" products has increased from 87 to 265, reflecting a substantial expansion in product offerings [3][4]. - Trading volume has surged, with northbound trading reaching a total of 256.36 billion RMB in the first five months of the year, a 148% increase compared to the same period last year, while southbound trading amounted to 416.34 billion HKD, a 180% increase [3][4]. Impact on Market Integration and Internationalization - "ETF Connect" has played a crucial role in enhancing the integration of domestic and Hong Kong markets, facilitating cross-border investment and promoting the internationalization of the RMB [4][5]. - The mechanism has been recognized as a key component of China's financial opening strategy, providing a more convenient and efficient investment channel compared to traditional methods like QFII and RQFII [7][8]. Advantages of "ETF Connect" - The mechanism allows for easier access to a diverse range of investment products without the complexities of qualification and capital approval processes, thus attracting more international investors [7][8]. - "ETF Connect" has been described as a "passive investment bridge" that not only enhances trading activity but also fosters deeper integration of market rules, valuation systems, and investor structures between mainland China and Hong Kong [8][9]. Future Potential and Innovations - The lowering of entry thresholds for "ETF Connect" is expected to further stimulate product innovation and layout by asset management institutions in both regions [8]. - The inclusion of REITs and support for leading domestic companies to list in Hong Kong are among the measures being implemented to inject new vitality into the capital market [9].

Group 1 - The Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKEX) celebrated its 25th anniversary, highlighting its role as the heart of Hong Kong's financial industry [1] - The Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, John Lee, acknowledged the HKEX's contributions to the prosperity and development of Hong Kong over the past quarter-century [1] - HKEX has strengthened its role as a "super connector" and "super value creator," enhancing the interconnection between mainland and Hong Kong capital markets [1] Group 2 - The Hong Kong government plans to collaborate closely with HKEX and regulatory bodies to enhance market liquidity in response to current global challenges [1]

Core Insights - Hong Kong has risen to third place in the global competitiveness ranking, marking its return to the top three since 2019, with a total score of 99.2, an increase of 7.7 points, the highest growth among the top ten economies [1][4] Group 1: Competitiveness Factors - Hong Kong's "government efficiency" and "business efficiency" have both ranked second globally, while "economic performance" and "infrastructure" have risen to sixth and seventh respectively [4] - In sub-factors, Hong Kong ranks first in "tax policy" and "business regulations," and second in "international investment," "education," and "finance," with "international trade" and "management practices" ranking third [4] Group 2: Economic Outlook - The Hong Kong government projects economic growth between 2% and 3% for the year, reflecting positive evaluations from business leaders regarding the region's competitiveness [7] - The number of registered companies in Hong Kong has reached a new peak, indicating a favorable business environment despite challenges faced by certain sectors like retail and dining [7] Group 3: Financial Market Performance - The "Stock Connect" programs have shown significant growth, with average daily northbound trading volume increasing by 33% year-on-year, and southbound trading volume rising by 191% [10] - This growth highlights international investors' confidence in utilizing Hong Kong as a bridge to invest in mainland markets [10] Group 4: Challenges and Future Directions - Despite the positive ranking, challenges remain, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) facing operational pressures and the need for transformation [11][12] - The government aims to enhance governance and accountability among senior officials to improve overall governance levels [4][11]