Core Viewpoint - The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) intervened in the currency market on June 26, 2023, selling USD and buying HKD to maintain the peg of the Hong Kong dollar to the US dollar, marking the first intervention since May 2023 [2][8]. Group 1: Currency Peg Mechanism - The Hong Kong dollar has been pegged to the US dollar since October 17, 1983, maintaining a stable exchange rate between 7.75 and 7.85 HKD per USD through a currency board system [3]. - The mechanism relies on 100% USD asset backing, meaning for every HKD issued, the HKMA must hold an equivalent of 0.127-0.129 USD in foreign reserves [3][4]. - The issuance and redemption of HKD are linked to the deposits and withdrawals of USD by commercial banks, ensuring that changes in USD assets directly affect the HKD monetary base [4]. Group 2: Maintaining Exchange Rate Stability - The HKMA employs an automatic interest rate adjustment mechanism and official interventions to stabilize the HKD exchange rate [5]. - Market forces determine the exchange rate within the 7.75-7.85 range, with arbitrage activities helping to keep the HKD stable [5][6]. - The HKMA intervenes only when the exchange rate hits the extremes of 7.75 or 7.85, avoiding excessive market distortion while maintaining credibility against speculative attacks [6]. Group 3: Recent Market Dynamics - The recent triggering of the weak-side convertibility guarantee was influenced by unexpected US policies under Trump, leading to a depreciation of the USD and a shift of funds towards emerging markets, including Hong Kong [8]. - The Hong Kong stock market saw a significant increase in daily trading volume, averaging over 200 billion HKD since February 2023, indicating a surge in market liquidity [10]. - The revival of IPO activities in Hong Kong has attracted substantial interest from investors, with several high-profile listings contributing to increased demand for HKD [12]. Group 4: Impact of Previous Interventions - In May 2023, the HKD strengthened to 7.75, prompting the HKMA to buy USD and sell 1,294 billion HKD, resulting in a significant increase in the banking system's HKD surplus [13]. - The interbank borrowing rate (HIBOR) dropped sharply from 4.20% to 0.59% due to increased liquidity, leading to a widening interest rate differential between HKD and USD [13][15]. - Recent arbitrage activities have increased the supply of HKD in the market, putting downward pressure on the HKD/USD exchange rate, which led to the recent intervention by the HKMA [15].

Core Viewpoint - The market experienced a significant downturn in the afternoon, particularly in the Hong Kong stock market, with brokerage stocks and innovative pharmaceuticals facing substantial declines, while bank and oil & gas stocks saw a rebound. This shift is attributed to geopolitical uncertainties and the triggering of the "weak side convertibility guarantee" for the Hong Kong dollar [1][4]. Market Reaction - The afternoon market structure showed a clear divergence, with risk-sensitive stocks like innovative pharmaceuticals and brokerages plummeting, while bank stocks surged to new highs. For instance, Hong Kong's brokerage stocks such as 弘业期货 and 国泰君安国际 dropped over 9% and 7% respectively, while major banks like 工商银行 and 农业银行 reached historical highs [2][3]. Geopolitical Factors - Analysts suggest that rumors regarding the unfavorable situation of Iran's Supreme Leader's son,穆杰塔巴·哈梅内伊, are influencing market sentiment, leading to a decline in risk appetite and a rise in oil and gas stocks [4][6]. Currency Mechanism Impact - The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) triggered the "weak side convertibility guarantee" for the Hong Kong dollar, selling USD and buying HKD worth 94.2 billion. This is the first occurrence since May 2023, indicating a cautious market sentiment following the event [4][6]. Liquidity and Interest Rate Projections - According to Citigroup's estimates, the HKMA's actions could withdraw approximately 70 to 100 billion HKD in liquidity, potentially raising short-term HKD interest rates to between 2% and 3%. However, this fluctuation is occurring during a period of a weakening USD index, not due to a strengthening USD [6][7]. Market Outlook - Some mainland brokerages believe the impact of the HKD's weak side guarantee is limited, citing the resilience of the Hong Kong stock market and the strong fundamentals of the Chinese economy. They anticipate that any liquidity tightening will be manageable and may even present investment opportunities [7][8].

Core Viewpoint - The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) has responded to media inquiries regarding the Hong Kong dollar triggering the "weak-side convertibility guarantee" under the linked exchange rate system, indicating that multiple factors have contributed to this situation [1] Group 1: Currency Exchange Mechanism - The Hong Kong dollar triggered the "weak-side convertibility guarantee" at a rate of 7.85 HKD to 1 USD during the New York trading session [1] - The HKMA sold a total of 9.42 billion HKD to the market in exchange for USD as a response to the triggering of the guarantee [1] - The banking system's aggregate balance is expected to decrease to 164.1 billion HKD on June 27 [1] Group 2: Market Conditions - The last occurrence of the "weak-side convertibility guarantee" was in May 2023, when the Hong Kong dollar had previously triggered the "strong-side convertibility guarantee," resulting in an inflow of 129.4 billion HKD [1] - The HKMA's Chief Executive, Eddie Yue, noted that the market had been experiencing ample liquidity, leading to a decrease in Hong Kong interest rates and an expansion of the interest rate differential between Hong Kong and the US [1] - Factors such as the nearing end of the dividend payout peak for listed companies, non-local companies converting HKD from IPOs or bond issuances back to their home currencies, and the completion of half-year funding needs have contributed to a reduced demand for the Hong Kong dollar [1]

Group 1 - The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) has intervened to defend the currency peg system, leading to a significant rise in the Hong Kong Interbank Offered Rate (Hibor) [1]

Market Performance - The Shanghai Composite Index rose by 1.04% to 3455.97 points, while the Shenzhen Component Index increased by 1.72% and the ChiNext Index surged by 3.11%[1] - The Hang Seng Index closed up 1.23% at 24474.67 points, with the Hang Seng Tech Index rising by 1.15% and the Hang Seng China Enterprises Index increasing by 1.13%[1] - The total trading volume in the Hong Kong market reached 267.8 billion HKD[1] Federal Reserve and Regulatory Changes - The Federal Reserve plans to relax capital regulations for major banks, proposing to lower the Enhanced Supplementary Leverage Ratio (eSLR) from the current 5% to a range of 3.5%-4.5%[12] - This change is expected to allow banks like Bank of America and Goldman Sachs to hold more U.S. Treasury securities, enhancing market resilience[12] Geopolitical Developments - President Trump announced that the U.S. will hold talks with Iran next week, claiming that the Middle East conflict has ended[12] - Iran reported significant damage to its nuclear facilities due to U.S. airstrikes, which Trump described as "thoroughly destroying" these sites[12] Currency and Monetary Policy - The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) bought 9.42 billion HKD to maintain the currency peg after the HKD/USD exchange rate hit the weak end of the trading band[12] - The People's Bank of China (PBOC) conducted a net liquidity injection of 318 billion CNY in June, the largest in four months, to support the economy amid rising debt issuance[12]

Core Viewpoint - Hong Kong may intervene in the currency market to raise the Hong Kong dollar's exchange rate, which could lead to volatility in the capital market [1][2]. Market Dynamics - From May to the present, the Hang Seng Index rose from 22,600 points to a peak of 24,300 points, primarily driven by increased liquidity rather than fundamental improvements [3][4]. - The significant increase in Hong Kong dollar liquidity began in May when the exchange rate reached a high of 7.75, prompting the Monetary Authority to release liquidity to prevent the currency from appreciating further [5][7][11]. Interest Rate Changes - Following the liquidity increase, the Hong Kong Interbank Offered Rate (HIBOR) for one month dropped from 3.98% to a low of 0.52%, representing a reduction of over 4% in just one month [13][14]. Future Expectations - As the Hong Kong dollar approaches the lower limit of the peg (7.85), the Monetary Authority may withdraw liquidity, which could pressure the stock market if hot money flows out [15][21]. - The current strategy may depend on the future performance of the US dollar; if it continues to weaken, funds may flow into Hong Kong, supporting the local market [18][20]. Investment Outlook - Despite potential short-term adjustments, the overall outlook for the Hong Kong capital market remains positive due to continued inflows of hot money [22][23]. - The market's performance is influenced more by liquidity and capital flows than by economic fundamentals or valuations [24][25]. Capital Inflows - Three main types of capital are expected to flow into the Hong Kong market: local funds, southbound funds, and foreign investments [26]. - Southbound funds are anticipated to increase due to quality companies seeking to list in Hong Kong and the expectation of a bull market in mainland China [27][28]. - Foreign capital is likely to flow into Hong Kong as geopolitical uncertainties persist, providing opportunities for the local market [29][30]. Sector Focus - Key sectors to watch in the second half of the year include finance, consumption, technology, and healthcare, with strategies to enter during corrections or to consider stable income-generating assets [31][32].

Core Viewpoint - The current Hong Kong dollar deposit rates are significantly lower than the US dollar time deposit rates, with most banks offering over 3% for USD deposits compared to around 1% for HKD deposits [1][19]. Group 1: Interest Rate Trends - As of June 17-18, the 1-month HIBOR has further decreased to around 0.5%, and the HKD exchange rate has approached the 7.85 "weak side guarantee" level without intervention from the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) [3][15]. - The HKMA has released a substantial amount of liquidity, leading to a continuous decline in HIBOR and consequently pushing down HKD deposit rates significantly [6][19]. - The HKD time deposit rates at major banks have dropped to as low as 1%, while USD time deposit rates remain above 3% [19][20]. Group 2: Currency Exchange Dynamics - The HKD has depreciated against the USD due to a widening interest rate differential, with the 3-month interbank rates showing a spread of over 300 basis points [5][12]. - The HKD liquidity has become very ample following the HKMA's actions, which has led to a decrease in short-term interest rates and a widening gap between HKD and USD rates [12][13]. - The HKD exchange rate has moved from 7.75 to 7.85, indicating a shift towards the weak side of the peg [14][17]. Group 3: Economic Implications - Lower interest rates are seen as beneficial for the overall economic environment in Hong Kong from a macroeconomic perspective [21]. - The current low interest rate environment may not be sustainable due to various factors affecting the supply and demand for HKD, which could lead to potential increases in rates in the future [22].

Core Viewpoint - The Hong Kong stock market has experienced fluctuations due to the impact of "reciprocal tariffs," with the Hang Seng Index dropping below the emotional low point from the previous trade friction, but stabilizing around the support level of 20,500 points before rebounding. Recent optimism in U.S.-China tariff negotiations and the performance of sectors like new consumption and innovative pharmaceuticals have contributed to a new round of market increases, although the index has struggled to break through the 23,000-24,000 range [1][2][4]. Group 1 - Since the implementation of reciprocal tariffs on April 2, the Hong Kong stock market has underperformed compared to global markets, with increasing concentration and crowding in sectors such as new consumption, innovative pharmaceuticals, essential retail, and banking, while sectors like discretionary retail and consumer services lagged behind [1][2][4]. - The sharp decline in Hong Kong Interbank Offered Rate (Hibor) since early May, with the 1-month Hibor dropping from 4.1% to 0.6%, indicates a significant increase in short-term liquidity, which has positively influenced market trends, particularly for growth stocks concentrated in new consumption and innovative pharmaceuticals [8][9][25]. - The decline in Hibor is attributed to the automatic operations of the currency board system under the linked exchange rate regime, with the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) injecting substantial liquidity to maintain the currency peg, resulting in a significant drop in Hibor rates [11][14][17]. Group 2 - The HKMA's liquidity injection was notably larger than historical norms, with a total of 1,294 billion HKD injected in just four days, leading to a rapid decline in the 1-month Hibor to 0.5% and a swift depreciation of the Hong Kong dollar towards the weak end of the peg [18][20][34]. - The influx of liquidity, combined with a weaker U.S. dollar and positive signals from U.S.-China negotiations, has supported the overall performance of the Hong Kong stock market, particularly benefiting crowded trades in growth sectors [26][30][41]. - The current market environment is characterized by an excess of liquidity ("funding boom") and limited returns ("asset scarcity"), leading to concentrated trading in sectors like new consumption and innovative pharmaceuticals, with trading volumes reaching historical highs [27][28][49]. Group 3 - The outlook for Hibor suggests that it is unlikely to decrease further, with potential tightening of liquidity expected as the HKMA may need to intervene to maintain the weak end of the peg, especially as the Hong Kong dollar approaches the 7.85 threshold [38][41]. - The market may face challenges due to the potential for liquidity tightening, the impact of ongoing U.S.-China tariff negotiations, and the pressure from a high number of IPOs and placements, which could increase supply and affect stock performance [41][42][46]. - Investors are advised to consider adjusting their positions, potentially shifting towards dividend-paying stocks or waiting for opportunities to acquire quality assets at lower costs, particularly in light of the current market volatility [50].

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].

Group 1: Core Views - Hong Kong will strengthen the HKD-CNY dual counter trading, allowing investors to purchase RMB-denominated stocks listed in Hong Kong using offshore RMB [1][8] - The Hong Kong government maintains the Linked Exchange Rate System (LERS) despite geopolitical tensions, asserting it as a fundamental factor for Hong Kong's economic success [1][3] - The financial system in Hong Kong is not entirely dependent on the LERS, with plans to enhance its role as a global offshore RMB business center [1][6] Group 2: Economic Context - The LERS has been in place for over 40 years and has proven effective in maintaining stability during various economic cycles and crises [1][2] - The stability of the HKD against the USD reduces exchange rate risks for international investors and traders, which is crucial for Hong Kong's status as an international financial center [4][6] - High interest rates in the US have led to increased borrowing costs in Hong Kong, impacting sectors sensitive to interest rates, such as real estate and banking [3][5] Group 3: Future Developments - There is a growing need for Hong Kong to develop an offshore RMB capital market to support its increasing asset base, especially as the USD's stability is questioned [6][7] - The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) has reported that RMB deposits reached 1,030.9 billion HKD, indicating a significant liquidity pool independent of the USD [7] - The implementation of mechanisms like "Bond Connect" and "Wealth Management Connect" enhances Hong Kong's role as a bridge between mainland China and global capital markets [7][8]