Group 1 - Hong Kong's stock market completed 42 IPOs in the first half of the year, raising over HKD 107 billion, a 22% increase compared to the entire previous year, making it the top global market for IPOs [1] - The Hang Seng Index rose 20% in the first half of the year, marking the largest increase in points historically for that period [1] - There has been a significant increase in IPO applications, with around 200 applications received, reflecting a growing interest from companies in the Middle East and Southeast Asia [1] Group 2 - The growth in Hong Kong's stock market is driven by innovation, particularly in technology stocks, which have also boosted trading in related derivative products [1] - Exchange Traded Products (ETPs) have become a key driver of liquidity in the market, with over 210 ETPs listed and a total asset management size nearing HKD 510 billion, a 30% increase since 2020 [2] - Daily trading volume for ETPs has increased fivefold, reaching approximately HKD 40 billion, with ETPs now accounting for about 17% of total market trading [2] Group 3 - The ETF market in Hong Kong has seen new developments, including cross-listing of overseas ETFs and the introduction of ETFs linked to digital assets, with the asset size of digital asset ETPs reaching HKD 4.7 billion, a 74% increase year-on-year [3] - The Hong Kong Stock Exchange is actively promoting various themed ETFs, including those focused on innovative technology and renewable energy, to attract investment and support economic development [3] - Efforts are being made to enhance the understanding of Hong Kong's financial market among overseas investors, particularly in South Korea, where interest in Hong Kong stocks has recently surged [3][4] Group 4 - Hong Kong's business environment is favorable for companies looking to expand in the Greater Bay Area and Southeast Asia, as indicated by various recent surveys [4] - The government plans to conduct more targeted promotional activities in the second half of the year to further enhance Hong Kong's market presence [5]

Core Viewpoint - Hong Kong's stock market has shown strong performance in the first half of 2023, leading the world in IPOs and attracting significant investment interest, particularly in technology stocks and Exchange Traded Products (ETPs) [1][2]. Group 1: IPO and Market Performance - In the first half of 2023, Hong Kong completed 42 IPOs, raising over 107 billion HKD, which is approximately 22% more than the total for the previous year, making it the global leader in IPOs [1]. - The Hang Seng Index rose by 20% in the first half of the year, marking the largest increase in points historically for this period, surpassing 4000 points [1]. - There has been a rapid increase in IPO applications, with around 200 applications received, doubling from the beginning of the year, indicating a growing interest from companies, including those from the Middle East and Southeast Asia [1]. Group 2: ETP Market Growth - The ETP market in Hong Kong has seen significant growth, with over 210 ETP products listed and a total asset management scale nearing 510 billion HKD, which is a 30% increase since 2020 [2]. - Daily trading volume for ETPs has increased fivefold, reaching approximately 40 billion HKD, and the proportion of ETP trading in the overall market has risen from less than 5% five years ago to about 17% in the first five months of this year [2]. - ETPs, particularly ETFs, have been instrumental in enhancing market liquidity and providing innovative investment options, including leveraged and inverse products that track popular U.S. stocks [2]. Group 3: Innovation and Future Plans - Hong Kong is actively promoting the listing of more thematic ETFs, focusing on areas such as innovative technology, climate change, renewable energy, and biotechnology, to attract investment and support economic development [5]. - The introduction of cross-listing for overseas ETFs in Hong Kong aims to expand the investor base and increase trading volume, with significant interest from international investors, particularly from South Korea [3][5]. - The government plans to enhance promotional efforts for Hong Kong's financial market, emphasizing its advantages and growth opportunities to attract more foreign investment [5][6].