Core Insights - Hong Kong Stock Exchange plans to launch the Hang Seng Biotechnology Index Futures on November 28, 2023, to enhance its derivatives ecosystem [1] - The new futures contract will be based on the Hang Seng Biotechnology Index, which tracks the performance of the 30 largest biotechnology, pharmaceutical, and medical device companies listed in Hong Kong [1] - The biotechnology sector has become one of the fastest-growing industries in Hong Kong's capital market since the listing reforms in 2018, with over 260 biotechnology and healthcare companies now listed, totaling a market capitalization of over HKD 4.8 trillion [1][2] Group 1: Market Developments - The introduction of the 18A listing rule in 2018 allowed unprofitable biotechnology companies to list in Hong Kong, marking a significant turning point for the healthcare market [2] - As of October 13, 2023, 78 18A companies have successfully listed, raising approximately HKD 131.64 billion, with a total market capitalization of nearly HKD 1.5 trillion [2] - Institutional investors' holdings in the top 30 healthcare companies in Hong Kong increased from USD 13.3 billion in 2017 to USD 43 billion by June 30, 2025, with the biotechnology sector particularly favored [2] Group 2: Financing and Performance - In the first half of 2025, the healthcare sector completed 27 refinancing activities, raising a total of USD 3.9 billion, surpassing the total refinancing amounts for 2022, 2023, and 2024 [3] - The Hong Kong stock market has seen significant gains in healthcare stocks, especially among 18A companies, with 27 companies experiencing over 200% increase in share price this year [3] - In 2025, 10 healthcare companies went public in Hong Kong, raising USD 2.1 billion, with an average first-day increase of 30.4%, making Hong Kong the leading market for healthcare IPO financing globally [2][3] Group 3: Notable Stock Performances - The top-performing healthcare stocks in Hong Kong have shown remarkable growth, with several companies experiencing increases exceeding 200% year-to-date [4] - Among the top 20 companies with the highest first-day price increases, 9 are healthcare companies, with 6 of them seeing increases over 100% [4][5]

Core Insights - Hong Kong Stock Exchange plans to launch the Hang Seng Biotechnology Index Futures on November 28, 2023, to enhance its derivatives ecosystem [1] - The new futures contract will be based on the Hang Seng Biotechnology Index, which tracks the performance of the 30 largest biotechnology, pharmaceutical, and medical device companies listed in Hong Kong [1] - The biotechnology sector has become one of the hottest industries in the capital market, driven by technological innovation and global healthcare demand [1] Group 1: Market Development - Since the listing reform in 2018, the biotechnology and healthcare sectors have rapidly developed in Hong Kong, with over 260 companies listed, totaling a market capitalization of over HKD 4.8 trillion, up from approximately HKD 1.2 trillion at the end of 2018 [1] - The introduction of Chapter 18A in the listing rules allowed unprofitable biotechnology companies to list, marking a key turning point for the healthcare market [2] - As of October 13, 2023, 78 Chapter 18A companies have successfully listed, raising approximately HKD 131.64 billion, with a total market capitalization of nearly HKD 1.5 trillion [2] Group 2: Investment Trends - Institutional investors have significantly increased their holdings in the top 30 healthcare companies listed in Hong Kong, from USD 13.3 billion in 2017 to USD 43 billion by June 30, 2025 [2] - The biotechnology sector is particularly favored, with institutional investors holding 34% of the sector's market capitalization as of mid-2025 [2] - In the first half of 2025, 10 healthcare companies went public in Hong Kong, raising USD 2.1 billion, with an average first-day increase of 30.4%, making Hong Kong the leading market for healthcare IPO financing globally [2] Group 3: Performance of Healthcare Stocks - The refinancing activities in the healthcare sector have been robust, with 27 refinancing transactions completed in the first half of 2025, totaling USD 3.9 billion, surpassing the total refinancing amounts for 2022, 2023, and 2024 [3] - Among the 260 healthcare companies, 27 have seen their stock prices increase by over 200% this year, with most being Chapter 18A companies [3] - The performance of healthcare stocks in the IPO market has been notable, with 9 out of the top 20 companies by first-day gains being healthcare firms, and 6 of them achieving gains over 100% [4]

Core Viewpoint - Hong Kong Stock Exchange plans to launch the Hang Seng Biotechnology Index futures on November 28, 2025, providing investors with precise risk management tools in a rapidly growing sector [1] Group 1: Product Launch - The new futures contract will be based on the Hang Seng Biotechnology Index, which tracks the performance of the 30 largest biotechnology, pharmaceutical, and medical device companies listed in Hong Kong that are eligible for Stock Connect trading [1] - The introduction of this futures product aims to enhance investment channels in the biotechnology sector and provide effective hedging tools [1] Group 2: Market Context - The biotechnology industry is currently one of the hottest sectors in the capital markets, driven by technological innovation and global healthcare demand [1] - Since the listing reform in 2018, the biotechnology and healthcare sectors have become some of the fastest-growing industries in Hong Kong's capital market [1] Group 3: Market Statistics - There are currently over 260 biotechnology and healthcare companies listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, with a total market capitalization exceeding HKD 4.8 trillion, which is four times the approximately HKD 1.2 trillion at the end of 2018 [1]

Core Viewpoint - Hong Kong Stock Exchange plans to launch the Hang Seng Biotechnology Index Futures, set to begin trading on November 28, 2025, providing investors with precise risk management tools in the rapidly growing biotechnology sector [1] Group 1: Product Launch - The new futures contract will be based on the Hang Seng Biotechnology Index, which tracks the performance of the 30 largest biotechnology, pharmaceutical, and medical device companies listed in Hong Kong that are eligible for Stock Connect trading [1] - The introduction of this futures product aims to enhance investment channels in the biotechnology industry and provide effective hedging tools [1] Group 2: Market Context - The biotechnology sector is currently one of the hottest industries in the capital markets, driven by technological innovation and significant global healthcare demand [1] - Since the listing reform in 2018, biotechnology and healthcare have become one of the fastest-growing sectors in the Hong Kong capital market, with over 260 biotechnology and healthcare companies listed, totaling a market capitalization of over HKD 4.8 trillion, which is four times the approximately HKD 1.2 trillion at the end of 2018 [1] Group 3: Strategic Goals - The launch of the Hang Seng Biotechnology Index Futures is expected to further solidify Hong Kong's position as a leading center for derivative trading and risk management in Asia [1] - The Hong Kong Stock Exchange will continue to promote market development, increase market depth, and diversify product offerings to meet the evolving needs of global investors [1]