Core Insights - The process of public ETF products "going abroad" is accelerating, with the Hong Kong Stock Exchange announcing an expansion of mutual access ETF products starting January 19, which includes 98 new ETFs [1][3] - The total number of products covered by the "ETF Connect" has increased from 273 to 364, marking a 33.3% growth and the largest single expansion since the mutual access mechanism was launched in July 2022 [3][4] Group 1: Expansion Details - The adjustment is not merely an increase in quantity but significantly enriches the investment options, with the new ETFs covering broad-based, industry themes, and strategy types [4] - The newly included 98 ETFs consist of 54 listed on the Shanghai Stock Exchange and 44 on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange, with a total of 364 products now available for northbound trading [4][5] - Notably, the inclusion of ETFs tracking the CSI 500 index marks a first for the "ETF Connect," with major funds from Huatai-PB, Southern, and Huaxia among those included [5] Group 2: Market Implications - The expansion reflects a shift in foreign investment strategies from "buying the index" to "buying structure," particularly in technology sectors, indicating a growing interest in China's hard technology and self-sufficiency [5][6] - The inclusion of dividend and cash flow ETFs suggests a strong demand from foreign investors for defensive assets with high cash flow returns [5][8] - The acceleration of public products "going abroad" is exemplified by the listing of the Southern CSI 500 Index ETF on the Singapore Exchange, enhancing access for Singaporean investors to A-share core companies [7][8] Group 3: Future Outlook - The ongoing expansion of the "ETF Connect" is expected to continue to grow the scale and investor base of domestic ETFs, potentially attracting significant capital inflows into A-shares [8] - Challenges remain, including differences in funding and trading systems between A-shares and overseas markets, as well as competition from similar products offered by foreign institutions [8]

Core Viewpoint - Six ETFs listed in Hong Kong have been included in the "Southbound ETF Connect" starting November 10, enhancing cross-border investment opportunities for investors in mainland China and Hong Kong [1][4]. Group 1: ETF Inclusion Details - The six ETFs added to the Southbound ETF Connect are: ICBC Southbound China (03167), Southern Hang Seng Biotechnology (03174), CMB Hang Seng Technology (03423), Southern Hong Kong Stock Connect (03432), Southern East-West Select (03441), and Southern Hong Kong-US Technology (03442) [2][1]. - This adjustment expands the Southbound ETF Connect list from 17 to 23 ETFs [4]. Group 2: Market Performance and Trends - Since the launch of the ETF inclusion in the interconnection mechanism between mainland and Hong Kong stock markets in July 2022, the trading has been stable and orderly, with increasing trading volumes [4]. - In the first three quarters of 2025, the average daily trading amount for Southbound trading ETFs reached HKD 4.2 billion, with a record monthly high of HKD 9.1 billion in August 2025 [4]. - For the same period, the average daily trading amount for Northbound trading ETFs was RMB 3.2 billion [4].

Core Viewpoint - The Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) Chairman highlighted the significant growth of asset management in Hong Kong, particularly the performance of Chinese-funded asset management firms, which have shown a remarkable increase in assets under management. Group 1: Asset Management Growth - As of the end of last year, the total assets under management in Hong Kong reached HKD 35.1 trillion, representing a year-on-year growth of 13% [1] - Chinese-funded asset management firms experienced a 15% increase in assets under management, totaling HKD 3.08 trillion, outperforming the industry average for five consecutive years [1] Group 2: Market Position and Opportunities - Despite the growth, Chinese-funded asset management firms only account for 9% of the Hong Kong fund market, which presents significant room for improvement compared to mainland enterprises that represent 80% of the market capitalization of Hong Kong stocks [1] - The SFC encourages Chinese asset management institutions to innovate and diversify their development, aiming to expand their investor base and enhance global asset allocation capabilities [1] Group 3: Strategic Initiatives - In recent years, the Chinese asset management industry has actively responded to the SFC's strategic initiatives, launching the first virtual asset spot ETFs and tokenized retail money market funds in Asia, which injects strong momentum into industry innovation [1] - The SFC emphasizes the importance of leveraging market connectivity mechanisms such as fund recognition arrangements, ETF Connect, and the Greater Bay Area cross-border wealth management scheme 2.0 to seize strategic opportunities [1]