Core Viewpoint - The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) has implemented significant reforms in its financial market, including the "no market closure during typhoons" policy, enhancing its competitiveness and alignment with international standards [1] Market Performance - As of mid-July this year, Hong Kong has seen 52 IPOs, a 30% year-on-year increase, raising a total of 124 billion HKD, which represents a 590% increase year-on-year, making it the top global market for IPOs [1] - The Hang Seng Index has risen by 25.3% year-to-date, indicating strong market performance [1] Future Outlook - The Hong Kong government plans to continue improving listing regulations and enhance market liquidity to attract more high-quality global companies to list in Hong Kong, thereby increasing its appeal as a listing destination [1]

Investment Rating - The report indicates a positive outlook for Hong Kong's IPO market, suggesting potential investment opportunities in newly listed companies and sectors with high demand [2][3]. Core Insights - Hong Kong's IPO market has seen a resurgence with 51 companies listed year-to-date, raising HK$124 billion, compared to 77 listings raising HK$88 billion in 2024 [3][4]. - The increase in IPO activity is attributed to a robust market rally, a slowdown in A-share IPOs, and more accommodating listing rules by HKEX [2][4]. - Cornerstone investors contributed 42% of the capital raised in IPOs, with two-thirds coming from foreign investors, indicating strong international interest [42][43]. - Newly listed companies in 2024/25 have shown significantly higher post-IPO returns compared to previous years, driven by substantial cornerstone investor ownership and growth potential [52][53]. Summary by Sections 1. IPO Market Activity - The resurgence in Hong Kong's IPO market is driven by improved market performance, with HSI and HSTECH gaining 20% and 17% year-to-date [4][26]. - The IPO pipeline remains strong, with over 200 companies in the application process [3][4]. 2. Dual Listings - A-share companies are pursuing dual listings in Hong Kong to access overseas financing and mitigate delisting risks, with regulatory support encouraging this trend [8][10]. - Approximately 80% of US institutional investors in ADRs already have exposure to the Hong Kong market, facilitating smoother transitions for companies [10][12]. 3. Investor Participation - The participation of cornerstone investors has been significant, with their ownership ranging from under 10% to over 80% in recent IPOs [42][43]. - Retail interest in IPOs has reached a multi-year high, reflecting improved risk appetite among investors [47][49]. 4. Post-IPO Performance - Newly listed companies in 2024/25 have delivered an average return of 10% on the first trading day and 41% within the first three months [52][56]. - Companies with cornerstone investor ownership between 30% and 50% tend to outperform, highlighting the importance of investor confidence [53][57]. 5. Spillover Effects - Active IPOs in Hong Kong positively influence A-share market performance, with sectors experiencing new listings generally seeing their peers outperform [63][64]. - The correlation between robust IPO activity and favorable performance in A-share markets suggests a beneficial spillover effect [63][64]. 6. Index Inclusion and Liquidity - New listings that meet specific criteria are eligible for fast-track index inclusion, potentially attracting significant passive investment [66][67]. - Southbound inclusion allows Hong Kong-listed companies to access onshore liquidity, enhancing their market appeal [67][72].

Summary of NASDAQ's Q1 2025 Conference Call Company Overview - **Company**: NASDAQ - **Quarter**: Q1 2025 - **Key Financials**: - Net revenues: $1.2 billion, up 12.5% year-over-year [2] - Operating income: Increased by 17% [2] - EPS: Grew by 24% [2] - Free cash flow: $674 million [3] Core Financial Performance - **Revenue Breakdown**: - Solutions revenues: $947 million, up 11% year-over-year [2] - Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR): $2.8 billion, up 9% year-over-year [2] - **Divisional Performance**: - Capital Access Platforms: 5% ARR growth, 11% revenue growth [2] - Financial Technology: 10% revenue growth, 12% ARR growth [2] - Market Services: 19% net revenue growth [2] Strategic Initiatives - **Efficiency Programs**: Targeting $140 million in net synergies from the Advanta transaction, with over $100 million actions completed by the end of Q1 [3] - **Cross-Selling**: 19 cross-sells delivered since the acquisition, with a target to surpass $100 million in run rate revenue by the end of 2027 [3] - **New Product Launches**: 30 new index products launched in Q1, contributing to 33% of net inflows over the last five years [5] Market Dynamics - **IPO Activity**: Welcomed 45 operating companies, raising approximately $5 billion [4] - **Listing Transfers**: Continued momentum with marquee switches, including Shopify and Thompson Reuters [4] - **Market Volatility**: Experienced record trading volumes, with five of the six highest trading days in U.S. cash equities history occurring in Q1 [8] Technology and Innovation - **Cloud Transition**: Enhanced ability to navigate market conditions through cloud infrastructure, improving scalability and resiliency [6] - **Partnership with AWS**: Focus on modernizing financial services infrastructure, with plans to serve market operators through hybrid cloud solutions [6] Regulatory and Compliance - **Financial Crime Management**: Robust demand for solutions, with a 25% increase in new client signings [6] - **Regulatory Technology**: Axiom SL signed a large digital bank as a new client, with strong demand for surveillance solutions [7] Capital Allocation and Shareholder Returns - **Dividends**: Paid a dividend of $0.24 per share, with a 13% increase announced to $0.27 per share [15] - **Debt Repurchases**: Repurchased $279 million in debt, reducing gross leverage ratio to 3.4 times [15] Outlook and Challenges - **Macro Environment**: Ongoing policy shifts and potential tariffs creating short-term volatility, impacting corporate decision-making [9] - **Sales Cycle Delays**: Noted delays in client decision-making due to macroeconomic uncertainties, particularly in the financial technology segment [22] Key Takeaways - NASDAQ demonstrated strong financial performance in Q1 2025, with double-digit growth across all divisions and significant free cash flow generation [2][3] - The company is focused on strategic initiatives to enhance efficiency, drive innovation, and expand its product offerings [3][5] - Market conditions remain volatile, but NASDAQ's diversified business model positions it well for continued growth [9][10]

Group 1 - The Beijing Stock Exchange (BSE) has become a popular choice for companies seeking to go public, with 115 applications received for public offerings in the first half of 2025, resulting in 12 approvals from the listing committee and 7 registrations from the CSRC, leading to 6 successful listings with a total financing amount of 1.923 billion yuan [3] - The BSE has implemented strict self-regulatory measures in response to information disclosure violations and issues with intermediary institutions, including 1 public reprimand, 2 warning letters, and 10 verbal warnings, affecting 15 issuers and 10 sponsoring institutions [3] - The BSE emphasizes the importance of information disclosure quality, highlighting four key areas: accuracy of basic information, accuracy of financial information, compliance with document version and format standards, and completeness of response documents [3]

Core Insights - Euronext announced trading volumes for June 2025, highlighting its position as a leading European capital market infrastructure [1] Company Overview - Euronext operates across the entire capital markets value chain, including listing, trading, clearing, settlement, and custody services [2] - The company runs MTS, a prominent electronic fixed income trading market, and Nord Pool, the European power market [2] - Euronext provides clearing and settlement services through Euronext Clearing and its Securities CSDs in Denmark, Italy, Norway, and Portugal [2] Market Position - As of March 2025, Euronext's regulated exchanges host nearly 1,800 listed issuers with a market capitalization of €6.3 trillion [3] - Euronext is recognized as the largest global center for debt and fund listings, handling 25% of European lit equity trading [3] - The company offers a diverse range of products, including equities, FX, ETFs, bonds, derivatives, commodities, and indices [3]

Core Viewpoint - Euronext is in discussions to potentially acquire up to 100% of Hellenic Exchanges-Athens Stock Exchange S.A. (ATHEX), valuing ATHEX at €6.90 per share, which would amount to approximately €399 million for the entire share capital on a fully diluted basis [1][4]. Group 1: Euronext's Strategic Intent - Euronext aims to consolidate European capital markets through a potential combination with ATHEX, enhancing growth and synergy opportunities [2]. - The merger would promote the harmonization of European capital markets, utilizing a unified trading and post-trade technology framework [2]. Group 2: Market Position and Impact - Euronext manages about 25% of cash equity trading in Europe and operates in major financial hubs, which would allow Greek market participants access to a network of over 1,800 listed companies with a combined market capitalization exceeding €6 trillion [3][8]. - The integration of ATHEX into Euronext's infrastructure is expected to enhance the development and international attractiveness of Greek markets [3]. Group 3: Confidence in Greek Economy - Euronext's interest in ATHEX reflects confidence in the growth potential of the Greek economy and the integration of Greek capital markets into the Eurozone and EU [4].

Group 1 - The adjustment includes three main aspects: the price fluctuation limit for risk warning stocks on the main board is changed from 5% to 10%, aligning it with other main board stocks [2] - The abnormal fluctuation indicators for risk warning stocks will also be adjusted to be consistent with other main board stocks [2] - The exchanges emphasize the importance of investor education and risk warning to guide investors in participating in risk warning stock trading [2] Group 2 - The price fluctuation limit adjustment aims to improve stock pricing efficiency and maintain market order, particularly protecting the rights of small and medium investors [2] - The threshold for disclosing abnormal trading fluctuations will be adjusted from ±12% to ±20%, aligning with ordinary main board stocks [2] - Other trading rules for risk warning stocks, such as signing a risk disclosure statement and limiting the purchase quantity to 500,000 shares per day, will remain unchanged [3]

Core Viewpoint - The collaboration between Shanghai and Hong Kong is a natural choice for both cities as they are complementary financial centers, enhancing their roles in the international financial landscape [1][5][10]. Group 1: Cooperation Framework - The "Shanghai-Hong Kong International Financial Center Collaborative Development Action Plan" was signed on June 18, outlining six areas of deep cooperation, including infrastructure connectivity and offshore financial strategies [1][6]. - The action plan aims to support cross-border financial services innovation and green finance development, enhancing the existing cooperation framework established since the launch of the Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect in 2014 [6][7]. Group 2: Financial Market Dynamics - Shanghai serves as a key onshore financial hub, with the Shanghai Stock Exchange ranking third globally in market capitalization and leading in bond custody and gold trading volumes [2][4]. - Hong Kong, as the largest offshore RMB business center, has over 1.19 trillion RMB in deposits and has been a crucial channel for mainland enterprises to access international capital [4][5]. Group 3: Future Opportunities - The collaboration is expected to provide more financing opportunities for technology innovation enterprises and increase the demand for cross-border RMB payment settlements [8]. - The partnership will facilitate the establishment of financial centers in both cities, supporting mainland enterprises in their international expansion efforts [7][9]. Group 4: Strategic Importance - The synergy between Shanghai and Hong Kong is seen as a catalyst for the internationalization of the RMB and the integration of China's financial markets into the global system [9][10]. - The relationship is characterized by complementary strengths, with Shanghai focusing on domestic economic cycles and Hong Kong linking global capital networks [4][5].

Summary of Key Points Core Viewpoint - The Shenzhen Stock Exchange (SZSE) has implemented regulatory measures against a member for violations related to securities trading activities, highlighting ongoing efforts to maintain market integrity [1] Group 1: Regulatory Actions - SZSE has taken self-regulatory measures against 141 instances of abnormal trading behavior, including market manipulation and false declarations [1] - The exchange has conducted investigations into 2 significant corporate events and reported 1 case suspected of illegal activities to the China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC) [1] Group 2: Disciplinary Measures - A written warning was issued to a member due to violations by the sponsoring institution and its representatives in the stock issuance application process [1] - Relevant sponsoring representatives received disciplinary criticism as part of the regulatory response [1]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Nasdaq reported net revenues of $4.6 billion for 2024, with adjusted non-GAAP net revenues of $4.7 billion, reflecting a 9% increase from 2023 [12] - Annualized recurring revenue reached $2.8 billion, representing a 7.5% increase year over year [12] - The company returned $145 million in stock repurchases and $541 million in quarterly dividends during 2024 [12] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Capital Access Platforms division achieved 10% revenue growth, driven by strong index performance and 180 IPOs raising $23 billion in proceeds [13][14] - The Financial Technology division also saw 10% revenue growth and 12% annual recurring revenue growth, with significant client engagement [15][16] - The Market Services division reported record full-year revenue, driven by increased volumes in US equities and derivatives [17] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Nasdaq maintained its position as the top U.S. exchange for IPOs, achieving an 80% win rate among eligible company IPOs [14] - The index franchise experienced a 31% revenue growth, with record assets under management [15] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Nasdaq's strategic priorities for 2024 included "Integrate, Innovate, and Accelerate," focusing on enhancing operational efficiency and innovation [18] - The integration of Acxiom SL and Calypso is seen as pivotal in advancing Nasdaq's platform company journey [16] - The company aims to exceed $100 million in run rate revenue from cross-sells by the end of 2027 [19] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that recent policy shifts and potential tariffs have created short-term volatility, impacting global GDP growth expectations [20] - Nasdaq's diversified business model positions it for resilient growth despite macroeconomic challenges [21] - The company expressed confidence in achieving its medium-term outlook and continuing to create shareholder value [21] Other Important Information - The meeting was held virtually, with procedures in place to ensure shareholder participation [3][4] - The company highlighted the importance of its markets and infrastructure during recent trading volatility [20] Q&A Session Summary Question: How does the Compensation Committee use compensation actually paid total compensation figures in its calculation of CEO target total compensation award for the upcoming year? - The Compensation Committee emphasizes linking pay to performance, with decisions informed by competitive market data and actual CEO performance [26][28] - The variability in compensation figures reflects the effectiveness of this philosophy [28]