Group 1 - The recovery of the IPO market in 2023 is driven by multiple factors, with Asia being the primary growth engine for international business [1] - The number of Japanese IPOs on Nasdaq has nearly doubled this year, while Korean companies show a stable pipeline, indicating a shift in regional dynamics [1] - Hong Kong's IPO market has seen a significant increase, with a financing amount of HKD 182.3 billion in the first three quarters of 2023, a year-on-year increase of 228% [1] Group 2 - Competition among global exchanges is beneficial for the capital markets, as it drives improvements in service quality, liquidity, and overall market experience [2] - Nasdaq aims to be the preferred choice for companies considering international listings, emphasizing the importance of understanding client needs [2] - The travel industry remains a focus for Nasdaq, with companies like Pony.ai and WeRide having gone public, alongside emerging sectors like space exploration and fintech [2] Group 3 - Nasdaq has raised its listing standards in 2025, including increasing the minimum public float to USD 15 million and requiring a minimum IPO fundraising amount of USD 25 million [3] - The logic behind raising listing standards is to enhance liquidity in the market [3] - The TCFA, established in 1994, is the largest and most influential Chinese financial organization globally, with over 10,000 members [3]

Core Insights - U.S. investors are increasingly buying Japanese stocks focused on technology and artificial intelligence due to high returns compared to U.S. markets [1] - The influx of U.S. funds into Japan has reached its fastest pace since the implementation of "Abenomics" [1] - The Nikkei 225 index has risen approximately 30% in U.S. dollar terms this year, significantly outperforming the S&P 500's 14% increase [1] Group 1 - The participation of U.S. investors in the Japanese stock market is at its highest level since October 2022, indicating a potential shift in market dynamics from value stocks to growth stocks [1] - The strong performance of the Japanese stock market is supported by a 2.5% appreciation of the yen and optimistic sentiment from Prime Minister Kishida's stimulus policies [1] - Foreign investors net purchased 384 billion yen (approximately $2.5 billion) of Japanese stocks in the last two weeks of October [3] Group 2 - There is still room for further inflow of foreign funds into Japanese stocks, as global investors' net holdings remain lower than the peak during the "Abenomics" era [3] - The ongoing demand for diversified investment from global investors may sustain the trend of increasing participation in the Japanese market [3] - The Nikkei index entered an overbought territory in late October, suggesting potential market consolidation [3]

Core Viewpoint - The company shows significant revenue growth driven by trading and settlement fees, with a positive outlook for future performance and valuation improvement [1][2][3][4] Group 1: Financial Performance - For the first three quarters of 2025, the company's revenue and profit attributable to shareholders reached HKD 218.5 billion and HKD 134.2 billion, respectively, representing year-on-year increases of 37% and 45% [1] - In Q3 alone, the revenue and profit were HKD 78 billion and HKD 49 billion, showing year-on-year growth of 45% and 56%, and quarter-on-quarter growth of 8% and 10% [1] - The trading, settlement, listing, custody, data, and other net investment income saw year-on-year increases of 57%, 66%, 16%, 25%, 8%, 10%, and 4%, respectively [1] Group 2: Market Dynamics - The trading fees and system usage fees for the first three quarters of 2025 amounted to HKD 78 billion, up 57% year-on-year, with spot, derivatives, and commodity trading contributing HKD 47 billion, HKD 20 billion, and HKD 11 billion, respectively [2] - The settlement and clearing fees reached HKD 53 billion, reflecting a 66% year-on-year increase, driven by record trading volumes in the Hong Kong spot market [2] - The number of new listings in the Hong Kong market increased to 69, a 53% year-on-year rise, with total fundraising amounting to HKD 1,883 billion, more than three times that of the same period in 2024 [3] Group 3: Investment Returns and Valuation - The net investment income for the first three quarters of 2025 was HKD 38.9 billion, a 4% year-on-year increase, although the investment yield decreased due to lower returns from external investment portfolios [4] - The expected dividend yield for 2025 is 3.0%, assuming a constant payout ratio of 90%, with potential benefits from foreign capital inflow due to anticipated interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve [4] - The current price-to-earnings ratio (PE) is 31.2 times, positioned at the 22nd percentile over the past decade, indicating potential for valuation improvement [4]

Core Viewpoint - Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKEX) reported better-than-expected performance for the first three quarters of 2025, with significant growth in both revenue and net profit driven by increased market trading activity [1][5] Financial Performance - For Q3 2025, HKEX achieved revenue and other income of HKD 7.775 billion, a year-on-year increase of 44.73% and a quarter-on-quarter increase of 7.70% [1] - The net profit attributable to shareholders for Q3 was HKD 4.900 billion, reflecting a year-on-year growth of 55.80% and a quarter-on-quarter growth of 10.31% [1] - Total revenue and other income for the first three quarters reached HKD 21.851 billion, up 36.63% year-on-year, marking a record high [1] Revenue Breakdown - In Q3 2025, trading fees and system usage fees, along with settlement and custody fees, accounted for HKD 5.484 billion, representing 70.53% of total revenue, with a year-on-year increase of 77.30% [1] - For the first three quarters, these fees totaled HKD 14.213 billion, making up 65.05% of total revenue, with a year-on-year increase of 57.05% [1] Market Activity - The trading activity in the Hong Kong stock market reached historical highs, with average daily trading (ADT) for Q3 2025 increasing by 144.80% year-on-year to HKD 2,863.58 billion [1] - Southbound capital inflows from mainland China totaled HKD 1,084.172 billion from January to September 2025, a year-on-year increase of 135.01% [1] IPO Activity - In the first three quarters of 2025, HKEX saw 68 new listings, raising HKD 187.745 billion, a year-on-year increase of 262.51% [2] - Q3 2025 alone had 25 new listings, with a fundraising amount of HKD 78.865 billion, up 86.79% year-on-year [2] Investment Income - Despite a decline in HIBOR rates due to the Federal Reserve's actions, investment income remained positive, with net investment income for the first three quarters reaching HKD 3.893 billion, a year-on-year increase of 4.43% [3] - The annualized net investment return for margin and clearing funds was 1.98% and 1.85%, respectively, showing a decline compared to the previous year [3] Future Outlook - The company expects continued high performance in 2025, supported by the Federal Reserve's interest rate cuts, ongoing southbound capital inflows, and the relative valuation advantage of Hong Kong stocks [4][6] - The projected target price for HKEX is HKD 543 per share, maintaining a "buy" rating based on historical valuation levels and market conditions [5][6]

Core Viewpoint - Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKEX) reported strong financial performance for the first three quarters of 2025, with significant year-on-year growth in both revenue and net profit, driven by record trading volumes in the cash market and leading global IPO fundraising [1][2]. Financial Performance - For the first three quarters of 2025, HKEX achieved revenue and net profit attributable to shareholders of HKD 21.85 billion and HKD 13.42 billion, representing year-on-year increases of 36.6% and 44.8% respectively [1]. - In Q3 2025, the company recorded revenue and net profit of HKD 7.78 billion and HKD 4.90 billion, with year-on-year growth of 44.7% and 55.8%, and quarter-on-quarter increases of 8% and 10% [1]. - Q3 net profit reached a historical high, with various segments such as trading, listing, clearing, and data services showing substantial year-on-year growth [1]. Market Activity - The average daily trading (ADT) for Hong Kong stocks in the first three quarters of 2025 was approximately HKD 256.4 billion, a year-on-year increase of 126.3%, with Q3 ADT reaching HKD 286.4 billion, up 142.3% year-on-year [2]. - The Hong Kong IPO market saw 69 new listings in the first three quarters, raising HKD 188.3 billion, a significant year-on-year increase of 238.7% [2]. - As of the end of October, HKEX's IPO fundraising exceeded USD 26 billion, ranking first globally [2]. Investment Income - Margin investment income increased by 16% due to a 47% year-on-year growth in the margin scale of the Hong Kong clearing company [2]. - The company redeemed its external portfolio in Q2 2025, which negatively impacted investment income, with external portfolio returns down 39% year-on-year [2]. Future Outlook - The company is optimistic about the deepening of mutual market access and the appreciation of the Renminbi, leading to an upward revision of the net profit forecast for 2025 to HKD 18 billion, maintaining a "buy" rating [3].

Core Viewpoint - The Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKEX) has achieved record-high revenues and profits in the first three quarters of 2025, driven by increased trading activity in the Hong Kong stock market [4][5]. Financial Performance - Total revenue for the first three quarters reached HKD 21.85 billion, a year-on-year increase of 36.6%, with the third quarter showing a growth of 44.7% year-on-year and 7.7% quarter-on-quarter [4][5]. - Net profit attributable to shareholders was HKD 13.42 billion, up 44.8% year-on-year, with the third quarter seeing a 55.8% year-on-year increase [4][5]. - EBITDA margin stood at 79%, reflecting a 5 percentage point increase year-on-year [4]. Revenue Breakdown 1. Trading fees, system usage fees, and settlement fees totaled HKD 13.1 billion, accounting for 60.0% of total revenue, with a year-on-year increase of 60.5% [5]. 2. Investment income netted HKD 3.89 billion, representing 17.8% of total revenue, with a year-on-year increase of 4.4% [6]. 3. Listing fees amounted to HKD 1.27 billion, making up 5.8% of total revenue, with a year-on-year increase of 17.1% [7]. Market Activity - The average daily trading volume for equity securities reached HKD 238.7 billion, a record high, with a year-on-year increase of 132.4% [8]. - The derivatives market saw an average daily trading volume of HKD 17.7 billion, up 67.0% year-on-year [8]. - Northbound and southbound trading average daily transaction amounts were RMB 206.4 billion and HKD 125.9 billion, respectively, both record highs [8].

Core Insights - Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEX) reported a 56% year-on-year increase in net profit for Q3 2025, exceeding expectations by 7% [1] - The growth was primarily driven by robust core revenue growth, record average daily trading volume, and strong initial public offering (IPO) momentum [1] - Net interest income decreased by 13.6% to HKD 1 billion, impacted by a decline in Hong Kong interbank offered rates and reduced corporate investment portfolio returns [1] - The outlook for average daily trading volume in 2026 remains optimistic due to the Federal Reserve's interest rate cuts and strong southbound capital inflows [1] - The target price for HKEX has been raised to HKD 548, maintaining a "Buy" rating [1]

Core Insights - The total market capitalization of the securities market reached HKD 48.1 trillion by the end of October 2025, representing a year-on-year increase of 37% [1] - The average daily trading amount in October 2025 was HKD 274.9 billion, showing a year-on-year increase of 8% [1] - For the first ten months of 2025, the average daily trading amount was HKD 258.2 billion, which is a significant year-on-year increase of 102% [1] - The average daily trading amount for exchange-traded funds (ETFs) was HKD 34.3 billion, reflecting a year-on-year increase of 127% [1] - The total fundraising amount from initial public offerings (IPOs) was HKD 216 billion, marking a substantial year-on-year increase of 209% [1]

Core Viewpoint - The report from Everbright Securities highlights Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEX) as a rare investment target with both offensive and defensive strengths, maintaining an "overweight" rating. The report notes a significant increase in trading activity in the Hong Kong stock market since September 2024, with the company's financial performance reaching historical highs in the first three quarters of the year. The positive market sentiment is expected to continue into the fourth quarter, supported by policy initiatives encouraging more mainland companies to list in Hong Kong and the return of Chinese concept stocks [1]. Financial Performance - In the first three quarters of 2025, HKEX achieved total revenue of HKD 21.85 billion, a year-on-year increase of 36.6%, with growth accelerating by 4.1 percentage points compared to the first half of the year. The third quarter saw revenue growth of 44.7% year-on-year and 7.7% quarter-on-quarter. The net profit attributable to shareholders for the same period was HKD 13.42 billion, up 44.8% year-on-year, with a 5.7 percentage point increase compared to the first half of the year. The third quarter's net profit growth was 55.8% year-on-year and 10.3% quarter-on-quarter [2]. Revenue Breakdown - Trading fees, trading system usage fees, and settlement and clearing fees accounted for HKD 13.1 billion (60.0% of total revenue), reflecting a year-on-year increase of 60.5%. The third quarter saw a year-on-year increase of 83.6% and a quarter-on-quarter increase of 28.2%. The average daily trading volume increased by 126.3% year-on-year to HKD 256.4 billion, with the third quarter showing a year-on-year increase of 141.1% and a quarter-on-quarter increase of 20.5% [2][3]. Investment Income - The net investment income for the first three quarters was HKD 3.89 billion (17.8% of total revenue), a year-on-year increase of 4.4%, with growth slowing by 9.6 percentage points compared to the first half of the year. The net investment income from the company's own funds was HKD 1.3 billion, down 7.8% year-on-year, with an annualized net return of 4.7%, a decrease of 0.8 percentage points. The income from margin and clearing house fund investments was HKD 2.6 billion, up 11.9% year-on-year, with an annualized net return of 1.5%, down 0.2 percentage points [3]. Market Activity - The average daily trading volume for stock securities on the exchange reached HKD 238.7 billion in the first three quarters, a record high, with a year-on-year increase of 132.4%. The third quarter saw a year-on-year increase of 149.9% and a quarter-on-quarter increase of 21.6%. The average daily trading volume in the derivatives market was HKD 17.7 billion, up 67.0% year-on-year, with the third quarter showing a year-on-year increase of 59.5% and a quarter-on-quarter increase of 6.3% [4]. New Listings - In the first three quarters of 2025, the Hong Kong stock market saw a strong increase in new listings, with 69 new companies listed, a year-on-year increase of 53.3%. The total funds raised amounted to HKD 188.3 billion, a year-on-year increase of 238.7%. Notably, Zijin Mining's listing in the third quarter raised HKD 28.7 billion, making it the second-largest new listing globally this year. As of the end of the third quarter, there were 297 listing applications pending, representing a 253.6% increase compared to the end of the previous year [5].

Core Insights - Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing (HKEX) reported a 56% year-on-year increase in net profit for the third quarter, exceeding expectations by 7% [1] - The growth was primarily driven by robust core revenue growth, record average daily trading volume, and strong initial public offering (IPO) momentum [1] - Net interest income decreased by 13.6% year-on-year to HKD 1 billion, impacted by a decline in Hong Kong interbank offered rates and reduced corporate investment portfolio returns [1] - The outlook for average daily trading volume remains optimistic due to the Federal Reserve's interest rate cut cycle and strong southbound capital inflows [1] - The target price for HKEX has been raised to HKD 548, maintaining a "buy" rating [1]