Core Viewpoint - The Bank of Japan (BOJ) has signaled a hawkish stance by maintaining interest rates while planning to reduce its ETF holdings, which may disrupt the Federal Reserve's interest rate reduction plans [1][3][11]. Group 1: BOJ's Policy Actions - On September 19, 2025, the BOJ decided to keep the benchmark interest rate at 0.5% but announced plans to reduce its ETF holdings by approximately 3.3 trillion yen annually and 5 billion yen in real estate investment trusts [3]. - This decision reflects a gradual exit from strong market intervention, indicating a potential shift towards a more hawkish monetary policy [3][10]. - The internal discussions within the BOJ revealed a divide, with two policymakers advocating for an immediate rate hike to 0.75%, highlighting the emergence of hawkish sentiments within the institution [3]. Group 2: Market Reactions - Following the BOJ's announcement, the Japanese yen appreciated against the US dollar, causing the USD/JPY exchange rate to breach critical support levels [5]. - The Nikkei index experienced a decline, signaling investor concerns over tightening liquidity [5]. - The BOJ's actions, while domestic in nature, have significant implications for global financial markets, particularly affecting the US due to the timing with the Federal Reserve's recent rate cut announcement [5]. Group 3: Implications for the Federal Reserve - The appreciation of the yen may lead to a corresponding rise in the dollar, which could weaken US export competitiveness and impact the manufacturing sector and job market [7]. - The Federal Reserve faces internal disagreements regarding the necessity of further rate cuts, with some officials expressing skepticism about the need for additional reductions [7]. - The BOJ's subtle yet impactful maneuvering has complicated the Fed's previously clear path for rate cuts, necessitating a reassessment of risk and liquidity in global markets [11][12].

Group 1 - The Bank of Japan (BOJ) has decided to gradually start selling its holdings of domestic exchange-traded funds (ETFs), indicating a tightening of monetary policy despite maintaining the policy interest rate at 0.5% for the fifth consecutive meeting [3][6] - Following the BOJ's announcement, the Japanese yen strengthened significantly, leading to a drop in the Nikkei index by 1.6% and causing a ripple effect across Asian markets, including declines in the Hang Seng Tech Index and South Korean stock indices [1][3][4] - Analysts suggest that the BOJ's move marks a significant step away from the ultra-loose monetary policies of the Abe administration, potentially signaling an interest rate hike in October [6][8] Group 2 - The BOJ's hawkish stance has led to expectations of a potential interest rate increase, with a survey indicating that most observers anticipate a rate hike before January next year, and market expectations of a 58% chance of a rate increase by the end of the year [6][9] - The normalization of monetary policy, including interest rate hikes and balance sheet reduction, is expected to exert upward pressure on the yen, which could lead to the unwinding of carry trade positions [8][9] - Historical data shows that past reversals of yen-funded carry trades have led to yen appreciation, declines in U.S. Treasury yields, and upward pressure on gold prices, while putting pressure on equity and commodity markets [8][9]

Core Viewpoint - The Hong Kong government aims to enhance its tax incentives for funds, single family offices, and associated rights to attract more funds to establish in Hong Kong [1] Group 1: Tax Incentives and Fund Attraction - The Chief Executive of Hong Kong, John Lee, announced plans to further optimize the tax regime for funds and single family offices [1] - The initiative is designed to draw more funds to Hong Kong, enhancing its status as a financial hub [1] Group 2: Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) - The Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission is actively promoting the inclusion of Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) in the "mutual market access" scheme to improve liquidity for REITs between Hong Kong and mainland China [1] Group 3: Qualified Foreign Limited Partner (QFLP) Mechanism - The government will optimize the Qualified Foreign Limited Partner (QFLP) mechanism, focusing on strengthening cooperation with Qianhai and Shanghai to attract more foreign capital into the mainland private equity market [1] Group 4: Local Private Equity and Hedge Funds - Hong Kong Investment Company plans to cultivate promising local private equity and hedge fund institutions through direct or joint investments [1]

Core Viewpoint - The Hong Kong stock market is undergoing a liquidity reform with the implementation of the first phase of lowering the minimum price fluctuation limits, effective from August 4, aimed at enhancing market liquidity and international competitiveness [1][2][3] Group 1: Implementation Details - The Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKEX) announced the first phase of lowering the minimum price fluctuation limits on July 21, with successful pre-launch testing completed on August 2 [1] - The minimum price fluctuation for stocks priced between HKD 10 and HKD 50 will be reduced, with specific changes such as from HKD 0.02 to HKD 0.01 for stocks priced between HKD 10 and HKD 20, and from HKD 0.05 to HKD 0.02 for stocks priced between HKD 20 and HKD 50 [1][2] Group 2: Market Impact - As of August 4, there are 265 stocks priced between HKD 10 and HKD 50, accounting for approximately 10% of the total market stocks, with their trading volume representing nearly 29% of the total market turnover on that day [2] - The adjustment applies to stocks, real estate investment trusts, and equity warrants, but excludes exchange-traded products (ETPs), options, bonds, and structured products [2] Group 3: Future Outlook - The HKEX has indicated that the second phase of adjustments will be based on the outcomes of the first phase, expected to be implemented by mid-2026, targeting the minimum price fluctuation limits for stocks priced between HKD 0.5 and HKD 10 [3] - The average daily trading volume in the Hong Kong stock market has significantly improved, rising by 118% year-on-year to HKD 240.2 billion in the first half of 2023 [3] - The adjustment of minimum price fluctuation limits is anticipated to lower trading costs for investors, potentially attracting more institutional investors to participate in the Hong Kong stock market [3]

Core Viewpoint - The Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKEX) announced a reduction in the minimum price fluctuation for stocks, effective from August 4, aimed at lowering trading costs and enhancing market efficiency [1][3]. Group 1: Implementation Details - The first phase of the adjustment will apply to stocks priced between HKD 10 to HKD 20 and HKD 20 to HKD 50, with minimum price fluctuations set to HKD 0.01 and HKD 0.02 respectively [1][3]. - A non-mandatory pre-launch test will be conducted on August 2 to ensure that market participants are prepared for the changes [3][5]. - The second phase of the adjustment is expected to be implemented around mid-2026, following a review of the first phase's effectiveness [5][6]. Group 2: Market Impact - The adjustments are expected to lower overall trading costs, improve order execution at expected prices, and enhance price discovery, aligning trading prices more closely with the actual value of stocks [3][7]. - The initiative reflects HKEX's commitment to improving market microstructure, aiming to increase liquidity and global competitiveness of the Hong Kong market [6][7].

Core Viewpoint - The Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKEX) emphasizes the importance of continuous reform in listing rules to create a favorable investment environment, rather than focusing solely on absolute rankings [1][12]. Group 1: Development and Growth - HKEX has evolved from a local exchange to an international market connecting China and the world, with the number of listed companies increasing from 790 in 2000 to over 2600 today [2][6]. - The total market capitalization of the Hong Kong stock market has grown sixfold, and the average daily trading volume has increased ninefold, reaching over 2400 billion HKD compared to 130 billion HKD in 2000 [3][6]. - As of June 20, 2023, HKEX has completed 31 IPOs this year, raising a total of 884 billion HKD, surpassing the total financing amount for the entire previous year [2][8]. Group 2: Market Dynamics and Trends - There has been a significant shift in the types of companies listed, with an increase in technology and new economy firms, particularly those that were previously unprofitable, such as biotech companies [8]. - The proportion of new economy companies listed on HKEX has increased, with major mainland companies like SF Express and Midea Group seeking dual listings in Hong Kong [8]. - The market has seen a resurgence of interest from international capital, particularly in innovative technology and new consumption enterprises [4]. Group 3: Future Outlook and Initiatives - HKEX aims to continue enhancing its international presence and will promote its market abroad in the second half of the year [4]. - The exchange is expanding its connectivity mechanisms, which now include stocks, bonds, ETFs, and interest rate swaps, with plans to incorporate Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) in the future [11][13]. - HKEX is committed to optimizing its trading infrastructure and improving the trading experience for participants, including potential adjustments to trading fees and the cancellation of trading halts due to adverse weather [14].

Core Viewpoint - Global stock markets are experiencing significant outflows, while gold and bonds are emerging as winners amid a weak dollar environment [1][9]. Group 1: Market Trends - Global stock funds faced the largest weekly net outflow since 2025, totaling $9.5 billion, with ETFs losing $3.2 billion and actively managed funds losing $6.4 billion [2][12]. - Bond assets attracted $19.3 billion this week, marking five consecutive weeks of inflows, with emerging market debt seeing $2.8 billion, the highest since January 2023 [2][5]. - Gold funds received $1.8 billion in inflows this week, with an annualized inflow reaching a record $75 billion, surpassing other asset classes [5][23]. Group 2: Currency and Asset Rotation - The weak dollar is driving asset rotation, benefiting cryptocurrencies, gold, emerging market bonds, and real estate investment trusts, which saw a net inflow of $300 million, the largest since October of last year [9][11]. - The dollar is entering a bear market, influenced by tariff policies and a shift in Federal Reserve independence, which supports a bullish outlook for gold and emerging markets [11][23]. Group 3: Investment Strategies - The "BIG" strategy (Bonds, International Stocks, Gold) is recommended for investors, as it aligns with the current market dynamics [23]. - The S&P 500 defensive sector's share has dropped to 18%, the lowest since 2000, indicating a high-risk appetite in the market [15][18]. - The "Seven Giants" stocks are trading at a price-to-earnings ratio of 42, suggesting a potential for further gains despite being below historical bubble averages [18][23].