Core Viewpoint - HNA Technology Co., Ltd. has announced the approval of financial derivative business, specifically forward freight agreements (FFA), to mitigate market risks associated with its shipping operations [1][2]. Group 1: Transaction Overview - The company owns 10 bulk carriers with a total capacity of approximately 930,000 deadweight tons and has added 4 chartered vessels, increasing capacity by about 240,000 deadweight tons [2]. - The purpose of engaging in FFA transactions is to hedge against market fluctuations and reduce adverse impacts on the company's operations [2][3]. - The maximum margin for these transactions will not exceed $3 million, and the highest contract value held on any trading day will not exceed $30 million [3][27]. Group 2: Approval Process - The board of directors approved the proposal for FFA transactions during its fourth meeting on September 29, 2025, with a unanimous vote of 7 in favor [6][19]. - The proposal was reviewed by the audit committee prior to the board meeting and does not require shareholder approval as it does not constitute a related party transaction [6][19]. Group 3: Risk Analysis and Control Measures - The company acknowledges various risks associated with the FFA transactions, including market risk, liquidity risk, performance risk, and legal risk [7][9]. - Control measures include strict adherence to internal management procedures, careful selection of trading partners, and the establishment of a dedicated team for risk assessment and management [10][20]. Group 4: Impact on the Company - Engaging in FFA transactions is expected to enhance the company's ability to withstand market volatility and will not negatively impact its core business operations [11][25].

Group 1 - The Singapore Exchange Group (SGX Group) reported strong growth in July, with total trading volume in commodities increasing by 76% year-on-year, reaching a historical high of 9 million contracts [3] - The securities market saw a total trading value increase of 27% year-on-year, reaching 33.8 billion SGD, marking a three-month high [1] - The average daily trading volume in the securities market also rose by 27%, reaching 1.47 billion SGD [1] Group 2 - The small and mid-cap stocks showed exceptional performance, with liquidity surging by 94% month-on-month to 2.61 billion SGD, contributing significantly to the overall trading volume increase [2] - The FTSE ST Small Cap Index and FTSE ST Mid Cap Index rose by 9.9% and 6.7% respectively [2] - Retail investors have become the fastest-growing segment in the market, while institutional investors have net bought 62 million SGD in small and mid-cap stocks over the past six months [2] Group 3 - The MSCI Singapore Index has risen for three consecutive months, reflecting investor confidence in the resilience and growth potential of Singapore-listed companies [2] - The average daily trading volume of MSCI Singapore Index futures increased by 16% month-on-month, reaching 48,137 contracts [2] - The total open interest for MSCI Singapore Index futures reached a historical high of 7.1 billion USD by the end of the month [2] Group 4 - The derivatives market also performed well, with the average daily trading volume for iron ore reaching a record high of 362,755 contracts [3] - The trading volume for forward freight agreements (FFA) increased by 56%, reaching the highest level since March 2024 [3] - The demand for foreign exchange futures surged due to uncertainties in US-India trade negotiations, with the trading volume for INR/USD futures increasing by 41% year-on-year [3]

Core Insights - SGX Group reported strong growth across its business segments in July, reflecting investor confidence in diverse asset classes [1][2][3] Securities Market Performance - In July, the total trading volume in the securities market increased by 27% year-on-year, reaching SGD 33.8 billion, marking a three-month high [1] - The average daily trading volume rose by 27% year-on-year to SGD 1.47 billion [1] - The Straits Times Index (STI) rose by 5.3% month-on-month, closing at 4,173.77 points, outperforming other major ASEAN markets [1] - Daily average trading value in Singapore stocks increased by 19% month-on-month, with improved liquidity across all sectors [1] Small and Mid-Cap Stocks - Small and mid-cap stocks saw a significant liquidity increase of 94% month-on-month, reaching SGD 261 million, contributing majorly to the trading volume growth [2] - The FTSE ST Small Cap Index and FTSE ST Mid Cap Index rose by 9.9% and 6.7% respectively [2] - Retail investors have become the fastest-growing segment, while institutional investors have net bought SGD 62 million in small and mid-cap stocks over the past six months [2] ETF Market Expansion - The launch of the 10th cross-border ETF under the Shenzhen Stock Exchange-SGX ETF mutual recognition mechanism contributed to market growth [2] - Total assets under management for ETFs increased by 36% year-on-year, reaching SGD 14.9 billion, with two ETFs tracking the STI surpassing SGD 3 billion in total size for the first time [2] Derivatives Market Performance - The total trading volume in the derivatives market increased by 25% year-on-year, reaching 29.3 million contracts [1] - Commodity trading volume surged by 76% year-on-year, hitting a historical high of 9 million contracts [3] - Iron ore average daily trading volume reached a record high of 362,755 contracts, with open interest nearing 3.5 million contracts [3] Forex Futures Demand - Forex futures trading saw increased demand due to uncertainties in US-India trade negotiations, with Indian Rupee/USD futures trading volume rising by 41% year-on-year to 2.2 million contracts [3] - The trading volume for USD/offshore RMB futures increased by 7% year-on-year to 3.1 million contracts amid heightened RMB exchange rate volatility [3]

Core Insights - The ongoing risk assessment of the conflict between Israel and Iran has led some tanker owners and management companies to suspend vessel capacity for Middle Eastern routes, raising concerns about energy export flows in the region [1] - Oil producers and traders attempting to charter tankers for transporting crude and refined oil from the Persian Gulf are facing a shortage of capacity, with some temporary charter agreements not being finalized due to owners refusing to renew contracts [1] - The global oil market will closely monitor the shipping security situation in the Middle East and surrounding waters in the coming weeks, as the region accounts for about one-third of global crude production [1] Shipping Rates and Market Reactions - The benchmark shipping rate for very large crude carriers (VLCC) from the Middle East to China, TD3C, surged to 55-58 WS, a 20%-30% increase from the beginning of the week [2] - Although there were no public quotes on Monday, industry insiders reported that the TD3C rate further increased to around 65 WS [2] - The trading volume of forward freight agreements (FFA), used as a risk hedging tool in the industry, has significantly increased, indicating heightened market risk aversion, with TD3C FFA prices rising to $14 per ton from approximately $11 before the Israeli attacks on Iran [2]