Core Viewpoint - Shanghai aims to enhance its international financial center competitiveness and influence through high-level financial openness and alignment with international trade rules, as outlined in the 15th Five-Year Plan [1][2]. Group 1: Development Goals - By 2030, Shanghai's "five centers" will see significant improvements in global resource allocation, technological innovation, high-end industry leadership, open hub influence, and cultural soft power [1]. - By 2035, the functions of Shanghai's "five centers" will be fully upgraded, with key development indicators reaching international leading levels, and per capita GDP expected to double compared to 2020 [2]. Group 2: Financial Sector Initiatives - The focus will be on enhancing the internationalization of financial markets, improving mechanisms like "Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect" and "Bond Connect," and increasing the international influence of "Shanghai prices" [2][3]. - There will be efforts to attract high-capacity foreign financial institutions and international financial organizations to establish regional headquarters and branches in Shanghai [3]. - The facilitation of investment and cross-border settlement will be deepened, supporting financial institutions in expanding global service networks and optimizing currency management [3]. - Exploration of offshore financial services will be initiated, including the establishment of offshore financial regulatory frameworks and the development of offshore debt business [3].

Financial Performance Highlights - HKEX achieved record half-yearly revenue and other income of HK$14.1 billion, a 33% year-over-year increase[9] - Profit attributable to shareholders reached HK$8.5 billion in 1H 2025, up 39% year-over-year[11] - Core business revenue increased by 34% year-over-year to HK$13.0 billion in 1H 2025[16] - EBITDA increased by 43% year-over-year to HK$10.9 billion in 1H 2025[16] - Headline Average Daily Turnover (ADT) increased by 118% year-over-year[12] Business Segment Performance - Stock Connect revenue reached a record high of HK$1.813 billion, a 51% year-over-year increase[38] - Northbound Stock Connect ADT increased by 32% year-over-year[12] - Southbound Stock Connect ADT nearly tripled compared to 1H 2024[12] - Derivatives Average Daily Volume (ADV) reached a record half-yearly high of 1.7 million contracts, up 11% year-over-year[12] - LME ADV increased by 3% year-over-year[12] Strategic Initiatives and Market Dynamics - IPO funds raised reached HK$109.4 billion, more than 8 times that of 1H24[38]

Summary of Key Points from the Conference Call Industry Overview - **Industry**: Hong Kong's financial and property markets - **Current Status**: Hong Kong has shown a remarkable recovery in capital markets, with the Hang Seng Index up 28% year-to-date (YTD) [2][11]. Core Insights - **Market Recovery**: The capital markets are booming, and there is a return of confidence in major sectors such as financials, property, and consumer [3][11]. - **Property Sector**: Property sales in the first half of 2025 were the highest since the second half of 2021, indicating a potential recovery in the real estate market [4][11]. - **Stablecoin Licensing**: A new licensing regime for stablecoin issuers starting August 1, 2025, is expected to position Hong Kong as a global hub for digital asset investment [5][30]. - **Investment Inflows**: Mainland Chinese investors have significantly increased their investments in Hong Kong stocks, with USD103 billion purchased YTD, surpassing previous annual totals [34][36]. Economic Indicators - **GDP Growth**: GDP growth is projected to soften to 1.9% for 2025, influenced by global trade uncertainties and sluggish domestic demand [14][11]. - **Retail Sales**: Retail sales saw a rebound in May 2025 after a year of contraction, with expectations of a gradual recovery [16][75]. - **Unemployment Rate**: The unemployment rate has increased to 3.5%, with sectors like retail and construction facing higher rates [18][11]. Property Market Dynamics - **Residential Market**: Housing prices are expected to grow by 2% in 2025 and 3% in 2026, with primary transaction volumes projected to improve by 7% year-over-year [70][11]. - **Office Market**: Despite challenges, recent leasing activity in the office sector has shown positive surprises, indicating potential stabilization [76][11]. Financial Sector Insights - **Banking Sector**: The Hong Kong banking sector has seen a 6.7% growth in deposits YTD, indicating strong liquidity [53][11]. - **Interest Rates**: The one-month Hong Kong Interbank Offered Rate (HIBOR) has fallen significantly, which could impact net interest margins for banks [59][11]. - **RMB Appreciation**: A stronger RMB could benefit Hong Kong financials by increasing the RMB deposit base and encouraging cross-border investments [66][11]. Future Opportunities - **Green Development**: Hong Kong is leading in green bond issuance in Asia, with significant government initiatives aimed at achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 [29][80]. - **Connect Programs**: Hong Kong continues to enhance its role as a connector for capital flows between mainland China and the global market, with various Connect programs facilitating investment [95][98]. Additional Noteworthy Points - **Wealth Management**: Hong Kong's asset and wealth management industry has seen a 13% increase in assets under management (AUM), reaching approximately HKD34 trillion [98][11]. - **IPO Market**: The IPO market in Hong Kong has rebounded, raising HKD107 billion in the first half of 2025, a 705% increase from the same period in 2024 [50][11]. This summary encapsulates the key insights and data points from the conference call, highlighting the recovery and future potential of Hong Kong's financial and property markets.