Key Takeaway: Investors seek deeper access to China and Hong Kong markets, with IPO participation being a top aspiration for the next phase of Stock Connect.
Stock Connect Achievements
Daily Trading Volumes:
- Northbound (into China): $17 billion.
- Southbound (into Hong Kong): $5 billion.
Capital Flows Since Launch:
- 1.8 trillion yuan ($249 billion) flowed into Chinese markets.
- HK$3.4 trillion ($436 billion) flowed into Hong Kong markets.
Market Impact:
- 7% of China’s daily turnover and 17% of Hong Kong’s trading volume.
- Covers 43% of eligible equities and 90% of market cap across Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Hong Kong.
Next Steps for Stock Connect
Primary Market Access:
- Aspirations to enable Chinese investors to subscribe to Hong Kong IPOs and vice versa.
- HKEX CEO Bonnie Chan said the move will require “riper conditions” and a robust IPO pipeline.
Expansion of Eligible Products:
- Focus on futures, Treasury bonds, and commodities to cater to international risk management needs.
- Addition of real estate investment trusts (REITs), with a start date yet to be announced.
Liquidity and Fees:
- Calls to add more eligible stocks and lower trading fees to boost liquidity.
Challenges and Opportunities
Liquidity Concerns:
- Fund managers highlight the difficulty of investing in Hong Kong shares due to low liquidity.
Inclusion of Dual-Class Shares:
- After a decade, mainland investors were recently allowed to invest in Alibaba.
Future Growth Potential:
- Broader product access and reduced transaction costs could enhance Stock Connect’s appeal, according to Goldman Sachs.
Looking Ahead
The success of Stock Connect as a trailblazing financial innovation lies in its ability to foster cross-border investments and adapt to investor needs. With a decade of experience and growing trading volumes, the push for IPO access and product diversification signals the next frontier for strengthening China-Hong Kong financial ties.
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