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ExclusiveHKEX pushes ahead on extended trading hours discussions as it prepares paper: sources

The discussion paper could pave the way for Hong Kong’s bourse operator to introduce longer opening times, helping it attract global investors

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Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing (HKEX) is considering extending trading hours to sharpen the city’s competitiveness as a financial centre. Photo: Jelly Tse
Enoch Yiu

Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing (HKEX) will push ahead with talks on extending stock market trading hours by releasing a discussion paper, even as it faces brokers’ concerns over a longer trading time and cancellation of the trading lunch break, according to two sources with knowledge of the matter.

The paper may well pave the way for the first change to the city’s market opening time in 14 years. The bourse operator would first initiate the discussion paper due to the mixed reaction to the suggested change, sources say.

The paper would outline the pros and cons of longer hours and allow for public discussion, the sources told the South China Morning Post, and it would not include concrete proposals for new opening times.

If the discussion paper gained supportive feedback, HKEX would later issue a public consultation paper to propose new trading hours for the cash market, said one source, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter.

HKEX, which runs one of the world’s largest fundraising markets, currently allows trading from 9.30am to 4pm on weekdays, with a one-hour lunch break. An extension of trading hours may mean the bourse would open earlier or close later, the source said, adding it was not actively discussing a cancellation of the lunch break.
In July, HKEX and the Securities and Futures Commission confirmed to the SCMP that they were exploring a trading hour extension, but did not give details. This came after both Nasdaq and the London Stock Exchange announced plans to extend their trading hours later this year.
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