Hong Kong Exchange Operator Posts Record Quarterly Profit, Revenue

By Kimberley Kao

Hong Kong Exchanges & Clearing's profit and revenue hit record highs in the first quarter as trading and listing activity in the Asian financial hub continued to gain momentum despite the Middle East conflict unsettling markets.

The stock-exchange operator said Wednesday that net profit jumped 27% from a year earlier to 5.19 billion Hong Kong dollars, equivalent to US$662.3 million.

Revenue and other income climbed 20% to HK$8.20 billion, which the company said was due to higher trading and clearing fees from increased volumes across the cash and commodities markets.

Trading volumes were also stronger during the quarter, with the headline average daily turnover rising 14% to HK$276.7 billion, it said.

Shares of HKEX fell 4.7% in the first three months of the year as geopolitical tensions, particularly in the Middle East, hurt investor sentiment. The Hang Seng Index shed 3.3% during the quarter, while the Hang Seng Tech Index lost 16%.

"Global capital continued to seek safe havens and access to Asian growth opportunities in a volatile macro environment," Chief Executive Bonnie Y Chan said.

"Looking ahead, we will continue to deepen regional connectivity, broaden participation and invest in building a resilient, innovative multiasset ecosystem, ensuring our markets remain well-positioned to capture opportunities across market cycles."

Write to Kimberley Kao at kimberley.kao@wsj.com

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

April 29, 2026 00:39 ET (04:39 GMT)