Silver Point

Thomas J. Monaco

Silver Point is a boutique research firm that focuses on the broader financial services sector, with a particular focus on troubled institutions globally. 

Asia Ex Japan

Equity Bottom-Up

Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing / Equity Bottom-Up

Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing (388 HK)

*Wealth Management Connect: Wealth Management (WM) Connect should allow the residents of Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area (GBA) to purchase WM products in each other's markets. The launch of a GBA financial connection has been the key turning point to convert HKEx from a conduit of capital flows to mainland China to a marketplace for transactions which connect mainland China and global liquidity; and
Consultation Paper Released: On May 6, 2021, mainland China’s financial regulatory authorities released a consultation paper on WM Connect. This should be another avenue to bring additional mainland Chinese liquidity through HKEX. Benefits to HKEX in the beginning will be limited given the initial quotas on residents and limitations on products.

*Wealth Management Connect: Wealth Management (WM) Connect should allow the residents of Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area (GBA) to purchase WM products in each other's markets. The launch of a GBA financial connection has been the key turning point to convert HKEx from a conduit of capital flows to mainland China to a marketplace for transactions which connect mainland China and global liquidity; and
Consultation Paper Released: On May 6, 2021, mainland China’s financial regulatory authorities released a consultation paper on WM Connect. This should be another avenue to bring additional mainland Chinese liquidity through HKEX. Benefits to HKEX in the beginning will be limited given the initial quotas on residents and limitations on products.

Hong Kong Exchange & Clearing – Making The Connection

*Glittering Quarter: Hong Kong Exchanges &amp; Clearing (388.HK) [HKEX] reported 1Q21 earnings of HKD 3.8 bn, improving HKD 915 mn (31.3%) linked quarter. Results were even more impressive when we exclude investment income (declined HKD 363 mn or 43.8% linked quarter) – increasing HKD 1.3 bn (61.0%) to HKD 3.4 bn. Results were highlighted by HKEX’ positive operating jaws, as recurring revenue increased HKD 1.2 bn (28.6%) while operating expenses declined HKD 194 mn (14.5%) over the period;  and*Risks Are Increasing: In addition to an extended valuation when ADT has begun to turn and having a new CEO with no exchange experiences, HKEX needs to contend with the government’s examination of a stamp duty increase and mainland China’s contemplation of a new stock exchange to attract overseas-listed firms (including Hong Kong) which will bolster Shanghai’s status as a global financial center.

*Glittering Quarter: Hong Kong Exchanges &amp; Clearing (388.HK) [HKEX] reported 1Q21 earnings of HKD 3.8 bn, improving HKD 915 mn (31.3%) linked quarter. Results were even more impressive when we exclude investment income (declined HKD 363 mn or 43.8% linked quarter) – increasing HKD 1.3 bn (61.0%) to HKD 3.4 bn. Results were highlighted by HKEX’ positive operating jaws, as recurring revenue increased HKD 1.2 bn (28.6%) while operating expenses declined HKD 194 mn (14.5%) over the period;  and*Risks Are Increasing: In addition to an extended valuation when ADT has begun to turn and having a new CEO with no exchange experiences, HKEX needs to contend with the government’s examination of a stamp duty increase and mainland China’s contemplation of a new stock exchange to attract overseas-listed firms (including Hong Kong) which will bolster Shanghai’s status as a global financial center.

Hong Kong Exchanges & Clearing – Golden Quarter, But Risks Are High

*Solid March Trading Result: Singapore Exchange (SGX.SP) [SGX] reported strong FY 3Q21 securities and derivatives volumes due to improving market caps and velocity. Securities value traded and average daily trading vale (ADTV) increased 50% and 24% MOM in March, respectively. Derivative volumes also improved 31% MOM to 23.2 mn contracts, reaching a new peak since July 2020; and *A Wrench Thrown Into SGX’s SPAC Plan:  The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) issued accounting guidance for SPACs, calling warrant issuance by SPACs liabilities rather than equity instruments. This could disrupt new SPAC filings, and certainly throw a wrench into SGX’s SPAC plans.

*Solid March Trading Result: Singapore Exchange (SGX.SP) [SGX] reported strong FY 3Q21 securities and derivatives volumes due to improving market caps and velocity. Securities value traded and average daily trading vale (ADTV) increased 50% and 24% MOM in March, respectively. Derivative volumes also improved 31% MOM to 23.2 mn contracts, reaching a new peak since July 2020; and *A Wrench Thrown Into SGX’s SPAC Plan:  The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) issued accounting guidance for SPACs, calling warrant issuance by SPACs liabilities rather than equity instruments. This could disrupt new SPAC filings, and certainly throw a wrench into SGX’s SPAC plans.

Singapore Exchange – Solid Quarter, But SPAC Setback

*Trying SPACs On For Size: On March 31, 2021, the Singapore Exchange (SGX.SP) [SGX] issued a Consultation Paper on the Proposed Listing Framework for Special Purpose Acquisition Companies (SPACs). The Consultation Paper is seeking comments on policy/rule proposals to allow SPAC listings on SGX;  *Blank Check Companies: Special Purpose Acquisition Companies (SPACs) are not new and have historically focused on the Over the Counter (OTC) pink sheet companies. SPACs are essentially known as blank check companies, essentially a shell company which raises a significant amount cash in an IPO; and*Not A Panacea: SPACs are not the panacea which will resolve SGX’s weakened revenue stream. Keep in mind that the majority of the US-listed SPACs remain below their USD 10 per share offering price and only seven have actually returned capital to investors. As the world heads toward a zero interest rate environment coupled with the giant vortex of skittish liquidity backstopped by central banks, the SPAC frenzy looks to be just the latest in a long line of unintended consequences of risk taking.

*Trying SPACs On For Size: On March 31, 2021, the Singapore Exchange (SGX.SP) [SGX] issued a Consultation Paper on the Proposed Listing Framework for Special Purpose Acquisition Companies (SPACs). The Consultation Paper is seeking comments on policy/rule proposals to allow SPAC listings on SGX;  *Blank Check Companies: Special Purpose Acquisition Companies (SPACs) are not new and have historically focused on the Over the Counter (OTC) pink sheet companies. SPACs are essentially known as blank check companies, essentially a shell company which raises a significant amount cash in an IPO; and*Not A Panacea: SPACs are not the panacea which will resolve SGX’s weakened revenue stream. Keep in mind that the majority of the US-listed SPACs remain below their USD 10 per share offering price and only seven have actually returned capital to investors. As the world heads toward a zero interest rate environment coupled with the giant vortex of skittish liquidity backstopped by central banks, the SPAC frenzy looks to be just the latest in a long line of unintended consequences of risk taking.

Singapore Exchange – Into Merlion’s Mouth

China and US Equity Analyst

Roger Xie

<ul>
<li>
<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/hong-kong-exchanges-clearing" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:490:1" rel="noopener">HKEX (388 HK)</a> share price and Hong Kong market in general have tumbled significantly after Hong Kong government revealed the proposal to increase stamp duty on stock to 13bps from 10bps for both buy and sell transaction. The change needs to be approved by the HK Legislative Council and enacted as a law for it to be effective. We believe the real impact of stamp duty is at least 6 month away. And the increase of stock stamp duty could effectively alleviate the budget pressure at Hong Kong government due to the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic. </li>
<li>HKEx serves as the only offshore gateway to China capital market. HKEx has consistently enjoyed the superior margin and profitability, given that it can charge higher trading fee rates than other bourses. Chinese companies and investors prefer HKEx as the offshore trading venue. We don't expect this dynamic will change. In our view, HKEx for Chinese ADR listing and expanding business into lucrative derivative trading would be the game changer.  Although the higher stamp duty could moderately increase trading cost, the impact on trading volume will be small. We believe the market has over-reacted in the sell-off. On the contrary, the multi-year strategic transformation of HKEx would be much larger earning driver for upside. We recommend investors to buy HKEx during the pull-back.
</li>
<li>HKEx also reported 4Q20 net income of HK$2,925mn, up 48% year-over-year. FY20 net income of HK$11,505mn is up 23% year-over-year. Both results are above investors' expectation. The beat was largely driven by investment income, partly offset by higher depreciation. HKEX (388 HK) January ADT (Average Daily Turnover) remains very strong, delivering amazing 136% year-over-year growth in the month. We forecast Securities ADT of HK$240bn in FY 21 (Hong Kong and Stock Connect Northbound) and reiterate HKEx TP HKD 550. 
</li>
</ul>



HKEX (388 HK) share price and Hong Kong market in general have tumbled significantly after Hong Kong government revealed the proposal to increase stamp duty on stock to 13bps from 10bps for both buy and sell transaction. The change needs to be approved by the HK Legislative Council and enacted as a law for it to be effective. We believe the real impact of stamp duty is at least 6 month away. And the increase of stock stamp duty could effectively alleviate the budget pressure at Hong Kong government due to the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic. 
HKEx serves as the only offshore gateway to China capital market. HKEx has consistently enjoyed the superior margin and profitability, given that it can charge higher trading fee rates than other bourses. Chinese companies and investors prefer HKEx as the offshore trading venue. We don't expect this dynamic will change. In our view, HKEx for Chinese ADR listing and expanding business into lucrative derivative trading would be the game changer.  Although the higher stamp duty could moderately increase trading cost, the impact on trading volume will be small. We believe the market has over-reacted in the sell-off. On the contrary, the multi-year strategic transformation of HKEx would be much larger earning driver for upside. We recommend investors to buy HKEx during the pull-back.

HKEx also reported 4Q20 net income of HK$2,925mn, up 48% year-over-year. FY20 net income of HK$11,505mn is up 23% year-over-year. Both results are above investors' expectation. The beat was largely driven by investment income, partly offset by higher depreciation. HKEX (388 HK) January ADT (Average Daily Turnover) remains very strong, delivering amazing 136% year-over-year growth in the month. We forecast Securities ADT of HK$240bn in FY 21 (Hong Kong and Stock Connect Northbound) and reiterate HKEx TP HKD 550. 



HKEx(388.HK): Transformational Strategy Should Offset the Higher Stamp Duty Fear

United States

CME Group Inc. operates a derivatives exchange that trades futures contracts and options on futures, interest rates, stock indexes, foreign exchange and commodities.  The Exchange brings together buyers and sellers of derivatives products on its trading floors, electronic trading platform, and through privately negotiated transactions that it clears.

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CME Group (CME US)

Hong Kong Exchange & Clearing – Making The Connection

HONG KONG EXCHANGES & CLEARING: Mainland China’s financial regulatory authorities released a consultation paper on WM Connect, an avenue to bring...

Thomas J. Monaco

Hong Kong Exchanges & Clearing – Golden Quarter, But Risks Are High

HONG KONG EXCHANGES & CLEARING: HKEX 1Q21 operating earnings increased 61.0% QOQ, highlighted by positive operating jaws. HKEX needs to contend a...

Thomas J. Monaco

Singapore Exchange – Solid Quarter, But SPAC Setback

SINGAPORE EXCHANGE: SGX reported strong securities/derivatives volumes on improving market caps/velocity. The U.S. SEC, however, issued SPAC...

Thomas J. Monaco

Singapore Exchange – Into Merlion’s Mouth

SINGAPORE EXCHANGE: SGX issued a Consultation Paper on SPACs seeking comments on policy proposals to allow SPAC IPOs. SPACs are not the panacea...

Thomas J. Monaco

HKEx(388.HK): Transformational Strategy Should Offset the Higher Stamp Duty Fear

HKEx serves as the only offshore gateway to China capital market. We believe the market has over-reacted on higher stamp duty news in the sell...

Roger Xie

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