HKEX (00388) profit and surplus reached a record high in 2024, with a shareholder's share of surplus of HK$13.05 billion, representing a 10% year-on-year increase.

HKEX (00388) announced its performance for 2024, with revenue and other income amounting to HK$22.374 billion, a 9% increase from 2023. Profit attributable to shareholders was HK$13.05 billion, a 10% increase from 2023. Basic earnings per share were HK$10.32, and a second interim dividend of HK$4.90 per share was declared. The announcement stated that the growth in revenue and other income was driven by increased trading and settlement fees due to higher trading volumes in the spot, derivatives, and commodities markets under HKEX, as well as the increase in LME fees effective January 1, 2024. However, the decrease in net investment income from margins offset some of the gains. The spot, derivatives, Exchange Traded Products (ETP), and Stock Connect markets all set new trading records. Particularly, the spot market set new daily trading records three times at the end of September and early October 2024, following multiple stimulus measures announced in mainland China to boost the economy. Trading volume and the number of investors in Bond Connect Northbound continued to reach new highs. In 2024, Hong Kong remained one of the world's most active new listing markets, with a total of 71 new listings raising a combined total of HK$88 billion, ranking fourth globally. New listing activities significantly increased in the second half of the year due to monetary and fiscal measures announced in mainland China during this period. Trading volume on the London Metal Exchange (LME) continued to grow strongly, reflecting rising demand for base metals and increased confidence in the LME from investors. Revenue and other income for the fourth quarter of 2024 reached a record high of HK$6.381 billion, a 31% increase from the fourth quarter of 2023. Profit attributable to shareholders also reached a record high of HK$3.78 billion, a 46% increase from the fourth quarter of 2023. Basic earnings per share were HK$2.99. Group Chief Executive Officer Charles Li said, "HKEX made significant strategic progress in 2024 by implementing important initiatives to optimize market microstructure and listing mechanisms; looking ahead, announcing the launch of a multi-year platform development plan; further enriching the diversified product ecosystem; exploring emerging businesses; and enhancing interaction with international investors and issuers. Through these ongoing efforts, Hong Kong's leading international financial center position is further solidified, combined with the market rebound that began in the third quarter of last year, driving higher trading volumes, along with our continued prudent cost management, HKEX achieved record high revenue and profit for the full year of 2024. Looking ahead to 2025, geopolitical and macroeconomic trends may continue to impact global markets. However, positive signals of economic recovery have emerged, with mainland China introducing multiple stimulus policies and several major international markets cutting interest rates, injecting new vitality into Hong Kong's new listing market and secondary market. This year marks the 25th anniversary of HKEX's listing. As the core infrastructure of Hong Kong's capital market, HKEX will continue to invest in the future, continuously enhance the attractiveness and competitiveness of the Hong Kong market, and strive to maintain market prosperity and long-term sustainable development. We look forward to working hand in hand with all stakeholders to lead market development and create a better future."