Hong Kong Stock Exchange
HKEX brokers offer trading on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, which was established in 1891 and is one of the largest stocks and derivatives markets in both Asia and the world. There have been over 2,500 companies listed on the exchange in recent years.
This article will run through the best brokers with access to the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in 2024. We also unpack the exchange’s history and how it operates, including its structure, market opening hours and top companies. Find out how to start trading on the HKEX.
Top Hong Kong Stock Exchange Brokers
These are the 9 best brokers for trading on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange:
-
1
FOREX.comActive Trader Program With A 15% Reduction In Costs
Ratings/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5
$1000.01 Lots1:50NFA, CFTCForex, Stocks, Futures, Futures OptionsMT4, MT5, TradingView, eSignal, AutoChartist, TradingCentralWire Transfer, Credit Card, Debit Card, Visa, Mastercard, Skrill, Neteller, ACH TransferUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, CHF, PLN -
2
IGForex trading involves risk. Losses can exceed deposits.
Ratings/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5
$00.01 Lots1:30 (Retail), 1:250 (Pro)FCA, ASIC, NFA, CFTC, DFSA, BaFin, MAS, FSCA, FINMA, CONSOBCFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Futures, Options, Crypto, Spread BettingWeb, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer, MT4, AutoChartist, TradingCentralPayPal, Wire Transfer, Mastercard, Credit Card, Visa, Debit CardUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, ZAR, SEK, DKK, CHF, HKD, SGD -
3
RedMars
Ratings/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5
€2500.01 Lots1:30 (Retail), 1:500 (Pro)CySECCFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, CryptosMT5Credit Card, Wire Transfer, Debit Card, Sticpay, FasaPay, Bitcoin Payments, Trustly, PayPal, Skrill, Neteller, Klarna, Mastercard, VisaUSD, EUR -
4
MoomooGet up to 15 free stocks worth up to $2000
Ratings/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5
$0$01:2SEC, FINRA, MAS, ASIC, SFCStocks, Options, ETFs, ADRs, OTCsDesktop Platform, Mobile AppWire Transfer, ACH TransferUSD, HKD, SGD -
5
Videforex20% to 200% Deposit Bonus
$250$0.011:500Binary Options, CFDs, Forex, Indices, Commodities, CryptoTradingViewSkrill, Perfect Money, Bitcoin Payments, Neteller, Credit Card, Visa, Mastercard, Ethereum PaymentsUSD, EUR, GBP, AUD, RUB -
6
xChief$100 No Deposit Bonus
$100.01 Lots1:1000VFSCCFDs, Forex, Metals, Commodities, Stocks, IndicesMT4, MT5Wire Transfer, Bitcoin Payments, Credit Card, UnionPay, Skrill, Neteller, WebMoney, Perfect Money, Debit Card, Ethereum Payments, FasaPay, VoletUSD, EUR, GBP, JPY, CHF -
7
Plexytrade120% Cash Welcome Bonus
Ratings/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5
$500.011:2000UnregulatedCFDs, Forex, Indices, Stocks, Commodities, CryptoMT4, MT5Bitcoin Payments, Ethereum PaymentsUSD, EUR -
8
InstaTrade
Ratings/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5
$10.011:1000BVI FSCFISP, CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Cryptos, FuturesInstaTrade Gear, MT4Visa, Mastercard, Wire Transfer, Credit Card, Debit Card, Bitcoin Payments, Ethereum PaymentsUSD, EUR, RUB -
9
Coinexx100% Deposit Welcome Bonus
0.001 BTC0.01 Lots1:500Forex, Commodities, Indices, CryptocurrenciesMT4, MT5Bitcoin Payments, Ethereum PaymentsUSD
This is why we think these brokers are the best in this category:
- FOREX.com - Founded in 1999, FOREX.com is now part of StoneX, a financial services organization serving over one million customers worldwide. Regulated in the US, UK, EU, Australia and beyond, the broker offers thousands of markets, not just forex, and provides excellent pricing on cutting-edge platforms.
- IG - Founded in 1974, IG is part of IG Group Holdings Plc, a publicly traded (LSE: IGG) brokerage. The brand-US offers spread betting, CFD and forex trading across an almost unrivalled selection of 17,000+ markets, with a range of user-friendly platforms and investing apps. For 50 years, IG has maintained its position as an industry leader, excelling in all key areas for traders.
- RedMars - Launched in 2020, Cyprus-based RedMars offers competitive spreads on more than 300 instruments and leverage up to 1:500. Three accounts are available - Standard, Pro and VIP - serving a range of budgets and experience levels, with a fast and fully digital account opening process.
- Moomoo - Moomoo is an SEC-regulated app-based investment platform that offers a straightforward and affordable way to invest in Chinese, Hong Kong, Singaporean, Australian and US stocks, ETFs and other assets. Margin trading is available and the brand offers a zero-deposit account as well as several bonuses.
- Videforex - Launched in 2017, Videforex offers access to stock, index, crypto, forex and commodities markets via binary options and CFDs. The proprietary platform, mobile app and integrated copy trading are user-friendly and will suit new and casual traders, and the market analysis tools and trading contests provide good ways to improve your trading skills.
- xChief - xChief is a foreign exchange and CFD broker, established in 2014. The company is based offshore and registered with the VFSC and FMA. Users can choose between a wide selection of accounts and base currencies, making ForexChief accessible to global traders. The brand also stands out for its no deposit bonus and fee rebates for high-volume traders.
- Plexytrade - Established in 2024 and headquartered in Saint Lucia, Plexytrade is an ECN/STP broker. Geared towards active traders, it supports four account options, crypto deposits and withdrawals, plus very high leverage up to 1:2000 made possible by its unregulated status.
- InstaTrade - InstaTrade, based in the British Virgin Islands, is an online broker specializing in fixed income structured products and active trading through CFDs. Its zero-spread accounts, excellent research notably through InstaTrade TV, and access to the popular MT4 alongside its own web-accessible InstaTrade Gear, make it an attractive option for short-term traders at every level.
- Coinexx - Coinexx is an unregulated broker that provides leverage up to 1:500 on forex, commodities, indices and cryptocurrencies with deep liquidity, pure ECN spreads and negative balance protection. The broker uses crypto as base currencies and has low minimum deposit requirements of 0.001 BTC.
FOREX.com
"FOREX.com remains a best-in-class brokerage for active forex traders of all experience levels, with over 80 currency pairs, tight spreads from 0.0 pips and low commissions. The powerful charting platforms collectively offer over 100 technical indicators, as well as extensive research tools."
Christian Harris, Reviewer
FOREX.com Quick Facts
| Bonus Offer | Active Trader Program With A 15% Reduction In Costs |
|---|---|
| Demo Account | Yes |
| Instruments | Forex, Stocks, Futures, Futures Options |
| Regulator | NFA, CFTC |
| Platforms | MT4, MT5, TradingView, eSignal, AutoChartist, TradingCentral |
| Minimum Deposit | $100 |
| Minimum Trade | 0.01 Lots |
| Leverage | 1:50 |
| Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, CHF, PLN |
Stock Exchanges
FOREX.com offers trading on 14 stock exchanges:
- Australian Securities Exchange (ASX)
- Borsa Italiana
- CAC 40 Index France
- DAX GER 40 Index
- Dow Jones
- Euronext
- FTSE UK Index
- Hang Seng
- Hong Kong Stock Exchange
- IBEX 35
- Japan Exchange Group
- Nasdaq
- S&P 500
- SIX Swiss Exchange
Pros
- FOREX.com offers industry-leading forex pricing starting from 0.0 pips, alongside competitive cashback rebates of up to 15% for serious day traders.
- The in-house Web Trader continues to shine as one of the best-designed platforms for aspiring day traders with a slick design and over 80 technical indicators for market analysis.
- With over 20 years of experience, excellent regulatory oversight, and multiple accolades including runner-up in our 'Best Forex Broker' awards, FOREX.com boasts a global reputation as a trusted brokerage.
Cons
- Funding options are limited compared to leading alternatives like IC Markets and don’t include many popular e-wallets, notably UnionPay and POLi.
- Despite increasing its range of instruments, FOREX.com's product portfolio is still limited to forex and CFDs, so there are no options to invest in real stocks, real ETFs or real cryptocurrencies.
- Demo accounts are frustratingly time-limited to 90 days, which doesn’t give you enough time to test day trading strategies effectively.
IG
"IG continues to provide a comprehensive package with an intuitive web platform and best-in-class education for beginners, plus advanced charting tools, real-time data, and fast execution speeds for experienced day traders."
IG Quick Facts
| Demo Account | Yes |
|---|---|
| Instruments | CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Futures, Options, Crypto, Spread Betting |
| Regulator | FCA, ASIC, NFA, CFTC, DFSA, BaFin, MAS, FSCA, FINMA, CONSOB |
| Platforms | Web, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer, MT4, AutoChartist, TradingCentral |
| Minimum Deposit | $0 |
| Minimum Trade | 0.01 Lots |
| Leverage | 1:30 (Retail), 1:250 (Pro) |
| Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, ZAR, SEK, DKK, CHF, HKD, SGD |
Stock Exchanges
IG offers trading on 20 stock exchanges:
- Australian Securities Exchange (ASX)
- Bombay Stock Exchange
- Borsa Italiana
- Deutsche Boerse
- Dow Jones
- Euronext
- Hong Kong Stock Exchange
- IBEX 35
- Japan Exchange Group
- Korean Stock Exchange
- London Stock Exchange
- National Stock Exchange Of India
- Russell 2000
- S&P 500
- SIX Swiss Exchange
- Shanghai Stock Exchange
- Shenzhen Stock Exchange
- Tadawul
- Taiwan Stock Exchange
- Toronto Stock Exchange
Pros
- The proprietary web-based platform continues to caters to traders of all levels, with advanced charting tools and real-time market data useful for day trading
- As a well-established broker, IG operates under strict regulatory guidelines in multiple jurisdictions, maintaining a high level of trust
- IG offers an extensive collection of professional and engaging educational resources, including webinars, articles, and analysis
Cons
- Stock and CFD spreads still trail the cheapest brokers like CMC Markets based on tests
- IG applies an inactivity fee of $12 per month after 2 years, deterring casual investors
- While there is negative balance protection in the UK and EU, there is no account protection or guaranteed stop losses for US clients
RedMars
"RedMars is the best fit for experienced day traders familiar with the MetaTrader 5 platform and based in the EU, where the broker is authorized by the CySEC. However, the threadbare education and research tools make it unsuitable for beginners."
RedMars Quick Facts
| Demo Account | Yes |
|---|---|
| Instruments | CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Cryptos |
| Regulator | CySEC |
| Platforms | MT5 |
| Minimum Deposit | €250 |
| Minimum Trade | 0.01 Lots |
| Leverage | 1:30 (Retail), 1:500 (Pro) |
| Account Currencies | USD, EUR |
Stock Exchanges
RedMars offers trading on 15 stock exchanges:
- Australian Securities Exchange (ASX)
- CAC 40 Index France
- DAX GER 40 Index
- Dow Jones
- Euronext
- Hong Kong Stock Exchange
- IBEX 35
- Japan Exchange Group
- London Stock Exchange
- Nasdaq
- National Stock Exchange Of India
- New York Stock Exchange
- S&P 500
- Shanghai Stock Exchange
- Shenzhen Stock Exchange
Pros
- The broker is one of a limited number of firms to offer an account specially designed for VIPs with premium support and invites to exclusive events
- Clients in the EU, in particular, can trade with peace of mind knowing RedMars is authorized by the CySEC with up to €20K compensation available through the ICF in the event of bankruptcy
- The broker supports a range of flexible payment methods, including wire transfers, credit cards, e-wallets, and notably cryptocurrencies
Cons
- With just 300 instruments, RedMars offers a narrow trading environment, particularly compared to category leaders like BlackBull Markets which offers 26,000 assets
- The no-frills trading environment offers little beyond the basics, with no Islamic account, PAMM account or copy trading.
- RedMars falls short for newer traders, with little in the way of education, no beginner-friendly platform, a steep minimum deposit, and inadequate support during testing
Moomoo
"Moomoo remains an excellent choice for new and intermediate stock traders who want to build a diverse investment portfolio. What really stands out is the broker's user-friendly app and the low trading fees."
Moomoo Quick Facts
| Bonus Offer | Get up to 15 free stocks worth up to $2000 |
|---|---|
| Demo Account | Yes |
| Instruments | Stocks, Options, ETFs, ADRs, OTCs |
| Regulator | SEC, FINRA, MAS, ASIC, SFC |
| Platforms | Desktop Platform, Mobile App |
| Minimum Deposit | $0 |
| Minimum Trade | $0 |
| Leverage | 1:2 |
| Account Currencies | USD, HKD, SGD |
Stock Exchanges
Moomoo offers trading on 5 stock exchanges:
- Australian Securities Exchange (ASX)
- Chicago Mercantile Exchange
- Hong Kong Stock Exchange
- Nasdaq
- New York Stock Exchange
Pros
- The broker offers access to extended pre-market trading hours
- The ‘Moomoo Token’ generates dynamic passwords for transaction security - a unique and helpful safety feature
- It is reassuring that Moomoo holds licenses with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), among others
Cons
- There is no negative balance protection, which is a common safety feature at top-tier-regulated brokers
- There is no phone or live chat support - common options at most other brokers
- It's a shame that there is no 2 factor authentication (2FA), despite the other security features on offer
Videforex
"Newer traders will find a lot to enjoy about trading binary options on Videforex's easy-to-use proprietary platform, as well as the broker's copy trading solution. Payouts also remain higher than most alternatives climbing to 98%."
Videforex Quick Facts
| Bonus Offer | 20% to 200% Deposit Bonus |
|---|---|
| Demo Account | Yes |
| Instruments | Binary Options, CFDs, Forex, Indices, Commodities, Crypto |
| Platforms | TradingView |
| Minimum Deposit | $250 |
| Minimum Trade | $0.01 |
| Leverage | 1:500 |
| Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, AUD, RUB |
Stock Exchanges
Videforex offers trading on 7 stock exchanges:
- Dow Jones
- FTSE UK Index
- Hong Kong Stock Exchange
- IBEX 35
- Nasdaq
- S&P 500
- SIX Swiss Exchange
Pros
- Videforex allows you to enter positions with just ¢0.01
- Traders can earn up to 98% payouts on 100+ assets with the broker’s binary options, which is in line with competing brands like IQCent
- Global clients can make free and fast transfers via a wide range of payment types, from credit cards to cryptocurrencies
Cons
- US clients aren’t accepted due to legal restrictions
- The broker isn’t overseen by a trusted regulatory agency
- No MetaTrader 4 integration
xChief
"xChief continues to prove popular with investors looking to trade highly leveraged CFDs on the popular MetaTrader platforms. The broker's rebate scheme and investment accounts will particularly appeal to seasoned traders. However, the lack of top-tier regulatory oversight is a major drawback."
xChief Quick Facts
| Bonus Offer | $100 No Deposit Bonus |
|---|---|
| Demo Account | Yes |
| Instruments | CFDs, Forex, Metals, Commodities, Stocks, Indices |
| Regulator | VFSC |
| Platforms | MT4, MT5 |
| Minimum Deposit | $10 |
| Minimum Trade | 0.01 Lots |
| Leverage | 1:1000 |
| Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, JPY, CHF |
Stock Exchanges
xChief offers trading on 14 stock exchanges:
- Australian Securities Exchange (ASX)
- CAC 40 Index France
- DAX GER 40 Index
- Deutsche Boerse
- Dow Jones
- Euronext
- FTSE UK Index
- Hang Seng
- Hong Kong Stock Exchange
- IBEX 35
- Japan Exchange Group
- Nasdaq
- New York Stock Exchange
- S&P 500
Pros
- Traders can access a copy trading solution via the MetaQuotes Signals service
- xChief delivers a high-quality day trading environment via the MT4 and MT5 platforms, with market-leading charts, indicators and tools
- xChief offers STP/ECN execution with low spreads from 0.0 pips and low commission rates starting from $2.50 per side
Cons
- The total range of 150+ assets is much lower than most competitors who typically offer hundreds
- xChief is an offshore broker with weak regulatory oversight from the VFSC, so traders will receive limited safeguards
- The Classic+ and Cent accounts provide access to fewer instruments than the other account types, at 50+ and 35+, respectively
Plexytrade
"Plexytrade is a newcomer in the brokerage scene with attention-grabbing features like 1:2000 leverage, zero spreads on select instruments and fast execution speeds of less than 46 milliseconds. However, the absence of regulation is a significant concern, while the non-existent research and educational tools place it far behind industry frontrunners."
Plexytrade Quick Facts
| Bonus Offer | 120% Cash Welcome Bonus |
|---|---|
| Demo Account | Yes |
| Instruments | CFDs, Forex, Indices, Stocks, Commodities, Crypto |
| Regulator | Unregulated |
| Platforms | MT4, MT5 |
| Minimum Deposit | $50 |
| Minimum Trade | 0.01 |
| Leverage | 1:2000 |
| Account Currencies | USD, EUR |
Stock Exchanges
Plexytrade offers trading on 15 stock exchanges:
- Australian Securities Exchange (ASX)
- CAC 40 Index France
- DAX GER 40 Index
- Dow Jones
- Euronext
- FTSE UK Index
- Hang Seng
- Hong Kong Stock Exchange
- IBEX 35
- Japan Exchange Group
- Nasdaq
- New York Stock Exchange
- Russell 2000
- S&P 500
- SIX Swiss Exchange
Pros
- Despite lacking regulation, Plexytrade provides negative balance protection and reinforces safety protocols by holding client funds in segregated accounts.
- US residents are accepted as clients, distinguishing Plexytrade as one of the rare offshore brokers that cater to US-based traders.
- There are various VPS packages starting from $50 per month, but they become complimentary once specific deposit thresholds are reached.
Cons
- There are no research and educational materials, falling short of alternatives like IG, while access to the economic calendar is restricted to clients with balances of $500.
- There are no social or copy trading features for inexperienced traders to replicate the trades of more experienced investors, trailing category leaders like eToro.
- With around 100 instruments, Plexytrade restricts the flexibility of investors who prefer to trade across various assets, especially compared to Blackbull with its 26,000 securities.
InstaTrade
"Although InstaTrade offers active trading on a comprehensive platform, it stands out with its fairly unique Fixed Income Structured Product (FISP), providing passive investment opportunities with up to 50% returns in 6 months if conditions are met. "
InstaTrade Quick Facts
| Demo Account | Yes |
|---|---|
| Instruments | FISP, CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Cryptos, Futures |
| Regulator | BVI FSC |
| Platforms | InstaTrade Gear, MT4 |
| Minimum Deposit | $1 |
| Minimum Trade | 0.01 |
| Leverage | 1:1000 |
| Account Currencies | USD, EUR, RUB |
Stock Exchanges
InstaTrade offers trading on 12 stock exchanges:
- Australian Securities Exchange (ASX)
- CAC 40 Index France
- DAX GER 40 Index
- Dow Jones
- Euronext
- FTSE UK Index
- Hong Kong Stock Exchange
- IBEX 35
- Japan Exchange Group
- Nasdaq
- S&P 500
- SIX Swiss Exchange
Pros
- InstaTrade claims to "guarantee" returns through the structured element of its passive trading solution (FISP), with applications approved within 24 hours.
- InstaTrade delivers an excellent suite of charting tools for day traders with its web trader comprising 250+ indicators, 11 chart types and a user-friendly design.
- Despite an average investment offering of around 300 assets, InstaTrade offers a particularly strong suite of currency pairs, catering to advanced traders seeking opportunities in volatile exotics.
Cons
- InstaTrade’s growing educational tools provide valuable information for aspiring traders, but still trail category leaders like eToro with no structured course based on experience level.
- InstaTrade is registered in the offshore jurisdiction of the British Virgin Islands, resulting in limited regulatory safeguards for retail investors.
- InstaTrade sports one of the most cluttered websites and client cabinets in the industry, potentially overwhelming new traders, especially compared to XTB’s intuitive trading journey and resources.
Coinexx
"Traders seeking highly leveraged CFDs with a broker that uses crypto as a base account currency will find a good match in Coinexx. The ECN model also offer tight spreads from 0 pips. On the downside, traders should note the weak regulatory oversight."
Tobias Robinson, Reviewer
Coinexx Quick Facts
| Bonus Offer | 100% Deposit Welcome Bonus |
|---|---|
| Demo Account | Yes |
| Instruments | Forex, Commodities, Indices, Cryptocurrencies |
| Platforms | MT4, MT5 |
| Minimum Deposit | 0.001 BTC |
| Minimum Trade | 0.01 Lots |
| Leverage | 1:500 |
| Account Currencies | USD |
Stock Exchanges
Coinexx offers trading on 5 stock exchanges:
- DAX GER 40 Index
- Dow Jones
- FTSE UK Index
- Hong Kong Stock Exchange
- S&P 500
Pros
- Very high leverage up to 1:500
- MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 integration
- 100% deposit bonus for new clients
Cons
- No copy trading service for aspiring investors
- No regulatory oversight reduces safety
- No fiat account funding options - crypto only
How To Compare HKEX Brokers
Before you can start investing on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, you need to choose from the list of available HKEX brokers. Below we outline some of the key considerations when comparing brokers with access to the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.
Fees
One of the first things to look at in the search for the best HKEX brokers is trading fees. FxPro operates a no-dealing-desk model, meaning orders are executed with zero intervention, directly through top-tier liquidity providers. This means fewer costly commission charges and access to the best bid and ask prices.
HKEX brokers may also have additional costs such as exchange data subscriptions, account maintenance charges, and sometimes costly currency conversion fees.
Customer Service
Another key comparison between HKEX brokers is the customer service offering. The best brokers with access to the Hong Kong Stock Exchange will provide support during market opening hours at a minimum. Top-ranked HKEX brokers will have help available 24/7. Pepperstone is a good example, offering toll-free telephone helplines 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Whether it be an email address, international telephone number or live chat services, you need a responsive and reliable support hub, particularly if you run into account or platform glitches. Remember to consider multilingual services as well if you will need to speak to someone in your native language.
Platforms
The best HKEX brokers will offer industry-recognized platforms such as MetaTrader 4 or TradingView. With that said, proprietary software and bespoke tools are also important to consider, as brokers may provide incentives for use or offer better HKEX market data, for example.
Mobile app compatibility may also be important if you are planning to trade on the go. You will need full account management and customizable charts/graphs with zoom and scroll functionality for smaller screens. Historical data, technical indicators and correlation with other global indices would be good to see too.
Also look out for HKEX brokers that offer demo account services. Here you can practice trading the exchange risk-free and get to grips with the available price data, platform features and analysis tools.
What Is The Hong Kong Stock Exchange?
The Hong Kong Stock Exchange, or HKEX, is an exchange in the Hong Kong SAR (Special Administrative Region). With a market capitalization of USD 6.81 trillion (that’s HKD 52.96 trillion in the native currency) following its last annual report, it is currently ranking in the top 5 stock markets around the world. The HKEX has a monthly trading volume of USD 182 trillion and an average daily volume of USD 6.067 trillion.
The number of listed companies on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange has grown to over 2,500 in recent years, greater than either of its mainland Chinese counterparts. It is one of the fastest-growing stock exchanges in the world and, as recently as 2008, it only had 1,200 listed companies.
History
The HKEX trading centre and Hong Kong securities markets can be traced back as far as 1866 but it was formally established in 1891 when the Association of Stockbrokers in Hong Kong was set up. In 1914, the name was changed to the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.
Until 1921, membership of the exchange was characterized by non-Chinese people. In 1921, the Hong Kong Stockbrokers’ association was formed. This was an all-Chinese stock market. The two continued separately until the end of World War II when they were merged.
Spurred on by the rapid growth of Hong Kong’s economy, new exchanges were born. By 1972, Hong Kong had four separate stock exchanges that were fit for operational procedures. There were many calls for a unified stock exchange and 1980 saw the formation of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited, with trading commencing in 1986.
Following the market crash in 1987, significant regulatory and infrastructural changes were put in place. In 1989, the Hong Kong Securities Clearing Company was created to implement a central clearing and settlement system for securities transactions.
In 2000, the Hong Kong Securities Clearing Company and Hong Kong Futures Exchange were merged to form a new holding company, the Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEX).
Structure
Now, the main members of the board of HKEX are the CEO Nicolas Aguzin and the chairman Laura Cha.
The main regulatory board for the Hong Stock Exchange (HKEX) is the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC). The primary role of the regulator is to implement any legislation and protect investors. It has four operational units:
- Enforcement Division: This HKEX division focuses on investor protection. It ensures market integrity is upheld through surveillance and enforcement.
- Corporate Finance Division: This department oversees all listing and cash trading procedures, controls stock exchange listing activities and oversees the administration of security legislation.
- Supervision of Market Division: This division both monitors and supervises clearinghouses and stock exchange activities.
- Intermediaries and Investment Products Division: These define authorization requirements for the financial integrity of listed intermediaries.
Indices
Hang Seng Index
The main index for the HKEX market is the Hang Seng Index, compiled of the top 50 companies listed on the exchange. These 50 companies represent around 58% of the entire market capitalization of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. This is the most common index, and typically the one you will find listed across many international HKEX brokers.
It is a capitalization-weighted index, which means the components are weighted according to the total market value of their outstanding shares.
Other Indices
There are a few other indices of note that relate to the HKEX and these can provide exciting opportunities via brokers with access to the Hong Stock Exchange:
- FTSE China 50 Index – The top 50 H-Shares, P Chips, and Red Chips on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKEX)
- FTSE China A-H 50 Index – The top 50 A-Shares and H-Shares on the Hong Kong, Shanghai and Shenzhen Exchanges
- Hang Seng China Enterprises Index – The top 50 H-Shares on the Hong Kong Stock Market
- Hang Seng China-Affiliated Corporations Index – The top 25 Red Chips on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange
Listing Requirements
Keen news followers may have noticed some recent announcements by HKEX regarding updates to the rules for listing new companies. From January 2022, any company seeking to be listed on the main board is now required to have earned at least HKD 80 million (USD 10.3 million) in combined profits in the three years before listing. This is a 60% increase from the previous requirement.
The Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKEX) has a Growth Enterprise Market (GEM). This market allows companies that do not meet the profitability requirements of the main board to be posted as an IPO with a warning to investors that they do not meet the requirements.
Rules
Don’t have time to read chapter 5 and beyond of the HKEX rules? Fear not, we have a summary of the relevant rules for stocks and futures so that you know your rights and can focus on your daily investments via HKEX brokers.
The Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKEX) has a T+0 rule. This means that stocks can be bought and sold in real-time, without needing to wait a day. This is great for short-term economics as historical graphs, charts, prices and data show that the live prices of both indices and stocks can fluctuate heavily within hours. Real-time live quotes combined with no limits on timings mean investors can buy or sell shares within hours as the price changes and potentially make a profit.
Moreover, there is no price limit on the HKEX. There is no limit to the rising and falling of stock and index prices on the market. Keen traders will notice that this greatly increases the opportunities for participants and members. Obviously, the risk is also increased.
Market Hours
HKEX trading hours are Monday to Friday for 5 hours and 30 minutes. The weekend consists of two non-investment days for the market. This is reflected across all HKEX brokers that offer investment opportunities on the exchange.
The morning session for the Hong Kong Stock Exchange runs from 09:30 to 12:00 HKST (that’s GMT+8 for UK traders). There is then a suspension of trading between 12:00 and 13:00 HKST for a scheduled lunch break. Following this, the afternoon period begins and the market is live from 13:00 HKST to the closing time of 16:00 HKST. The Hong Kong Stock Exchange does not have any night-time trading hours for ETFs, stocks, bonds or futures.
The Hong Kong Stock Exchange does have extended and after hours sessions for securities and stocks. There is a pre-market session between 09:00 and 09:30 HKST and an extended morning session from 12:00 to 13:00 HKST.
The opening hours of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange markets can be affected by natural events such as typhoons. In the event of a typhoon or rainstorm warning, operating hours will not begin until at least two hours have passed since the discontinuation of the warning. This can significantly impact the working hours of the exchange. If the warning has not ceased by 12:00 HKST, there will be no investment opportunities that day. Keep an eye on your HKEX brokers’ published calendar for live market changes.
Holidays
The HKEX trading calendar and holiday schedule is busy with closures and half-trading days. The dates that these fall on vary each year, so don’t look at last year’s calendar to see when the public holidays will be in 2024. HKEX brokers will reflect all open and closed investment days within their integrated calendars.
In total, the Hong Kong Stock Exchange was closed for thirteen days in 2021, with three half-trading days. If the market is closed today, there are plenty of other options with full hours within the year.
The list below details the typical market opening hours taking into consideration different holidays or notable dates in 2024 such as the Chinese New Year, Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, so you don’t need to find a calendar pdf to see if HKEX trading is open today:
- New Year’s Day – January 1st – Closed
- Chinese New Year – February 11th – Half-Day, 09:30 to 12:00 HKST
- Chinese New Year – February 12th and 15th – Closed
- Good Friday – April 2nd – Closed
- Qingming Festival – April 5th – Closed
- Easter – April 6th – Closed
- National Day – May 19th – Closed
- Dragon Boat Festival – June 14th – Closed
- National Days – September 21st, October 1st, and October 14th – Closed
- Christmas Eve – December 24th – Half-Day, 09:30 to 12:00 HKST
- Christmas – December 27th – Closed
- New Year’s Eve – December 31st – Half-Day, 09:30 to 12:00 HKST
Northbound HKEX trading (investing in mainland-listed stocks) is only permitted when the Shanghai and Shenzhen markets are open. For the northbound calendar, refer to the Shanghai and Shenzhen calendars.
Top Companies / Biggest Players
So, who are the biggest players in the HKEX markets and which company has the largest market capitalization? We have compiled the top 5 listed companies with their market capitalization below:
- AIA – HKD 6.764 trillion
- Tencent Holdings – HKD 4.114 trillion
- Industrial and Commercial Bank of China – HKD 2.878 trillion
- China Construction Bank – HKD 2.167 trillion
- Bank of China – HKD 1.803 trillion
Head to the official index for the top stocks by market cap, along with any new additions. Many of the best HKEX brokers also offer detailed insights into leading stocks, along with key financial metrics to aid investment decisions.
Why You Should Trade On The HKEX
While you won’t find many of the most popular US companies listed on the HKEX trading centre like Gamestop and Nio, it does have an interesting market with some exciting stocks. There are many popular stocks available on the market that you will find through registered brokers, such as Alibaba (NASDAQ stock code: BABA), Xiaomi, JD.com Inc, Kuaishou and L’Occitane.
HKEX investing also gives access to the mainland markets in China, which are not always open to foreign investment. Through the Hong Kong market, you can start investing in these Chinese stocks via registered brokers in parallel with the more well-known stocks on the Hong Kong Exchange.
How To Start Trading On The HKEX
So, you have arrived at the address of the HKEX centre, entered the building and you are on the trading floor waiting to get started (figuratively of course). This guide will help you start investing on the market from abroad via HKEX brokers:
- Open And Fund An Account: Once you have decided on HKEX brokers, start an application with one and register for membership. When you have filled out any trading arrangement forms required, you will need to deposit funds to trade on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. Some HKEX brokers will have a minimum deposit amount, while others may not. Watch out for currency conversions as these can add up.
- Get A Platform: With an account set up and funded, you need to find a platform, such as Metatrader 4 or Orion, that is supported by your broker to trade on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. Some platforms are web-based, while others can be downloaded as an app on your desktop or mobile. Get to know your chosen platform, its layout and how it works.
- Research And Buy Stock: Now you are all set up to buy stock on the HKEX markets. Research the daily trading values and past trends, investigate any past trading halt announcements, maybe read the prospectuses or check the logos and symbols of different companies. Check what you need, get ready and open your position.
Terminology
It is important to know what different investing terminology means and what you can and cannot do when it comes to investing on the HKEX. Other than standard trades where you directly buy and sell a stock, there are a few other mechanisms to know about. For those investment styles that are permitted on the exchange, look out for HKEX brokers that support these approaches if they are important to your strategy.
Lots
When people refer to trading lots on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKEX), they are talking about the minimum trading unit (i.e. 1 lot). 1 lot could be 100 shares, 500 shares, 1000 shares, etc., depending on the stock price.
Odd Lots
Odd lot HKEX trading simply means that someone’s holdings in a specific stock are less than one lot. This is often referred to by brokers as fractional stocks/shares.
Block Trading
The Hong Kong Stock Exchange features a block trade facility. Block trades comprise large orders that are negotiated privately, away from the public auction trading market. Orders of this size generally have a price range that is dependent on when they are filled and they can have a big impact on the market.
Block trade aggregation means the orders cannot be separated into individual orders. These orders are usually completed by trading businesses due to the amount of capital required.
Options Trading
Options trading is allowed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. Essentially, an option is a contract linked to an asset such as a stock. The contract gives you the right to trade a set volume of stock at a predefined price some time in the future, making you a trading right holder. However, you don’t have to buy the stock under the pre-defined rules if you don’t want to.
Margin Trading
Whether you can use margin investing on the exchange will depend on HKEX brokers. Simply put, margin trading allows you to borrow funds from brokers with access to the Hong Kong Stock Exchange so that you can put more capital down. This increases potential profits but also increases the risk of losses.
Wash Trading
Wash trading is illegal on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange and most other stock exchanges. It is a form of market manipulation in which an investor simultaneously buys and sells the same stock or financial instrument through different HKEX brokers to create misleading activities in the marketplace.
Insider Trading
This is another form of investing that is illegal on the HKEX and other exchanges. Insider trading refers to someone either being directly connected to a company or knowing someone who is buying or selling stocks based on information that is not yet publicly known, saving them losses or making a profit in the process.
Cross Trading
Cross trading is not permitted on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. A cross trade is a financial practice where buy and sell orders for the same stock or asset are offset without being recorded as a trade on the exchange, without disclosure.
Algorithmic Trading
Algorithmic (algo) investing is allowed on the HKEX markets. It is a method of automated trading where a computer program or API makes trades according to pre-programmed instructions and signals. This form of investing can be risky as it limits your manual input so we would only recommend it for experienced traders.
Look out for HKEX brokers that offer this service plus other auto services such as copy trading.
Tips For HKEX Trading
History Can Repeat Itself
While it doesn’t always happen this way, historical data, statistics and trends can indicate the future movement of a stock or asset on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. Look up historical charts and graphs on TradingView or via your HKEX brokers’ platform data for any company you are thinking of investing in.
Read The News
Staying up-to-date on the latest company announcements and financial news is key to investing on the HKEX. Announcements lead to status and value changes for companies and they could see stock prices enter a new phase. The best brokers that support trading on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange will integrate live-news streams including the latest financial projections for key companies within their platform interface.
Demo Accounts
If the HKEX brokers you are reviewing offer one, a demo account is a great way to practice speculating before staking actual money. They allow you to perfect your strategies and get a feel for the platform you have chosen. This way, by the time you start the real job on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, you will be well versed in the different occurrences and tools at your disposal.
Final Word On HKEX Brokers
HKEX brokers offer access to one of the largest stock exchanges in the world. The Hong Kong Stock Exchange has an extremely high market capitalization and equally high investing volume, making it an exciting place for traders to invest. Experienced traders could see this market as an opportunity to diversify their portfolios and invest in some of the biggest companies in the world, many of which are not available on western exchanges. Follow the tips above, compare HKEX brokers before opening a live account, and keep an eye on the market opening hours and calendar before you start investing today.
See our table of the best brokers with access to the Hong Kong Stock Exchange to get started.
FAQs
Can I Invest In The Hong Kong Stock Exchange From The UK?
Yes, you can invest in the HKEX from the UK. In fact, it is easier than its Chinese counterparts, just register with online HKEX brokers that allows investments in Hong Kong and get started.
What Is The Best Stock To Buy On The Hong Kong Stock Exchange?
There is no simple answer or ‘best’ stock. Refer to the top five companies listed before, these usually have the highest trading volume and liquidity and so may be a good place to start. However, other stocks and financial instruments may better suit certain strategies. The best brokers that offer access to HKEX will publish key financial metrics and the latest updates for the biggest companies listed on the exchange, which can help with your investment decisions.
Is HKEX Open Today?
The exchange is closed thirteen days of the year and operates a half-day on three others. Refer to our calendar to see if the exchange is open today or view your HKEX brokers’ integrated calendar.
Is The HKEX Worth Investing In?
HKEX brokers provide access to one of the top five largest exchanges in the world and offers a great chance to diversify your portfolio with Chinese stocks.
When Is The Best Time To Trade On The HKEX Via Online Brokers?
The HKEX is only open for five and a half hours each day, Monday to Friday. Any time within this short window will offer a high trading volume and liquidity.