Hong Kong, February 28, 2026, 14:29 HKT — Market closed.
- HKEX ended Friday at HK$419, marking a 2.7% gain for the week through Feb. 27.
- Exchange operator posted an all-time high profit for 2025 and lifted its full-year dividend to HK$12.52 per share.
- Coming soon: a new slate of Hong Kong IPOs slated for early March, with the ex-dividend date landing on March 11.
Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing (0388.HK) wrapped up last week with a 2.7% gain, finishing Friday’s session at HK$419 following a 0.9% climb that day.
This is a big deal for HKEX, whose profits hinge on trading volumes and IPO activity. More action on the exchange means fatter fees, often sending the share price higher as well.
The market’s closed for the weekend, so the immediate focus turns to Monday—will that February buying interest show up again at the open? Investors aren’t stuck on the headline numbers; they’re zeroed in on what’s really trading, what’s actually making it onto the listings.
HKEX on Thursday reported a record HK$29.161 billion in 2025 revenue and other income, with profit attributable to shareholders hitting HK$17.754 billion. Headline average daily turnover rose sharply, up 90% to HK$249.84 billion. Southbound Stock Connect turnover jumped 151%. Stock Connect, which links Hong Kong and mainland Chinese markets, has seen surging activity. The exchange set its second interim dividend at HK$6.52 per share, bringing the total payout for the year to HK$12.52.
The dividend filing puts the ex-dividend date at March 11. Record holders as of March 16 will see payment go out on March 25.
Chief Executive Bonnie Y Chan took a measured view on prospects, noting, “While we expect volatility to persist … we also see cause for optimism in capital markets.” HKEX
Friday brought a slate of board moves at HKEX, with Clement Chan newly appointed and Chan Kin-por plus Herbert Chia returning. Chairman Carlson Tong called Chan’s background something that “will bring valuable perspectives”. HKEX
Exchange filings on Friday revealed four Hong Kong IPOs, together targeting as much as HK$4.9 billion ($626 million), with listings scheduled for March 9-10. “As more supply comes to market, investors will increasingly become more selective,” said Art Karoonyavanich, DBS’s global head of equity capital markets. Reuters
The risk is clear enough: souring global risk appetite or a slowdown in China-linked flows could push turnover sharply lower, slamming deal windows shut without warning. Those are the same revenue drivers behind this week’s rally in the shares.
