Stock Exchange Markets in Hong Kong: Structure and Main Problems

With reference to a previous analysis of the characteristics and morphology of the stock markets of Mainland China (Shanghai and Shenzhen), the study aims at completing the overview of the main Asian stock exchanges (excluding Japan), by examining the Hong Kong stock exchange. After a review of the main literature, the paper considers the historical-legislative process that has defined the current organizational-functional structure of the market. The analysis also shows the main statistical data of the market (number of listed companies, trading volume, performance of the main indices, etc.). For every considered phenomenon, the study suggests plausible explanations. The paper also provides further considerations about the main issues of the market, through a comparison with the stock exchanges of Mainland China.