Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing (HKEX) on Wednesday reported another record-breaking half-year result, with profits rising 24 percent year on year to nearly HK$10.6 billion.

That came higher than analysts' estimates of HK$10.2 billion and surpassed last year's record interim earnings of HK$8.52 billion.

Revenues and other income, meanwhile, stood at HK$16.7 billion during the January-to-June period, up 19 percent from the same period a year ago.

Core business revenues also rose 19 percent to almost HK$15.5 billion in the first half of the year, thanks to record volumes across the cash, derivatives, and commodities markets.

Speaking in a statement, the group's chief executive, Bonnie Chan, said the exceptional year-to-date results were boosted by robust market sentiment, as well as strong fundraising demand from technology and AI-related companies.

"Looking ahead, despite persistent macro and geopolitical uncertainties, the long-term opportunity for HKEX and for Hong Kong remains compelling as global capital increasingly seeks access to China’s innovation economy and Asia’s growth prospects," she said.

"Through market reforms, enhanced connectivity and the expansion of our multi-asset ecosystem, we are strengthening the competitiveness, resilience and attractiveness of our markets.

"HKEX is well positioned to connect capital with opportunity and support investors’ evolving needs, whilst reinforcing Hong Kong’s role as a leading international financial centre," she added.

Between January and June, average daily trading turnover in the cash market reached a record HK$283 billion, 18 percent higher year on year.

The city's bourse operator was ranked second globally in terms of initial public offering activities, raising a total of HK$212.4 billion, up 94 percent year on year.

The funds raised were from 87 new listings, doubling the number seen a year ago.

HKEX said it will pay an interim dividend of HK$7.43 per share, 24 percent higher than the HK$6 per share seen last year.

For the second quarter alone, profits rose 21 percent year on year to HK$5.38 billion, or about four percent higher compared to the results seen in the first quarter.

Revenues and other incomes were 18 percent higher from a year ago to nearly HK$8.5 billion between April and June, or about one percent higher on a quarterly basis.

Average daily trading turnover stood at HK$289.5 billion during the period, up 22 percent year on year, also marking a record high in terms of quarterly results.


Edited by Aaron Tam