Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing (HKEX) plans to launch the Hang Seng Biotech Index Futures next month, as offshore investors show heightened interest in mainland Chinese biopharmaceutical stocks listed in the city.
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The new futures contracts platform, which is expected to commence trading on November 28, aims to offer investors a risk management tool for “one of the fastest-growing and most dynamic sectors”, the exchange operator said on Tuesday.
Built on the Hang Seng Biotech Index, the platform will track the performance of the 30 largest Hong Kong-listed Chinese pharmaceutical and medical device companies, whose shares can be bought and sold by mainland investors through the southbound Stock Connect scheme.
“The introduction of this new futures product reinforces HKEX’s commitment to strengthening Hong Kong’s position as Asia’s leading derivatives trading and risk management centre,” said Gregory Yu, head of markets at HKEX. He expected the platform to add “breadth and diversity to meet the evolving needs of global investors”.
“Driven by innovation and strong global healthcare demand, the biotech industry is one of the most exciting frontiers in capital markets today,” Yu said.
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Beyond expanding investors’ access to the sector’s potential, the Hang Seng Biotech Index Futures reflect the city’s efforts to contribute to the development of the region’s biotech ecosystem.
