HSI Celebrates 55th Anniversary: Driving $25 Billion in Asset Tracking

Launched on November 24, 1969, the Hang Seng Index (HSI) celebrates its 55th anniversary this year. The HSI’s influence extends beyond Hong Kong, becoming a key tool for global investors. As global interest in Chinese markets intensifies, the Hang Seng Index has gained substantial international prominence, playing a pivotal role in bridging the Chinese Mainland and international capital flows. Since the launch of HSI futures in 1986 and the first ETF in 1999, related products have gained widespread popularity. By the end of October 2024, ETPs tracking the HSI managed assets worth $25 billion, solidifying its position on the global stage. As a vital barometer of Hong Kong’s stock market, the HSI now comprises 82 constituent stocks, representing around 67% of market capitalization and 62% of trading volume. The financial sector accounts for the largest share at 33%. Over the past five decades, the index has undergone multiple reforms, expanding from 33 constituents to 82, with plans to grow to 100 to better capture market dynamics.