American media: Hong Kong Stock Exchange may cancel the midday break for Hong Kong stocks.

Bloomberg recently quoted sources as saying that the Hong Kong Stock Exchange is considering extending trading hours in order to further align with most global markets. One proposal includes canceling the lunch break. According to Hong Kong media reports on the 21st, sources said that the Hong Kong Stock Exchange recently communicated these plans to major brokers and trading companies. One suggestion is to advance the stock market opening time by 30 minutes to 9 am and cancel the current 1-hour lunch break starting from 12 pm. Sources added that the Hong Kong Stock Exchange is also considering adding an evening trading session to capture trading activities in the early hours of the US market, possibly from 8 pm to midnight. However, the closing time at 4 pm will remain unchanged to allow time for clearing and settlement. Sources said that the Hong Kong Stock Exchange hopes to stimulate trading volume for investors who hold both American Depositary Receipts and shares in Hong Kong. In response to the reports, the Hong Kong Stock Exchange stated that they are committed to enhancing Hong Kong's competitiveness as an international financial center and are reviewing various opportunities to improve market access, including adjusting trading hours. However, they emphasized that their primary focus is on the proposed extension of trading hours for the derivatives market, which still requires further market consultation and regulatory approval. The spokesperson also noted that any potential adjustment to the trading hours of the spot market is still in the very early stages of consideration.