Hong Kong's stock exchange is weighing plans to lengthen the trading day, potentially eliminating the long-standing lunch break between noon and 1pm, according to sources familiar with the matter. HKEX chief executive Bonnie Chan referenced "plans to optimise trading hours" in a recent LinkedIn post, signaling openness to stakeholder dialogue. The move comes as global competitors like Nasdaq prepare for near-continuous trading, while regional rivals such as the Seoul Stock Exchange have already extended hours.
Although Tokyo, Shanghai and Shenzhen also observe midday pauses, ending Hong Kong's break would mark a significant shift from mainland Chinese practices. Some local traders view the change as overdue. David Tsang of Alliance Capital Partners called the lunch break an "antiquated practice," while Barclays' Mitul Kotecha noted it could boost liquidity.
The break has shrunk over decades—from two hours to just one in 2012—but no official consultation has been launched yet. HKEX remains committed to reviewing trading hours to enhance competitiveness. Hong Kong has already modernized market access, including ending typhoon trading halts in 2024, as it seeks to maintain its status as a global financial hub.
Source: Financial Times Markets · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing