HKEX to offer MSCI Asia ex-Japan index futures from June 11

HONG KONG - Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEX) plans to introduce MSCI All Country (AC) Asia ex Japan Net Total Return Index (MSCI AxJ) Futures, the first regional stock index futures contract for HKEX, from June 11, pending regulatory approval.

HKEX’s MSCI AxJ Futures will be first futures contract linked to this index that is traded on an exchange in Asia.

The MSCI AC Asia ex Japan index is an established benchmark that tracks the performance of 11 Asian equity markets and includes Hong Kong- and US-listed Mainland enterprises.  The net total return feature incorporates net dividends after taxes.

There are 11 Exchange Traded Funds linked to the MSCI AxJ, one of which is listed in Hong Kong.

“MSCI’s All Country Asia ex Japan index is a key benchmark for the world’s asset managers and we look forward to being the first exchange in Asia to offer MSCI AxJ futures,” said Li Gang, HKEX’s Co-head of Market Development.

“Our MSCI AxJ Futures will be supported by liquidity providers to allow fund managers and other investors to get Asian equity exposure quickly and efficiently for risk management or other purposes.

“This product builds on our mission to extend and deepen our value proposition by offering equity and FICC (fixed income, currency and commodities) products with Mainland and international relevance.”  www.hkex.com.hk (ATI).