Hong Kong will allow trading on its exchanges during severe weather conditions and typhoons

The Hong Kong Stock Exchange has suspended trading for decades during extreme weather conditions, such as typhoons. Currently, trading on the stock exchange is halted if the Hong Kong Observatory publishes Typhoon Signal No. 8 and above.

In a move to maintain its status as a financial centre, and compete with Shanghai and Shenzhen, Hong Kong’s Chief Executive John Lee announced yesterday that it would no longer close due to the weather.

• “Currently, trading is mostly done through electronic means, and there is no reason why Hong Kong should be an exception when it comes to maintaining trading under extreme weather conditions.”

Moody’s estimates that the Hong Kong market has closed 11 times since 2018 as a result of tropical cyclones and severe storms.