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Questions and Answers
What percentage of Hong Kong's GDP is accounted for by the financial sector?
What percentage of Hong Kong's GDP is accounted for by the financial sector?
How does the financial sector in Hong Kong influence related sectors?
How does the financial sector in Hong Kong influence related sectors?
What challenge does volatility in the financial market pose to businesses in Hong Kong?
What challenge does volatility in the financial market pose to businesses in Hong Kong?
What happens in the absence of foreign exchange control in Hong Kong?
What happens in the absence of foreign exchange control in Hong Kong?
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What factor is contributing to the challenges faced by Hong Kong as an international financial center?
What factor is contributing to the challenges faced by Hong Kong as an international financial center?
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What is the primary purpose of financial markets?
What is the primary purpose of financial markets?
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How does the buy side earn profit in financial markets?
How does the buy side earn profit in financial markets?
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Which of the following is NOT a feature of an international financial centre?
Which of the following is NOT a feature of an international financial centre?
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Which financial instrument represents ownership in a company?
Which financial instrument represents ownership in a company?
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What role do investment banks play in the financial market?
What role do investment banks play in the financial market?
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What do bonds provide to investors in return for lending money?
What do bonds provide to investors in return for lending money?
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What is an example of a complex financial instrument?
What is an example of a complex financial instrument?
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How do sell-side entities typically earn profit?
How do sell-side entities typically earn profit?
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What is a disadvantage for Chinese companies considering the Hong Kong stock market?
What is a disadvantage for Chinese companies considering the Hong Kong stock market?
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Which statement is true regarding the market capitalisation of Mainland companies in Hong Kong?
Which statement is true regarding the market capitalisation of Mainland companies in Hong Kong?
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What recent initiative has been taken to enhance Hong Kong's status as a financial hub?
What recent initiative has been taken to enhance Hong Kong's status as a financial hub?
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How are Hong Kong's financial markets likely to be affected by slow economic growth in Mainland China?
How are Hong Kong's financial markets likely to be affected by slow economic growth in Mainland China?
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Which factor is mentioned as a positive attribute of Singapore as a financial market?
Which factor is mentioned as a positive attribute of Singapore as a financial market?
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What primarily indicates the maturity of a market?
What primarily indicates the maturity of a market?
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Which factor is NOT a reason for Hong Kong's development as an international financial centre?
Which factor is NOT a reason for Hong Kong's development as an international financial centre?
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How does Hong Kong facilitate investment from Mainland China?
How does Hong Kong facilitate investment from Mainland China?
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What is a characteristic of Hong Kong's currency in relation to investment?
What is a characteristic of Hong Kong's currency in relation to investment?
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Which of the following best describes the workforce in Hong Kong?
Which of the following best describes the workforce in Hong Kong?
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What legal framework supports private property rights in Hong Kong?
What legal framework supports private property rights in Hong Kong?
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Which statement best reflects the financial sector's role in Hong Kong?
Which statement best reflects the financial sector's role in Hong Kong?
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Which of the following is a major tax advantage of investing in Hong Kong?
Which of the following is a major tax advantage of investing in Hong Kong?
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Study Notes
International Financial Centre
- Finance directs savings to economic activity, allocating capital.
- Financial markets facilitate this transfer between buyers (who have funds) and sellers (who need funds).
- Key players include individual and institutional investors (e.g., mutual funds, pension funds, insurance companies, private equity) and investment banks.
- Profit for the buy side comes from buying at a low price and selling at a high price.
- Profit for the sell side comes from fees and commissions.
Financial Instruments
- Financial instruments facilitate the process of transferring funds, including shares (representing ownership), funds (pooling investor capital), bonds (debt instruments), and derivatives (complex financial instruments like options and futures).
International Financial Centre (IFC) Characteristics
- An IFC is a substantial international financial market.
- Key features include presence of investors, financial instruments, financial institutions, and financial services.
Hong Kong as an IFC
- Hong Kong has close ties with Mainland China, making it a preferred market for Mainland corporations seeking international finance (many IPOs originate there).
- It facilitates cross-border investment between Hong Kong and Mainland China through Stock Connect programs.
- Hong Kong has a time zone advantage, enabling trading during off-peak hours in other markets.
- Hong Kong has a free-flow of capital and a linked exchange rate with the U.S. Dollar, minimizing currency risks. It has no capital gains or dividend taxes.
- A well-educated and multilingual workforce supports the financial industry.
Challenges for IFCs
- Competition from other global financial markets for capital.
- Disadvantages in the market structure due to size and geopolitical considerations.
- Investors may be attracted to instruments without understanding their associated risks.
- Some markets lack mature infrastructure or well-established regulatory systems.
Strengthening Hong Kong's IFC Position
- Policy measures could include development of newer financial products (RMB bonds, Green Bonds).
- Exploring new markets (e.g., attracting Middle Eastern companies to list in Hong Kong).
- Developing a family office market.
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Description
This quiz covers the fundamentals of International Financial Centres (IFCs), including their characteristics and key players. It also explores financial instruments that facilitate capital transfer within these markets. Test your understanding of how finance drives economic activity through different financial avenues.