Alpha-Centric ESG Research

Kyle Rudden

In a recently published report (<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/cop26-u-n-climate-conference-to-address-mitigation-financing-and-carbon-pricing" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:59779" rel="noopener">COP26: U.N. Climate Conference to Address Mitigation, Financing, and Carbon Pricing</a>) I mentioned how the COP26 international climate conference (31 October to 12 November) will have far-reaching implications for global capital markets and investing.That Insight was largely about the COP26 conference itself – background, objectives, three critical agenda items with trillions of dollars at stake, and that will influence global financial markets from today (headlines coming out of the conference) through the end of this century.That report was necessary context for this Insight and others that will follow; successively deeper dives into country-specific climate action plans, and investment themes and trading ideas around the COP26 conference and climate change in general. This is the first of those follow-up reports.Herein, I present a brief overview of investment themes and angles directly linked to the three key COP26 agenda items: 1) mitigation of global warming, 2) climate finance, and 3) the development of international carbon markets and pricing mechanisms. Themes and subthemes such as:<ul>
<li>
Climate Transition: "Green" utilities, renewable energy, cleantech, electric vehicles and other areas of smart mobility, green buildings, and related. The "buy solar, sell coal" kinds of stuff.</li>
<li>
Climate Financing: Financial sector stocks poised to benefit from climate change mitigation, reduced risk from portfolio debarbonisation, and new inflows into sustainable/ESG funds.</li>
<li>
Carbon Markets: Pure-play (or close thereto) carbon capture and storage/sequestration (CCS) stocks, plus a few financial sector overlaps (e.g., related to carbon markets, futures, etc.)</li>
</ul>

In a recently published report (COP26: U.N. Climate Conference to Address Mitigation, Financing, and Carbon Pricing) I mentioned how the COP26 international climate conference (31 October to 12 November) will have far-reaching implications for global capital markets and investing.That Insight was largely about the COP26 conference itself – background, objectives, three critical agenda items with trillions of dollars at stake, and that will influence global financial markets from today (headlines coming out of the conference) through the end of this century.That report was necessary context for this Insight and others that will follow; successively deeper dives into country-specific climate action plans, and investment themes and trading ideas around the COP26 conference and climate change in general. This is the first of those follow-up reports.Herein, I present a brief overview of investment themes and angles directly linked to the three key COP26 agenda items: 1) mitigation of global warming, 2) climate finance, and 3) the development of international carbon markets and pricing mechanisms. Themes and subthemes such as:

Climate Transition: "Green" utilities, renewable energy, cleantech, electric vehicles and other areas of smart mobility, green buildings, and related. The "buy solar, sell coal" kinds of stuff.

Climate Financing: Financial sector stocks poised to benefit from climate change mitigation, reduced risk from portfolio debarbonisation, and new inflows into sustainable/ESG funds.

Carbon Markets: Pure-play (or close thereto) carbon capture and storage/sequestration (CCS) stocks, plus a few financial sector overlaps (e.g., related to carbon markets, futures, etc.)


COP26: An Overview of Investment Themes and Catalysts Related to COP26 Conference

Silver Point

Thomas J. Monaco

Independent Insight Provider

Silver Point is a boutique research firm that focuses on the broader financial services sector, with a particular focus on troubled institutions globally. 

Asia Ex Japan

Equity Bottom-Up

*Strong Revenue, Controlled Costs: Hong Kong Exchanges &amp; Clearing (388.HK) [HKEx] reported a strong set of 3Q21 earnings at HKD 3.3 bn, improving HKD 481 mn (17.4%) linked quarter. Results were highlighted by HKEx’ marginally positive operating jaws, as recurring revenue improved HKD 550 mn (12.1%) while overall operating expenses declined nominally (under 0.1%) to HKD 1.5 mn over the period; and*A50, A New Avenue Of Growth: On October 18, 2021, HKEx successfully launched the MSCI China A50 Connect (HK A50), which is predicated on the new MSCI A50 Index. HKEx has a very broad range of liquid Hong Kong-China linked products, with the new A50 contract being linked to the northbound Stock Connect – on top of a better fee offering.

*Strong Revenue, Controlled Costs: Hong Kong Exchanges &amp; Clearing (388.HK) [HKEx] reported a strong set of 3Q21 earnings at HKD 3.3 bn, improving HKD 481 mn (17.4%) linked quarter. Results were highlighted by HKEx’ marginally positive operating jaws, as recurring revenue improved HKD 550 mn (12.1%) while overall operating expenses declined nominally (under 0.1%) to HKD 1.5 mn over the period; and*A50, A New Avenue Of Growth: On October 18, 2021, HKEx successfully launched the MSCI China A50 Connect (HK A50), which is predicated on the new MSCI A50 Index. HKEx has a very broad range of liquid Hong Kong-China linked products, with the new A50 contract being linked to the northbound Stock Connect – on top of a better fee offering. 

Hong Kong Exchanges & Clearing – Solid Result Even Prior To A50

*A50 Challenges From HKEx: On October 18, 2021, the Hong Kong Exchange &amp; Clearing (388.HK) [HKEx] successfully launched the MSCI China A50 Connect (HK A50), which is predicated on the new MSCI A50 Index. Unfortunately, this new product will be in direct competition with Singapore Exchange’s (SGX.SP) [SGX]  FTSE A50 contract, which represents approximately 10% of company revenue or close to 20% of PBT.  HKEx has a very broad range of liquid Hong Kong-China linked products, with the new A50 contract being linked to the northbound Stock Connect – on top of a better fee offering; and*Time For Massive Strategic Move: As SGX needs to contend with a greater than expected impact from the earlier-than-expected launch of HKEX's MSCI China A50 index futures – on top of weaker equity volumes and fees, it continues to do numerous tiny bolt-on deals which appear to be more of a distraction than their worth. SGX must consider significant strategic alternatives if it is to avoid being hollowed out over the longer-term.

*A50 Challenges From HKEx: On October 18, 2021, the Hong Kong Exchange &amp; Clearing (388.HK) [HKEx] successfully launched the MSCI China A50 Connect (HK A50), which is predicated on the new MSCI A50 Index. Unfortunately, this new product will be in direct competition with Singapore Exchange’s (SGX.SP) [SGX]  FTSE A50 contract, which represents approximately 10% of company revenue or close to 20% of PBT.  HKEx has a very broad range of liquid Hong Kong-China linked products, with the new A50 contract being linked to the northbound Stock Connect – on top of a better fee offering; and*Time For Massive Strategic Move: As SGX needs to contend with a greater than expected impact from the earlier-than-expected launch of HKEX's MSCI China A50 index futures – on top of weaker equity volumes and fees, it continues to do numerous tiny bolt-on deals which appear to be more of a distraction than their worth. SGX must consider significant strategic alternatives if it is to avoid being hollowed out over the longer-term. 

Hong Kong Exchanges & Clearing – Hollowing Out Of SGX Starts

China and US Equity Analyst

Roger Xie

<ul>
<li>
<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/hong-kong-exchanges-clearing" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:490:1" rel="noopener">HKEX (388 HK)</a> is set to launch MSCI China A50 Connect Index future on Oct 18, 2021. The debut marks the significant milestone for HKEx to diversify its earnings stream away from a heavy reliance on cash equity market volumes. With the rising volume for China A-share through Stock Connect Northbound, we believe the demand for China A50 Connect future is huge. Due to regulatory restriction in the past, there is lack of China A-share related derivative products in Hong Kong market. The to-be-launched MSCI China A50 Connect future will likely fill the gap. In longer term, this product launch is a game changer for <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/hong-kong-exchanges-clearing" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:490:1" rel="noopener">HKEX (388 HK)</a> derivative business. We estimate the derivative business contribution to HKEx revenue will likely grow to 25% from current 16%.</li>
<li>We analyzed the trading volume of future contracts for <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/hang-seng-china-enterprises-index" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:22900:1" rel="noopener">Hang Seng China Enterprises Index (HSCEI INDEX)</a> on HKEx and <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/ftse-china-a50-index" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:22905:1" rel="noopener">FTSE China A50 Index (XIN9I INDEX)</a> on <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/singapore-exchange-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:1047:1" rel="noopener">SGX (SGX SP). </a>We estimate that ADV (Average Daily Volume) of MSCI China A50 Connect contract will likely be ramped up at 1.5-2.0x the volume of FTSE A50 at its launch. In a long-run, we believe ADV of MSCI China A50 could be more than 5x of ADV of FTSE A50 as offshore investors' exposure on China A-share cash equity grows. This will reshape HKEx with more balanced revenue stream from both cash equity and derivative. </li>
<li>
<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/hong-kong-exchanges-clearing" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:490:1" rel="noopener">HKEX (388 HK)</a> August ADT (Average Daily Turnover) has been resilient, delivering 18% year-over-year growth in the month. The ADT for the first eight months of 2021 was up 46 per cent from the same period last year. Although China market is clouded by recent Beijing's crackdown of big tech, we still think  HKEx will play a key role on offshore China listings. We forecast <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/hong-kong-exchanges-clearing" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:490:1" rel="noopener">HKEX (388 HK)</a> Securities ADT of HK$240bn in FY 21 (excluding Stock Connect Northbound volume)  and remain bullish on <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/hong-kong-exchanges-clearing" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:490:1" rel="noopener">HKEX (388 HK)</a>  and have TP HKD 550. </li>
</ul>



HKEX (388 HK) is set to launch MSCI China A50 Connect Index future on Oct 18, 2021. The debut marks the significant milestone for HKEx to diversify its earnings stream away from a heavy reliance on cash equity market volumes. With the rising volume for China A-share through Stock Connect Northbound, we believe the demand for China A50 Connect future is huge. Due to regulatory restriction in the past, there is lack of China A-share related derivative products in Hong Kong market. The to-be-launched MSCI China A50 Connect future will likely fill the gap. In longer term, this product launch is a game changer for HKEX (388 HK) derivative business. We estimate the derivative business contribution to HKEx revenue will likely grow to 25% from current 16%.
We analyzed the trading volume of future contracts for Hang Seng China Enterprises Index (HSCEI INDEX) on HKEx and FTSE China A50 Index (XIN9I INDEX) on SGX (SGX SP). We estimate that ADV (Average Daily Volume) of MSCI China A50 Connect contract will likely be ramped up at 1.5-2.0x the volume of FTSE A50 at its launch. In a long-run, we believe ADV of MSCI China A50 could be more than 5x of ADV of FTSE A50 as offshore investors' exposure on China A-share cash equity grows. This will reshape HKEx with more balanced revenue stream from both cash equity and derivative. 

HKEX (388 HK) August ADT (Average Daily Turnover) has been resilient, delivering 18% year-over-year growth in the month. The ADT for the first eight months of 2021 was up 46 per cent from the same period last year. Although China market is clouded by recent Beijing's crackdown of big tech, we still think  HKEx will play a key role on offshore China listings. We forecast HKEX (388 HK) Securities ADT of HK$240bn in FY 21 (excluding Stock Connect Northbound volume)  and remain bullish on HKEX (388 HK)  and have TP HKD 550. 


HKEx (388.HK): China A50 Index Future to Debut in 2 Weeks

*A50 Challenges From HKEx: On October 18, 2021, the Hong Kong Exchange &amp; Clearing (388.HK) [HKEx] is set to launch a derivative product (China A50 contract), which is predicated on the new MSCI A50 Index. Unfortunately, this new product will be in direct competition with Singapore Exchange’s (SGX.SP) [SGX]  FTSE A50 contract, which represents approximately 10% of company revenue or close to 20% of PBT - not to mention 53% of its equity derivatives volume. HKEx has a very broad range of liquid Hong Kong-China linked products, with the new A50 contract being linked to the northbound Stock Connect – on top of a better fee offering; and*Time For Massive Strategic Move: As SGX needs to contend with a greater than expected impact from the earlier-than-expected launch of HKEX's MSCI China A50 index futures – on top of weaker equity volumes and fees, it continues to do numerous tiny bolt-on deals which appear to be more of a distraction than their worth. SGX must consider significant strategic alternatives if it is to avoid being hollowed out over the longer-term.

*A50 Challenges From HKEx: On October 18, 2021, the Hong Kong Exchange &amp; Clearing (388.HK) [HKEx] is set to launch a derivative product (China A50 contract), which is predicated on the new MSCI A50 Index. Unfortunately, this new product will be in direct competition with Singapore Exchange’s (SGX.SP) [SGX]  FTSE A50 contract, which represents approximately 10% of company revenue or close to 20% of PBT - not to mention 53% of its equity derivatives volume. HKEx has a very broad range of liquid Hong Kong-China linked products, with the new A50 contract being linked to the northbound Stock Connect – on top of a better fee offering; and*Time For Massive Strategic Move: As SGX needs to contend with a greater than expected impact from the earlier-than-expected launch of HKEX's MSCI China A50 index futures – on top of weaker equity volumes and fees, it continues to do numerous tiny bolt-on deals which appear to be more of a distraction than their worth. SGX must consider significant strategic alternatives if it is to avoid being hollowed out over the longer-term.

Singapore Exchange – 50 Hits To Bottom-Line

Singapore

Singapore Exchange Limited owns and operates Singapore's Securities and derivatives exchange and their related clearing houses.  The Company also provides ancillary securities processing and information technology services to participants in the financial sector.

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SGX (SGX SP)

Hong Kong Exchanges & Clearing – Solid Result Even Prior To A50

HKEX: HKEx reported a strong QOQ 3Q21 earnings growth of 17.4%, and highlighted by marginally positive operating jaws, as recurring revenue...

Thomas J. Monaco

Hong Kong Exchanges & Clearing – Hollowing Out Of SGX Starts

HKEX: On October 18, 2021, HKEx launched MSCI China A50 Connect (HK A50), which is predicated on the new MSCI A50 Index. Unfortunately, this new...

Thomas J. Monaco

HKEx (388.HK): China A50 Index Future to Debut in 2 Weeks

HKEX (388 HK) is set to launch MSCI China A50 future on Oct 18, 2021. The debut marks the significant milestone for HKEx. We remain bullish on HKEX...

Roger Xie

Singapore Exchange – 50 Hits To Bottom-Line

SGX: On October 18th HKEx is set to launch its own China A50 contract, which will be in direct competition with SGX FTSE A50 contract. SGX's A50...

Thomas J. Monaco

Price Gauge

52-week Range

Market Cap (USDm)

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COP26: An Overview of Investment Themes and Catalysts Related to COP26 Conference

COP26, the climate conference happening now, will impact global capital markets. Perhaps over the next two weeks, depending on headlines, but...

Kyle Rudden

Hong Kong Exchanges & Clearing – Solid Result Even Prior To A50

HKEX: HKEx reported a strong QOQ 3Q21 earnings growth of 17.4%, and highlighted by marginally positive operating jaws, as recurring revenue...

Thomas J. Monaco

Hong Kong Exchanges & Clearing – Hollowing Out Of SGX Starts

HKEX: On October 18, 2021, HKEx launched MSCI China A50 Connect (HK A50), which is predicated on the new MSCI A50 Index. Unfortunately, this new...

Thomas J. Monaco

HKEx (388.HK): China A50 Index Future to Debut in 2 Weeks

HKEX (388 HK) is set to launch MSCI China A50 future on Oct 18, 2021. The debut marks the significant milestone for HKEx. We remain bullish on HKEX...

Roger Xie

Singapore Exchange – 50 Hits To Bottom-Line

SGX: On October 18th HKEx is set to launch its own China A50 contract, which will be in direct competition with SGX FTSE A50 contract. SGX's A50...

Thomas J. Monaco