China's mainland investors have played an unprecedented role in a rally on Hong Kong's equity market that has pushed the benchmark index to its highest level since 2022. Mainland investors typically buy or sell Hong Kong-listed shares via the southbound link of the Stock Connect scheme.

Asian equities were largely lower despite a weaker U.S. dollar overnight, as Japan outperformed and India underperformed.

Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing reported full-year profits of HK$13.1bn (US$1.7bn) on Thursday, topping the previous record of HK$12.5bn set in 2021 amid a pandemic-era trading boom. Fourth-quarter profits rose 46 per cent year on year to HK$3.

China's Chery Automobile has applied for an initial public offering in Hong Kong, seeking funds to develop new vehicles and technologies as well as to expand in global markets and improve domestic production facilities.

Net profit in 2024 rose 10 per cent to HK$13 billion (US$1.7 billion), aided by higher fees from handling market transactions and new stock listings.