HKEx chief floats anew need for circuit breakers

CAN Hong Kong continue to do without circuit breakers for stock trading just because the city's investors don't want it? Maybe not for long.

By devoting his latest blog specifically on the subject, Charles Li, chief executive of Hong Kong Clearings and Exchange, has put a spotlight on a controversial subject by revealing that "I think it is timely for a renewed debate on circuit breakers to determine if they are now needed in the Hong Kong market".

At least twice before, in early 1997 and 2004, HKEx dropped the idea after being met with lukewarm response from market participants. In his blog published on Thursday evening, Mr Li said this time, it's different. "Our market has discussed circuit breakers from time to time before, with the conclusion being that they weren't necessary. Some people say that circuit breakers are not suitable for our market and amount to market intervention, therefore, are a waste of time to consider. But I don't think that previous decisions necessarily apply to evolving market conditions today."