Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing (HKEX), operator of Asia’s third-largest stock market, reported a record quarterly profit in the first three months of 2026, buoyed by more new listings and increased turnover.

Net profit rose 27 per cent to HK$5.19 billion (US$662 million) – or HK$4.10 per share – from a year earlier, the company said on Wednesday. The result beat the HK$4.6 billion consensus among analysts.

It is the highest quarterly profit on record, surpassing the HK$4.9 billion in the third quarter of 2025.

“HKEX delivered a strong start to 2026 with revenue and profit both reaching record highs in the first quarter, as global capital continued to seek safe havens and access to Asian growth opportunities in a volatile macro environment,” CEO Bonnie Chan Yiting said in a statement.

“Beyond equities, our diversified multi-asset platform continued to perform strongly. The LME [London Metal Exchange] saw record chargeable trading volumes for the quarter, reflecting active participation across global metals markets.”

HKEX shares rose 3 per cent to HK$419.80 at 1.30pm on Wednesday, after the results announcement. They have risen 1 per cent this year, better than the benchmark Hang Seng Index, which dropped 1 per cent during the same period.