The HK Stock Exchange has set an annual turnover record of $4.44 trillion in 2005, with market capitalisation hitting an all-time high on December 21 of $8.26 trillion.

During the year, the total equity capital raised reached $294.8 billion, comprising equity capital raised by Initial Public Offers of $165.3 billion and post-IPO equity capital raised of $129.5 billion.

The equity capital raised by IPO for 2005 has not only set a new record, but also exceeded the post-IPO capital raised for the first time.

The Hang Seng Index Futures trading volume rose 11.7%, to a record 9,605,809 contracts, while stock options volume rose 51.6%, also to a record 8,508,809 contracts.

Hong Kong Exchanges & Clearing Limited today published the market statistics for 2005, up to December 21, on its website.

Highlights of other market statistics include:

* derivative warrant market set a new record with a total of 1,647 newly listed derivative warrants and posted a record turnover of $842.5 billion;

* combining the equity capital raised and $26.8 billion raised in the three new listings of Real Estate Investment Trusts, funds raised totalled $321.6 billion;

* total number of newly listed company excluding REITs was 67 - with 57 on the Main Board and 10 in the Growth Enterprise Market; and

* total futures and options turnover up 26.4% on 2004, to 24,821,298 contracts, a record high.