Malaysians who sign up with Rakuten Trade can now trade on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKEX), the 5th largest stock market in the world.
Rakuten Trade clients can now trade on Bursa Malaysia, U.S Markets and the Hong Kong Exchange. Just use the 1 Cash Upfront account, with its fully digital platform and at the same low brokerage rates.
Rakuten Trade’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mr Kazumasa Mise, said that this comes at an opportune time. The Hong Kong market is poised for a recovery rally as further signs show that China will shift away from the zero-Covid policy that will lead to the reopening of the country.
“In fact, the HKEX benchmark index soared 6.2% in the first two weeks of December shows positive signs that recovery is imminent,” he added.
Mr Mise also stated that as a business that evolves in tandem with clients’ expectations, customer experience remains at the forefront of the Rakuten Trade mandate. Enabling access to HKEX also reinforces Rakuten Trade’s vision of lowering the barrier of investing regardless of wealth and investing experience.
“The introduction of both U.S. markets in January this year and now HKEX represent the top 2 markets requested by Rakuten Trade clients through the Voice of Customer (VOC) program. Thus far, response for the foreign market service has surpassed expectations and continues to grow at a healthy rate,” said Mr Mise.
Rakuten Trade’s foreign market service is designed to cater to savvy individuals who are keen on self-directed trades. To facilitate this, foreign market access is linked to a Cash Upfront account and offers the following features unique to Rakuten Trade:
- Fully online approval within 1 hour*.
- Same low brokerage from RM7 to RM 100 for MYR settlement.
- Choice to trade in MYR and/or USD (U.S. Market- USD1.88 to USD25) or HKD (HKEX – min HKD35).
- FX exchange at a competitive rate that’s better than most banks.
- One trading limit for all markets.
- Access to simplified trading ideas for all markets by a licensed Research and Equity Sales team.
- Education for beginner investors and trending trading strategies.
- Rewards that can be used to offset brokerage or redeem for lifestyle rewards.
- (Exclusive to U.S. markets) Free real-time market price feeds.
*Terms and conditions apply
In summary, this would mean that any individual would only need to have one account to access three distinct markets – Malaysia, U.S., and now Hong Kong; all with the choice for local market currency settlement.
HKEX currently has over 2500 companies listed and has quickly grown as a highly desirable choice over the years for Malaysian investors that are seeking to expand beyond their local boundaries.
“Now is certainly a good time to look at HK market as valuations remain at reasonable levels. Based on current PER of 10.5x as against its 3-year average of around 13x, we believe there are still upside for HK stocks especially with the easing of restrictions in China. The financials will lead the recovery especially from the banks and insurance companies,” said Mr Kenny Yee, Rakuten Trade’s Head of Research.
As of 30 November 2022, Rakuten Trade had activated more than 256,000 trading accounts and handled more than RM110 billion in total trading value on Bursa Malaysia since business day one while its clients’ assets under trust was almost RM3.6 billion.
