Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing has launched two new technology benchmarks covering artificial intelligence and semiconductors while moving to extend the AI index into mainland China’s ETF market.
The HKEX Artificial Intelligence Index tracks 40 Hong Kong-listed companies with significant exposure to the AI value chain.
Its methodology spans five parts of the ecosystem: chip design, data centers, AI infrastructure, AI models, and software and physical applications.
The new HKEX Semiconductor Index tracks 30 of the largest semiconductor-related companies listed in Hong Kong.
Its coverage includes semiconductor manufacturing, production equipment, electronic components, computing hardware and storage.
HKEX also reached a licensing agreement with China Southern Asset Management allowing ETFs based on the AI index to be developed for mainland Chinese investors.
The move matters because indexes often become infrastructure for larger pools of passive investment.
Rather than investors having to select individual AI companies, index-linked products can channel capital across multiple layers of the technology supply chain.
The initiative also reinforces Hong Kong’s effort to position itself as a capital-markets hub for China’s technology sector at a time when artificial intelligence and semiconductor independence remain major investment themes.
Mainland access is particularly important because it can create an additional channel for Chinese capital to gain exposure to Hong Kong-listed technology companies.
The eventual size and liquidity of ETFs tracking the benchmark will determine how meaningful the initiative becomes for actual capital flows.
Investors will watch the timing of the mainland ETF launches, initial assets under management and whether additional asset managers license the benchmarks.
