9. Shanghai and HK bourses linked by Stock Connect

The pilot share trading program Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect was officially launched in Hong Kong on Nov 17. It is expected to see billions of dollars in cross-border share transactions and open up the mainland's financial markets to the world. Institutional and individual investors with over 500,000 yuan in their brokerage accounts may trade Hong Kong shares through a broker on the Shanghai stock market. It also enables Hong Kong and international investors to trade selected stocks on the restricted Shanghai stock market. The stock link will enhance Hong Kong's status as a major offshore yuan trading hub, and the competitiveness of both stock markets.