Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing (HKEX) has introduced a pair of stock market indexes dedicated to semiconductors and artificial intelligence, offering investors a tool to monitor enterprises operating within these rapidly expanding technology fields. Additionally, the exchange finalized a licensing pact with China Southern Asset Management to create an exchange-traded fund (ETF) tied to the fresh AI index tailored for mainland Chinese investors.
Revealed on October 23, 2026, the initiative broadens HKEX’s portfolio of tech-centric benchmarks as sustained interest in chips, AI infrastructure, and associated software captures investors’ focus.
New AI Index Tracks 40 Hong Kong-Listed Companies
The HKEX Artificial Intelligence Index monitors 40 companies listed in Hong Kong that maintain substantial involvement in the AI sector. The benchmark spans five segments: chip design, data centers, AI infrastructure, AI models, and software and physical applications.
Instead of concentrating solely on creators of AI models, the index encompasses firms engaged in the broader tech ecosystem required for constructing and running AI systems.
According to HKEX, its methodology for selection and weighting factors in fundamental metrics like capital expenditure and corporate spending on AI research and development. The goal is to provide market participants with a benchmark that mirrors activity throughout Hong Kong’s AI landscape.
Semiconductor Index Covers 30 Companies
The second gauge, the HKEX Semiconductor Index, follows the 30 biggest semiconductor-focused firms listed in Hong Kong. It encompasses semiconductor manufacturing, equipment, electronic components, computing hardware, and storage—all vital elements for building AI systems that depend on specialized chips, supporting infrastructure, and computing power.
This index provides a method for investors to track a wider array of semiconductor enterprises instead of relying on single stocks. Together, both indexes assist market players in evaluating the financial performance of businesses active in these technology niches.
China Southern to Develop AI-Linked ETF
Concurrently with the debuts, HKEX entered into a licensing partnership with China Southern Asset Management, granting the mainland Chinese asset manager the rights to build an ETF that follows the HKEX Artificial Intelligence Index.
This accord has the potential to simplify access for mainland investors seeking exposure to AI-focused Hong Kong-listed equities via an index-based vehicle. Nevertheless, HKEX has not yet disclosed a launch timeline or additional specifics regarding the ETF.
Also Read: China Clears DeepSeek, MiniMax for Overseas AI Rollout
What the Launch Means for Investors
These novel indexes highlight surging enthusiasm for semiconductor and AI investments. They further widen the selection of benchmarks accessible to financial institutions crafting funds and alternative investment vehicles.
For market participants, the gauges present an organized approach to observing these industries, though their results will be influenced by broader market conditions, technology spending patterns, and the underlying companies.
