The Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) and Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEx) wish to remind Exchange Participants and investors of possible increases in securities trading activities and the risk of unusual price movements around month ends, quarter ends, half-year ends and year ends such as 31 December 2008.

The SFC and HKEx are aware of possible increases in trading activities and unusual price movements around the market close during index rebalancing events, period ends and expiration of derivatives contracts.  Exchange Participants and investors should be mindful of these market events when making investment decisions.

The SFC and HKEx will closely monitor the trading activities during these times and conduct thorough reviews should any suspected irregularities be detected.