Hong Kong-Shanghai Stock Connect To Start Nov. 17

Individual global investors will get a chance to buy Shanghai-listed stocks for the first time ever, as direct cross-trading of Shanghai and Hong Kong stocks is due to begin Nov. 17, bourse operator Hong Kong Exchange & Clearing Ltd. said Monday morning. The announcement was long awaited after a tentative launch date in late October was postponed amid pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong. "The necessary approvals and authorisations have been granted by the relevant regulators," HKEx said in an announcement about an hour ahead of the two markets' Monday open. The bourse added: "In view of the initial phase of operation of Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect, HKEx's shareholders and potential investors are reminded to exercise caution when dealing in the HKEx securities."