Shanghai-HK stock link enters final testing

BEIJING - A new stock trading program that will link Shanghai and Hong Kong's exchanges has entered its final phase of testing.

The Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect, a pilot program designed to allow investors in the Chinese mainland and Hong Kong mutual stock market access began its first trading tests on Monday, the Shanghai Securities Journal reported Tuesday.

From Aug 11 to Sept 5, securities brokerages on the Chinese mainland can make simulated investments in 14 selected stocks from the Hong Kong bourse as they test the new system.

The tests involve regular stock trading and clearing, trading suspension in the case of high typhoon alerts, adaptation to different working day systems on the Chinese mainland and Hong Kong and other possible conditions.

The Hong Kong stock exchange will conduct tests for investing in Shanghai between Aug 23 and Sept 13.

If the tests are successful, it will mean the trading connection program is technologically feasible and can be started at any time, the report said.

The program was first announced in April 2014 aiming at enabling investors of both markets to trade designated shares listed in each other's market.

A joint circular released by both bourses in April said there would be a six-month preparation period before official launch of the program.

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