Luo Chongbo, General Manager of the Research Department of Masterlink Securities (H.K.) Corp. Ltd. expressed that on 18 Jul 2008, bank stocks in the US have maintained an upward trend. The Dow Jones Industrial Average continued to increase by 49.91 points to close at 11,496. Google retreated by 9.8%, dragging down Nasdag to 2282.78, a decrease of 29.52 points.

It has been estimated that on 21 Jul 2008, the Hong Kong Stock market is projected to climb above MA 20 (21881) and is expected to see resistance at 22222. HSBC Holdings Plc (0005 HK) is under the spotlight as it plans to unveil its 1H 2008 Report on 8 Aug 2008.

In addition, on the weekend of 19 and 20 Jul 2008, it was reported that HSBC was in talks with China Investment Corp. to attract investment from CIC, China's sovereign fund. The news is expected to boost a hike in HSBC's stocks. On 18 July, HSBC (ADR) increased by 2.6%. The stock price of HSBC is expected to reach HKD 125 per share on 21 Jul 2008.


Source: http://www.aastocks.com

Date: 21 Jul 2008

CN01/BG/RZ/BT/WH