The Hang Seng Index, a stock market index of Hong Kong, is often misspelled due to its unique pronunciation. In IPA phonetic transcription, the correct spelling is /hæŋ sæŋ ˈɪndɛks/, with the first word pronounced similar to "hang" and not "heng". The second word is pronounced with a short "a" sound like "sang" rather than "seng". It is important to use the correct spelling to avoid confusion in financial communications and transactions.
The Hang Seng Index (HSI) is a stock market index that represents the performance of the largest companies listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKEX). It was first introduced in 1969 by the Hang Seng Bank, one of the leading financial institutions in Hong Kong.
The HSI is a market capitalization-weighted index, where the constituent stocks are selected based on factors such as market value, liquidity, and trading volume. It consists of 50 blue-chip stocks across various sectors, including finance, property, utilities, and commerce. These stocks are considered to be representative of the overall market performance in Hong Kong.
The index is widely recognized as a benchmark for the Hong Kong stock market and is closely followed by domestic and international investors. It serves as an indicator of the market sentiment and provides a reference for evaluating the performance of investment portfolios.
The HSI is calculated using a base value of 100 as of July 31, 1964. The index is calculated in real-time on trading days and is expressed in points. Changes in the HSI reflect the overall movement of the stock market, with an increase indicating a rise in stock prices, and a decrease indicating a decline in stock prices.
Investors and analysts often use the Hang Seng Index as a tool for tracking the general performance of the Hong Kong stock market and making investment decisions. It serves as an important barometer for the economic and financial conditions in Hong Kong and the broader region.