Futu Releases 2026 Hong Kong Retail Investor Report: Nearly 80% of Clients Achieved Positive Returns in 2025

• Nearly 70% of surveyed investors actively scaled in 2025.

• Approximately 80% of Futu clients achieved positive returns in 2025, with an average annual return of 23.2%.[1]

• In 2025, 15% surveyed high-net-worth (HNW) investors[2] achieved an annual return exceeding 50%.

• 67% of surveyed HNW investors [2] utilized options to lock in costs or leverage returns, 2.2 times the average usage rate of all respondents.

• Crypto assets [3] transaction volume on Futubull surged 246% YoY.

• Over half of surveyed investors began using AI tools to assist with investment decisions, with the adoption among Gen Z[4]reaching 60%.

(Hong Kong, January 21, 2026) Futu Securities International (Hong Kong) Limited ("Futu") released its "2026 Hong Kong Retail Investor Report". Based on a survey of over 2,000 clients and platform data, the report analyzes the behaviors of Hong Kong investors during the interest rate downward cycle. Findings show that nearly 80% of Futu’s clients in Hong Kong achieved positive returns in 2025, with an average annual return of 23.2%[1], highlighting how investors seized allocation opportunities amid market volatility.

As the Federal Reserve initiated rate cuts in 2025, Hong Kong dollar deposit rates fell, pressuring investors to address "cash depreciation" brought by inflation. Consequently, investors demonstrated a proactive approach to asset allocation. The survey revealed that 63% of investors believe stock market trends typically precede the real economy and drive their allocation decisions. In 2025, 70% of surveyed investors actively increased their financial asset holdings. The primary drivers included earnings outlook (48%), interest rate trajectory (35%), and policy support (26%).

Strategic Shift: From Conservative to Growth-driven

The report notes a significant shift in risk appetite from 2024 to 2025. Investors moved away from traditional safe havens, such as fixed deposits and bank wealth management products, instead turning to stocks and funds in pursuit of higher returns with moderate volatility.

AI technology and crypto assets stood out as the major highlights of 2025. 27% of respondents viewed AI-related stocks as a key driver of future wealth growth, and looking ahead to 2026, 76% remain optimistic about the AI sector. Crypto assets in particular emerged as the fastest-growing category, with transaction volume on Futubull surging 246% year-on-year, holding values climbing 91.3%, and the number of participants increasing by 144%. Notably, 66% of surveyed HNW investors[2] with annual incomes exceeding HK$5 million allocated capital to crypto assets.

HNW Investors Pursue Proactive, Diversified Portfolios and Embrace Emerging Assets Early

The report provides an in-depth analysis of HNW investor[2] behavior, revealing the key factors behind their excess returns. Data shows that approximately 15% achieved investment returns between 51% and 100% in 2025, meaning one in seven surveyed HNW investors[2] achieved an annual return exceeding 50%.

In 2025, 85% of surveyed HNW investors[2] increased their investments, 15% higher than the general respondent average. Their portfolios spanned an average of 4.6 asset classes, and their options usage rate was 2.2 times the overall average. Furthermore, 66% have allocated to crypto assets. By actively positioning in emerging sectors, these investors demonstrate a strategy that is more proactive, more diversified, and quicker to adopt new asset classes.

Empowerment via Advanced Tools: Options and AI

Amid increased volatility, options played a crucial role in risk management. Options trading volume on Futubull grew nearly 50% year-on-year. 67% of surveyed HNW investors [2] used options to manage costs or amplify gains. This data shows that under market volatility, investors choose to use options to proactively manage risk and capitalize on price fluctuations.

AI tools are transforming decision-making. Over half of respondents use AI for investment research, led by Gen Z[4] at 60%. Futu’s "Futubull AI" launched in 2025, has become a popular tool for interpreting financial reports and market trends, helping investors narrow the information gap with institutional professionals.

Arnold Tam, Chief Analyst at Futu Securities, stated: "In 2026, high-dividend yield stocks and other income-generating assets will continue to provide stable cash flow, whereas AI and tech stocks are poised to maintain strong growth momentum. A 'barbell strategy' offers the right balance between income stability and growth potential, combining defense positions with growth opportunities through a diversified approach."

Daniel Tse, Managing Director at Futu Securities, added: "As a fintech leader in Hong Kong, Futu continues to transform the traditional wealth management framework. We believe modern investing is no longer driven solely by information, but by the efficiency of one’s tools and the strength of one’s systems. Therefore, Futu will continue to leverage its leading technology to connect global assets, providing Hong Kong investors a more flexible and efficient experience for long-term wealth appreciation.”

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Remarks

1. The data for Futu clients shown is based on data from January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2025, for accounts that executed at least one trade during the period and had account assets of no less than US$50,000 as of January 1, 2025.

2. High-net-worth investors defined as surveyed investors with annual income above HK$5 million in this report.

3. Crypto assets include Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, AVAX, LINK spot; HK Spot Crypto ETFs and Crypto Futures ETFs; HK & US Stocks With Crypto Exposure; and US Spot Crypto ETFs, Futures ETF & ETFs Options —available to eligible clients as of December 31, 2025.

4. In this report, Gen-X refers to individuals born in or before 1980, Gen-Y to those born between 1981 and 1996, and Gen-Z to those born between 1997 and 2006.

Past performance is not indicative of future results.

The data related to the Futubull platform mentioned in the report, unless stated otherwise, is as of December 31, 2025.

Disclaimer: Investment involves risks; past performance is not indicative of future results. Options contracts are derivative products and are not suitable for all investors. Investors should fully understand the associated risks before participating in trading. This material is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Investors should make decisions based on their own risk tolerance and exercise caution when using information provided by AI-related features.