Stock stamp duty may help Hong Kong return operating surplus

Financial Secretary Paul Chan told RTHK that higher stamp duty receipts from a buoyant Hong Kong stock market could bring the government's operating account back to surplus in 2026/27, and he is preparing the 2026/27 budget address, which Sing Tao reported will be on Feb. 25.

Higher stamp duty receipts from stock trading are reported to have improved Hong Kong's near-term fiscal outlook, Financial Secretary Paul Chan told RTHK. He cited last year's strong stock market and a surge in initial public offerings as factors that boosted stamp duty income. Chan is preparing his annual budget for the 2026/27 fiscal year. Sing Tao reported the budget address will be on Feb. 25. Key facts: - Paul Chan told RTHK that higher stamp duty revenue may enable the government to return its day-to-day budget to a surplus sooner than expected. - The Hong Kong stock market was described as buoyant last year and led global rankings for initial public offerings, which is reported to have increased stamp duty income. - Chan is preparing the 2026/27 budget address, with Sing Tao reporting the speech is scheduled for Feb. 25. - In last year’s budget, the government estimated the operating account would return to surplus from the 2026/27 budget year. Summary: Higher stamp duty receipts are reported to have strengthened the prospect of an earlier return to an operating surplus, and the Financial Secretary is preparing the 2026/27 budget. The budget address has been reported as scheduled for Feb. 25, when further details and official projections are expected to be announced.