Exchange Fund Abridged Balance Sheet and Currency Board Account
The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) announced today (April 30) that the total assets of the Exchange Fund amounted to HK$4,342.3billion as at March 31, 2026, HK$48.8 billion higher than that at the end of February 2026. Hong Kong dollar assets increased by HK$71.9 billion while foreign currency assets decreased by HK$23.1 billion.
The rise in Hong Kong dollar assets was mainly due to the increase in Exchange Fund Bills and Notes issued but not yet settled at month end, which was partly offset by mark-to-market revaluation of Hong Kong equities. The decline in foreign currency assets was mainly due to mark-to-market revaluation of investments and the redemption of Certificates of Indebtedness, which were partly offset by an increase in the month-end balances of unsettled purchase of securities and interest income from investments.
The Currency Board Account shows that the Monetary Base at the end of March 2026 was HK$2,065.0 billion, decreased by HK$6.6 billion, or 0.3 per cent, from the end of February 2026. The decline was mainly due to the decrease in the outstanding amount of Certificates of Indebtedness, which was partly offset by amortisation of discount on Exchange Fund Bills and Notes issued.
The amount of Backing Assets decreased by HK$5.8 billion, or 0.3 per cent, to HK$2,300.1 billion at the end of March 2026. The decrease was mainly attributable to the redemption of Certificates of Indebtedness and mark-to-market revaluation of investments, which were partly offset by interest income from investments. The Backing Ratio increased from 111.32 per cent at the end of February2026 to 111.39 per cent at the end of March 2026.
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At present, four press releases relating to the Exchange Fund's data are issued by the HKMA each month. Three of these releases are issued to disseminate monetary data in accordance with the International Monetary Fund's Special Data Dissemination Standard (SDDS). The fourth press release, on the Exchange Fund's Abridged Balance Sheet and Currency Board Account, is made in accordance with the HKMA's policy of maintaining a high level of transparency. For the month of April 2026, the scheduled dates for issuing the press releases are as follows:
April9
(Issued) |
SDDS International Reserves
(Hong Kong's Latest Foreign Currency Reserve Assets Figures) |
April14
(Issued) |
SDDS Analytical Accounts of the Central Bank
(Analytical Accounts of the Exchange Fund) |
April30 |
SDDS Template on International Reserves and
Foreign Currency Liquidity |
April30 |
Exchange Fund Abridged Balance Sheet and
Currency Board Account |
Source: AI-found images
Speech by SCST at opening ceremony of "The Hong Kong Jockey Club Series: Meet Mona Lisa & Portraying the Renaissance"
Following is the speech by the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law, at the opening ceremony of "The Hong Kong Jockey Club Series: Meet Mona Lisa & Portraying the Renaissance" today (April 30):
Consul General Christile Drulhe (Consul General of France in Hong Kong and Macau), Mr Nicholas Hunsworth (Steward of the Hong Kong Jockey Club), Ms Pansy Ho (Co-chairman of the Board of French May Arts Festival), Mrs Mignonne Cheng, (Co-Chairman of the Board of French May Arts Festival), Mr Vincent Delieuvin (Chief Curator of Italian Painting of the Sixteenth Century, Musée du Louvre), Dr Matteo Gianeselli (Curator of Musée National de la Renaissance and Art Historian), Mr Vincent Larnicol (Vice President of Grand Palais Immersif), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
Good evening. It is a great pleasure to join you here at the Hong Kong Heritage Museum for the opening of the French May Arts Festival 2026 and this magnificent exhibition, "Meet Mona Lisa and Portraying the Renaissance" - a true cornerstone of this year's Festival.
For more than three decades, the French May has been a crown jewel in Hong Kong's cultural calendar.Year after year, it brings together distinguished artists and audiences who share a deep commitment to cultural excellence from around the world, transforming our city into a vibrant living gallery. This year, under the theme "Re/naissance", I am confident that the Festival will continue to offer an energetic platform for artistic innovation and the exchange of ideas - strengthening the cultural dialogue between France and Hong Kong in unprecedented ways, and drawing visitors who come specifically to experience the rich cultural programmes.
I am particularly pleased to see the collaboration between the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau and this year's French May - from the Leisure and Cultural Services Department organising the Mona Lisa exhibition, to the Mega Arts and Cultural Events Fund providing funding support for various programmes. There is no doubt that this year's French May will once again embody our vision of Hong Kong as an international cultural metropolis, one that beautifully bridges different cultures.
Turning to this exhibition, the "Mona Lisa" truly needs no introduction. She is undoubtedly a highlight of this year's programme. Through the immersive digital journey specially curated by the Louvre and the Grand Palais Immersif, alongside the outstanding artworks on loan from exceptional museums and art institutions, we can step inside the frame and breathe new life into classical heritage. By bringing "Mona Lisa" to our doorstep, we are also offering our community and visitors a unique opportunity to engage with art in a way that is interactive, educational, and deeply moving.
Beyond the exhibition, another highlight to look forward to is the Sino-French Electronic Music Show, at the Central Harbourfront next week. The Show features a diverse lineup of acclaimed performers from France, the Chinese Mainland and Hong Kong. With the stunning Victoria Harbour as backdrop, this event promises world-class entertainment and an unforgettable night of great music and joyful moments. Together with more than 100 programmes and educational activities running from May through July, I am confident that this year's Festival will once again transcend cultural boundaries, advance the spirit of cultural exchange, and inspire innovation for the future.
Before I close, I wish to express my heartfelt gratitude to the French May team, the Consulate General of France in Hong Kong, and all the outstanding artists and collaborating organisations for their invaluable contributions and support. I look forward to seeing this vibrant partnership flourish in the years ahead. I wish the Festival and the exhibition every success, and everyone here a very pleasant evening. Thank you.
Source: AI-found images
