THE territory's key financial benchmark reaches a milestone on Thursday when the Hang Seng Index celebrates its 25th anniversary.
From humble beginnings, the index has become the quintessential barometer of Hong Kong; the best indicator of prevailing political and economic conditions.
It began life as a research tool for the Hang Seng Bank and has become one of a handful of key global stock market indices.
Along the way, HSI Services, the wholly owned arm of the bank that is responsible for the index, has kept it in line with developments in both the corporate and technological fields.
In 1985, the four key sub-indices - commerce and industry, finance, property and utilities - were introduced. Throughout the years, HSI Services has shifted and changed the benchmark to reflect Hong Kong's corporate identity.
This year has been one of the most turbulent for the HSI, with upheavals caused by the de-listing of Jardines and the introduction of the China Enterprises Index. The new index reflects the need to respond to changes in the territory's financial identity.
