Shanghai-Hong Kong market link passes test

Brokerages in Hong Kong and Shanghai said the first full trial of the cities' exchange link went smoothly, supporting plans to go live next month with a programme giving foreigners unprecedented access to mainland stocks.

First Shanghai Financial Holding successfully completed more than 200 mock trades, said Eliot Li, a director at the brokerage in Hong Kong.

Zheshang Securities faced no major issues after taking part in the test at the weekend, said Zhang Chunchun, who works in the firm's technical department.

Haitong Securities would be ready if the link started as planned, said Zhuang Wei, a vice-general manager at the Shanghai brokerage.

"The market rehearsal went quite smoothly," Li said. "I am quite optimistic about the programme. I think we will be ready."

Exchange officials are seeking to work out any technical issues after hundreds of brokerages expressed interest in taking part in the through train stock trading scheme.