Ant Group, the fintech arm of Chinese e-commerce powerhouse Alibaba Group $BABA, is moving ahead with plans to list its overseas division, Ant International, on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. This move is a strategic effort to boost its global presence and further cement its role in digital financial services beyond China.

Bright Smart Securities & Commodities Group $1428.HK experienced a remarkable surge in its share price, climbing 60.7% to hit an all-time high following the resumption of trading on Monday. This extraordinary jump came on the heels of Ant Group's agreement to purchase a 50.55% stake in the Hong Kong-based brokerage for HK$2.81 billion (US$362.26 million). The rapid rebound marks a significant milestone, as trading had been suspended on April 23, and the latest price of HK$4.90 represents the highest since the firm’s debut in August 2010.