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Hong Kong Investors Pay Over HK$7.3 Billion in Annual Trading Fees, 65% of Investors Underestimate Impact of Trading fees on Returns, The Era of AI Agentic Trading Could Further Amplify Trading Friction

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Hong Kong investors pay an estimated HK$7.34 billion in total trading fees each year for Hong Kong and US stock transactions, averaging HK$2,094 per person annually. According to the 2026 Hong Kong Investor Trading Behavior Study, trading fees have become a major factor affecting investment returns – yet most investors continue to underestimate their long-term impact.

HONG KONG, June 11, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — As artificial intelligence (AI) technology rapidly evolves, global financial markets are entering a new era of agentic trading. However, for retail investors to truly benefit from the potential of intelligent trading, trading friction must first be significantly reduced. Webull Securities Limited (“Webull HK”), a subsidiary of Webull Corporation (NASDAQ: BULL), the owner of the Webull trading platform, today released the 2026 Hong Kong Investor Trading Behavior Study, conducted by independent market research firm Ipsos. The study systematically analyses the trading habits, fee awareness and platform selection criteria of Hong Kong retail investors and quantifies the impact of trading fees on long-term investment returns. The research was commissioned by Webull HK, with Ipsos independently designing the questionnaire, conducting the fieldwork and authoring the report.

Hong Kong Investors Pay Over HK$7.34 billion in Annual Trading Fees – Long-Term Returns Eroded

The report estimates that total annual trading fees (including platform fees and commissions) paid by Hong Kong retail investors for Hong Kong and US stock transactions amount to approximately HK$7.34 billion, with average annual trading fees per person reaching HK$2,094. These costs may appear modest on a per–trade basis, but they accumulate year after year through the compounding effect, creating a structural drag on long–term asset growth. Under a hypothetical 10% annual investment return, active traders could lose more than 20% of their investment returns over five years due to trading fees, and more than 50% over ten years. Historically, high–frequency trading was often seen as a sign of poor investment discipline. However, the report points out that the core issue is not the number of trades itself, but the friction cost attached to each transaction.

65% of Investors Underestimate the Impact of Trading fees – 35% Have Never Calculated Their Annual Fees

The report also reveals that investors generally lack a clear grasp of their own trading fees. Up to 65% of respondents still believe that trading fees have a “moderate, small, or almost no impact” on investment returns. 35% have never calculated their annual trading fees, and 84% are not fully aware of the components of the fees they pay. This indicates a widespread underestimation of the long–term compounding effect of trading fees. Such information asymmetry not only affects investment decisions but also undermines investors’ ability to compare the true costs of different platforms.

“Commission–Free” Does Not Equal Zero Cost – Limited Awareness of Actual Fee Structures

In terms of awareness of different fee types, 67% of respondents are aware of trading commissions, but only half know about platform fees. Awareness of deeper charges such as custody fees, depository fees and dividend handling fees is below 50%. The study reflects that while investors generally know they must pay fees, many do not truly understand where those fees come from or the actual cost differences between platforms.

Online Brokerages Offer Significant Price Advantage, Laying the Foundation to Reduce Trading Friction

The report shows that 59% of respondents use online brokerages to trade Hong Kong or US stocks, and in the US stock market, the penetration rate of online brokerages reaches as high as 78%. Younger investors show significantly higher acceptance of online brokerages, with a 79% usage rate among the 30–39 age group – in contrast to the preference for banking among those aged 50 and above.

The report further reveals that online brokerages have the lowest average annual per–person trading fees for Hong Kong and US stock transactions (HK$1,188). Banks charge 22% more than online brokerages (HK$1,444), and traditional securities firms charge 78% more (HK$2,112). This gap reflects the structural efficiency advantages of online brokerages and demonstrates that reducing trading friction is not impossible – it depends on a platform’s technology architecture and business model.

When it comes to platform selection factors, respondents place the greatest importance on “Product & User Experience” (74%), followed by “Trust & Service” (68%) and “Costs & Fees” (62%). These results indicate that when choosing a trading platform, investors are not simply looking for the lowest fees, but rather consider platform stability, brand credibility, fee transparency and overall service quality in a comprehensive manner.

The Era of AI Agentic Trading Has Arrived – Zero–Fee Model Lays the Groundwork

The findings of this study are highly consistent with the global technological transformation underway in the brokerage industry. Anthony Denier, Group President and CEO of Webull Corporation, noted during the Q1 2026 earnings call: “We are at a true turning point in financial services. Over the past ten years, the competitive focus for retail brokers has been the user interface – who has the cleanest, most intuitive app. But a new dimension of competition has opened: the interface of the future is not the screen on your smartphone – it is the API.”

Webull has already deployed an MCP (Model Context Protocol) server, enabling third–party AI agent platforms to securely connect with Webull’s trade execution infrastructure – positioning Webull as the preferred execution and custody layer in the emerging AI agent ecosystem. In addition, Webull has been actively building out its AI product line globally. Its AI research tool, Vega Analyst, is currently being tested, allowing retail investors for the first time to access institutional–grade sell–side research depth on demand. Webull also plans to launch AI Portfolio within the year, enabling AI agent–driven portfolio construction and trade execution – making strategy tools that were once reserved for institutional investors progressively available to retail investors.

Mr. Wang Haichen, Chief Executive Officer of Webull HK, said: “The findings of this Ipsos study confirm a core issue in our industry: trading friction is a hidden tax on retail investors, and the cumulative effect is particularly significant for active traders. As AI agents help investors analyze markets in real time, optimize portfolio allocations, and automatically execute trading strategies, the friction cost per trade becomes even more critical – if every trade executed by an AI agent incurs a commission and platform fee, the frequency advantage of intelligent trading will instead turn into a cost burden.”

Mr. Wang added: “Webull HK is the first broker in Hong Kong to offer true ‘zero commission, zero platform fee’ for both US and Hong Kong stocks. Our goal is to eliminate trading friction at its source, so that in the coming era of AI agentic trading, investors can fully unlock the value of intelligent strategies rather than surrendering their returns to friction costs. As investors pay more attention to actual trading expenses, platform competition will gradually shift from a pure price war to competition based on transparency, technological innovation, and overall ecosystem experience.”

Note: Webull does not charge any commission or platform fee for Hong Kong and US stock trading.

About Webull HK
Webull Securities Limited (“Webull HK”) is a licensed corporation with the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission, holding SFC Type 1 (“Dealing in Securities”), Type 2 (“Dealing in Futures Contracts”), and Type 4 (“Advising on Securities”) licenses, with CE No. BNG700. Since its establishment in 2019, Webull HK has always put investors first, leveraging the technological expertise and proven success of its parent company, Webull Corporation (Nasdaq: BULL), as a leading broker in the US market, while adopting a localized business strategy in Hong Kong. With a highly competitive fee structure and a reliable, secure platform, Webull HK offers trading in a diverse range of assets including US stocks, Hong Kong stocks, and options, equipped with institutional–grade professional charting tools and real–time market data – empowering Hong Kong investors to navigate dynamic global financial markets with confidence. For more information about Webull HK, please visit https://www.webull.hk

About Webull
Webull Corporation (NASDAQ: BULL) owns and operates Webull, a leading digital investment platform built on next-generation global infrastructure. Through its global network of licensed brokerages, Webull offers investment services in 15 markets across North America, Asia Pacific, Europe, and Latin America. Webull serves more than 27 million registered users globally, providing retail investors with 24/7 access to global financial markets. Users can put investment strategies to work by trading global stocks, ETFs, options, futures, fractional shares, and digital assets through Webull’s trading platform, which seamlessly integrates market data and information, its user community, and investor education resources. Learn more at www.webullcorp.com

About Ipsos
Ipsos is one of the largest market research and polling companies globally, operating in 90 markets and employing nearly 20,000 people. Our passionately curious research professionals, analysts and scientists have built unique multi-specialist capabilities that provide true understanding and powerful insights into the actions, opinions and motivations of citizens, consumers, patients, customers or employees. Our 75 business solutions are based on primary data from our surveys, social media monitoring, and qualitative or observational techniques. “Game Changers” – our tagline – summarizes our ambition to help our 5,000 clients navigate with confidence our rapidly changing world.

Founded in France in 1975, Ipsos has been listed on the Euronext Paris since July 1, 1999. The company is part of the SBF 120, Mid-60 indices, and is eligible for the Deferred Settlement Service (SRD). ISIN code FR0000073298, Reuters ISOS.PA, Bloomberg IPS:FP , website: www.ipsos.com

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SOURCE Webull Securities Limited

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Durham Constabulary Selects NicheRMS365 to Power Smarter, Safer, and More Connected Policing

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June 11, 2026

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DURHAM, England, June 11, 2026 /CNW/ — Durham Constabulary has selected NicheRMS365: the next-generation technology platform that centralizes operational data, to enhance the Force’s ability to prevent, detect, and respond to crime more efficiently. NicheRMS365 will equip the Force’s 1,400 officers and staff with a powerful, unified solution to seamlessly manage critical policing functions, including Crime Recording, Investigation & Intelligence Management, Vulnerability Management, Custody and Detainee Management, and Electronic Case Preparation.

NicheRMS365 also delivers advanced support for frontline operations. With secure mobile access, officers can instantly retrieve and share information in the field, improving efficiency, enhancing situational awareness, and helping keep communities and officers safer.

The Force’s RMS migration program will involve transitioning from existing home-grown solutions, whilst enabling greater vision over data and intelligence to drive efficiencies in Force. Durham Constabulary will also use NicheRMS365 to effectively migrate to the National Digital Case File Program for great Criminal Justice efficiencies.

Deputy Chief Constable Ciaron Irvine, of Durham Constabulary, said: “NicheRMS365 will transform how the force operates, bringing together multiple operational processes and data entry points into a single, integrated solution. This significant step forward is a key part of the shared vision of both the Chief Constable and Police and Crime Commissioner to further enhance Durham Constabulary’s digital capability.

“NicheRMS365 is designed for and on behalf of policing, with strong collaborative links across UK forces and beyond over more than 20 years. The force has confidence that it will further empower officers and staff, streamlining data entry, providing real time access to current intelligence and improving operational decisions at all levels.

“Whilst members of the public may not see it directly, they will definitely feel and benefit from the operational efficiency and time saved on administrative activity, freeing up more time for our frontline officers and staff to do the things our communities want. I firmly believe the transition to NicheRMS365 will have a real and positive impact, improving how we serve our communities.”

By consolidating multiple standalone systems into NicheRMS365, Durham Constabulary will have a more connected, data-driven environment–unlocking greater opportunities to improve service, accelerate decision making, and deliver better outcomes for the public.

About Niche Technology and NicheRMS365

Niche Technology is the world’s leading RMS provider, with customers in both hemispheres across three continents. Policing today is more complex than ever, which is why at Niche, we focus on the demands of frontline officers where seconds count.

NicheRMS AI was built by us and designed with officers in mind! An integrated force multiplier with built-in guardrails for responsible AI use, turning information into action, faster while reducing risk to the organization and the public.

Our customers have rewarded Niche Technology’s innovation by making us the leading RMS provider worldwide, with more super-major police agencies using NicheRMS365 than our top 8 competitors combined. It’s the most highly configurable, capable, and respected RMS platform in the world. One demo and you’ll know. Learn more at www.NicheRMS.com.

For More Information:
Mike Gardner
(0)7969 563581
Mike.Gardner@NicheRMS.com
www.NicheRMS.com

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SOURCE Niche Technology

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Joybuy launches first ‘Summer Black Friday’ for UK shoppers – no need to wait for winter for unbeatable deals

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June 11, 2026

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Almost half of UK consumers want a Summer Black Friday Promotion, new Independent research shows*Black Friday offers, but hotter: Joybuy’s Summer Black Friday offers a deal bonanza across top brands and everyday essentials, with no subscription requiredJoybuy’s first Summer Black Friday campaign runs from 15th to 30th JuneNew Spotify partnership announced for Summer Black Friday – JoyPlus members not already on Spotify can now enjoy up to four months of Spotify Premium, at no extra cost

LONDON, June 11, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Joybuy, the new online shopping destination from JD.com, announces its inaugural Summer Black Friday kicks off next week, at a time when shoppers are increasingly feeling the pinch, with rising costs and a desire to see greater competition.

Running from 15th to 30th June, and in response to customer demand, Joybuy’s Summer Black Friday means shoppers no longer need to wait until the winter sales to secure great value deals. According to a new survey of 2,000 UK adults*, almost half of shoppers want a Black Friday in the summer. The data highlights a broader demand for market competition, with two-thirds (65%) of respondents stating that more competition between online shops drives better value for consumers, and over a third (36%) warning that retailers are not doing enough to attract customers by offering good service and competitive pricing.

With Summer Black Friday, Joybuy is introducing a new annual shopping event built around great value, trusted local and international brands and fast, reliable delivery. Shoppers can explore some of Joybuy’s lowest prices of the year so far, and enjoy thousands of deals across leading brands, including Apple, De’Longhi, Emma, LEGO, Lenovo, L’Oréal, Midea, Philips, Samsung and more alongside everyday favourites in tech, home, beauty and grocery categories and beyond.

Unlike some retailers, Joybuy’s Summer Black Friday is open to everyone, and no subscription is required. It kicks off in the UK, Germany, the Netherlands, France, Belgium and Luxembourg on Monday 15th.

A Joybuy spokesperson said: “Joybuy promised to shake up the market – and this is what we are doing by bringing the first nationwide Summer Black Friday by a multi-brand retailer to the UK. Why wait until November to shop smarter? With Summer Black Friday, we’re disrupting the shopping calendar and bringing one of the biggest global shopping moments to the UK. It’s about giving customers great deals on the brands they love, backed by fast, reliable delivery and a joyful shopping experience, at a time hard-working people need it most.”

Ahead of the Football World Cup this summer, Joybuy will introduce scores of deals on TV and audio-visual equipment, including soundbars, with free installation until 30th June 2026, perfect for the passionate football fan.

Joybuy’s “Double 11” delivery means that customers who order by 11am can receive their items before 11pm the same day in eligible areas (over 40 million people across the UK and Europe), with next-day delivery available nationwide**. Orders over £29 qualify for free delivery, with no additional fees for same-day delivery which is already available across Greater London, Birmingham, Leicester, Nottingham, Oxford and Cambridge.

Get ready to snap up a summer bargain! From today, shoppers can get ahead by reserving exclusive coupons and bundles. The savings officially kick off on 15th June, with coupons ready to use from midnight. At 20:00 that evening, a limited number of bundle deals drop to save up to 50%.

To mark Summer Black Friday, Joybuy is also offering a series of new customer benefits and partnerships.

Joybuy 11.11km Challenge on Strava

Joybuy customers can win beyond the checkout. Joybuy has partnered with Strava to launch the Joybuy 11.11km Challenge. From 15th to 30th June 2026, participants who complete 11.11km by walking, running, riding or hiking can unlock 1,111 Joybuy Points, worth £11.11 to spend on Joybuy, and be entered into a prize draw featuring prizes worth up to £1,111. Terms and conditions apply.

Spotify partnership announced

Joybuy announces it is partnering with Spotify, to give customers even more value through its membership programme, JoyPlus. From 15th June, JoyPlus members, who are not existing Spotify subscribers, can enjoy four months of Spotify Premium at no extra cost, while non-JoyPlus customers purchasing electronics products will receive three months. Terms and conditions apply***.

Joybuy Launches Gift Cards across Europe

To give customers a fast, flexible and easy way to share the joy with friends and family, Joybuy has launched Digital Gift Cards. Available from £10 to £100, the gift cards can be personalised with messages and sent directly to recipients’ inboxes.

Summer Black Friday meets a demand from customers and draws inspiration from JD.com’s ‘618’ festival, now one of the world’s largest shopping events, which in 2025 saw the company process 2.2 billion orders and USD$100bn spent in China. The ‘618’ shopping event, celebrated on June 18th, hence ‘618’, was first launched by JD.com in 2010 and is widely anticipated each year in China and Joybuy now intends to make Summer Black Friday a mainstay of the UK shopping calendar too.

Notes to Editors:

*The consumer research was commissioned by Joybuy and conducted by independent market research agency OnePoll. The survey polled a nationally representative sample of 2,000 UK adults in May 2026. OnePoll is a corporate member of the Market Research Society (MRS) and strictly adheres to the MRS Code of Conduct.

**Excluding Northern Ireland and Isle of Man

***How to Get Your Spotify Premium Offer
If you have never been a Spotify Premium member, you may be eligible to receive a Spotify Premium Offer in one of the following ways:

Activate JoyPlus membership, to get up to 4 months free Spotify Premium.Purchase selected electronics products on Joybuy, to get up to 3 months free Spotify Premium.

If you have been a Spotify Premium member before, but have not accessed the service recently, you may be eligible to receive Spotify Premium for a 2-month welcome back offer. Your access to Spotify Premium must have ended over 30 days ago and you must not have redeemed a Spotify welcome back offer in the last 24 months.

Eligible products will be marked with the Spotify Premium offer on the product detail page.

Each customer can claim only redeem only one Spotify Offer and can only redeem the Offer once. 

The Offer is only applicable for Individual Spotify Plan plans only.

£12.99/month after trial. Cancel anytime.

For eligibility details and full Offer conditions, please refer to the Spotify Terms and Conditions.

About Joybuy

Joybuy is JD.com’s new online retail business in Europe, offering high-quality brands, at great prices, delivered from its own warehouses to the customer’s doorstep, through a speedy and reliable network. Joybuy is a brand-led platform, with products from leading international, European and local brands, available across technology, appliances, beauty, home, grocery and everyday essentials. Its unique “Double 11” delivery service means if shoppers order by 11am, orders will arrive before 11pm the same day, order before 11pm and they arrive the next day, subject to eligibility. Joybuy places the customer at the heart of everything it does and offers 24/7 customer service.

The Joybuy slogan “Don’t just buy, Joybuy”, perfectly captures the mission to fulfil customers’ needs and provide a service that is easy and convenient, but also enjoyable and fun. Officially launched in Europe in March 2026, Joybuy gives customers a more joyful shopping experience in the UK, Germany, the Netherlands, France, Belgium and Luxembourg.

 

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Kaymbu & Brookes Launch Next-Generation Digital Solution for ASQ®-3 and ASQ®:SE-2 Screeners

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June 11, 2026

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BALTIMORE, June 10, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Kaymbu, a leading early childhood software platform connecting educators and families, and Brookes Publishing, a premier provider of educational resources, today announced a strategic partnership to deliver a next-generation digital solution for Kaymbu customers who use the ASQ®-3 and ASQ®:SE-2 developmental and social-emotional screeners.

For decades, early educators and health care professionals have relied on the ASQ screeners as the gold standard for reliable, research-based developmental screening and early identification of children who may benefit from further evaluation. Through this partnership, these trusted tools are now seamlessly integrated into Kaymbu’s modern, user-friendly platform, transforming the screening process into an efficient, fully digital experience.

With Kaymbu’s digital ASQ solution, educators and families can complete screenings quickly and easily, gaining essential insight into a child’s development. The platform also connects results directly to curated learning activities from the ASQ developers, empowering educators and parents to take immediate, informed action to support each child’s growth in key developmental areas.

By combining Kaymbu’s robust family engagement and lesson planning tools with Brookes’s evidence-based screening resources, the partnership strengthens the connection between school and home, ensuring children receive individualized support and learning opportunities when they matter most.

“At Kaymbu, we believe that every child deserves timely, meaningful support during the most critical years of development,” said Kin Lo, CEO of Kaymbu. “By partnering with Brookes to bring ASQ into a seamless digital experience, we’re empowering educators and families with faster insights and stronger connections, so they can work together to support each child’s unique developmental journey.”

“For decades, ASQ has helped educators and families identify and support children’s developmental needs with confidence,” said Douglas Solomon, Chief Strategy Officer at Brookes Publishing. “Partnering with Kaymbu allows us to extend that impact through Kaymbu’s digital experience, making it easier than ever to deliver timely insights and connect screening results to relevant, developmentally appropriate action.”

Kaymbu’s digital integration of the ASQ-3 screener will be widely available in June. Organizations interested in early access or a demonstration can visit: https://www.kaymbu.com/asq

About Kaymbu
Kaymbu is a leading learning delivery and family engagement software platform in early childhood education. Since 2012, Kaymbu has equipped educators with the best digital assessment, instructional planning, and family engagement tools to drive positive outcomes for every child.

Contact:
Madeline Reich, Director of Marketing
416166@email4pr.com 
(857) 600-1540
https://www.kaymbu.com

About Brookes
Brookes delivers innovative, evidence-based books, assessments, and training that help professionals make a real difference in the lives of children and families. We are leaders in screening and assessment, child development, literacy and language, and inclusion – areas vital to getting children off to the best start as early as possible.

Contact:
Jessica Reighard, VP Marketing
jreighard@brookespublishing.com
410-337-9580 x123
https://brookespublishing.com/
https://agesandstages.com/

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SOURCE Kaymbu

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