Hong Kong's Chief Executive, John Lee, has announced the creation of a task force to examine ways to increase stock market liquidity and strengthen Hong Kong's competitiveness as an international financial centre. The group, led by Financial Secretary Paul Chan, is expected to quickly provide recommendations for enhancing stock market liquidity. This move comes as the market capitalisation of Hong Kong’s bourse decreased by nearly USD870bn since January, due to weak investor sentiment regarding China's slow economic recovery. The Hang Seng Index, the city's benchmark index, has also experienced a 9% loss this year, following consecutive annual losses. More details about the task force and its objectives will be announced by Paul Chan later this week.