Linked to Win

September 14, 2011

Pershing Square Capital Management, L.P.

Disclaimer
The analyses and conclusions of Pershing Square Capital Management, L.P. ("Pershing Square") contained in this presentation are based on publicly available information. Pershing Square recognizes that there may be confidential information in the possession of instruments of state, governments and other interested parties discussed in the presentation that could lead those constituents and other market participants to disagree with Pershing Squares conclusions. This presentation and the information contained herein is not investment advice or a recommendation or solicitation to buy or sell any securities, currencies or other investment instruments. All investments involve risk, including the loss of principal. The analyses provided may include certain statements, estimates and projections prepared with respect to, among other things, historical and anticipated events, access to and changes in capital markets and the values of currencies, assets and liabilities. Such statements, estimates, and projections reflect various assumptions by Pershing Square concerning anticipated results that are inherently subject to significant political, regulatory, economic, competitive, and other uncertainties and contingencies and have been included solely for illustrative purposes. No representations or warranties, express or implied, are made as to the accuracy or completeness of such statements, estimates or projections or with respect to any other materials herein and Pershing Square disclaims any liability with respect thereto. Actual results may vary materially from the estimates and projected results contained herein. Funds managed by Pershing Square and its affiliates own U.S. dollars, Hong Kong dollars and options on the Hong Kong dollar. Pershing Square manages funds that are in the business of trading - buying and selling securities and other financial instruments. It is likely that there will be developments in the future that cause Pershing Square to change its position regarding such investments. Pershing Square may buy, sell, cover or otherwise change the form of these investments for any or no reason. Pershing Square hereby disclaims any duty to any recipient hereof or to provide any updates or changes to the analyses contained here including, without limitation, the manner or type of any Pershing Square investment.

Structure of the Presentation I. II. The Context The History

III. The Current State of Play IV. Our Prediction of What is Likely to Happen V. The Investment Opportunity

VI. Why Now?

I. The Context

The US Economy Today

GDP Growth U.S.

U.S. economic growth remains sluggish
Real GDP Growth (%QoQ Annualized, Seasonally Adj. )

5
________________________________________________

Source: Bloomberg.

GDP U.S.
U.S. GDP is still below the Q4 07 peak
Annualized Real GDP (Billion USD, 2005 Dollars)

Still below Q4 07 peak

________________________________________________

Source: Bloomberg.

Unemployment U.S.
Unemployment in the U.S. remains stubbornly high at over 9%
Unemployment Rate (%)

________________________________________________

Source: Bloomberg.

Inflation U.S.
Inflation has picked up, but seems to have leveled off and is forecast to decrease
Consumer Price Index Growth (YoY)

Median Bloomberg Forecast: 2011 +3.0% 2012 +2.1%

________________________________________________

Source: Bloomberg.

Home Prices U.S.

U.S. Home Prices are down 32% from peak and have not recovered
Home Price Index (Case Shiller Home Price 10-City Index)

-32% from peak

________________________________________________

Source: Bloomberg.

U.S. Monetary Policy Today

To combat persistent weakness in the U.S. economy, the Federal Reserve has reduced short-term rates to zero and enacted two rounds of quantitative easing

Economic Weakness

Accommodative Monetary Policy

Real GDP (YoY%) Unemployment Home Prices (YoY%) CPI (YoY%)

+1.5% 9.1% -3.8% 3.6%

Near 0% Short-Term Interest Rates through mid-2013 Multiple Rounds of Quantitative Easing

________________________________________________

10

Source: Based on the latest available Bloomberg data.

U.S. Monetary Policy Will Remain Extremely Accommodative: The committee currently anticipates that economic conditions including low rates of resource utilization and a subdued outlook for inflation over the medium run are likely to warrant exceptionally low levels for the federal funds rate at least through mid-2013
- Federal Reserve statement, August 2011

________________________________________________

11

Source: Press, Release August 9, 2011 Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (http://www.federalreserve.gov/newsevents/press/monetary/20110809a.htm).

Compare with Economy X

12

GDP Growth Economy X

Economy X has recovered strongly from the global recession
Real GDP Growth (YoY)

________________________________________________

Source: Bloomberg.

GDP Economy X
Economy X GDP is well above its peak
LTM Real GDP (Billion Local Currency)

________________________________________________

14

Source: Based on Bloomberg data (Cumulative Last 4Qs).

Unemployment Economy X
Unemployment is 3.4% and back to pre-recession lows
Unemployment Rate (%)

________________________________________________

15

Source: Bloomberg.

Home Prices Economy X

Since January 2006, home prices are up ~90%
Home Price Index

________________________________________________

16

Source: Centaline Property Centa-City Leading HK Index - Bloomberg.

Inflation Economy X
Inflation is accelerating and is now nearly 6%
Underlying Consumer Price Index Growth (YoY)

________________________________________________

Source: Monthly Report on the Consumer Price Index - Census and Statistics Department, Hong Kong SAR Government. (http://www.censtatd.gov.hk/products_and_services/products/publications/statistical_report/prices_household_expenditure/index_cd_B1060001_dt_detail.jsp).

17

Economy Xs Monetary Policy Mirrors the USs

Despite surging growth and inflation, Economy Xs monetary policy mirrors that of the United States with a near-zero interest-rate policy and large amounts of money printing

Economy X

U.S.

Real GDP (YoY%) Unemployment % Home Prices (YoY%) CPI (YoY%)

+5.1% 3.4% +18.5% +5.8%

+1.5% 9.1% -3.8% +3.6%

________________________________________________

Source: Based on the latest available Bloomberg data. 18 Press Release, August 22, 2011 Census and Statistics Department, Hong Kong SAR Government (http://www.censtatd.gov.hk/press_release/press_releases_on_statistics/index.jsp?sID=2798&sSUBID=19062&displayMode=D).

Who is Economy X? Why would Economy X have the same monetary policy as the United States?

19

Economy X = Hong Kong Why Does Hong Kong share U.S. monetary policy? The Hong Kong Dollars (HKD) peg to the U.S. Dollar (USD) forces Hong Kong to import the U.S.s ultraaccommodative monetary policy, despite its much stronger economy

II. The History

The Hong Kong Dollar Over Time

Hong Kong has implemented several different currency regimes, demonstrating a pattern of change and adaptation during times of stress
HKD/USD (inverted)

Sterling Peg

Free Floating

Dollar Peg

HKD Strength

7.75 to 7.85 Band 05 Strong Side Commitment 98 Weak Side Commitment

22

________________________________________________

Source: Hong Kongs Linked Exchange Rate System Hong Kong Monetary Authority, p.34 (http://www.info.gov.hk/hkma/eng/public/hkmalin/index.htm).

Sterling Link Adopted (1935)

By 1935, facing a dramatic rise in the price of silver and a shrinking money supply, Hong Kong abandoned silver as backing for its currency HK replaced the silver link with a Sterling-based currency board At the time, HK was a British colony and Sterling was a major reserve currency

23

The Sterling Peg (1935-1972)

Sterlings role as an international reserve currency was displaced by the USD after WWII
Denomination of Foreign Currency Reserves 1950-1982

Sterling

________________________________________________

Source: The Decline of Sterling: Managing the Retreat of an International Currency, 1945-1992 - Catherine R. Schenk, p.23.

Sterling Link Abandoned (1972)

In 1949 and in 1967, Sterling was devalued. Shortly after the 1967 devaluation, the HKD was revalued by 10% against Sterling to preserve its purchasing power
HKD/USD (inverted)

HKD Strength

1967 14% Sterling devaluation Countered by +10% HKD revaluation

________________________________________________

25

Source: Hong Kongs Linked Exchange Rate System - Hong Kong Monetary Authority, p.34 (http://www.info.gov.hk/hkma/eng/public/hkmalin/index.htm).

Sterling Link Abandoned (1972)

In 1971, Nixon gave up the gold standard and devalued the USD. In 1972, Sterling broke its USD peg. Two weeks later HK announced a USD link
HKD/USD (inverted)

HKD Strength

1967 14% Sterling devaluation Countered by +10% HKD revaluation

Sterling ends USD peg and two weeks later HKD is pegged to USD

1971 USD devaluation

________________________________________________

26

Source: Hong Kongs Linked Exchange Rate System - Hong Kong Monetary Authority, p.34 (http://www.info.gov.hk/hkma/eng/public/hkmalin/index.htm).

First Dollar Link (1972-1974)

In February 1973, with the US struggling with inflation and Vietnam war debt, USD was devalued against gold by 10% HK responded to this USD devaluation and adjusted its currency to maintain HKDs price relative to gold, implying a 10% revaluation against USD Finally, in November 1974, without a reliable anchor, HK discarded the USD link and floated its currency

27

The Float (1974-1983)

Until 1982, the Float worked reasonably well despite HKs lacking a formal central bank. The commercial banks were made responsible for managing the system, leaving the HKD vulnerable to a crisis
HKD/USD

HKD Weakness

28
________________________________________________

Source: Bloomberg.

The Float Ends in Crisis (1983)

In September 1983, negotiations over the UKs agreement to transfer control of HK to the Mainland sparked a crisis of confidence in the HKD, leading to bank runs and food shortages. A rapid decline in the HKD ensued

HKD/USD

Black Saturday (9/24/1983) HKD hits an all time low: 9.60

HKD Weakness

________________________________________________

29

Source: Bloomberg.

The Float Ends in Crisis (1983) Cont.

Panic Overwhelms the Streets Fear Grips Hong Kong

________________________________________________

30

Source: Hong Kong SARs Monetary and Rate Challenges - Catherine Schenk, p149-50.

The Dollar Link (1983 Present)

To stem the panic, authorities adopted a currency board and a USD peg. While the initial workings of the currency board were basic, the strength of the USD and the simplicity of the currency board made it credible
HKD/USD

HKD Weakness

Creation of 7.75 to 7.85 Band Resumption of the USD peg, this time at 7.80 HKD/USD 98 Weak Side Intervention Commitment 05 Strong Side Intervention Commitment

Floating Rate

________________________________________________

31

Source: Bloomberg.

Why Did HK Choose the USD as an Anchor in 1983? US monetary policy established tremendous credibility in the Volcker era There was no other viable anchor Precious metals had been discredited and Sterling was a secondary currency The US was a major HK trading partner The USD was commonly used in international trade and finance The crucial factor is that there should be confidence that the anchor currency will be managed responsibly by its central bank. - Tony Latter, Former HKMA Deputy Chief Executive and coarchitect of the peg
________________________________________________

32

Source: Hong Kongs Money: The History, Logic and Operation of the Currency Peg - Tony Latter, p.56.

How do we know what the HK government was thinking when the peg was introduced in 1983? This publically available HK government policy memo details the HK governments thinking at the time:

We will get back to this memo later in the presentation

________________________________________________

33

Source: Stabilization of the Exchange Rate (http://www.sktsang.com/ArchiveI/1983.pdf).

HK Has Been Responsive to Change Event: Silver appreciation (1935) Response: Sterling Peg Event: Sterling devaluation (1967, 1972) Response: Revaluation; Switch to USD Peg Event: USD devaluation (1973, 1974) Response: Revaluation; HKD Float Event: HKD Crisis (1983) Response: USD Peg

34

III. The Current State of Play

Hong Kong
Population: 7.1mm GDP by Sector: Finance 26%, Trade 27%, Public Administration 18%, Transportation 9% Economic Freedom: Ranked #1 for 17 consecutive years by the Heritage Foundation History: British colonial rule (18421997) Reversion to Chinese sovereignty (1997) One Country, Two Systems (1997-2047) Harmonization with the Mainland (2047 - Onward)
________________________________________________

Source: Hong Kong Yearbook 2010 - Information Service Department, Hong Kong SAR Government, p.49 (http://www.yearbook.gov.hk/2010/en/index.html). Picture - (http://www.expatify.com/hong-kong/navigating-the-residential-neighborhoods-of-hong-kong.html).

36

The Hong Kong Economic Miracle

Hong Kongs real GDP has grown 21x over the last 50 years. This success is a product of its unique location and successful economic policy
Real GDP ($HKD mm, 2005 dollars)

________________________________________________

Source: National Income and Balance of Payments - Census and Statistics Department, Hong Kong SAR Government, Table 32.

HKs Currency Regime is Tremendously Flexible

The Basic Law, HKs constitution, allows for a broad range of currency regimes Consequently, unlike many currency boards, the HKD system can be quickly and easily amended Any change would be made through an administrative process involving the Financial Secretary, the Chief Executive, and the Monetary Authority (HKMA), with likely consultation with Mainland authorities

The Linked Exchange Rate System (LERS)

39

The LERS
Since 1983, the LERS has kept the HKD pegged to the USD at a rate of ~7.80 HKD/USD The HKMA has established a 7.75 to 7.85 HKD/USD trading band for the currency The price of the HKD is kept within the trading band through a series of arbitrage and automatic intervention mechanisms

How the LERS System Works

Strong Side Defense: 7.75 HKD/USD
Capital Inflow

Weak Side Defense: 7.85 HKD/USD

Capital Outflow

Market Participants Buy HKD Upward Pressure On Exchange Rate

Market Participants Sell HKD

Downward Pressure On Exchange Rate

Currency Board Sells HKD at 7.75

Currency Board Buys HKD at 7.85

Monetary Base Expands

Monetary Base Contracts

Interest Rates Fall

Interest Rates Rise

Downward Pressure On Exchange Rate Back Towards 7.80 HKD/USD

Upward Pressure On Exchange Rate Back Towards 7.80 HKD/USD

A Lot Has Changed Since 1983

Americas Trade Deficit

Americas trade deficit has grown enormously since 1983. Funding such deficits requires large corresponding capital inflows
Trade Deficit as of GDP (%)

Sustainable limit

________________________________________________

43 Source: Bloomberg. Estimates of Fundamental Equilibrium Exchange Rates - Peterson Institute for International Economics, p.3.

Hong Kongs Trade Surplus

Hong Kongs large trade surplus reflects its position as a global trading and financial services center, as well as the relative cheapness of its currency
Trade Surplus/ Deficit(% of GDP)

________________________________________________

44

Source: National Income and Balance of Payments - Census and Statistics Department, Hong Kong SAR Government, Table 42.

Americas Debt Crisis

The U.S. has suffered from decades of chronic deficits
Deficit/GDP (%)

________________________________________________

45

Source: Bloomberg.

Americas Debt Crisis The US is No Longer AAA

Americas fiscal position has worsened considerably since 1983. S&P recently downgraded the U.S., citing poor leadership from Washington in solving the U.S.s serious budget problems
Debt/GDP (%)

________________________________________________

Source: Bloomberg. Treasury Direct (http://www.treasurydirect.gov/govt/reports/pd/histdebt/histdebt_histo4.htm).

46

Hong Kongs Fiscal Health is Solid

Hong Kong has a history of budget surpluses
HK Surplus (% of GDP)

________________________________________________

Source: Surplus - Public Account, Money and Finance - Census and Statistics Department, Hong Kong SAR Government, Table 192. Nominal GDP - National Income and Balance of Payments - Census and Statistics Department, Hong Kong SAR Government, Table 32.

47

HKs Fiscal Health is Strong 2010 S&P AAA Upgrade

HK has built a USD $77bn foreign currency fiscal reserve, or $294bn (~126% of trailing GDP) including the funds backing the currency board and other assets
Foreign Currency Assets (% of GDP)

________________________________________________

Source: Foreign Currency Assets - Bloomberg (Adjusted for HKD). 48 Nominal GDP - National Income and Balance of Payments - Census and Statistics Department, Hong Kong SAR Government, Table 32.

Evolving American Monetary Policy

Since the recent financial crisis, the Federal Reserve has struggled to stimulate the US economy, resorting to massive quantitative easing and promises of extended ultra-low interest rates
Fed Balance Sheet (Billion) Fed Funds (%) QE II

________________________________________________

49

Source: Bloomberg.

Persistent US Dollar Weakness

Accommodative monetary policy, a weak economy and large fiscal and trade deficits have driven the USD lower and the HKD with it
Trade-Weighted Nominal USD Index

Down 49% since Oct. 1983

________________________________________________

50

Source: Nominal Major Currency Index - Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (http://www.federalreserve.gov/releases/h10/summary/default.htm).

The success of a currency board arrangement, and its acceptability to local people and businesses, depend to a considerable extent on the anchor currency being reasonably stable.
- Tony Latter, Former HKMA deputy chief executive and co-architect of the peg

________________________________________________

51

Source: Hands On, Hands Off?: The Nature and Process of Economic Policy in Hong Kong - Tony Latter, p.75.

Links with China are growing

52

Trade Links with China are Growing

Hong Kongs trade with America has fallen as a percentage of total trade, while trade with China is booming
% of Hong Kongs Total Trade

________________________________________________

Source: External Trade - Census and Statistics Department, Hong Kong SAR Government, Table 60.

53

Monetary Links with Beijing are Growing

Chinas increasing liberalization of the RMB market, especially via expanded usage in trade settlement, has led to a rapid increase in RMB deposits in Hong Kong, further deepening HKs economic ties with the Mainland
RMB Deposits (Billion in RMB) RMB Deposits (as % of Total HKD Deposits )

~20% of all HK bank assets are now on the Mainland

________________________________________________

Source: Bloomberg. RBS, June 22, 2011

54

The USD Peg Has Materially Reduced the Market Value of the HKD

55

HKD Trade-Weighted Value

Dragged down by a weak USD, the HKD has lost ~35% of its value on a real (inflation-adjusted) trade-weighted basis over the last ten years
Real Effective Exchange Rate (Trade Weighted)

China Begins Revaluation

________________________________________________

56

Source: BIS Real Effective Exchange Rates - Bank of International Settlements, Broad Index (http://www.bis.org/statistics/eer/index.htm).

Yuan Strengthening Pressures HKD Lower

HKDs trade-weighted value will continue to fall as China, HKs largest trading partner, steadily strengthens its own undervalued currency. The Yuans strengthening recently accelerated after the July U.S. credit downgrade
Yuan and HKD/USD

HKD Weakness

The RMB has appreciated by 30% since 2005 and officials have indicated that it will continue to appreciate

________________________________________________

57 Source: Bloomberg. China will stick to gradual appreciation of Yuan: Wen - Economic Times (http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2011-03-15/news/28691614_1_wen-jiabao-growth-rate-exchange-rate).

Valuation Summary
Economist models and changes in trade-weighted real exchange rates indicate that the HKD is materially undervalued relative to a basket of its trading partners

Model
Decline in Real Trade-Weighted Value - Last 10yrs Goldman Sachs DEER Model Barclays PPP Model

%Undervalued(MultiLateral)
54% 26% 33%

Undervaluation
% Undervalued: % Undervalued = (7.80/Fair Value) -1

26%54%

________________________________________________

Source: Economic Research: GS DEER - Goldman Sachs, Q2 2011 Trade Weighted Misalignment. 58 Currency valuation from a macro perspective - Barclays Capital, June 14, 2011, p.3. Estimates of Fundamental Equilibrium Exchange Peterson Institute for International Economics, Real Effective Exchange Rate, May 2011.

A Lot Has Changed Since 1983...

________________________________________________

Source: Bloomberg.

A Lot Has Changed Since 1983 (Cont.)

________________________________________________

Source: Bloomberg.

At the time the peg was introduced, the HK government recognized the risks of tying HKs monetary policy to that of the US [D]omestic interest rates and domestic inflation will be substantially influenced by the behavior of the economy to whose currency it is tied (the USA in this case). It was, in essence, the potential effect of such ties upon the Hong Kong economy which led to the abandonment of the sterling link in 1972 and then the US dollar link in 1974.
- Hong Kong government policy memo, 1983

But in the midst of crisis, the government had no other choice

________________________________________________

61

Source: Stabilization of the Exchange Rate (http://www.sktsang.com/ArchiveI/1983.pdf).

Impact of the Peg on HK

Inflation A growing concern

Consumer price inflation in Hong Kong is accelerating

Underlying Inflation (% YoY)

The HKMA recently increased its 2011 inflation expectation to 5.5% from 4.5%

________________________________________________

63

Source: Monthly Report on the Consumer Price Index - Census and Statistics Department, Hong Kong SAR Government.

Asset Bubbles Building - Residential Real Estate

Prices in Hong Kongs residential real estate market are soaring

HK Residential Price Index (Centaline Property Centa-City Leading Hong Kong Index)

222% Increase

________________________________________________

64

Source: Bloomberg.

Asset Bubbles Building - Residential Real Estate

Residential valuations are approaching Pre-Asian Financial Crisis levels
HK Residential Price to Income Ratio

________________________________________________

65

Source: Hong Kong Property - Citi, May 2011, p.51.

Asset Bubbles Building - Commercial Real Estate

Prices in Hong Kongs commercial real estate market are increasing rapidly
HK Commercial Price Index

Class A office market stats: Vacancy Rate: ~2% Rent (% yoy): ~+18% Cap Rates: ~3%

________________________________________________

Source: Half-Yearly Monetary and Financial Stability Report - March 2011 - Hong Kong Economy, HK Commercial Price Index , p. 38 (http://www.hkeconomy.gov.hk/en/reports/index.htm). 1 CBRE Data Prepared for Pershing Square.

66

How the USD Link Contributes to Inflation

How Does the Peg Cause Inflation

The USD peg and the vastly divergent US and HK economies impact the HK economy through various channels Rapid Expansion of the Monetary Base Imported Low Short-Term Rates Diminished Purchasing Power

Rapid Expansion of the Monetary Base

69

The Monetary Costs of Intervention

In 2008 and 2009, attracted by its safe-haven status and undervaluation, investors flooded into HKD, pushing the rate to 7.75 and forcing the HKMA to print money to defend the strong side of the band
HKD/USD

Weak-side Intervention Level

HKD Weakness

Strong-side Intervention Level

Strong-side Intervention

________________________________________________

Source: Bloomberg.

70

The Monetary Costs of Intervention (Cont.)

As a result of strong side intervention, HKs Monetary Base increased HKD $671bn or ~200% over two years. HK has effectively no control over the size of its Monetary Base
Monetary Base (HKD million)

Strong-side Intervention

________________________________________________

71

Source: Monthly Statistical Bulletin - Table 1.1 - Hong Kong Monetary Authority, September 5, 2011 (http://www.info.gov.hk/hkma/eng/statistics/msb/index.htm).

Rapid Credit Growth

Growth in base money supply has contributed to HK having one of the fastest rates of credit growth in the world
Private Credit Growth less Nominal GDP Growth 12 Months

Same figure for the US: -3%

________________________________________________

72

Source: Overheating Emerging Markets: Temperature Gauge - The Economist (http://www.economist.com/blogs/dailychart/2011/06/overheating-emerging-markets-0).

The Strong Side Defense Risks Further Money Printing

The HKDs widely recognized undervaluation increases the likelihood that the HKMA will need to print more money to keep the HKD within the band With short-term interest rates already near zero, rates cant fall any further to discourage investors from holding the HKD

Imported Low Short-Term Interest Rates

74

Tied to U.S. Short-Term Interest Rates

Arbitrageurs take advantage of the peg and keep Hong Kong short-term rates (HIBOR) in line with LIBOR, irrespective of the suitability of such rates for Hong Kong
1-Month HIBOR and LIBOR Rates

Home mortgage rates in HK today are only ~2%

________________________________________________

75

Source: Bloomberg.

High Negative Real Interest Rates Today

Interest-rate parity with the US means Hong Kong suffers frequently from inappropriately high and low real interest rates
Real Interest Rates (1-Month HIBOR less Underlying CPI)

+10% real interest rates post the Asian Financial crisis retarded Hong Kongs recovery

High negative real interest rates have contributed Hong Kongs current and prior asset bubbles

________________________________________________

Source: Bloomberg. 76 Monthly Report on the Consumer Price Index - Census and Statistics Department, Hong Kong SAR Government, Underlying Inflation.

Diminished Purchasing Power

77

Rising Cost of Imports

Unable to revalue higher, Hong Kongs weak currency has led to a large increase in the cost of imports, particularly in the critical food sector
Unit Cost of Imports Trade-Weighted HKD Inverted

Hong Kong imports 90% of its food, mainly from China

HKD Weakness

________________________________________________

Source: Nominal Effective Exchange Rate Bloomberg. External Trade - Census and Statistics Department, Hong Kong SAR Government, Table 76.

78

Mainland Tourists Flocking to HK

Partly attracted to HK by the cheap HKD, visitors from the Mainland are flocking to HK, pressuring local prices upward
Mainland visitors (% YoY)

Mainland visits in 2011 is on pace for ~27mm, ~4x the population of HK

________________________________________________

79

Source: Half - Yearly Economic Report - Hong Kong SAR Government, p.111 (http://www.hkeconomy.gov.hk/en/pdf/er_11q2.pdf).

Home Price Inflation Rises with HKD Undervaluation

Mainland Chinese home buyers are taking advantage of an undervalued HKD. 30% to 40% of luxury new home sales are to Mainland buyers
HK Residential Price Index Trade Weighted HKD Inverted

HKD Weakness

________________________________________________

80

Source: Bloomberg.

Consumer Price Inflation Rises with HKD Undervaluation

There is a direct correlation between weak HKD and HK inflation
Underlying CPI Index (YoY)

Trade Weighted HKD Inverted

HKD Weakness

________________________________________________

Source: Bloomberg. 81 Monthly Report on the Consumer Price Index - Census and Statistics Department, Hong Kong SAR Government, Underlying Inflation .

HKs Inflation Problem Will Likely Get Worse

Near zero US short-term interest rates for two years or more Despite high inflation, the HKD is still undervalued by ~30% HKDs undervaluation will only worsen as the RMB appreciates Broad money supply (M2) has not yet grown to reflect the full impact of the massive 2008/2009 Monetary Base expansion Undervaluation increases the risk that the HKMA will need to print more HKD to keep the currency within the band The HKMA estimates that HK has no spare resource capacity to absorb further demand growth
________________________________________________

82

Source: Half - Yearly Monetary and Financial Stability Report - Hong Kong Monetary Authority, March 2010, p.33.

Significant Risk of Overheating

The Economist ranks HK near the top of its list of emerging-markets at risk of overheating
Emerging-Market Overheating Index

Countries were measured across six different economic indicators of overheating Inflation GDP Growth Employment Credit Interest Current Account

________________________________________________

83

Source: Overheating Emerging Markets: Temperature Gauge - The Economist (http://www.economist.com/blogs/dailychart/2011/06/overheating-emerging-markets-0).

Growing Social Risks

Social Consequences of Inflation

The Middle Class, Sandwich Class
Priced out of first time home ownership but too well-off to be comfortable in public housing

The Elderly
Value of their savings is eroded by inflation Low interest rates reduce fixed income investment returns

The Poor
Do not have the savings to absorb price shocks

The Rich
While some rich get richer speculating on real estate with lowcost credit, their global purchasing power deteriorates
85

Hong Kongs Wealth Gap

Hong Kongs rich-poor gap is Asias widest according to UN data

________________________________________________

86

Source: Pictures - Zoe Li, William McCallum, Christopher DeWolf (http://jmsc.hku.hk/hkstories/content/view/659/8786/) and (http://www.lcscapes.com/HK-VerticalHousing/LC-HK_VerticalHousing.html).

Beijing Has Taken Notice of HKs Inequality

In 2009, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao called on the Chief Executive of Hong Kong to address deep rooted contradictions in Hong Kong in reference to Hong Kongs persistent and troubling wealth gap.
Gini Coefficient (2007)
45.0

40.0

35.0

The Gini Coefficient is a Measure of Wealth Inequality

30.0

25.0

20.0

________________________________________________

Source: Human Development Report 2009 - United Nation Development Programme, p.195 (http://hdr.undp.org/en/contacts/about/undp/).

Japan

Norway

Czech Republic

Germany

France

More Inequality
87

Switzerland

Australia

United Kingdom

Italy

New Zealand

United States

Hong Kong

Flat Real Wages

Gains from economic growth have not been evenly spread. Average wages have been flat for many years despite very low unemployment and strong productivity growth
Real Wages in Hong Kong Indexed to 2003 = 100

________________________________________________

Source: Real Wages - Bloomberg. Census and Statistics Department Hong Kong SAR Government, Productivity Index, table 103.

88

Housing Affordability is Squeezing the Middle Class

HK is one of the least affordable places in the world. With the home ownership rate at only ~53%, home price appreciation only benefits a small percentage of the population
Housing Affordability Index (Median Home Price/Median Annual Household Income)

12 10 8 6 4 2 0 Vancouver Hong Kong San Francisco San Diego Honolulu New York Los Angeles Montreal Sydney Toronto London

NYC Housing is nearly twice as Affordable as Hong Kongs

________________________________________________

Source: 7th Annual Demographic International Housing Affordability Survey: 2011 - Performance Urban Planning, p.10.

89

Apartment Rents Are Among the Highest in the World

In 2010, Hong Kong was the third most expensive market for two bedroom rental apartments, up from ninth place in 2009
Worlds 20 most expensive locations to rent a two bedroom apartment

Luxury rents in Hong Kong are up 23% YoY

________________________________________________

90

Source: 15% Rental Increase Makes Singapore 5th Most Expensive Locations Globally - ECA International (http://www.eca-international.com/news/press_releases/show_press_release?ArticleID=7309).

A high-level Beijing official has expressed concern that the housing situation may become politically destabilizing:

Housing is of course a social and an economic issue. However, if dealt with inappropriately, it will also become a political issue.
-Wang Guangya Director of Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office of the State Council of the Peoples Republic of China

________________________________________________

91

Source: Wang Guangya Talking About Housing Market When Visiting HK: Housing Issues May Become a Political Issue if Inappropriately Deal With June 15, 2011 (translation).

Social Unrest Pressure for Change

Inflation, particularly in the price of food and housing; lack of democracy; public austerity followed by handouts, followed by howling protests, followedsome hopeby a change in government The Economist, May 2011

Tens of thousands of people are not satisfied with the level of political freedom in Hong Kong on July 1st, 2010

10,000 people protested against inflation (prices of food and housing) in March 2011

Several organizations protested against the dominance of property developers and high prices in May 2011

________________________________________________

Source: Picture - BBC (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/10480116). Picture - The Economist (http://www.economist.com/blogs/banyan/2011/03/protests_hong_kong). 92 Picture - Macau Daily Times (http://www.macaudailytimes.com.mo/china/25180-residents-protest-high-property-prices.html).

MoreSocial Unrest
This year, 218,000 people, the most since the massive 2003 civil liberty protests, marched in Hong Kong's annual July 1st rally

They arent happy with the fact that they do not see an improvement in living standards, despite the good economic statistics. Bloomberg July 1st , 2011
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93

Source: Pictures - Seattle Pi (http://www.seattlepi.com/news/article/Marchers-vent-anger-on-Hong-Kong-prices-policies-1448544.php).

Unpopular Government
Despite a surging economy and 3.4% unemployment, the Chief Executive of Hong Kong has a lower approval rating than President Obama
% Who Would Vote Yes for the Current Chief Executive? Trade-Weighted Nominal HKD

75% Approval Rating

24% Approval Rating

Source: Bloomberg. University of Hong Kong (http://hkupop.hku.hk/english/popexpress/ce2005/vote/poll/datatables.html). Gallup (http://www.gallup.com/poll/149114/obama-close-race-against-romney-perry-bachmann-paul.aspx).

94

The Call for Change is Growing Louder

Major business publications, prominent investors, local politicians, and economists have all recently questioned the suitability of the peg

Recent Headlines Hong Kong Faces Heat on Dollar Peg Financial Times, November 2010 Hong Kong Should End Peg to U.S. Dollar, Deutsche Bank Says Bloomberg, November 2010 The Peg will be History The Standard, January 2010

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95

Source: Picture - Hong Kong Business (http://hongkongbusiness.hk/).

Diverse Voices are Calling for Change

Investor

A link to a basket of currencies or no link at all is more desirable Marc Faber March 2011 Continuous appreciation of the Renminbi means diminishing purchasing power of the Hong Kong dollarThe problem cannot be tackled unless we abolish the linked rate in Hong Kong. The Honourable Chan Kin-Por, Legislative Council Member & Chief Executive of Munich Re Hong Kong January 2011 I think its a case of a frog boiling in waterIt could happen sooner than people think given the rapid rise in circulation of the currency [RMB] Peter Redward, Barclays Economist October 2010 The merits of reform are high and the cost of the relevant option is low.4 James Grant May 2011

Politician

Economist

Analyst

Source: Its time to end the HK$ peg - Hong Kong Business, March 10, 2011. Legislative Council Transcript of January 6, 2011 meeting. 96 Hong Kong May have to revalue in 2 years, Barclays says - Bloomberg Businessweek, October 26, 2010. 4 Grants Interest Rate Observer, May 2011.

Fiscal and Regulatory Measures Have Been Inadequate

HK has implemented a series of unsuccessful macro-prudential reforms to deal with its inflation and wealth gap problems. These efforts do not address the underlying cause of the problems and in some cases are actually inflationary (e.g. cash handouts)

Housing Efforts have failed to reduce prices meaningfully LTV caps on new mortgages Transaction tax on homes sold soon after purchase Home Supply Increased land sales Introduction of a Minimum Wage Rent Relief Utility Subsidy Cash Handouts

Real Estate Market Intervention is Not Working

For example, the prevalence of cash buyers has reduced the impact of mortgage LTV caps
HK Residential Price Index

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Source: Bloomberg. Hong Kong Property Morgan Stanley, September 2, 2011, p.19. Asian Economics Analyst Goldman Sachs, June 23, 2011, p.4.

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IV. Our Prediction of What is Likely to Happen

Reminder
The history demonstrates that Hong Kong has modified its exchange rate system to address major economic changes
HKD/USD (inverted)

Sterling Peg

Free Floating

Dollar Peg

HKD Strength

7.75 to 7.85 Band 05 Strong Side Commitment 98 Weak Side Commitment

100

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Source: Hong Kongs Linked Exchange Rate System Hong Kong Monetary Authority, p.34 (http://www.info.gov.hk/hkma/eng/public/hkmalin/index.htm).

The only effective way to mitigate inflation and a potential real estate bubble is to allow the HKD to appreciate

101

There are Four Principal Revaluation Alternatives 1. Allow the HKD to float 2. Repeg the HKD to a trade-weighted basket 3. Repeg the HKD to the RMB 4. Keep the USD peg, but revalue to an appropriate exchange rate

Alternative One Float

Pros: Full monetary independence The exchange rate would absorb economic shocks Cons: Large trade flows make it difficult for the monetary authority to manage money supply A floating exchange rate could be volatile HK had a bad experience when it allowed its currency to float between 1974 and 1983

103

Alternative Two Peg to a Trade-Weighted Basket Pros: Monetary policy would more closely match that of its trading partners Reduces HKs real exchange rate volatility Singapore has successfully used this approach Cons: A basket is less transparent and more complicated than the Peg The average interest rates of HKs trade partners is low today, which would mean continued low HK rates A basket introduces more discretion as trade weights can be adjusted and are subjective, increasing the risk of politicizing monetary policy
104

Alt. Three A Direct or Basket RMB Link is Inevitable HKs deepening economic ties with the Mainland make a direct or basket RMB link the widely understood best long-term solution to solving the pressures of the USD link While the HKMA has said that it does not support an RMB link now, it has laid out preconditions, which we believe will likely be met in the coming years The biggest impediment to an RMB peg today is the lack of capital account convertibility of the RMB But we believe full capital account convertibility is inevitable and coming soon

The RMB is rapidly internationalizing in the current account and full convertibility is possible by 2015: I should say it is quite possible for China to realise yuan convertibility by 2015.
Li Daokui, Peoples Bank of China (PBOC) Monetary Policy Committee, September 2011

________________________________________________

Source: Yuan Will Be Fully Convertible by 2015, Chinese Officials Tell EU Chamber Bloomberg, September 8, 2011 (http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-09-08/yuan-to-be-fully-convertible-by-2015-eu-chamber.html). China Yuan Likely Convertible by 2015 Thompson Reuters September 9, 2011. 106

The extremely divergent economic characteristics of HK and the US make the status quo unsustainable, destructive, and a distortion to the HK economy

The HKD will likely be pegged to the RMB or to an RMB-led basket within the coming years. All that is needed is an interim solution

107

We believe the HK government will repeg the HKD at a stronger exchange rate to the USD while leaving the LERS intact

Contemporaneous with this revaluation, we believe the HKMA may indicate that the HKD will eventually be pegged to the RMB or to an RMB-led basket when the RMB is fully convertible

108

Why Does This Make Sense? The current LERS is simple, transparent, and credible so a continuation of the current system makes sense A revaluation can be achieved quickly Only an interim solution is needed because the RMB will be convertible in coming years No other interim change will be necessary

How much should the HKD be allowed to appreciate?

110

Considerations
The exchange rate should be adjusted sufficiently to quell speculation about further appreciation But not so much that the currency would become overvalued A wider trading band could be introduced to provide greater flexibility in a volatile world

We Believe a 30% Revaluation to 6:1 is Likely

Would bring HKD back in line with fair value It would be sizeable enough to convince the market that this is a one-time event A revaluation is consistent with HKs handling of prior Sterling and USD devaluations in the 1960s and 1970s Hong Kong would retain the simplicity and credibility of the USD peg and maintain the current currency board apparatus It would reinforce the HKMAs and governments credibility as responsible stewards of Hong Kongs economy

Revaluation: How are Stakeholders Affected?

Citizens: The purchasing power of savings would instantly rise The cost of food imports (~30% of the poorest halfs spending) would drop immediately Real estate appreciation would moderate and rents should stabilize over time The Banks: HKMA data show that banks would not suffer large FX or loan losses on a revaluation The HKMA: Has sufficient foreign reserves to ensure that the Monetary Base is covered Mainland China: A revaluation could be seen as evidence that HK is addressing its social divide and political tensions

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Source: Half-yearly Hong Kong Economic Report 2011 Hong Kong SAR Government, p. 97. Foreign Currency Position and Asset Quality of Retail Banks Hong Kong Monetary Authority (http://www.info.gov.hk/hkma/eng/statistics/msb/index.htm).

V. Investment Opportunity

Three Ways to Make Money Buy HKD Outright Buy HKD with USD Leverage Buy HKD Call Options

Buy HKD Outright The HKMAs commitment to support HKD at 7.85 HKD/USD limits the downside to owning HKD to ~1%, making the HKD effectively a one-way bet The HKMAs 7.85 HKD/USD defense is credible: The HKD is materially undervalued HK has substantial international reserves, at ~2.2x the Monetary Base The HKMAs successful defense of the HKD during the Asian Financial Crisis makes its credibility unquestioned

Purchase HKD with USD Leverage

Similar short-term interest rates and the HKMAs pledge to support HKD at 7.85, means investors can cheaply and safely purchase HKD on USD leverage
Leverage: (Notional/Equity) 4.0x 6.0x 8.0x 10.0x 12.0x 14.0x 16.0x 18.0x 20.0x 12-Month %Total Return (from 7.80) 7.85 6.24 5.78 (Weak Side) (25% Reval) (35% Reval) -3% 100% 140% -5% 149% 209% -6% 199% 279% -8% 249% 349% -9% 298% 418% -11% 348% 488% -12% 398% 558% -14% 447% 627% -16% 497% 697%

12 Month Financing Cost (Fixed) HIBOR 0.67% LIBOR 0.82% Carry -0.15%
117

Reflects the cost of financing for a bank. Institutional and individual investors will pay a higher rate (~35bps more)

HKD Call Options

HKD call options are extremely cheap

OptionTerms
Notional Strike (HKD/USD rate) Premium (% of notional) Premium Dollars (USD) $ 1,000,000,000 $ 7.80 0.83% 1,000,000,000 $ 7.50 0.57% 1,000,000,000 7.00 0.27%

$8,300,000 $ 5,650,000 $2,700,000

PayoutsatExercise(Revaluationto6.00,+30%)
USD Received USD Spent (notional) $ 1,300,000,000 1,000,000,000 $ 1,250,000,000 1,000,000,000 $ 1,166,666,667 1,000,000,000

Payoff Payoff/Premium

$ 300,000,000 $250,000,000 $ 166,666,667 36x 44x 62x

USD received = value of HKD purchased at strike price converted back at spot (6.00)

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118

Source: Indicative broker quote September 8, 2011.

HKD Call Options are Cheap

The HKD options market implies that the probability of a revaluation is extremely remote. We think a ~30% revaluation is likely, giving investors a ~44x payout on one-year 7.50 strike options
Payout as Multiple of Premium
70.0x 60.0x 50.0x 40.0x 30.0x 20.0x 10.0x .0x 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35% 40%

% Revaluation
119

The Market is Mispricing this Option Because of the peg, HKD/USD volatility is very low We believe HKD call options should be priced based on expected value rather than volatility
Expected Value = (Probability of Reval) X (Expected Amount of Reval)

We think a revaluation is more likely than not, but the market price implies extremely low probabilities
One Year, 7.50 Strike Expected HKD Stregthening 15% 20% 25% 30% 35% 40% Implied Probability of Revaluation 5.3% 3.7% 2.8% 2.3% 1.9% 1.6%

A revaluation will likely be in this range

Payoff 18.7x 27.2x 35.7x 44.2x 52.8x 61.3x

Market implied probabilities are very low

The HKD is a cheap hedge against a weakening USD:

A falling USD puts more pressure on HK authorities to act

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VI. Why Now?

Why Now? Benefits Outweigh the Cost

The benefits of acting now Consumer inflation could get materially worse Its not too late to prevent a real estate bubble Social unrest is building The fiscal and economic divergence with the US will continue Revaluation is inevitable when the RMB peg is established The costs of acting today are low The credibility of the HKMA would be enhanced The HKMA has reserves to support a large revaluation HKMA data show the banks FX exposure is minimal and their real estate loans are well performing HKs lack of an export manufacturing sector reduces the economic risk of a stronger currency
________________________________________________

Source: Foreign Currency Position and Mortgage Survey Results Hong Kong Monetary Authority (http://www.info.gov.hk/hkma/eng/statistics/msb/index.htm).

Why Now? 2012 Election

The March 2012 HK Chief Executive election increases the chances of a near-term revaluation Change tends to happen around political transitions: Outgoing politicians are often less risk averse Incoming politicians are often most bold when they first take office A revaluation may well materially increase the new Chief Executives approval ratings It would enhance HKs citizens perception of Chinas beneficence

________________________________________________

Source: Previewing the Political Year Ahead: Article 23 Suzanne Pepper (http://chinaelectionsblog.net/hkfocus/?p=168).

Revaluing Now Mitigates the Financial Risk to the HKMA

The conventional wisdom is that central banks (CBs) can defend the strong side of their currency without limit by simply printing an unlimited amount of money The reality is different: The CB loses money on a revaluation, because a revaluation reduces the value of foreign assets on their balance sheet Printing money expands and leverages the CBs balance sheet, making it more costly to revalue Printing money is highly inflationary Because the Basic Law requires the HKMA to back its Monetary Base 100% with international reserves, printing money could severely limit the HKMAs future revaluation options

Revaluing Now Mitigates Financial Risk to the HKMA The HKMAs 2008/2009 intervention, in response to over HKD $600bn of money flows, greatly increased the size and leverage of its balance sheet
Pre-Intervention Post-Intervention
Leverage: 75%

Leverage: 56%

Balance Sheet, Dec. 2007

________________________________________________

Balance Sheet, July 2011

Source: Monthly Statistical Bulletin Table 8.2 Hong Kong Monetary Authority, July 2011 (http://www.info.gov.hk/hkma/eng/statistics/msb/index.htm).

We believe it would be imprudent for Hong Kong to print more money

127

The principal argument against a revaluation is that it might harm the HKMAs credibility. We believe this is false for two reasons: 1) Reducing inflation and the risk of asset bubbles in HK enhances HKs status as a stable, economically successful, AAA rated region 2) Allowing the HKD to appreciate only increases the credibility of the HKD as a store of value

128

Some observers have suggested a revaluation would be inconsistent with the HKMAs public statements

129

However, an upward revaluation was explicitly contemplated in 1983 when the LERS was introduced: It will be acceptable to indicate eventual possible appreciation in the event of confidence returning to such a degree as to produce unduly rapid monetary expansion, but such an indication must carry complete conviction that the rate would only ever be adjusted in that direction.
- Internal Hong Kong government policy memo, 1983

________________________________________________

130

Source: Stabilization of the Exchange Rate (http://www.sktsang.com/ArchiveI/1983.pdf).

A peg depends on confidence and credibility. Any hint of devaluation would compromise the integrity of the link: Any statement which can be interpreted as hinting at the possibility of depreciating the announced rate would sabotage the scheme from the onset.
- Hong Kong government policy memo, 1983

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131

Source: Stabilization of the Exchange Rate (http://www.sktsang.com/ArchiveI/1983.pdf).

As such, anytime observers have questioned the link, the HKMA has issued a prompt statement to quell speculation

"The Hong Kong dollar peg has been working well since its adoption in 1983. It's the foundation for the stability of the currency and financial system in Hong Kong so we have no intention to make any change"
Norman Chan, HKMA Chief August 2011

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132

Sources: Linked Exchange Rate System Hong Kong Monetary Authority, August 2011 (http://www.info.gov.hk/hkma/eng/insight/20110815e.htm).

In 2002, facing SARS, deflation, and budget deficits the then Financial Secretary strongly defended the peg publically:

We have no plans to change the peg. One of the reasons the peg remains and people are confident about the Hong Kong dollar is that it has not changed in the last 19 years
Antony Leung, Financial Secretary (2001-2003) Nov. 2002

But in private the story was very different

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133

Source: Financial Secretary Transcript - Press Release, November 23, 2002 (http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/200211/23/1123063.htm).

Behind the scenes

The chief executive, Joseph Yam, and I did seriously evaluate the various options including unpegging
Antony Leung, Financial Secretary (2001-2003) Interview Hong Kongs Peg Admission May Hurt its Future Defense Bloomberg, June 2007

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134

Sources: Hong Kong's Peg Admission May Hurt Its Future Defense Bloomberg, June 8, 2007 (http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchive&sid=akb5SpAzhFKg&refer=asia).

We also know from a document WikiLeaks released August 30th, 2011 that in 2006 a float was seriously considered by members of an important HK government commission:

Numerous commission [HKs Commission on Strategic Development One of the HK governments most prominent] members who, in Fungs words, have the ear of senior officials are arguing that the HKD-USD peg should be floated shortly after the Chinese RMB surpasses the HKD in value.
Internal US Treasury Memo, Hong Kong Dollar Pegs Future Under Consideration by Government Advisory Body April 2006

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135

Sources: Wikileaks, August 30, 2011 (http://wikileaks.org/cable/2006/04/06HONGKONG1383.html).

A prominent member of the HKMA committee responsible for advising on the peg suggests a revaluation could happen when the market least expects:

[T]he HKMA might choose a hot and boring Friday afternoon in mid-summer, when most fund managers and top government officials had gone vacationing, and announce the floating of the Hong Kong dollar.
-Shu-ki Tsang Academic Economist and HKMA Advisory Board Member, Currency Board Sub-Committee

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136

Source: Commitment to Exit Strategies from a CBA Hong Kong Baptist University (http://sktsang.computancy.com/attrachment/Tsang20000506.pdf).

We have every reason to believe HK decision makers will approach the HKD peg question with the same diligence and rationality they have used in the past

137

Economic and Monetary Policy Making in HK

Since its inception in 1993, the HKMA has built a reputation as one of the most credible monetary authorities in the world The HKMA is known for its intelligence, transparency, and prudent oversight of the economy and banking system Most importantly, the HKMA and other important decision makers in Hong Kong have a track record of behaving in an economically rational manner

Repegging is easy and quick to execute:

Unlike some other currency regimes, HKs peg can be modified through a purely administrative process. No legislative action is required

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In Sum:

A highly undervalued currency

+
A highly undervalued option

= An extraordinary investment opportunity

Q&A