BRIEF: Futu’s profit doubles on stock market rebound

Online brokerage Futu Holdings Ltd. (FUTU.US) announced on Thursday its first-quarter revenue jumped 81% year-on-year to HK$4.7 billion ($603 million), while its adjusted non-GAAP net profit soared 98% to HK$2.22…
Illustration of Futu and UP Fintech's recent rally

Soaring stock brokers, and rising tobacco

Online brokers Futu and UP Fintech have recorded banner results, with revenue up by 75% or more for both in the fourth quarter. What's driving the growth, and is it sustainable? And the international arm of China's tobacco monopoly reported 10% revenue growth last year, even as the number of Chinese smokers fell. What's driving the increase?