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?

BRIEF: Tencent sells down Futu stake

Internet giant Tencent (0700.HK) has raised about $206 million by selling down its stake in online brokerage Futu Holdings Ltd. (FUTU.US), Bloomberg reported on Friday. It sold the stock at…