HSBC's first study targeting the Z Generation in Hong Kong, the "HSBC One Financial New Z Dimension Survey," found that travel, autonomy, and flexibility are important considerations for their life goals. Unlike previous generations of ****s, although the Z Generation follows the "live life to the fullest" concept, they also maintain strict financial discipline, balancing entertainment expenses and long-term financial goals.

Over 71% of Z Generation respondents consider "travel" as one of their important work motivations, higher than property ownership (39%) and starting a family (34%). In addition, 60% of respondents believe property ownership is "out of reach" for them, and acknowledge that working is to satisfy personal pleasures like travel. Over the past year, Z Generation respondents traveled abroad on average 3 times, spending a total of about HK$35,000, accounting for approximately 13% of their income.

The Z Generation is more 'fun-savvy' than other generations. Their average entertainment spending is almost 10% higher than other generations of respondents. However, they also uphold financial discipline, saving an average of HK$6,014 per month, accounting for 28% of their income, also the highest among all generations of respondents. As digital natives, 61% of the Z Generation manages daily expenses through digital technology, believing it helps them develop good savings habits.

Esther Hung, Head of Wealth Management and Personal Banking Business Clients and Market Planning at HSBC Hong Kong, said: "Lifestyles and financial needs vary by generation. This survey indicates that nearly half of Z Generation respondents prioritize short-term enjoyment in their savings."

The study shows that the Z Generation starts investing at the age of 20 on average, eight years earlier than other generations of respondents. They invest nearly 19% of their income, mainly in HK Dollar time deposits (54%), Hong Kong stocks (30%), and US stocks (22%). However, only 18% of Z Generation respondents' investment portfolios include three or more investment products. In addition, they also lack a full understanding of investment concepts. The survey shows that one-fifth of Z Generation investors follow 'internet celebrities' or friends' investment advice. Z Generation respondents who have not started investing point out that a lack of understanding of investment products is their biggest obstacle to starting to invest.

The Z Generation is relatively passive in terms of personal health risks. Only a quarter of the respondents have bought medical insurance for themselves. However, 35% of respondents will buy insurance for their pets.

The survey also studied the lifestyles and investment behaviors of the Z Generation in the Greater Bay Area of Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao. It found that Z Generations in the Greater Bay Area, including Hong Kong, also maintain strict financial discipline. Z Generation in the Greater Bay Area saves as much as RMB 2,750 per month, accounting for 29% of their income. Travel is also one of the top three motivators for work among Z Generation in the Greater Bay Area, with 48% of respondents having this as a goal. However, property ownership remains their greatest motivation, with 61% of respondents hoping to buy a property. Z Generation in the Greater Bay Area starts investing at the average age of 21, with 34% and 18% holding funds and gold respectively. Most Z Generation in the Greater Bay Area also plan their financial future, with 59% already starting financial planning, and 19% of respondents already planning for retirement. In comparison, the percentages for respondents in Hong Kong are 40% and 12%, respectively.