Hang Seng Under Pressure at Finish

2026-03-04 08:18 By Farida Husna 1 min. read

The Hang Seng tumbled 518 points, or 2.0%, to close at 25,249 on Wednesday, marking a third straight fall and its lowest since mid-December.

A retreat in U.S.

stock futures weighed heavily, as mounting concerns over the Middle East conflict raised fears of repricing geopolitics, energy logistics, and prolonged inflation pressures.

Mainland weakness added to the bearish tone, with official data showing China’s manufacturing activity contracted for a second month in February as soft domestic demand and investment offset resilient exports.

Limiting the downside were potential policy signals from China’s annual parliamentary meeting, which begins today.

Losses in Hong Kong were broad, led by financials, property, and consumer stocks.

Major laggards included Minimax Group (-9.6%), Akeso Inc. (-5.1%), AIA Group (-5.0%), CITIC Ltd. (-4.5%), and MTR Corp.

(-3.8%).

In contrast, aluminum producers gained as base-metal prices climbed following a major Qatari smelter’s decision to halt operations.



News Stream
Hong Kong Stocks Slip as Caution Builds Over US-Iran Deal
The Hang Seng Index dropped 234 points, or 0.9%, to close at 26,160 on Friday, halting a three-day winning streak as sentiment turned cautious over prospects for a lasting US-Iran ceasefire deal. Market mood was shaped by reports that US President Donald Trump expressed confidence in an early resolution to the conflict, suggesting Iran had agreed to key conditions including scaling back its nuclear ambitions and reopening the Strait of Hormuz. He also announced a 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, viewed as part of broader efforts to support further negotiations with Tehran. Despite these developments, investors remained wary of implementation risks, with the lack of clarity over a lasting agreement keeping risk appetite in check, prompting profit-taking after recent gains as energy prices fluctuated and geopolitical uncertainty persisted. Major laggards were Tencent Holdings (-1.3%), Meituan Class (-2.4%), Xiaomi Corporation (-0.2%), Pop Mart (-3.5%), and AIA Group (-3.2%).
2026-04-17
Hang Seng Extends Rally to Third Session
The Hang Seng Index climbed 447 points, or 1.7%, to close at 26,394 on Thursday, marking its highest reading since March 2026 and extending gains for a third consecutive session and tracking an overnight rally on Wall Street, where sentiment was buoyed by rising optimism over potential US-Iran ceasefire negotiations. Easing oil prices, with crude trading below the $100per barrel, helped ease inflation concerns and supported regional equities in the region. However, markets remained sensitive to developments in the Strait of Hormuz, as any renewed disruption to energy supply routes could quickly weigh on sentiment and trigger volatility. Gains in Hong Kong were broad-based, with technology, financial and consumer stocks benefiting from improved outlook and stronger global cues. Among notable gainers were Tencent Holdings (+3.6%), Xiaomi Corporation (+3.8%), Pop Mart International (+1.2%), Meituan Class (+2.8%), and Deepexi Technology (28.1%).
2026-04-16
Hang Seng Extends Gains on US-Iran Talk Optimism
The Hang Seng Index climbed 75 points, or 0.3%, to close at 25,947 on Wednesday, extending gains for a second consecutive session as improved risk sentiment and softer oil prices supported buying across the market. The advance was driven by lower oil prices and growing expectations of progress toward a diplomatic breakthrough in the Middle East. Sentiment was also supported by a broader easing in global risk concerns, as reports of potential renewed US-Iran negotiations helped push crude prices lower and reduce inflation fears. Locally, sentiment was supported by ongoing Hong Kong fundraising activity, including China’s Huaqin seeking to raise about US$581 million through a share sale, highlighting continued equity issuance in the market despite volatility. Tech and consumer stocks led the gains with notable movers included Tencent Holdings (1.2%), Pop Mart International (1.2%), Semiconductor Manufacturing (2.3%), Xiaomi Corporation (0.6%), and Meituan Class (1.4%).
2026-04-15