Hang Seng Closes Higher After Early Losses

2026-03-18 08:14 By Farida Husna 1 min. read

The Hang Seng rose 157 points, or 0.6%, to finish at 26,025 on Wednesday, reversing morning losses and extending gains from the prior session as most sectors advanced.

Sentiment improved amid a jump in U.S.

futures ahead of the Fed’s rate decision and its first 2026 projections later today.

While policy rate is expected to remain steady, markets are watching for signals on whether Jerome Powell will stay on the board after his term as chair ends in May.

In China, stocks edged higher ahead of Friday’s PBoC lending rate review.

Risk appetite was also lifted by reports that Nvidia secured approval to sell advanced AI chips in the mainland.

Separately, Cathay Pacific said it would extend its suspension of Middle East flights until April 30.

Top performers included Minimax Group (19.4%), Knowledge Atlas (18.6%), CK Hutchison (2.9%), Henderson Land Development (2.5%), and AIA Group (1.6%).

In contrast, Geely Auto fell 3.2% after posting flat annual profit despite stronger sales and margins.



News Stream
Hang Seng Closes Higher After Early Losses
The Hang Seng rose 157 points, or 0.6%, to finish at 26,025 on Wednesday, reversing morning losses and extending gains from the prior session as most sectors advanced. Sentiment improved amid a jump in U.S. futures ahead of the Fed’s rate decision and its first 2026 projections later today. While policy rate is expected to remain steady, markets are watching for signals on whether Jerome Powell will stay on the board after his term as chair ends in May. In China, stocks edged higher ahead of Friday’s PBoC lending rate review. Risk appetite was also lifted by reports that Nvidia secured approval to sell advanced AI chips in the mainland. Separately, Cathay Pacific said it would extend its suspension of Middle East flights until April 30. Top performers included Minimax Group (19.4%), Knowledge Atlas (18.6%), CK Hutchison (2.9%), Henderson Land Development (2.5%), and AIA Group (1.6%). In contrast, Geely Auto fell 3.2% after posting flat annual profit despite stronger sales and margins.
2026-03-18
Hong Kong Markets Subdued Ahead of Fed Move
Hong Kong stocks fell 32 points, or 0.1%, to 25,897 in Wednesday morning trade, reversing gains from the prior two sessions as weakness in tech and consumer shares weighed. Sentiment was hit by a fifth straight decline in mainland markets, with traders cautious ahead of China’s lending rate fix on Friday. Rates were last held at record lows for nine months to support economic growth. In the U.S., the Federal Reserve is expected to keep policy rate steady later today while unveiling its first 2026 projections, as oil markets reel from the Iran war. The conflict also clouds prospects for the Trump–Xi Jinping summit later this month, with Washington urging Beijing to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Locally, several key data releases are expected in the city, including the February jobless rate, inflation figures, and the Q4 current account. Early laggards included Tencent Music Entertainment (-21.4%), Kingboard Laminates (-5.9%), Prada Spa (-3.6%), and China Resources Land (-1.7%).
2026-03-18
Hang Seng Trims Early Gains at Finish
The Hang Seng added 34 points, or 0.1%, to close at 25,868 on Tuesday, marking the second straight session of advances due to strength in property and financials. Market participants pared positions in energy-related counters, redirecting focus toward fundamentals. Solid activity data from China continued to support sentiment, with industrial output and retail sales exceeding expectations while fixed investment also rose. Early strength was capped, however, by a sharp drop in U.S. stock futures after President Trump said Monday he would delay his planned trip to China by about a month due to the Middle East conflict. Caution was also built ahead of China’s monthly lending rate fix later this week, after rates were left unchanged at record lows for the ninth straight month in February. Auto shares led gains, with Chery Auto (5.5%), Geely Auto (4.5%), and Li Auto (2.0%) higher. Other notable performers included Pop Mart Intl. (3.2%), Meituan (2.2%), and J&T Global Express (1.9%).
2026-03-17