Stocks in Hong Kong Hit 5-week Low

The Hang Seng Index traded flat, to close at 25,311 on Wednesday, stabilizing after coming under pressure earlier in the session as escalating US-Iran tensions triggered a broad risk-off move across Asian markets, while bargain hunting helped offset early losses. Renewed US airstrikes on Iran and retaliatory attacks raised fears of further disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz, pushing Brent crude above $95 a barrel and WTI above $91. Higher energy prices revived inflation concerns and pushed the US 10-year Treasury yield to 4.798%, while markets raised the probability of a Reserve rate hike. Meanwhile, Shein shares slipped 0.45% to HK$48.28 on their second day of trading after falling as much as 10% during Tuesday’s debut. The stronger US dollar and rising borrowing costs added to pressure on Hong Kong’s rate-sensitive and technology-heavy equities. Notable laggards included Cathay Pacific (-5.0%), Tencent (-1.3%), Z.AI Co. (-6.0%), Lenovo ( -1.2%), and MiniMax (-1.1%).

HK50 decreased to 25089.00 Index Points, the lowest since July 2026. Over the past 4 weeks, Hong Kong Stock Market Index (HK50) lost 3.23%, and in the last 12 months, it decreased 0.68%.

The Hang Seng Index fell 0.9%, or 237 points, to close at 25,330 on Tuesday, as renewed US-Iran tensions pushed oil prices higher and heightened concerns over inflation and further monetary tightening. Brent crude extended its advance after the latest escalation raised risks of prolonged disruptions to energy flow through the Strait of Hormuz. The decline came despite signs of improving Chinese manufacturing activity. China’s RatingDog Manufacturing PMI rose to 51.5 in August from 50.9 in July, pointing to a stronger expansion in private-sector factory activity. Meanwhile, Shein made its long-awaited Hong Kong debut, but shares fell sharply after opening, dropping more than 9% shortly after trading began. The company raised HK$13.6 billion in its IPO at HK$48.56 per share, valuing it at about US$26.5 billion. Renewed weakness in China’s property sector also weighed on sentiment. Notable laggards included Tencent (-2.6%), Z.AI Co. (-1.3%), MiniMax (-3.5%), and Meituan (-2.9%).