Hong Kong stocks closed slightly lower Wednesday as losses in technology shares and rising oil prices weighed on sentiment amid renewed tensions in the Middle East.
The Hang Seng Index fell 42.22 points, or 0.2%, to close at 25,274.96, while the Hang Seng China Enterprises Index dropped 28.27 points, or 0.3%, to 8,369.05.
Technology and semiconductor stocks led the decline in the HKEX Tech 100 Index, down nearly 1%. Oil prices also moved higher as Middle East tensions escalated, raising concerns over inflation and the outlook for interest rates.
In corporate news, Excelland Robotics (HKG:3231) made its Hong Kong stock market debut, surging nearly 154% to HK$36.68 at the close from an offer price of HK$14.45.
Hengan International Group (HKG:1044) appointed Li Wai Leung as chief financial officer as part of an executive reshuffle. Shares of the company fell 1%.