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400 stories mentioning Hang Seng IndexUpdated 2d ago

In focus as Hong Kong sees IPO activity, with Kaifeng Millennium City Park filing and RedNote operator Xiaohongshu reportedly preparing a listing.

International

Hong Kong's Trade Deficit Widens in March

Hong Kong recorded a trade deficit of HK$89.1 billion in March, equivalent to 12.6% of the value of goods imports, data released by the Census and Statistics Department on Tuesday showed.The trade deficit widened from the HK$64.2 billion recorded in the prior month.The value of total exports and imports of goods jumped 35.8% and 41.2% year on year during the month to HK$618.4 billion and HK$707.5 billion, respectively.This was higher than the 24.7% and 29.9% boost in export and import value in February.In the first three months of 2026, export and import values increased 32% and 37% year over year, respectively, leading to a trade deficit of HK$168.4 billion.

Hang Seng
Asia

Hong Kong Stocks Extend Losses as US-Iran Standoff Persists; Xizhi, Mabwell Shine on Debut

Hong Kong stocks extended losses on Tuesday as elevated oil prices and persistent tensions in the Middle East kept inflation concerns in focus.The Hang Seng Index fell 245.87 points, or 1.0%, to close at 25,679.78, while the Hang Seng China Enterprises Index lost 111.51 points, or 1.3%, to 8,644.81.An U.S. official said President Donald Trump was dissatisfied with Iran's latest proposal to resolve the two-month conflict.The proposal would defer discussion of Iran's nuclear program until the conflict ends and shipping disputes in the Gulf are addressed, according to a Reuters report.The impasse has left the conflict at a standstill, with flows through the Strait of Hormuz still largely disrupted, keeping oil prices above $100 a barrel.Meanwhile, the U.S. Federal Reserve is widely expected to keep interest rates unchanged at the conclusion of its two-day meeting on Wednesday.In corporate news, two firms made their debut on the Hong Kong bourse.Shanghai Xizhi Technology (HKG:1879) closed nearly 389% higher at HK$895 compared with the offer price of HK$183.20.Mabwell (Shanghai) Bioscience (HKG:2493, SHA:688062) gained nearly 1% to close at HK$27.80, versus its offer price of HK$27.64.

Hang SengHKG:1879HKG:2493SHA:688062
International

Earnings Season, Tehran Proposal Lift Asian Stock Markets

Asian stock markets largely gained ground Monday on strength in tech issues, and on media reports that Tehran has floated a proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. A generally good industrial profits report from Beijing also boosted sentiments.Shanghai and Tokyo finished in the green, while Hong Kong edged lower. Other regional exchanges mostly finished higher.In Japan, the Nikkei 225 opened evenly but rose to the close, gaining 1.4% to strike a fresh all-time high. Strong earnings results offset a risk-off mood.The benchmark Nikkei 225 index rose 821.18 to 60,537.36, the first-ever close above the 60,000-milestone, although losing issues outnumbered gainers 129 to 94.Leading the upside was industrial robot maker Fanuc, up 16%, while Chugai Pharmaceutical declined 15.8%, with both moves following earnings reports.In Hong Kong, the Hang Seng Index finished off 0.2%, undercut by property issues.The broad gauge Hang Seng fell 52.42 to 25,925.65, as losing issues outnumbered gainers 53 to 36. The Hang Seng TECH Index gained 0.8% on the day, while the Mainland Properties Index fell 0.7%.Leading the upside was Semiconductor Manufacturing International, gaining 6.1%, while Sinopharm declined 3.8%.On the mainland, the Shanghai Composite rose 0.2% to 4,086.34.In economic news, industrial profits in China rose 15.8% on the year in March, largely on the back of private-sector enterprises, said the National Bureau of Statistics. The agency's survey is limited to companies with more than $2.9 million a year in revenue.On the other regional exchanges, the South Korean KOSPI rose 2.2%; the Taiwan TWSE advanced 1.8%; the Australian ASX 200 declined 0.2%; the Singapore Straits Times Index fell 0.6%, and the Thai Set rose 1.6%. In late trading in Mumbai, the Sensex was up 0.8%The MSCI All Country Asia Pacific Index rose 1.2% on the day.

Hang SengNikkei 225Shanghai Composite
Asia

Market Chatter: China Merchants Weighs Joining Consortium to Buy CK Hutchison's Ports

China Merchants Group is in negotiations to become part of a consortium planning to acquire CK Hutchison's (HKG:0001) ports, Bloomberg reported, citing people familiar with the matter.The move comes in a bid to assist China Cosco Shipping in financing the deal, the people added and Bloomberg reported.The deal, which will reportedly encompass the acquisition of over 40 ports, will require lengthy discussions due to a complex background and the requirement for US and China approvals.BlackRock Inc.'s GIP fund and Terminal Investment are currently a part of the consortium, the report stated.CK Hutchison's plan to offload 43 ports for over $19 billion has previously met various hurdles and delays since it was announced in 2025 amid geopolitical tensions.(Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)

Hang SengShanghai CompositeHKG:0001
Asia

Hong Kong Stocks Edge Lower as U.S.-Iran Talks Stall; CITIC Securities Gains on Profit Jump

Hong Kong stocks ended little changed Monday as U.S.-Iran talks stalled, heightening concerns over potential disruptions to energy flows.The Hang Seng Index fell 52.42 points to end marginally lower at 25,925.65, while the Hang Seng China Enterprises Index dropped 19.30 points to 8,756.32.U.S. President Donald Trump scrapped plans to send envoys to Islamabad for weekend talks, signaling a pause in diplomatic efforts.He said Sunday Iran could call if it wants to negotiate an end to the conflict, while insisting it must not possess nuclear weapons, after Tehran urged the removal of obstacles to a deal, including the U.S. blockade of its ports.Sentiment was partially supported after an Axios report said Iran may prioritize reopening the strait while postponing nuclear negotiations.Meanwhile, China's industrial profits accelerated in March, marking their fastest growth in six months.Profits rose 15.8% year on year, up from a 15.2% increase in the January-February period, according to data from the National Bureau of Statistics released Monday.In corporate news, CITIC Securities (HKG:6030, SHA:600030) closed nearly 2% higher after reporting a 55% growth in first-quarter profit.

Hang SengHKG:6030SHA:600030
US Markets

China Reported Industrial Profits Show Strength in March

Despite trade tariffs and rising oil prices, China's large industrial enterprises, especially the tech-oriented sectors, earned strong profits in March, reported the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) on Monday.In the month of March, industrial profits in China rose 15.8% on year, largely on the back of private-sector enterprises, said the NBS. The agency's survey is limited to outfits with more than $2.9 million a year in revenue.For the full first quarter, the profits of large-scale industrial enterprises nationwide increased by 15.5% on year.In the first quarter, profits at state-owned industrial companies rose 10.1% on year, while black ink at private manufacturers rose 25.4% on year.In another category, the joint-stock, or publicly traded, industrial enterprises, profits rose 20.9% on year in the first quarter.By industry, the mining sector achieved an on-year profit hike of 16.2% in the first quarter, and the manufacturing industry a gain 19.1%.From January through March, earnings at computer, communication, and other electronic-equipment manufacturers jumped by 120% on year, reported the NBS.In the chemical sector, the bottom line swelled by 54.5%, the coal mining and washing industry grew by 6.7%, while the petroleum, coal, and other fuel processing industry "turned from loss to stable", reported Beijing officials.Despite a strong industrial profit result in the first quarter, the NBS warned that uncertainties in the external environment remain elevated and that imbalances between supply and demand, that is, over-capacity, still need to be addressed, reported the state-run China.org.cn.

Hang SengShanghai Composite
International

Asia Week Ahead: Central Bank Decisions; Inflation Prints; and Trade Data

For the week ahead in Asia, the economic calendar is packed with major data releases, central bank decisions and inflation updates across the region.Monday brings China's first-quarter industrial profits data, as well as Malaysia's producer prices.On Tuesday, markets will turn to the Bank of Japan's interest rate decision, alongside trade figures from Hong Kong and Macao, and India's March production report.Wednesday features Thailand's central bank rate decision and Australia's closely watched quarterly inflation print, while Thursday brings China's official and private PMI readings.On Friday, Japan's Tokyo core inflation reading will be in focus, along with South Korea's April trade data.Here's what to watch in the week ahead.MONDAY, April 27The week kicked off with the release of China's industrial profits data for the first quarter.The total profits of China's industrial enterprises rose 15.5% year on year to 1.696 trillion yuan during the first three months of 2026, with increases seen in the mining, manufacturing, technology, and chemical industries.A drop in profits was witnessed in the utilities industry, as well as the electricity and heat and agricultural industries, data from the National Bureau of Statistics showed.Singapore disclosed its manufacturing output stats for March, highlighting a 10.1% jump in production thanks to strong growth across almost all clusters.Malaysia's producer prices rose in March for the first time in a year, driven largely by a rebound in the mining sector, according to Trading Economics.Producer prices climbed 1.1% year on year, reversing a 3.4% decline in the previous month.Meanwhile, Taiwan's consumer confidence index edged up to 62.47 in April, rising 0.17 points from March.The uptick was driven by improvements in four sub-indicators, with sentiment on employment opportunities posting the largest monthly gain.A pair of reports covering business and consumer confidence was also due in the Philippines.TUESDAY, April 28Markets will turn their attention to an interest rate decision scheduled in Japan.The upcoming decision could be a complicated one for the Bank of Japan as it grapples with intensifying inflation domestically and the uncertainty surrounding the Middle East, ING said in a preview.While markets broadly expect the central bank to maintain rates at 0.75%, ING said it continues to believe there's a chance the Bank of Japan may hike rates.Japanese unemployment data is also due the same day, with observers expecting the jobless rate to hover around the 2.6% mark, unchanged from the prior month, according to a consensus compiled by Trading Economics.Hong Kong will disclose trade stats for March. According to Trading Economics, the city state's trade deficit could narrow to HK$43 billion from the HK$64.2 billion recorded in February.Macao will similarly release balance of trade figures. The city state's trade deficit could narrow to 9.4 billion pataca in March from 9.9 billion pataca a month prior, Trading Economics forecasted.India's industrial production data for March will also be in the news. A consensus compiled by Trading Economics indicated analysts expect India's industrial production growth to slow to a rate of 4.2% from 5.2% in February.India's manufacturing weakened in March as geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, unstable market conditions, and inflationary pressures impacted output, S&P Global said previously. However, conditions appeared to have improved in April, according to the firm's most recent flash purchasing managers' index release.South Korea's business confidence report for April will be due the same day.WEDNESDAY, April 29Thailand's central bank will meet for its interest rate decision.The Bank of Thailand is seen to hold rates steady at 1% amid softening growth and inflationary pressure due to the conflict in the Middle East, the Wall Street Journal reported.Thailand's March Industrial production data is also expected on the same day.Australia's latest inflation print will be in the news, providing markets with an overview of pricing pressure ahead of the Reserve Bank of Australia's May board meeting.Westpac said it expects to see a 4.2% yearly gain in headline inflation for the March quarter.The quarterly data is likely to affirm for the Reserve Bank of Australia that the underlying inflation pressures are evident in the economy before the escalation of the Middle East conflict in late February, ANZ said in a preview.In Singapore, March import and export prices will be expected, as well as producer price inflation data.THURSDAY, April 30China's manufacturing and services sectors will be in focus as the National Bureau of Statistics releases its monthly purchasing managers' index covering manufacturing, non-manufacturing, and general PMI for April.The release will be accompanied by a private reading on China's manufacturing sector from S&P Global.Economists at ING said they expect official data to show activity dipped back into contractionary territory following the expansion witnessed in March.ING forecasts manufacturing PMI falling to 49.9 and the non-manufacturing PMI dipping to 49.8, and said it expects to see pricing pressure continuing to build in the PMI sub-indices.Taiwan will release its first-quarter advance gross domestic product growth rate, with markets looking for signs of whether the island state's economy can continue posting stellar growth due to its global positioning in high-precision semiconductor production.Researchers at ANZ expect Taiwan's first-quarter GDP growth rate to come in at 11.8%, slowing from the 12.7% rise witnessed in the prior quarter, the Wall Street Journal reported.In Australia, the first-quarter import and export prices data is expected. CommBank said it expects export prices to rise 1.2% while import prices to decline 0.6%, both on a quarter-on-quarter basis.Meanwhile, a confidence report due in New Zealand is likely to show a further deterioration in business sentiment due to the ongoing Middle East conflict, CommBank said in a preview.Further trade data is expected in the Philippines, which could see its trade deficit widen to $4.1 billion in March from $3.68 billion in April, according to Trading Economics.Both South Korea and Japan will release industrial production and retail sales data for March.ING said it expects Japan's industrial production to "rebound quite firmly" during the month. The firm expects industrial output to rise 2.2% year on year from the 0.4% rise witnessed in February.Japan will additionally release a consumer confidence report for April, while a similar release covering business confidence will be due in Singapore.Singapore's first-quarter preliminary unemployment rate will also be released on Thursday.Thailand's February retail sales stats will be due.FRIDAY, May 1Japan's closely watched Tokyo core consumer price index for April will capture headlines, offering markets an early indicator of the overall inflation rate in the country."The Tokyo CPI is expected to rise faster in April, reflecting recent energy price hikes, a weak JPY, solid wage growth, and bi-annual price adjustments," ING said in a preview.South Korea announces April trade data.The country's trade surplus could drop marginally to $26 billion from $26.2 billion a month prior, even as exports show a 50% year on year growth due to robust chip shipments, ING said.A consumer confidence report due in New Zealand could show sentiment weakening further in April and over the coming months amid the Middle East conflict, CommBank said in a preview."As the conflict progresses, overall consumer confidence is expected to continue falling," CommBank said.Neighboring Australia will release first-quarter produce price data.On the activity front, S&P Global releases its PMI reports covering manufacturing activity in Australia and Japan.

ASX 200^BSEHang SengFTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCIKOSPINikkei 225^NSE^NZ50^PSEI^SETShanghai Composite^STI^SZSETaiwan Weighted
International

Tech, Oil Views Roil Asian Stock Markets

Asian stock markets were mixed Friday as traders again embraced tech issues, while keeping an eye on Middle East developments and global crude prices.Hong Kong and Tokyo finished in green, while Shanghai edged lower. Other regional exchanges were uneven, with Taiwan's TWSE advancing 3.2% on AI-sector optimism and on a regulatory change that allows more institutional investing in the island's chip-making colossus, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing.Brent crude oil futures traded at $107.12 a barrel during market hours, up 2%.In Japan, the Nikkei 225 opened higher and held ground, finishing up 1% as a tech- and AI-sector rally again lifted the index.The benchmark Nikkei 225 rose 575.95 to 59,716.18, although losing issues outnumbered gainers 131 to 91.Leading the upside was tech- and ceramics-manufacturer Ibiden, gaining 12.6%, while imaging house Konica Minolta declined 10.6%.In economic news, Japan's widely quoted consumer price index (CPI)-core, which strips out fresh food prices, rose 1.8% in March on the year, up from 1.6% in February, the Statistics Bureau reported.The nation's headline CPI rose 1.5% on the year in March, up from 1.3% in February.In Hong Kong, the Hang Seng Index opened lower but rose to the close, edging up 0.2% as traders balanced tech-sector optimism against geopolitical tensions.The broad gauge Hang Seng rose 62.87 to 25,978.07 as gaining issues outnumbered losers 46 to 43. The Hang Seng TECH Index gained 0.8% on the day, while the Mainland Properties Index fell 0.3%.Leading the upside was Semiconductor Manufacturing International, gaining 10%, while Li Auto declined 4.4%.On the mainland, the Shanghai Composite fell 0.3% to 4,079.90.On the other regional exchanges, the South Korean KOSPI was steady; the Taiwan TWSE rose 3.2%; the Australian ASX 200 declined 0.1%; the Singapore Straits Times Index fell 0.4%, and the Thai Set declined 0.4%. In late trading in Mumbai, the Sensex was down 1.2%The MSCI All Country Asia Pacific Index rose 0.4% on the day.

Hang SengNikkei 225Shanghai Composite
International

Hong Kong Business Expectations in Q2 Worsen Than Previous Quarter

The proportion of respondents expecting Hong Kong's business situation to improve in the second quarter remained unchanged from the first quarter at 11%, the city's census and statistics department said Friday.Pessimism rose, with 16% of respondents expecting a worse business situation in the second quarter compared with 14% in the first quarter.Respondents from the accommodation and food services sector foresee a worse business situation in the second quarter compared with the first quarter, the department said.Employment is seen to decrease on balance or remain broadly unchanged, with declines expected in the accommodation and food services and information and communications sectors .Looking ahead, a government spokesperson said near-term business outlook among large enterprises turned "somewhat more cautious" amid the prevailing geopolitical situation in the Middle East.The spokesperson said the conflict in the Middle East remains a "key source of external uncertainty" for businesses and the government was mitigating a rise in fuel prices with short-term targeted measures.

Hang Seng
Asia

Hong Kong Stocks End Week Marginally Higher; Star Sports Medicine Launches IPO

Hong Kong stocks ended marginally higher Friday as investors tracked developments in the Middle East.The Hang Seng Index rose by around 62.87 points, or roughly 0.2%, to end at 25,978.07 while the Hang Seng China Enterprises Index increased by 42.99 points, or around 0.5%, to close at 8,775.62.Iran on Thursday flexed its control over the Strait of Hormuz after posting a video that purportedly showed its military seizing a huge cargo ship, Reuters reported.The video was released amid an order by U.S. President Donald Trump asking the U.S. Navy to step up demining activity in the region and "shoot and kill" Iranian boats laying mines in the strait which used to serve as a shipping route for one-fifth of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas before the war.Mizuho's head of macro strategy for APAC, Vishnu Varathan, said attempts to de-escalate the violence in the region would be non linear, Reuters reported. "I don't think anybody in the market truly believes that this will be over in a week or two," Varathan reportedly said.Meanwhile, Hong Kong's consumer prices rose 1.7% in March from a year earlier, data from the city's Census and Statistics Department showed.The underlying inflation rate, which excludes the effects of all one-off government relief measures, rose to 1.6%, up from an average of 1.3% in January and February.Elsewhere, the city's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate fell to 3.7% in the January to March period from 3.8% in the December 2025 to February 2026.In corporate news, Star Sports Medicine (HKG:1609) launched its Hong Kong initial public offering to raise about HK$829.6 million.The China-based medical device company is offering 8.4 million H-shares at an offer price of HK$98.50 per share to raise funds for the expansion of production capacity, as well as to support research and development.

Hang SengHKG:1609
Asia

Hong Kong Regulator Reaches HK$1 Billion Compensation Deal With PwC Over Evergrande

Hong Kong's Securities and Futures Commission has reached an agreement with PricewaterhouseCoopers Hong Kong under which the auditor will set aside HK$1 billion to compensate eligible minority shareholders of China Evergrande (HKG:3333), according to a statement on Thursday.The regulator found Evergrande had materially overstated revenue and profits in 2019 and 2020, while PwC failed to meet auditing standards, including maintaining independence and verifying key financial information.The agreement resolves the matter without admission of liability, and the SFC will take no further action against PwC if the terms are fulfilled.The compensation will be distributed to eligible shareholders through an independent process to be announced later, the regulator said.

Hang SengHKG:3333
International

Rising Crude Prices Lower Asian Stock Markets

Asian stock markets largely tracked lower Thursday as traders weighed rising crude oil prices and awaited clarity on Persian Gulf hostilities.Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Tokyo finished in the red, as did most other regional exchanges.Brent crude prices continued to climb during market hours, striking $103.80 a barrel, up 1.9%.In Japan, the Nikkei 225 opened higher but lost momentum, finishing off 0.7% despite continued strength in tech- and AI-connected shares.The benchmark Nikkei 225 fell 445.63 to 59,140.23, as losing issues outnumbered gainers 173 to 48.Leading the upside was semiconductor maker Socionext, gaining 7.1%, while camera house Nikon declined 10.4%.In economic news, Japan's flash composite purchasing manager index (PMI), a combination of the nation's factory and service sectors, logged at 52.4 in April, down from 53.0 in March, but still striking above the 50-mark that separates growth from contraction, reported S&P Global.In Hong Kong, the Hang Seng Index opened lower and could not recover, closing down 1% as traders monitored reports on the still-closed Strait of Hormuz.The broad gauge Hang Seng fell 248.04 to 25,915.20, as losing issues outnumbered gainers 63 to 25. The Hang Seng TECH Index lost 2% on the day, while the Mainland Properties Index fell 0.6%.Leading the upside was PetroChina, gaining 4.2%, while Innovent Biologics declined 5.9%.On the mainland, the Shanghai Composite fell 0.3% to 4,049.25.On the other regional exchanges, the South Korean KOSPI rose 0.9%; the Taiwan TWSE declined 0.4%; the Australian ASX 200 declined 0.6%; the Singapore Straits Times Index fell 1.2%, and the Thai Set declined 1.2%. In late trading in Mumbai, the Sensex was down 1.2%The MSCI All Country Asia Pacific Index fell 0.6% on the day.In other news, India's flash seasonally adjusted composite purchasing manager index (PMI) for output, a combination of the nation's factory and service sectors, logged at 58.3 in April, up from 57.0 in March, reported S&P Global.

Hang SengNikkei 225Shanghai Composite
Asia

Hong Kong's Unemployment Rate Slides to 3.7% in January-March

Hong Kong's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate fell to 3.7% in the January to March period from 3.8% in the December 2025 to February 2026, according to data released by the Census and Statistics Department Thursday.The underemployment rate also decreased during the two periods from 1.7% to 1.6%.Total employment decreased by around 7,300 to 3,665,000 in the period from 3,663,000 in the prior period, while the labour force fell by 5,300 to 3,792,400 from 3,797,700 .The number of unemployed persons increased by 1,900 to 136,600 from 134,700 previously, while the number of underemployed persons decreased by 3,300 to 60,100 from 63,400 previously.Looking ahead, Chris Sun, Secretary for Labor and Welfare, said the sustained growth of the Hong Kong economy should underpin the overall labor market and the government was closely monitoring geopolitical tensions in the Middle East to assess the potential implications for the labor market.

Hang Seng
International

Hong Kong's Inflation Rises to 1.7% in March

Hong Kong's consumer prices rose 1.7% in March from a year earlier, data from the city's Census and Statistics Department showed Thursday.The underlying inflation rate, which excludes the effects of all one-off government relief measures, rose to 1.6%, up from an average of 1.3% in January and February.Price increases were recorded in miscellaneous services, transport, electricity, gas, and water, and miscellaneous goods. Alcoholic drinks and tobacco, basic food, housing, and meals out and takeaway food also rose.Declines were seen in durable goods, clothing, and footwear.A government spokesman said inflation picked up but remained moderate in March, driven mainly by faster increases in fuel-related prices amid higher global oil prices linked to the Middle East conflict, while other price pressures stayed largely contained.Looking ahead, elevated oil prices are expected to feed through to consumer prices in the near term, though contained pressures elsewhere should help limit overall inflation.

Hang Seng
Asia

Hong Kong Stocks Continue Downward Slide; Huaqin Makes Strong Debut

Hong Kong stocks continued their downward slide Thursday as prolonged uncertainty in the Middle East dampened risk appetite.The Hang Seng Index fell by around 248.04 points, or roughly 0.1%, to end at 25,915.20 while the Hang Seng China Enterprises Index decreased by 69.15 points, or around 0.8%, to close at 8,732.63.Iran and the U.S. were no closer to beginning peace talks as both sides remained locked in a stalemate, prompting Brent crude prices, viewed as the global benchmark, to once again zoom past $100.Meanwhile, strategists at BNP Paribas said mainland Chinese investors were slowing their purchases of Hong Kong-listed shares this year to give priority to artificial intelligence-related investment opportunities in the mainland markets, the South China Morning Post reported.According to the report, the Stock Connect cross-border system had recorded $30 billion in inflows so far this year, a slower pace than the $180 billion reached in 2025.In corporate news, Huaqin (HKG:3296; SHA:603296) made a strong debut on its first day of trading in Hong Kong.The Chinese smart hardware products manufacturer closed at HK$88.00 per share, up 13% from the IPO offer price of HK$77.70.

Hang SengHKG:3296SHA:603296
Asia

Market Chatter: Alibaba-Backed Zelos Technology Weighs $600 Million Hong Kong IPO

Zelos Technology, backed by Alibaba (HKG:9988), is weighing a Hong Kong listing that could raise around $600 million, Bloomberg reported, citing people familiar with the matter.The robovan operator, formally known as Jiushi Suzhou Intelligent Technology, has begun engaging banks as it explores a potential share sale, the report said.Key terms of the deal, including size and timing, have yet to be finalized and remain subject to change, according to the report.(Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)

Hang Seng
International

Persian Gulf Outlook Roils Asian Stock Markets

Asian stock markets turned in a choppy Wednesday as traders weighed a unilateral extension of a Persian Gulf ceasefire by US President Donald Trump, but also the ongoing closure of the Strait of Hormuz, through which the Asian Pacific receives much of its crude and LNG.Shanghai and Tokyo finished in the green, while Hong Kong fell back. Other regional exchanges were also uneven.In Japan, the Nikkei 225 opened lower, but rose to the close, finishing up 0.4% and striking a fresh all-time zenith, as tech issues rallied.The benchmark Nikkei 225 rose 236.69 to 59,585.86, though losing issues outnumbered gainers 181 to 41, as the rally was concentrated shares exposed to AI-outlooks.Leading the upside was tech-financier SoftBank, up 8.5%, while beverage house Sapporo declined 5.2%.In economic news, Japan logged an international trade deficit of $10.7 billion in the fiscal year ended March 31, remaining in the red for the fifth straight year, reported the Ministry of Finance.In Hong Kong, the Hang Seng Index opened lower and declined in trading, closing down 1.2% on weakness in tech shares.The broad gauge Hang Seng fell 324.24 to 26,163.24, as losing issues outnumbered gainers 70 to 20. The Hang Seng TECH Index lost 1.9% on the day, while the Mainland Properties Index fell 0.2%.Leading the upside was computer-maker Lenovo, gaining 5.7%, while Contemporary Amperex Technology dropped 5%.On the mainland, the Shanghai Composite rose 0.5% to 4,106.26.On the other regional exchanges, the S. Korean KOSPI rose 0.5%; the Taiwan TWSE inclined 0.7%; the Australian ASX 200 declined 1.2%; the Singapore Straits Times Index fell 0.2%, and the Thai Set declined 0.2%. In late trading in Mumbai, the Sensex was down 1%.The MSCI All Country Asia Pacific Index fell 0.6% on the day.

Hang SengNikkei 225Shanghai Composite
Asia

Hong Kong Stocks End Lower Amid Middle East Uncertainty; MTR Prices Inaugural Hong Kong Dollar Public Bond Offer

Hong Kong stocks closed lower Wednesday as markets questioned whether Iran and the U.S. were nearing a peace deal, even as President Donald Trump agreed to extend a truce with Tehran.The Hang Seng Index fell by around 324.24 points, or roughly 1.2%, to end at 26,163.24, while the Hang Seng China Enterprises Index decreased by 141.76 points, or around 1.6%, to close at 8,801.78.President Trump said the U.S. would refrain from renewing attacks on Iran until it came up with a unified proposal on a possible agreement, but that the U.S. navy would continue to maintain its blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. Iran previously refused to attend peace talks in Islamabad until the U.S. abandoned its policy of pressure and threats, Reuters reported.It was also unclear whether talks in Islamabad would materialize as U.S. Vice President JD Vance had yet to depart Washington.Meanwhile, a recent report from Fitch Ratings said agrochemical issuers in the Asia-Pacific were capable of cushioning against increased freight, fuel, and input costs due to the Middle East conflict, preventing near-term rating pressure.Fitch expects supply chain disruption to not be impactful enough on the issuers' credit profiles in the near term, especially with operating flexibility and geographic diversification.In corporate news, MTR (HKG:0066) priced its inaugural Hong Kong dollar public bond offer, also the largest in the Hong Kong market.The public transport operator priced HK$18.8 billion in corporate green bonds, structured as a triple-tranche offering consisting of HK$8.3 billion in five year 2.88% notes; HK$7.5 billion in 10 year 3.30% notes; and HK$3 billion in 30 year 4% notes.

Hang SengHKG:0066
International

Easing Crude Oil Prices Lift Asian Stock Markets

Asian stock markets gained ground on Wednesday, as traders noted easing global crude prices and weighed prospects for US-Iran peace negotiations.Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Tokyo finished in the green, as did most other regional exchanges.Brent crude traded for $94.68 during trading hours, off 0.8% on the day.In Japan, the Nikkei 225 opened higher and held ground, finishing up 0.9% as bank and tech issues advanced on earnings results and outlooks.The benchmark Nikkei 225 rose 524.28 points to 59,349.17, marking the fourth straight trading day in the green, although losing issues outnumbered gainers 144 to 79.Leading the upside was tech goods manufacturer Ibiden, up 10.3%, while software tester Shift declined 6.3%.In Hong Kong, the Hang Seng Index closed up 0.4% on easing oil prices.The broad-gauge Hang Seng rose 126.41 points to 26,487.48 as gainers outnumbered losers 59 to 30. The Hang Seng TECH Index lost 0.1% on the day, while the Mainland Properties Index rose 1.3%.Leading the upside was Contemporary Amperex Technology, gaining 4.8%, while smartphone components maker Sunny Optical Technology declined 2.4%.On the mainland, the Shanghai Composite rose 0.1% to 4,085.08.On the other regional exchanges, the South Korean KOSPI rose 2.7%; the Taiwan TWSE gained 1.8%; the Australian ASX 200 was steady; the Singapore Straits Times Index rose 0.2%, and the Thai Set advanced 0.1%. In late trading in Mumbai, the Sensex was up 1%The MSCI All Country Asia Pacific Index rose 0.7% on the day.

Hang SengNikkei 225Shanghai Composite
Asia

Asia-Pacific Agrochemical Issuers Have Buffers for Middle East War Risks, Fitch Says

Asia-Pacific agrochemical issuers are capable of cushioning against increased freight, fuel, and input costs due to the Middle East conflict, preventing near-term rating pressure, Fitch Ratings said in a recent release.Nufarm (ASX:NUF), UPL (NSE:UPL, BOM:512070), and Syngenta Group have narrow direct vulnerabilities from the region, differentiated sourcing, and ample inventory serving as buffers for the first-round impact on earnings, Fitch said.Fitch expects supply chain disruption to not be impactful enough on the issuers' credit profiles in the near term, especially with operating flexibility and geographic diversification.Issuers' credit strength will also gain support from their business mix, although this would be uneven across products, with seeds the most staunch due to their key role in crop planning and fertilizers being more exposed amid a growing share of farmers' costs.The impact of crop protection lies between the other two products since its demand is less inelastic than food demand, Fitch said.The rating agency still sees dampened near-term profitability due to a gradual and initially incomplete cost pass-through.

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