FINWIRES · TerminalLIVE
FINWIRES

Hang Seng

195 stories mentioning Hang Seng

Every FINWIRES story that references Hang Seng, newest first.

International

Geopolitics, Beijing Regulatory Changes Lift Asian Stock Markets

Asian stock markets tracked north on Monday, as traders weighed pending Tehran-Washington negotiations regarding the Persian Gulf, and revamped securities-industry rules issued late Friday in Beijing.Hong Kong, Shanghai and Tokyo finished in green, as did most other regional exchanges.In Japan, the Nikkei 225 opened higher and held ground, finishing up 0.6% as traders mulled the outlook for US and Iranian negotiations this week in Pakistan.The benchmark Nikkei 225 rose 348.99 to 58,824.89, as gaining issues outnumbered losers 123 to 98.Leading the upside was Renesas Electronics, up 6.4%, while Sumitomo Pharma declined 5.9%.In Hong Kong, the Hang Seng Index opened evenly and gained in trading, closing up 0.8% on investor acceptance of securities-industry rules changes in China.The broad gauge Hang Seng rose 200.74 to 26,361.07 as gaining issues outnumbered losers 61 to 28. The Hang Seng TECH Index gained 0.5% on the day, while the Mainland Properties Index rose 0.3%.Leading the upside was Xinyi Solar, gaining 6.2%, while PetroChina declined 3.3%.On the mainland, the Shanghai Composite rose 0.8% to 4,082.13.In industry news, the China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC) and other authorities late Friday announced changes to regulations to strengthen market supervision and attract long-term investment.In general, the new rules ease investment by "strategic investors," or institutional money, into Chinese public companies, particularly into the powerful, voting "A-share" class, but also tighten rules on the illegal selling of shares, and the practice of "auditor shopping" for accounting services.On the other regional exchanges, the S. Korean KOSPI rose 0.4%; the Taiwan TWSE inclined 0.4%; the Australian ASX 200 inclined 0.1%; the Singapore Straits Times Index rose 0.1%, and the Thai Set was steady. In late trading in Mumbai, the Sensex was down 0.1%The MSCI All Country Asia Pacific Index rose 0.3% on the day.

Hang SengNikkei 225Shanghai Composite
Asia

Hong Kong Stocks Start Week in Green; Xizhi Technology, Mabwell Launch IPOs

Hong Kong stocks finished higher Monday as investors remained cautiously optimistic over the prospect of a diplomatic breakthrough between Iran and the U.S.The Hang Seng Index rose by 200.74 points, or roughly 0.8%, to end at 26,361.07, while the Hang Seng China Enterprises Index increased by 54.04 points, or around 0.6%, to close at 8,899.06.Tensions brewed after a US Navy destroyer, USS Spruance, intercepted an Iranian-flagged cargo vessel called Touska near the Strait of Hormuz and Iran issued a warning to the US.Despite an announcement from Iran that it had again closed the strait, 20 ships had transited from the narrow passage on Saturday, Reuters reported, citing Kpler data.The ongoing conflict in the Middle East is helping Hong Kong reassert itself as a haven in global finance, thanks to its geographical location and support from China's economic strength, the South China Morning Post said in a report.According to the paper, banks had turned to the city to protect their business, while global investors had inquired about adding allocations of mainland Chinese assets to their portfolio.In corporate news, two mainland Chinese firms filed to go public in Hong Kong.Shanghai Xizhi Technology (HKG:1879) is looking to raise up to HK$2.53 billion via the sale of 13.8 million shares at a maximum price of HK$183.20 each. The optoelectronic computing company will use the proceeds to advance research and development.Meanwhile, Mabwell (Shanghai) Bioscience (HKG:2493, SHA:688062) is seeking about HK$1.45 billion via the sale of 47.1 million H-shares for up to HK$30.71 per share.Net proceeds will be used primarily to advance clinical trials of the pharmaceutical company's core product, 9MW2821, across multiple indications, including urothelial carcinoma, triple-negative breast cancer, and cervical cancer.

Hang SengHKG:1879HKG:2493SHA:688062
International

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

The week ahead in Asia is packed with releases covering trade, inflation, and central bank updates which could offer markets fresh clues on how the region is navigating the conflict in the Middle East.Monday begins with trade data from New Zealand and Malaysia, as well as the release of China's loan prime rates.Attention then turns Tuesday to New Zealand's first-quarter inflation report, followed by Bank Indonesia's interest rate decision and Japan's March trade figures on Wednesday.Thursday brings another key central bank decision from the Philippines, as well as first-quarter GDP data from South Korea. Flash PMI reports from India, Japan and Australia will also be closely watched.Friday rounds off the week with Japan's March inflation data, as well as Thailand's trade report.Here's what to watch in the week ahead.MONDAY, April 20The week kicked off with the release of trade data from New Zealand and Malaysia.New Zealand recorded a goods trade surplus of NZ$698 million in March, compared with a deficit of NZ$364.7 million in February.Goods exports rose 7.3% to NZ$7.94 billion, while imports rose 9.6% to NZ$7.25 billion.Malaysia's total trade in goods rose 9.3% annually to 273 billion ringgit in March, driven by growth in both exports and imports.Exports increased 8.3% year on year to 148.8 billion ringgit, while imports rose 10.4% to 124.2 billion ringgit.China kept its loan prime rate or LPR, which is the benchmark for new loans, unchanged after posting a better-than-expected economy amid the Middle East conflict.The People's Bank of China held the one-year LPR at 3% and the LPR of five years or more at 3.5%.Economists at ING said the central bank may keep the rates on hold until conditions warrant monetary policy support. The People's Bank of China has maintained the one-year and five-year LPR since May 2025.TUESDAY, April 21New Zealand is due to report its first quarter inflation data.The country's consumer price index is anticipated to rise by 0.8% quarter on quarter and 2.9% year on year, BofA Securities estimated, slightly below the Reserve Bank of New Zealand's revised April forecast of 3%.Headline inflation is driven by soaring fuel prices in March due to the Middle East conflict, with petrol prices surging nearly 19% and diesel by nearly 43% month on month, according to the firm's research.Taiwan will release its export orders data. According to ING, the city state could see a rebound in orders to around 48.1% year on year from 23.8% previously.WEDNESDAY, April 22Indonesia's central bank will meet for its interest rate decision.ING said it expects Bank Indonesia to keep its policy rate at 4.75% despite inflation running above the central bank's 2.5% target. At 3.5%, inflation is still well below the roughly 5% peak in 2022 that triggered aggressive rate hikes, and with growth softening, the central bank is likely to remain on hold, according to ING.Japan's March trade figures will also be in the news. ING said it expects strong Japanese export growth in March thanks to demand for semiconductors and IT products, pushing the country's trade surplus to 1 trillion yen from 44.3 billion yen in the month prior.Elsewhere, South Korea reports producer price inflation data for March.THURSDAY, April 23Another interest rate decision, this time in the Philippines.The island nation's economy is one of the most susceptible to oil shocks in the region, and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas' upcoming decision is "likely to be close" amid the current geopolitical situation in the Middle East, ING said in a preview.Still, the firm said its base case is for the central bank to maintain rates at 4.25%.South Korea's advance estimates for GDP growth for the first quarter will also capture headlines.Most analysts expect a rebound in growth after the economy contracted in the previous quarter, the Wall Street Journal reported.Barclays economist Bumki Son said the economy is likely to show a growth of 1.2% on a quarterly basis and 3% on a yearly basis thanks to stronger exports and a recovery in private consumption and facility investment, the WSJ reported.A consumer confidence report is also due in South Korea.Hong Kong and Singapore will announce Inflation data for March.Singapore's March print will capture the initial impact of the energy shock from the Middle East conflict, the WSJ reported, citing DBS economists. According to Trading Economics, the rate of price increase could quick to 1.5% year on year from the 1.2% witnessed in February.In Hong Kong, Trading Economics expects inflation to rise marginally to 1.8% on the year from the 1.7% recorded in February.Hong Kong will also release unemployment data the same day.A number of macro releases are expected in Taiwan, covering March retail sales, industrial production, and unemployment.Similar to its export orders, ING said it expects Taiwan's industrial production to rebound to 25.7% year on year from the 17.8% growth recorded in the month prior.On the activity front, S&P Global releases its flash PMI reports covering manufacturing, services, and composite activity in India, Japan, and Australia.FRIDAY, April 24Markets will await March inflation data from Japan.Core inflation, which excludes fresh food but includes energy, is expected to cool to a rate of 1.8% year on year from the 2% witnessed in February, according to a consensus compiled by Trading Economics.According to ING, efforts by Japan's government to stabilize gasoline prices should keep both headline and core inflation rates below 2%.March inflation data will also be due in Macao, which also reports unemployment rate the same day.Trading Economics estimates that March inflation could clock in at 1.2% year on year, modestly higher than the 1.16% witnessed in February.Unemployment, meanwhile, is expected to rise to 1.8% from 1.7% in the month prior, Trading Economics estimated.In Thailand, trade figures for March will be due.Trading Economics expects the country the post a trade deficit of $2 billion for the month, a reversal from the $2 billion surplus in February.A pair of reports covering business and consumer confidence in the first quarter will be due in the Philippines.A business confidence report covering the second quarter will similarly be made available in Hong Kong.

ASX 200Hang Seng^JKSEFTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCIKOSPINikkei 225^NZ50^PSEI^SETShanghai Composite^STI^SZSETaiwan Weighted
Asia

Cross-Border Flows Offset Earnings Pressure on Hong Kong Banks, Fitch Says

Healthy cross-border wealth and capital flows mitigate near-term earnings constraints for Hong Kong banks, Fitch Ratings said in a recent release.The banks posted double-digit growth in wealth management fees and solid deposit inflows last year due to increased flows, Fitch said.The trend will persist in 2026, although the pace may moderate due to a high base and geopolitical risks, especially with the Iran conflict, the rating agency said.Policy efforts and growing IPO activity have helped Hong Kong maintain its status as a regional wealth center, leading to solid growth in nonresident bank accounts, brokerage volumes, and investment product distribution, Fitch said.Resulting gains in fee and income and a surge in low-cost deposits balance profitability constraints from weak loan demand, lower net interest margins, and higher credit costs due to local commercial real estate exposure, the rating agency said.

Hang Seng
International

Profit-Taking, Geopolitics Dent Asian Stock Markets

Asian stock markets wobbled lower Friday as traders assessed values after recent rallies, and weighed uncertain prospects for global oil prices and the Persian Gulf conflict.Hong Kong, Shanghai and Tokyo finished in the red, as did most other regional exchanges.In Japan, the Nikkei 225 opened lower and closed down 1.8% as traders booked profits after the index struck all-time highs on Thursday.The benchmark Nikkei 225 fell 1042.44 to 58,475.90, as losing issues outnumbered gainers 179 to 44.Leading the upside was software testing company Shift, up 11.8%, while silicon wafer maker Sumco declined 10%.In Hong Kong, the Hang Seng Index opened lower and could not recover, closing down 0.9% as traders warily eyed Middle East developments.The broad gauge Hang Seng fell 233.93 to 26,160.33 as losing issues outnumbered gainers 72 to 16. The Hang Seng TECH Index lost 1% on the day, while the Mainland Properties Index fell 0.5%.Leading the upside was New Oriental Education & Technology, gaining 3%, while Wuxi AppTec declined 5.9%.On the mainland, the Shanghai Composite fell 0.1% to 4,051.43.On the other regional exchanges, the South Korean KOSPI fell 0.6%; the Taiwan TWSE declined 0.9%; the Australian ASX 200 declined 0.1%; the Singapore Straits Times Index fell 0.12%, and the Thai Set declined 0.5%. In late trading in Mumbai, the Sensex was up 0.67%The MSCI All Country Asia Pacific Index fell 0.9% on the day.

Hang SengNikkei 225Shanghai Composite
Asia

Hong Kong Stocks Retreat Ahead of Key US-Iran Talks; Gpixel, Manycore Surge on Debut

Hong Kong stocks pulled back Friday as investors remained cautious ahead of a pivotal weekend that could shape the near-term outlook for the Middle East conflict.The Hang Seng Index fell 233.93 points, or 0.9%, to close at 26,160.33, while the Hang Seng China Enterprises Index dropped 60.09 points, or 0.7%, to 8,845.02.U.S. President Donald Trump said a deal to end the Iran conflict appeared increasingly likely, and that talks between Washington and Tehran could resume over the weekend.He added that a two-week ceasefire could be extended, though it may not be necessary as Iran was seeking a deal.Elsewhere, Israel and Lebanon agreed to start a 10-day ceasefire after talks facilitated by Washington earlier in the week.In corporate news, two companies made their debut on the Hong Kong bourse.Gpixel Changchun Microelectronics (HKG:3277) closed nearly 76% higher at HK$70, compared with the initial public offering price of HK$39.88.Manycore Tech (HKG:0068) advanced 144% to end at HK$18.60, versus the IPO price of HK$7.62.

Hang SengHKG:0068HKG:3277
Asia

Market Chatter: GIC-Backed Envision AESC Weighs Up to $2 Billion Hong Kong IPO

Envision AESC, an electric-vehicle battery maker backed by Singapore's sovereign wealth fund GIC, is considering a Hong Kong initial public offering that could raise between $1 billion and $2 billion, Bloomberg News reported Friday, citing people familiar with the matter.The company is working with banks on the potential share sale, which could take place as soon as this year, the report said.Deliberations are reportedly ongoing, and details, including the size and timing of the offering, may change.Envision AESC operates manufacturing facilities across the U.S., the U.K., France, Spain, China, and Japan, and supplies batteries to major global automakers.(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, China Economic Outlooks Lift Asian Stock Markets

Asian stock markets marched unevenly higher Thursday, as traders reviewed major economic reports from Beijing, and prospects for peace in the Middle East.Hong Kong, Shanghai, Seoul, Taiwan and Tokyo exchanges finished in the green, although other regional exchanges edged lower.In Japan, the Nikkei 225 opened higher and rose to the close, up 2.4% as traders weighed media reports of possibly renewed Tehran-Washington peace talks.The benchmark Nikkei 225 gained 1,384.10 to 59,518.34, as gaining issues outnumbered losers 158 to 64.Leading the upside was gadget maker TDK, up 13.1%, while heavy-equipment manufacturer Komatsu declined 5.4%.In Hong Kong, the Hang Seng Index opened higher and tracked north, closing up 1.7%, after Beijing released a slate of generally good economic reports. Tech issues led the upside.The broad gauge Hang Seng rose 446.94 to 26,394.26 as gaining issues outnumbered losers 61 to 26. The Hang Seng TECH Index gained 3.7% on the day, while the Mainland Properties Index rose 1.2%.Leading the upside was Contemporary Amperex Technology, gaining 9%, while noodle maker Tingyi declined 3.5%.On the mainland, the Shanghai Composite rose 0.7% to 4,055.55.In economic news, mainland China's Q1 gross domestic product (GDP) expanded by 5% on year, meeting Beijing's target, reported the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).Additionally, China's industrial output rose 5.7% on year in March, while retail sales lifted a tempered 1.7% in the same period.China's new home prices across 70 cities fell 3.4% on-year in March 2026, widening from a 3.2% decline in the previous month, reported the NBS.On the other regional exchanges, the S. Korean KOSPI rose 2.2%; the Taiwan TWSE added 1.1%; the Australian ASX 200 lost 0.3%; the Singapore Straits Times Index slipped 0.3%, and the Thai Set fell 1.1%. In late trading in Mumbai, the Sensex was down 0.2%.The MSCI All Country Asia Pacific Index rose 1.2% on the day.

Hang SengNikkei 225Shanghai Composite
Asia

S&P Forecasts Weaker Credit Quality for 15% of Asia-Pacific Corporates Under Prolonged Middle East War

Protracted energy supply disruptions due to the Middle East conflict would weaken the credit profile of 15% of rated Asia-Pacific corporates, S&P Global Ratings said in a Thursday release.The figure under this downside scenario is greater than the 9% forecast under S&P's base case of a nearer end to the conflict.Sectors most vulnerable to the downside case include chemicals, downstream oil and gas, airlines, automotive, engineering and construction, and building materials, S&P said.The rating agency expects countries with depleting energy reserves to be impacted first, with subsidy efforts postponing some impact but ultimately pressuring countries' financial positions.The impact of the oil shock will vary across firms in different countries and even within the same sector, S&P said.However, supply chain diversification, inventory management, and timely cost passthrough should aid sectors in anchoring credit quality, S&P said.

ASX 200Hang SengNikkei 225Shanghai Composite^SZSE
Equities

S&P Global: Oil Shock Could Undermine Asian Pacific Bonds

About one-seventh of Asian Pacific corporate bonds outstanding could come under pressure if the Persian Gulf war and higher oil prices persist, S&P Global reported Thursday."A prolonged oil shock could undermine the credit quality of 15% of rated Asia-Pacific corporates tested under our downside scenario," advised S&P Global. "That's up from 9% under our base case of a quicker end to war."The Asia-Pacific is more exposed to a Middle-East related energy shock than most other regions, and vulnerable to "disruptions to energy and raw material supplies, demand destruction, margin compression, and working capital volatility," advised S&P Global.Nearly 90% of the crude oil shipped through the Strait of Hormuz is bound for Asia, and Persian Gulf petroleum accounts for about 40% of Asia-Pacific's energy imports, noted the credit-rating agency.In Asia, industries and enterprises that rely on jet fuel, diesel, and liquified petroleum gas (LPG) "face the highest shortage risk," reported S&P Global.Business sectors most affected include chemicals, downstream oil and gas, airlines, automobile-manufacturing, engineering and construction, and building materials.In terms of nations, South Korea, Japan, and mainland China "have largely mitigated near-term supply disruption," through use of adequate reserves, but "other countries have had to announce various measures to manage a potential energy supply crunch," said S&P Global.Not only corporates, but some sovereign bonds could be affected if high prices persist.The Philippines sovereign credit-rating was reduced to BBB+ "stable" from "positive" last week, due to exposure to oil shocks, said S&P Global.

Hang Seng^JKSEKOSPINikkei 225^PSEI^SETShanghai CompositeTaiwan Weighted
Asia

Asia-Pacific Governments' Efforts to Control Energy Shock Impact Could Weigh on Public Finances, Fitch Says

Asia-Pacific governments have been adopting several efforts to mitigate the near-term credit effects of the Middle East energy shock, although these measures transfer the pressure onto public finances, Fitch Ratings said in a recent release.Governments have been countering energy supply pressure through subsidies, price caps, administrative curbs, and energy import diversification, Fitch said.Vietnam has stretched its fuel tax suspension until Jun and eliminated import tariffs until April.Malaysia raised its monthly petrol and diesel subsidy bill, while Singapore increased its corporate tax rebate and carried out reliefs.In India, the government pulled back on full customs duties on 40 petrochemical products while reducing special excise duties on petrol and diesel.These efforts should lessen short-term inflation and social risks, offering a buffer against sudden demand weakness and operating pressure for corporates, the rating agency said.On the other hand, the measures also create strains on sovereign balance sheets, state-tied entities, and regulated energy frameworks, with diverging credit impacts across sovereigns and energy and regulated utility entities, Fitch said.The rating agency considers price controls as causing market signal disruptions and can add more credit stress.Pakistan, the Philippines, and Thailand have permitted domestic fuel price movements while Indonesia and India have maintained pump prices, Fitch said.China increased prices to levels below cost increases, while South Korea will not have fuel price cap changes for the next few weeks.Thailand requires price reductions, while the Philippines paused its electricity spot market to control increases in electricity bills.Fitch considers the actions as anchoring near-term affordability but disruptive to the profitability of energy entities under delayed compensation.State-linked companies' growing role in supporting energy needs amid the shock could dampen their standalone credit profiles, Fitch said.

ASX 200Hang SengNikkei 225Shanghai Composite^SZSE
International

Hong Kong Exports, Imports Grow in February

Hong Kong's total exports grew 19.5% year over year in February while imports increased 23.9% year over year, according to data from the city's census and statistics department released Thursday.Exports during the first two months of the year rose by 25% while imports were 29.1% higher when compared to a year earlier.Prices of exports during February jumped 4.2% while that of imports inched up 4.3%. For the first two months of the year, prices of exports increased by 3.6% while import prices gained 3.7%.

Hang Seng
Asia

Hong Kong Stocks Gain as Easing Geopolitical Tensions, Strong China Data Lifts Sentiment; Sigenergy Technology Shines on Debut

Hong Kong equities advanced on Thursday as improving sentiment around a potential de-escalation in the Middle East and stronger-than-expected first-quarter economic data from China supported the market.The Hang Seng Index gained 446.94 points, or 1.7%, to close at 26,394.26, while the Hang Seng China Enterprises Index added 186.85 points, or 2.1%, to 8,905.11.Optimism grew that the Middle East conflict may be nearing a turning point, as Pakistani mediation and signals from the Trump administration pointed to progress toward a deal that could reopen the Strait of Hormuz.China's economy expanded 5% year-on-year in the first quarter, beating market expectations, official data showed.Meanwhile, the country's crude oil throughput fell 2.2% year-on-year in March as the Iran conflict curbed refinery activity, while domestic crude output reached a record high.In corporate news, Sigenergy Technology (HKG:6656) made its debut in Hong Kong, closing over 103% higher at HK$659.50, compared with the offer price of HK$324.20.Lens Technology (HKG:6613, SHE:300433) slipped nearly 13% after booking a loss in the first quarter of 2026.

Hang SengHKG:6613HKG:6656SHE:300433
International

Hong Kong Records HK$2.11 Billion in Land Premiums in Q1 2026

Hong Kong registered 13 lease modifications and two land exchanges in the Land Registry during the first quarter of the year, realizing a total land premium of HK$2.11 billion in the first quarter of 2026, according to figures released by the Lands Department Wednesday.The premium represents a drop of 41% on a quarter-on-quarter basis, but a rise of 2% on an annual basis.

Hang Seng
International

Middle East Outlook Elevates Asian Stock Markets

Asian stock markets tracked higher Wednesday amid reports that Iran and the US may again meet to negotiate a possible settlement to Middle East hostilities.Hong Kong and Tokyo finished in the green, as did most other regional exchanges. Exchanges in Bangkok remained closed on holiday.In Japan, the Nikkei 225 opened higher and held ground, finishing up 0.4% as the risk-on mood among traders was sustained on the Persian Gulf outlook.The benchmark Nikkei 225 rose 256.85 to 58,134.24, as gaining issues outnumbered losers 130 to 91.Leading the upside was consultancy BayCurrent, up 14% after reporting earnings, while memory-device maker Kioxia declined 7.4%.In Hong Kong, the Hang Seng Index opened higher and closed in the green, up 0.3% on hopes that oil prices may ebb in coming months, if conflicts in the Persian Gulf are resolved.The broad gauge Hang Seng rose 75 to 25,947.32, as gaining issues outnumbered losers 48 to 40. The Hang Seng TECH Index gained 1.2% on the day, while the Mainland Properties Index was steady.Leading the upside was Laopu Gold, rising 6.8%, while New Oriental Education and Technology declined 5.9%.On the mainland, the Shanghai Composite was almost flat, closing at 4,027.21.On the other regional exchanges, the S. Korean KOSPI rose 2.1%; the Taiwan TWSE inclined 1.2%; the Australian ASX 200 declined 0.1%, and the Singapore Straits Times Index rose 0.3%. In late trading in Mumbai, the Sensex was up 1.6%The MSCI All Country Asia Pacific Index rose 0.9% on the day.

Hang SengNikkei 225Shanghai Composite
Asia

IMF Lowers 2026 Growth Outlook for Most Asian Economies Amid Middle East War

The International Monetary Fund has lowered its growth estimates for most Asian economies for 2026, according to a recent release.The organization revised down its growth outlook for emerging Asian economies to 4.9% from a previous prospect of 5% in January, which was before the start of the conflict in the Middle East.Growth for the group will continue to decline to 4.8% in 2027, the IMF said.The organization projects China's economy growing 4.4% this year and 4% next year, while India will post growth of 6.5% for the next two years.Cumulative growth among Southeast Asia's five biggest economies, including Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand, will fall to 3.7% in 2026 from 4.9%, although this will recover to 4.7% next year, the organization said.Individually, Vietnam will post the strongest growth of 7.1%, although this is still lower than the 8% growth last year.The rest of the economies in the group will also see lower growth, with Indonesia at 5%, Malaysia at 4.7%, the Philippines at 4.1%, and Thailand at 1.5%.Among advanced economies in Asia-Pacific, Korea's growth will rise to 1.9% from 1% last year, while that of Australia will remain flat at 2%.Japan's growth will slow down to 0.7% in 2026 and 0.6% in 2027 from 1.2% last year, according to the IMF.Taiwan will see lower expansion of 5.2% from 8.7% in 2025, while Singapore's growth will come to 3.5%, down from 5% last year.Hong Kong will also observe lower growth of 2.4%, compared to 3.5% in 2025.The IMF forecasts global economic growth to weaken to 3.1% this year from 3.4% last year, accounting for the impacts of the continued conflict in the Middle East.

ASX 200^BSE^DSE^HNX^HOSEHang Seng^JKSEFTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI^KOSDAQKOSPINikkei 225Nifty 50^PSEI^SETShanghai Composite^STI^SZSETaiwan Weighted^YSX
Asia

Hong Kong Stocks Edge Higher as U.S.-Iran Talks Remain in Focus; Xuanzhu Biopharm Advances

Hong Kong equities gained on Wednesday as expectations of renewed U.S.-Iran dialogue eased geopolitical concerns.The Hang Seng Index gained 75.00 points to end fractionally higher at 25,947.32, while the Hang Seng China Enterprises Index added 46.65 points, or 0.5%, to 8,718.26.U.S. President Donald Trump said talks with Iran could resume within days after weekend negotiations broke down in Islamabad, Reuters reported.Officials in Pakistan and Iran also indicated that discussions could restart.Despite the optimism, the U.S. said its military had effectively halted all maritime trade to and from Iran, maintaining pressure on Tehran.Oil prices extended declines for a second straight session as prospects of renewed talks reduced concerns over supply disruptions.Still, refiners continued to seek alternative crude supplies, driving up premiums for barrels from regions such as the U.S. Gulf Coast and the North Sea.In corporate news, Xuanzhu Biopharmaceutical (HKG:2575) closed over 10% higher after receiving approval in China to initiate a phase 3 trial for its Helicobacter pylori drug.

Hang SengHKG:2575
Asia

Credit Losses for Asia-Pacific Banks to Rise by $180 Billion Under Prolonged Middle East War, S&P Says

Credit losses for Asia-Pacific banks could surge by about $180 billion over the next two years under a downward scenario of a prolonged war in the Middle East, S&P Global Ratings said in a Wednesday release.Total biennial credit losses could hit $910 billion over 2026 and 2027 under this scenario, compared with $730 billion under S&P's base case.The rise in credit losses to total loans would hit Vietnam, Indonesia, and India the most under this scenario, S&P said.Under S&P's base case, banks will feel a weaker impact from the war since direct exposures to the Middle East are low and indirect ones are manageable.In a downward scenario, banks will likely be hit by secondary effects on the household, corporate, and government sectors, credit analyst Gavin Gunning said.The impact will be felt more by banks with sizable exposures to susceptible corporate sectors such as airlines, energy, chemicals, and transportation.However, S&P expects bank buffers to be resilient at current rating levels under a downside case.Of more than 400 S&P-rated financial institutions in the region, 92% have ratings with a stable outlook, while only 2.9% are negative.

ASX 200Hang SengNikkei 225Shanghai Composite^SZSE
International

Persian Gulf Outlook Lifts Asian Stock Markets

Asian stock markets rallied on Tuesday after US President Donald Trump indicated that Tehran-Washington negotiations to end Persian Gulf hostilities might resume, and as relative calm prevailed in the Strait of Hormuz.Hong Kong, Shanghai and Tokyo finished in the green, as did other regional exchanges, led by 2.7% rise on Seoul's KOSPI index. Exchanges in Bangkok and Mumbai were closed on holiday.In Japan, the Nikkei 225 opened higher and rose to the close, finishing up 2.4% on Middle East outlooks and after US military ships navigated the Strait of Hormuz without incident.The benchmark Nikkei 225 rose 1,374.62 to 57,877.39, as gaining issues outnumbered losers 136 to 87.Leading the upside was tech-financiers SoftBank, up 12.7%, while property-concern Haseko declined 5.7%.In Hong Kong, the Hang Seng Index opened higher, wobbled, but closed up 0.8% on strength in property issues.The broad gauge Hang Seng rose 211.47 to 25,872.32, as gaining issues outnumbered losers 61 to 29. The Hang Seng TECH Index gained 0.6% on the day, while the Mainland Properties Index rallied 3.2%.Leading the upside was toymaker Pop Mart International, gaining 6.5%, while Xinyi Solar declined 3.4%.On the mainland, the Shanghai Composite rose 1% to 4,026.63.In economic news, China's export growth slowed to 2.5% on-year in March, down from 21.8% on-year logged in the first two months of the year, reported the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).In contrast, China's imports rose 27.8% on year in March, up from the 19.8% on-year gain recorded in the first two months of the year.On the other regional exchanges, the Taiwan TWSE inclined 2.4%, the Australian ASX 200 inclined 0.5% and the Singapore Straits Times Index rose 0.5%.The MSCI All Country Asia Pacific Index rose 1.9% on the day.

Hang SengNikkei 225Shanghai Composite
Asia

Market Chatter: Chinese AI Startups to Ditch Offshore IPO Structures

Shanghai-based artificial intelligence company StepFun is dismantling its Cayman Islands holding structure for a Hong Kong listing, as Beijing cracks down on red-chip vehicles long used for overseas fundraising, Reuters reported Monday, citing three sources.China's securities regulator recently ordered offshore-registered companies with China-based assets to unwind the setup, according to the report. StepFun, which develops general-purpose foundation models, now sees an onshore structure as more suitable due to its heavy state backing.Meanwhile, AI peer Moonshot, creator of the Kimi language model, is also reconsidering its offshore incorporation, Reuters wrote.Moonshot is raising $1 billion at an $18 billion valuation and could pursue a Hong Kong IPO later this year, 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 SengShanghai Composite^SZSE

Showing 161-180 of 195