FX.co ★ Hong Kong Stocks Slip on Mixed Cues

The Hang Seng Index fell 80 points, or 0.3%, to 26,270 on Wednesday, as investors weighed mounting concerns over U.S. inflation and rising tensions in the Middle East against optimism about the upcoming Trump–Xi meeting. Caution prevailed after President Donald Trump signaled a tougher line on Iran following criticism of the ceasefire, while persistent geopolitical risks continued to pressure global markets. Oil prices remained elevated after recent sharp gains, as the protracted conflict in the Middle East disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, stoking worries about renewed inflationary pressures. Chinese technology stocks were also in the spotlight, with investors increasingly demanding clearer returns on heavy AI spending by companies such as Alibaba Group and Tencent ahead of the earnings season. Among notable movers, Tencent Holdings fell 0.4%, SMIC dropped 3.0%, and Techtronic Industries declined 2.9%, while AIA Group and Pop Mart rose 1.2% and 2.0%, respectively.