The Hang Seng Index fell 1.0%, or 259 points, to 25,390 on Wednesday, as waning expectations for a US–Iran agreement and caution ahead of key US inflation data dampened risk appetite. Oil prices climbed to a one-week high amid escalating tensions around the Strait of Hormuz, stoking concerns about inflationary pressures and the outlook for global growth. Sentiment was further pressured by overnight losses on Wall Street.
Regionally, Hong Kong technology shares remained under strain, with investors awaiting Tencent’s second-quarter results for indications of momentum in its gaming, advertising, and AI-related investments. At the same time, a planned expansion of the Hang Seng Tech Index from 30 to 50 constituents is expected to boost exposure to fast-growing sectors such as artificial intelligence and robotics.
Hong Kong’s IPO pipeline also stayed in the spotlight, with reports that Shein is preparing a listing in the city, underpinning optimism about a revival in capital-market activity. Among major decliners were Tencent (-2.3%), AIA (-0.6%), Lenovo (-0.6%), Kuaishou (-1.6%), and Meituan (-2.3%).
