FX.co ★ Hang Seng Dips 0.6% at Finish

The Hang Seng Index decreased by 153 points, or 0.6%, closing at 25,343 on Wednesday, marking a decline for the second consecutive day. This downturn comes amid a broader pullback in global equities triggered by escalating concerns regarding fiscal pressures worldwide. In the U.S., Dow Jones futures were notably under pressure, affected by the sixth consecutive monthly decline in the manufacturing sector. In a further development, the U.S. appeals court issued a divided ruling deeming most of President Trump’s tariffs illegal. However, these tariffs will remain effective until October 14 as a Supreme Court appeal is anticipated. Across various sectors, declines were noted following a military parade in China, which was attended by Russia's President Putin and North Korea's Kim Jong Un, leading to profit-taking in defense-related stocks. In Hong Kong, local regulators initiated an insider trading investigation concerning at least two individuals associated with HKEX. Nonetheless, the losses were mitigated by a private survey indicating that China's services activity experienced its most significant increase in 15 months during August. Major stocks posting declines included Henderson Land, down 3.7%, Swire Properties, down 3.2%, and BYD Co., which fell by 2.5%.