https://www.scmp.com/rss/20874/feed Bite-sized updates on share price movements, deals and other market developments en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com Julie Zhang Julie Zhang Insilico Medicine has signed a potential multibillion-dollar deal with Eli Lilly to license out an early-stage drug pipeline and provide its artificial intelligence platform services in research and development collaborations. Under the agreement announced on Monday, US-headquartered, Hong Kong-listed Insilico will receive an upfront payment of US$115 million. The deal could have a total value of around US$2.75 billion tied to development, regulatory and commercial milestones, plus tiered... https://www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/3348333/hong-kong-listed-insilico-medicine-signs-ai-drug-development-deal-eli-lilly?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/3348333/hong-kong-listed-insilico-medicine-signs-ai-drug-development-deal-eli-lilly?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 30 Mar 2026 01:24:48 +0000 Yulu Ao Yulu Ao The US-Israel war with Iran is rapidly reshaping global investment strategies, with fund managers slashing risk exposure and hoarding cash at the fastest pace since the Covid-19 pandemic, as rising geopolitical tensions and inflation fears replace artificial intelligence trade as the market’s top concerns, according to Bank of America (BofA). Investor sentiment fell to a six-month low in March, while average cash allocations jumped to 4.3 per cent from 3.4 per cent a month earlier – the biggest... https://www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/3347009/iran-conflict-drives-fund-managers-slash-risk-and-hoard-cash-bofa-survey-shows?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/3347009/iran-conflict-drives-fund-managers-slash-risk-and-hoard-cash-bofa-survey-shows?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 18 Mar 2026 08:35:36 +0000 Yulu Ao Yulu Ao Hong Kong stocks rose for a second day on Tuesday, tracking Wall Street’s gains, as oil prices steadied after a sharp overnight decline, easing concerns over inflation and geopolitical tensions. The Hang Seng Index added 0.1 per cent to 25,868.54 at the close of trading, after rising as much as 1.6 per cent in the morning. The Hang Seng Tech Index fell 0.1 per cent. On the mainland, the CSI 300 Index lost 0.7 per cent and the Shanghai Composite Index declined 0.9 per cent. E-commerce giant... https://www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/3346816/hong-kong-stocks-advance-oil-steadies-and-wall-street-rally-fuels-confidence?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/3346816/hong-kong-stocks-advance-oil-steadies-and-wall-street-rally-fuels-confidence?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 17 Mar 2026 01:58:50 +0000 Aileen Chuang Aileen Chuang Chinese technology stocks are gaining momentum as they emerge largely unscathed from the US-Iran conflict and artificial intelligence “scare trades”, with agentic AI breakthroughs like OpenClaw sparking fresh monetisation hopes, according to investment experts. Global markets have been hit in recent weeks by an oil-price shock linked to the war in the Middle East, as well as an AI-driven sell-off over fears the technology could wipe out white-collar jobs. However, Chinese tech stocks remained... https://www.scmp.com/business/markets/article/3346604/hopes-ai-monetisation-boost-china-tech-stocks-amid-war-market-scares?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/markets/article/3346604/hopes-ai-monetisation-boost-china-tech-stocks-amid-war-market-scares?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 16 Mar 2026 00:30:13 +0000 Julie Zhang Julie Zhang Hong Kong’s export credit insurer is keeping premiums low and expanding support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), even as geopolitical tensions in the Middle East raise concerns about risks to global trade. Unlike the typical trade credit insurance model – where insurers raise premiums when geopolitical risks increase – the Hong Kong Export Credit Insurance Corporation (HKECIC) said it had continued offering concessions to exporters to help them weather uncertainty. “In the... https://www.scmp.com/business/banking-finance/article/3346369/hong-kong-export-credit-insurer-keeps-premiums-low-despite-middle-east-tensions?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/banking-finance/article/3346369/hong-kong-export-credit-insurer-keeps-premiums-low-despite-middle-east-tensions?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 12 Mar 2026 11:00:17 +0000 Julie Zhang Julie Zhang Mainland Chinese investors can now buy shares in more than a dozen newly added Hong Kong-listed biotech and pharmaceutical companies after a reshuffle of the Stock Connect southbound trading list took effect on Monday, reflecting the sector’s growing role on the international stage. Foreign capital, however, remained cautious, analysts said. “Mainland buyers have been the main force behind the latest healthcare rally. They tend to chase smaller-cap names where a tight free float makes it easier... https://www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/3346016/china-investors-energise-hong-kong-biotech-stocks-foreign-money-missing-out?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/3346016/china-investors-energise-hong-kong-biotech-stocks-foreign-money-missing-out?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 09 Mar 2026 23:30:07 +0000 Julie Zhang Julie Zhang Beijing should create a “connect” scheme for initial public offerings (IPOs) in the Greater Bay Area to allow mainland Chinese and Hong Kong investors to buy into new listings across the border, HSBC Asia-Pacific chairman Peter Wong Tung-shun said on the eve of China’s annual “two sessions” meetings. “If investors in both Shenzhen and Hong Kong are further allowed to participate simultaneously in IPOs in both markets – achieving a more comprehensive IPO connect mechanism for the Greater Bay Area... https://www.scmp.com/business/banking-finance/article/3345285/hsbc-chairman-floats-ipo-connect-hong-kong-shenzhen-ahead-chinas-two-sessions?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/banking-finance/article/3345285/hsbc-chairman-floats-ipo-connect-hong-kong-shenzhen-ahead-chinas-two-sessions?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 03 Mar 2026 10:30:09 +0000 Yulu Ao Yulu Ao US investors stepped up purchases of mainland and Hong Kong equities in the fourth quarter, while Chinese funds continued to channel money into US stocks, underscoring deep two-way capital ties despite geopolitical tensions. Data from the US Treasury’s International Capital system showed that US investors were net buyers of US$9 billion worth of Asian equities in the last quarter of 2025, bringing total net purchases for the year to US$80 billion, according to a report from BNP Paribas. Of that... https://www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/3344456/us-investors-increase-buying-hong-kong-mainland-chinese-stocks-despite-trade-tensions?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/3344456/us-investors-increase-buying-hong-kong-mainland-chinese-stocks-despite-trade-tensions?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 24 Feb 2026 09:00:28 +0000 Yulu Ao Yulu Ao Hong Kong stocks fell on Tuesday, tracking Wall Street’s losses, as renewed concerns about the artificial intelligence race weighed on sentiment, while mainland markets rallied on the first trading day in the Year of the Horse. The Hang Seng Index dropped 1.8 per cent to 26,590.32 at the close of trading, paring some of the 2.5 per cent gain recorded on Monday. The Hang Seng Tech Index fell 2.1 per cent. On the mainland, the CSI 300 Index rose 1 per cent while the Shanghai Composite Index jumped... https://www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/3344393/hong-kong-stocks-retreat-ai-worries-china-markets-rally-year-horse?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/3344393/hong-kong-stocks-retreat-ai-worries-china-markets-rally-year-horse?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 24 Feb 2026 01:58:23 +0000 Julie Zhang Julie Zhang When an ibuprofen dance challenge went viral on the Chinese social media platform Douyin in late 2022 during the Covid-19 pandemic, shares of the country’s leading ibuprofen maker surged more than 200 per cent in two weeks. Now profits at Shandong Xinhua Pharmaceutical are plunging, and it is not alone, as drug makers are hit by oversupply and weakening demand. The net profit at Shandong Xinhua, a leading manufacturer and exporter of fever and pain medicines, including ibuprofen, fell 26 per... https://www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/3344097/viral-dance-challenge-lifted-chinese-ibuprofen-makers-shares-now-they-are-languishing?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/3344097/viral-dance-challenge-lifted-chinese-ibuprofen-makers-shares-now-they-are-languishing?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 22 Feb 2026 06:00:13 +0000 Yulu Ao Yulu Ao Hong Kong stocks fell on Friday on the first trading day of the Year of the Horse, led by tech heavyweights, with escalating tensions between the US and Iran hurting sentiment. The Hang Seng Index closed 1.1 per cent lower at 26,413.35, after the market reopened following a three-day holiday for the Lunar New Year. The Hang Seng Tech Index dropped 2.9 per cent. Mainland China’s bourses are closed this week and will reopen on Tuesday. E-commerce major Alibaba Group Holding slumped 4.9 per cent to... https://www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/3344062/hong-kong-stocks-fall-market-reopens-after-3-day-lunar-new-year-holiday?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/3344062/hong-kong-stocks-fall-market-reopens-after-3-day-lunar-new-year-holiday?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 20 Feb 2026 02:04:32 +0000 Yulu Ao Yulu Ao Hong Kong stocks rose on Monday as investors headed into the Lunar New Year holiday on an upbeat note, betting that the Year of the Horse will extend a rally that delivered the biggest lunar-year gain in eight years amid strong southbound inflows. The Hang Seng Index rose 0.5 per cent to 26,705.94 at the close of trading at noon, ending a two-day decline. The Hang Seng Tech Index added 0.1 per cent. The Hang Seng Index is up 32 per cent since the Year of the Snake began on January 29, 2025, the... https://www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/3343666/hong-kong-stocks-slip-light-trading-investors-prepare-lunar-new-year-break?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/3343666/hong-kong-stocks-slip-light-trading-investors-prepare-lunar-new-year-break?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 16 Feb 2026 01:51:02 +0000 Yulu Ao Yulu Ao South Korean investors returned to mainland equities at the start of 2026, ramping up purchases of Hong Kong-listed players in artificial intelligence and semiconductors amid enduring enthusiasm for the tech sector. They bought US$92.5 million worth of Hong Kong-listed shares this year as of February 13, according to data from SEIBro, a portal maintained by the Korea Securities Depository. The buying was concentrated in newly listed technology companies and exchange-traded funds (ETFs) tracking... https://www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/3343628/korean-investors-pour-us925-million-hong-kong-listed-ai-tech-stocks?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/3343628/korean-investors-pour-us925-million-hong-kong-listed-ai-tech-stocks?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 16 Feb 2026 00:30:13 +0000 Yulu Ao Yulu Ao Hong Kong stocks rose on Wednesday, supported by holiday-related flows ahead of the Lunar New Year break, with investors adjusting positions as the market heads into a shortened trading schedule next week. The Hang Seng Index rose 0.3 per cent to 27,266.38 at the close of trading, adding to the 0.6 per cent gain recorded on Tuesday. The Hang Seng Tech Index climbed 0.9 per cent. On the mainland, the CSI 300 Index fell 0.2 per cent and the Shanghai Composite Index added 0.1 per cent. Wuxi... https://www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/3343127/hong-kong-stocks-rise-positive-holiday-bias-sets-ahead-lunar-new-year?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/3343127/hong-kong-stocks-rise-positive-holiday-bias-sets-ahead-lunar-new-year?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 11 Feb 2026 01:52:29 +0000 Julie Zhang Julie Zhang Investors in mainland China raised their stakes in Hong Kong-listed drug makers through the cross-border trading link over the past week, as a wave of out-licensing deals between the country’s pharmaceutical firms and global partners rolls on. The Hang Seng Southbound Connect Hong Kong Innovative Drug Index, which tracks around 40 of the largest Hong Kong-listed Chinese drug manufacturers, biotech researchers and AI-driven drug developers by market capitalisation, rose about 8 per cent between... https://www.scmp.com/business/banking-finance/article/3343011/chinese-investors-pour-hong-kong-listed-drug-stocks-international-deals-multiply?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/banking-finance/article/3343011/chinese-investors-pour-hong-kong-listed-drug-stocks-international-deals-multiply?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 10 Feb 2026 05:00:18 +0000 Julie Zhang Julie Zhang Stock exchanges in Shanghai, Shenzhen and Beijing – the three major bourses in mainland China – announced a package of measures on Monday to fast-track fundraising for cutting-edge firms amid the country’s self-reliance push in tech. The three operators said they would shorten waiting periods for listed technology firms filing for refinancing or post-initial-public-offering (IPO) fundraising activities, cutting the refinancing interval to as little as six months, according to state news agency... https://www.scmp.com/business/banking-finance/article/3343000/china-slashes-wait-times-loss-making-tech-firms-seeking-refinancing-fundraising?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/banking-finance/article/3343000/china-slashes-wait-times-loss-making-tech-firms-seeking-refinancing-fundraising?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 10 Feb 2026 03:26:47 +0000 Julie Zhang Julie Zhang A unit of Fosun Pharma has struck a US$1.55 billion deal to license its home-grown cancer drug to Japan’s Eisai, adding to a wave of out-licensing agreements that are channelling billions of dollars into Chinese novel drug development. The deal comes as Chinese novel drug makers are having more say in how their new medicines are developed with global partners, shifting from simple one-off licensing fees, where a company is paid for granting rights to its drug, to long-term collaborations. Under... https://www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/3342652/fosun-pharmas-us155-billion-eisai-deal-signals-shift-long-term-partnerships?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/3342652/fosun-pharmas-us155-billion-eisai-deal-signals-shift-long-term-partnerships?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 06 Feb 2026 09:00:15 +0000 Yulu Ao Yulu Ao Hong Kong stocks edged up on Thursday, as robust southbound inflows overcame losses in technology shares driven by valuation and AI-related concerns. The Hang Seng Index ended 0.1 per cent higher at 26,885.24 as of the close of trading, after dropping as much as 1.6 per cent. The Hang Seng Tech Index gained 0.7 per cent. On the mainland, both the CSI 300 Index and the Shanghai Composite Index lost 0.6 per cent. Search-engine operator Baidu rose 2.7 per cent to HK$140.90 after unveiling a US$5... https://www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/3342440/alibaba-kuaishou-smic-drop-hong-kong-tech-stock-sell-ai-fears-grip?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/3342440/alibaba-kuaishou-smic-drop-hong-kong-tech-stock-sell-ai-fears-grip?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 05 Feb 2026 02:13:15 +0000 Julie Zhang Julie Zhang Cathy Zhang, head of Asia-Pacific equity capital markets at Morgan Stanley, sounded hoarse after a day of back-to-back meetings with companies keen to go public in Hong Kong. “It’s very possible that the value and number may exceed last year’s IPO figures, given the momentum we have seen in January,” Zhang said in an interview on January 30. Nearly 100 companies filed for stock offerings in the city last month, more than triple the same period in 2025, a year which saw Hong Kong crowned as the... https://www.scmp.com/business/banking-finance/article/3342365/morgan-stanley-sees-another-record-year-hong-kong-ipos-pipeline-hits-450?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/banking-finance/article/3342365/morgan-stanley-sees-another-record-year-hong-kong-ipos-pipeline-hits-450?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 04 Feb 2026 23:30:38 +0000 Yulu Ao Yulu Ao Hong Kong stocks edged up on Wednesday, recovering from tech-led losses in the morning, as gains in mainland solar companies and easing concerns over a broad value-added tax (VAT) hike helped lift sentiment. The Hang Seng Index rose 0.1 per cent to 26,847.32 at the close of trading, after falling as much as 0.9 per cent earlier. The Hang Seng Tech Index fell 1.8 per cent. On the mainland, the CSI 300 Index gained 0.8 per cent while the Shanghai Composite Index added 0.9 per cent. Power-tool... https://www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/3342300/hong-kong-stocks-slip-tax-worries-weigh-tech-mainland-stock-sentiment?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/3342300/hong-kong-stocks-slip-tax-worries-weigh-tech-mainland-stock-sentiment?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 04 Feb 2026 01:52:34 +0000 Yulu Ao Yulu Ao Hong Kong stocks rose on Tuesday amid stabilising risk sentiment, but losses in technology shares capped the upside amid market chatter that Chinese authorities may target financial and internet value-added services for tax-rate adjustments. The Hang Seng Index climbed 0.2 per cent to 26,834.77 at the close of trading, after rising as much as 1.3 per cent earlier. The Hang Seng Tech Index fell 1.1 per cent. On the mainland, the CSI 300 Index gained 1.2 per cent and the Shanghai Composite Index... https://www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/3342166/hong-kong-stocks-rise-easing-geopolitical-tensions-precious-metals-gain?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/3342166/hong-kong-stocks-rise-easing-geopolitical-tensions-precious-metals-gain?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 03 Feb 2026 01:48:07 +0000 Julie Zhang,Themis Qi Julie Zhang,Themis Qi Another gold fund in mainland China suspended new investments as precious metals extended a plunge on Monday, heightening dilemmas for investors. The Harvest Gold Securities Investment Fund, a listed open-ended fund (LOF) investing in gold-related products, said it would suspend new investments from Tuesday until further notice. The fund manager said it aimed to ensure stable operation and protect the interests of unit holders. On Wednesday, E Fund Management’s E Fund Gold Theme LOF also closed... https://www.scmp.com/business/banking-finance/article/3342079/gut-check-time-how-chinese-gold-and-silver-investors-assess-metals-volatility?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/banking-finance/article/3342079/gut-check-time-how-chinese-gold-and-silver-investors-assess-metals-volatility?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 02 Feb 2026 08:30:13 +0000 Yulu Ao Yulu Ao Hong Kong stocks fell on Monday, mirroring Wall Street’s retreat, as risk sentiment evaporated after a choppy end to last week that also dragged down precious metals. The Hang Seng Index declined 2.2 per cent to 26,775.57 at the close of trading, the biggest drop since November 21. It added to a 2.1 per cent loss recorded in the previous session. The Hang Seng Tech Index dropped 3.4 per cent. On the mainland, the CSI 300 Index lost 2.1 per cent and the Shanghai Composite Index fell 2.5 per... https://www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/3342032/hong-kong-stocks-drop-shaky-risk-sentiment-us-equities-and-metals-slide?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/3342032/hong-kong-stocks-drop-shaky-risk-sentiment-us-equities-and-metals-slide?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 02 Feb 2026 02:00:04 +0000 Yulu Ao Yulu Ao Hong Kong stocks retreated on Friday, ending a seven-day rally, as investors locked in profits on the final trading day in January after a sharp month-long surge. Investors were also cautious ahead of an announcement on the US Federal Reserve’s next chair. The Hang Seng Index fell 2.1 per cent to 27,387.11 at the close, pulling back from a multi-year high on Thursday. The benchmark climbed 6.8 per cent this month, its strongest performance since September 2025, when it finished 7.1 per cent... https://www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/3341753/hong-kong-stocks-end-7-day-rally-investors-resort-profit-taking?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/3341753/hong-kong-stocks-end-7-day-rally-investors-resort-profit-taking?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 30 Jan 2026 02:18:48 +0000 Yulu Ao Yulu Ao Hong Kong stocks extended gains for a seventh day on Thursday, supported by resource and property firms, with analysts maintaining an earnings-driven “slow bull” outlook for the market. The Hang Seng Index closed 0.5 per cent higher at 27,968.09, after briefly crossing 28,000 points, a level last seen in July 2021. The benchmark gained 2.6 per cent on Wednesday. The Hang Seng Tech Index dropped 1 per cent. On the mainland, the CSI 300 Index rose 0.8 per cent and the Shanghai Composite Index... https://www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/3341611/hong-kong-stocks-snap-gains-profit-taking-concerns-over-ai-investment-returns?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/3341611/hong-kong-stocks-snap-gains-profit-taking-concerns-over-ai-investment-returns?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 29 Jan 2026 02:20:11 +0000 Yulu Ao Yulu Ao Hong Kong stocks closed marginally higher on Monday amid geopolitical tensions, with some investors rotating into Chinese equities as a hedge against US market volatility, while optimism over a nascent rebound in the city’s property market pushed developers higher. Haven assets such as gold and silver surged to new highs. The Hang Seng Index rose less than 0.1 per cent to 26,765.52, after dropping as much as 0.5 per cent. The Hang Seng Tech Index lost 1.2 per cent. On the mainland, the CSI 300... https://www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/3341194/pop-mart-zijin-mining-lead-hong-kong-stocks-higher-early-trading?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/3341194/pop-mart-zijin-mining-lead-hong-kong-stocks-higher-early-trading?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 26 Jan 2026 02:01:57 +0000 Aileen Chuang Aileen Chuang A sudden spike in volatility in Japanese government bonds (JGBs) – long seen as among the world’s safest assets – is stoking concern that risk aversion is rippling through Asian markets across asset classes, according to analysts. Investors have repriced the term and risk premiums on JGBs as fiscal worries that started simmering last year have flared again after Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi pledged tax cuts and higher spending. The 40-year bond yield rose above 4 per cent on Tuesday, the... https://www.scmp.com/business/commodities/article/3340667/japan-bond-volatility-raises-contagion-alarm-asias-stocks-and-debt?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/commodities/article/3340667/japan-bond-volatility-raises-contagion-alarm-asias-stocks-and-debt?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 21 Jan 2026 07:11:50 +0000 Aileen Chuang Aileen Chuang Hong Kong’s local currency and offshore yuan bonds are expected to maintain their growth momentum in 2026, driven by deepened market benchmarks and demand, according to a senior banker. The broader Asian bond market, excluding Japan, has had a busy start to 2026, with high-profile issuances in Hong Kong dollars and offshore yuan leading the way, riding on last year’s record volumes. On Friday, Kuaishou Technology sold a 3.5 billion yuan (US$502 million) five-year note – known as a dim sum bond –... https://www.scmp.com/business/banking-finance/article/3340322/hong-kong-dollar-and-yuan-bonds-forecast-sustain-record-growth-momentum-2026?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/banking-finance/article/3340322/hong-kong-dollar-and-yuan-bonds-forecast-sustain-record-growth-momentum-2026?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 19 Jan 2026 01:30:14 +0000 Aileen Chuang Aileen Chuang Growth in sovereign investors’ exposure to mainland China in 2025 slowed amid rising political sensitivities, but experts said selective opportunities and closer bilateral ties could support the outlook. The world’s second-largest economy received US$4.3 billion in investments from sovereign wealth funds, public pension funds and central banks, down 58 per cent from US$10.3 billion in 2024, according to Global SWF, which tracks 792 such state-owned investors. “Sovereign investment activity has... https://www.scmp.com/business/banking-finance/article/3339836/sovereign-investors-cut-mainland-china-exposure-political-sensitivities-rise?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/banking-finance/article/3339836/sovereign-investors-cut-mainland-china-exposure-political-sensitivities-rise?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 14 Jan 2026 09:00:13 +0000 Julie Zhang Julie Zhang Chinese drug makers’ licensing deals more than doubled in 2025 from a year earlier to a record high, propelled by dozens of multibillion-dollar agreements between Hong Kong and mainland China-listed firms and global pharmaceutical giants. Last year, 157 out-licensing deals worth US$135.7 billion were signed, compared with 94 transactions worth US$51.9 billion in 2024, state media reported, citing data released by the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA), China’s drugs regulator, last... https://www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/3339011/chinese-drug-makers-strike-record-us136-billion-out-licensing-deals-2025?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/3339011/chinese-drug-makers-strike-record-us136-billion-out-licensing-deals-2025?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 08 Jan 2026 00:30:09 +0000 Aileen Chuang Aileen Chuang Digital finance has moved into the mainstream as regulated stablecoins and tokenised assets scale up, but industry experts say 2026 will be defined by success in developing interoperable, regulated, use-case-driven rails rather than more digital silos. As more than 130 jurisdictions explore central bank digital currencies (CBDCs), alongside dozens of stablecoin initiatives and a growing array of tokenisation platforms, day-to-day payments and finance are undergoing a rapid structural... https://www.scmp.com/business/cryptocurrency/article/3338656/digital-finance-2026-what-expect-pilot-schemes-move-real-world-use?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/cryptocurrency/article/3338656/digital-finance-2026-what-expect-pilot-schemes-move-real-world-use?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 04 Jan 2026 23:30:15 +0000 Aileen Chuang Aileen Chuang More Chinese and local issuers could tap Dubai to list debt and equity securities, signalling confidence in the Chinese economy and the deepening economic corridor between China and the Middle East, according to the CEO of Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA). The momentum would build on Emirates NBD Bank’s recent offshore yuan bond of 1 billion yuan (US$143 million), listed on Nasdaq Dubai, marking the lender’s return to the dim sum bond market and enabling global investors to access... https://www.scmp.com/business/banking-finance/article/3338120/more-issuers-turn-dubai-listings-yuan-bonds-gain-traction-middle-east?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/banking-finance/article/3338120/more-issuers-turn-dubai-listings-yuan-bonds-gain-traction-middle-east?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 03 Jan 2026 01:30:10 +0000 Yulu Ao Yulu Ao Hong Kong stocks made a strong start to 2026 on Friday, as investors bet on economic growth after both the mainland and Hong Kong markets recorded bull runs in 2025. The Hang Seng Index surged 2.8 per cent to 26,338.47 at the close, notching the biggest gain since May 12 and pushing the benchmark to the highest level since November 17. The Hang Seng Tech Index added 3.6 per cent. On the mainland, the markets were closed for public holidays. Leading the advance, search-engine giant Baidu jumped... https://www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/3338452/hong-kong-stocks-jump-2026-investors-bet-continued-bull-run?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/3338452/hong-kong-stocks-jump-2026-investors-bet-continued-bull-run?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 02 Jan 2026 02:27:35 +0000 Yulu Ao Yulu Ao Mainland Chinese stocks rose on Friday, supported by a firmer yuan after the currency strengthened beyond the 7-per-US-dollar mark, stoking optimism that policymakers may tolerate a gradual appreciation to bolster investor confidence. The broad-based CSI 300 Index increased 0.3 per cent to 4,657.24 at the close of trading, adding to a 0.2 per cent rise a day earlier. The Shanghai Composite Index lifted 0.1 per cent. Hong Kong’s market was closed on Thursday and Friday for the Christmas... https://www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/3337755/firmer-yuan-fuels-chinese-share-gains-bets-beijing-will-tolerate-appreciation?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/3337755/firmer-yuan-fuels-chinese-share-gains-bets-beijing-will-tolerate-appreciation?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 26 Dec 2025 02:45:33 +0000 Yulu Ao Yulu Ao Mainland Chinese stocks rose on Thursday, recovering from earlier losses as investors digested the cautious but supportive policy signals from the central bank, with gains led by insurers and defensive names. The broad-based CSI 300 Index added 0.2 per cent to 4,642.54 by the close, after briefly trading lower in the session. The Shanghai Composite Index rose 0.5 per cent. Hong Kong’s market was closed on Thursday and Friday for the Christmas holiday. Among the notable gainers, electrical... https://www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/3337678/china-shares-edge-lower-hopes-fade-near-term-stimulus-boost?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/3337678/china-shares-edge-lower-hopes-fade-near-term-stimulus-boost?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 25 Dec 2025 02:53:40 +0000 Yulu Ao Yulu Ao Hong Kong stocks ended lower on Tuesday, reversing early gains, as investors booked profits, offsetting optimism that the rally could extend into next year. The Hang Seng Index closed 0.1 per cent lower at 25,774.14, after rising as much as 0.5 per cent earlier. The Hang Seng Tech Index fell 0.7 per cent. On the mainland, the CSI 300 Index climbed 0.2 per cent and the Shanghai Composite Index gained 0.1 per cent. Technology heavyweights weighed on the index. Short-video sharing platform Kuaishou... https://www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/3337414/hong-kong-stocks-climb-santa-rally-extends-second-day?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/3337414/hong-kong-stocks-climb-santa-rally-extends-second-day?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 23 Dec 2025 02:39:57 +0000 Yulu Ao Yulu Ao Standard Chartered said Chinese equities are looking more compelling after a period of consolidation, with cheaper valuations and earnings growth expected to rebound in 2026 from a low base in 2025, as monetary policy eases, global growth holds up and artificial intelligence-related investment stays strong. “After a period of consolidation, valuations of Chinese equities have become more attractive, and earnings growth is expected to recover from a low base,” said Raymond Cheng, chief investment... https://www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/3336792/standard-chartered-keeps-overweight-call-china-stocks-flags-earnings-recovery-2026?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/3336792/standard-chartered-keeps-overweight-call-china-stocks-flags-earnings-recovery-2026?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 17 Dec 2025 23:30:08 +0000 Yulu Ao Yulu Ao Hong Kong stocks rose on Friday as traders positioned for additional growth-supportive measures after Beijing vowed to strengthen the domestic market to buffer against external headwinds at its annual central economic work conference. The Hang Seng Index gained 1.8 per cent to 25,976.79 at the close of trading – the biggest gain since November 24. It helped trim its weekly loss to 0.4 per cent. The Hang Seng Tech Index advanced 1.9 per cent. On the mainland, the CSI 300 Index climbed 0.6 per... https://www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/3336142/hong-kong-stocks-advance-beijing-vows-bolster-economy-key-conference?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/3336142/hong-kong-stocks-advance-beijing-vows-bolster-economy-key-conference?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 12 Dec 2025 02:19:02 +0000 Yulu Ao Yulu Ao Hong Kong stocks closed flat on Thursday as the US Federal Reserve’s rate cut briefly lifted sentiment, while investors still awaited policy signals ahead of China’s central economic work conference. The Hang Seng Index edged down less than 0.1 per cent to 25,530.51 as of the close of trading, after rising as much as 1 per cent earlier. The Hang Seng Tech Index fell 0.8 per cent. On the mainland, the CSI 300 Index dropped 0.9 per cent and the Shanghai Composite Index lost 0.7 per cent. Chinese... https://www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/3335980/hong-kong-stocks-advance-china-stimulus-bets-and-fed-interest-rate-cut?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/3335980/hong-kong-stocks-advance-china-stimulus-bets-and-fed-interest-rate-cut?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 11 Dec 2025 02:25:03 +0000 Yulu Ao Yulu Ao Hong Kong stocks closed higher on Wednesday as investors bet on Beijing’s stimulus measures to shore up the property market and broader economy while waiting for clues on the US Federal Reserve’s policy path next year. The Hang Seng Index rose 0.3 per cent to 25,540.78 at the close of trading after falling as much as 0.7 per cent earlier in the session. The Hang Seng Tech Index rose 0.5 per cent. On the mainland, the CSI 300 Index fell 0.1 per cent and the Shanghai Composite Index slipped 0.2... https://www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/3335827/hong-kong-stocks-extend-losses-wall-street-caution-weighs-sentiment?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/3335827/hong-kong-stocks-extend-losses-wall-street-caution-weighs-sentiment?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 10 Dec 2025 02:25:58 +0000 Julie Zhang Julie Zhang Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing (HKEX) has launched its first equity index tracking Hong Kong-listed technology companies, underscoring the city’s ongoing shift from a market long dominated by property and finance towards innovation-driven growth. Unveiled on Tuesday, the HKEX Tech 100 Index tracks 100 large-cap and mid-cap companies spanning artificial intelligence, biotech and pharmaceuticals, electric vehicles and smart driving, information technology, internet, and robotics. Biotech... https://www.scmp.com/business/banking-finance/article/3335684/hong-kong-launches-hkex-tech-100-index-pivot-towards-innovation-driven-growth?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/banking-finance/article/3335684/hong-kong-launches-hkex-tech-100-index-pivot-towards-innovation-driven-growth?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 09 Dec 2025 03:33:10 +0000 Yulu Ao Yulu Ao Hong Kong stocks extended their losing run on Tuesday, tracking Wall Street’s overnight pullback, as traders priced in an interest-rate cut but grew uneasy about the pace of reductions expected next year. Sentiment was further dampened after economists at global banks flagged that the latest China Politburo readout suggested “a lack of urgency” for policy stimulus. The Hang Seng Index lost 1.3 per cent to 25,434.23 at the close of trading, adding to the 1.2 per cent loss recorded the previous... https://www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/3335677/hong-kong-stocks-extend-losses-amid-rate-cut-caution-muted-china-policy-outlook?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/3335677/hong-kong-stocks-extend-losses-amid-rate-cut-caution-muted-china-policy-outlook?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 09 Dec 2025 02:29:29 +0000 Julie Zhang Julie Zhang Global investors should consider reducing their US equities exposure as emerging market stocks are on track to outperform those in developed nations for the first time in five years amid a weakening US dollar, according to global investment firm Cambridge Associates. The recommendation comes as the dollar has experienced significant weakness this year, falling by 10 per cent at one point after a decade-long bull run that started in 2011. However, the greenback still remains 32 per cent above its... https://www.scmp.com/business/banking-finance/article/3335167/emerging-markets-set-outperform-us-stocks-dollar-weakness-continues-cambridge-says?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/banking-finance/article/3335167/emerging-markets-set-outperform-us-stocks-dollar-weakness-continues-cambridge-says?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 05 Dec 2025 01:00:13 +0000 Yulu Ao Yulu Ao The Hong Kong Investment Corporation (HKIC) earned HK$2.34 billion (US$300.7 million) in investment income last year, as the city’s wholly owned investment vehicle made an impressive report after its first year of operation. HKIC posted HK$2.25 billion in operating income for the year that ended on December 31, on HK$64 billion in total assets, while deploying less than one-fifth of its initial capital of HK$62 billion, according to a report on Thursday. “HKIC is the patient capital investment... https://www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/3335124/hong-kongs-investment-body-posts-us300-million-income-first-year?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/3335124/hong-kongs-investment-body-posts-us300-million-income-first-year?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 04 Dec 2025 01:02:34 +0000 Yulu Ao Yulu Ao Hong Kong and mainland Chinese stocks are set to extend their gains in 2026 after a strong rally this year, HSBC Asset Management said, with improved earnings, easing deflationary pressures and policy support expected to underpin further upside despite lingering global rate and geopolitical uncertainties. When investors were asked to sum up their outlook for 2026, the words that came up most often were “uncertainty” and “volatility”, said Michael Cross, the firm’s Asia chief investment officer,... https://www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/3334798/hsbc-tips-hong-kong-and-mainland-chinese-shares-maintain-recovery-momentum-2026?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/3334798/hsbc-tips-hong-kong-and-mainland-chinese-shares-maintain-recovery-momentum-2026?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 01 Dec 2025 11:54:33 +0000 Yulu Ao Yulu Ao Hong Kong stocks rose on Monday, led by technology heavyweights, as growing conviction about a US interest-rate cut this month overcame concerns about an artificial-intelligence bubble and a contraction in mainland factory activity. The Hang Seng Index added 0.7 per cent to close at 26,033.26. The Hang Seng Tech Index gained 0.8 per cent. On the mainland, the CSI 300 Index advanced 1.1 per cent and the Shanghai Composite Index rose 0.7 per cent. Among major gainers, e-commerce firm Alibaba Group... https://www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/3334704/tech-firms-lead-hong-kong-stocks-upwards-rate-cut-month-locked?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/3334704/tech-firms-lead-hong-kong-stocks-upwards-rate-cut-month-locked?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 01 Dec 2025 02:21:14 +0000 Aileen Chuang Aileen Chuang Hong Kong dollar bond issuance is poised to expand, following a record run of offerings, as easing local interest rates attract more issuers while a global diversification trend persists, according to analysts. Total issuance in the city’s currency reached a record HK$331 billion (US$42.6 billion) so far this year, nearly 37 per cent higher than 2024’s full-year total of HK$242 billion. “The Hong Kong dollar bond market will continue to grow over the long term, supported by structural shifts,”... https://www.scmp.com/business/banking-finance/article/3334467/surge-hong-kong-dollar-bonds-continue-after-record-us42-billion-year?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/banking-finance/article/3334467/surge-hong-kong-dollar-bonds-continue-after-record-us42-billion-year?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 28 Nov 2025 05:35:52 +0000 Yulu Ao Yulu Ao Hong Kong’s retail investors are still flocking to US artificial intelligence and other tech stocks despite market volatility, but early signs of shifting sentiment have emerged, according to David Friedland, Asia-Pacific head at US firm Interactive Brokers. Demand for US assets among Hong Kong and regional clients remained strong this year, with overnight trading in American shares doubling over the past year, driven by large-cap technology stocks and AI infrastructure, Friedland said. “The US... https://www.scmp.com/business/markets/article/3334309/hong-kong-retail-investors-still-flock-us-tech-stocks-nvidia-amid-ai-bubble-fears?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/markets/article/3334309/hong-kong-retail-investors-still-flock-us-tech-stocks-nvidia-amid-ai-bubble-fears?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 27 Nov 2025 04:23:45 +0000 Julie Zhang Julie Zhang Hong Kong is ramping up efforts to expand the use of local currencies across the Asia-Pacific region, including developing a local currency debt market, as part of a push to hedge against rising geopolitical risks, according to Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) CEO Eddie Yue Wai-man. Speaking at the fourth edition of the Asean+3 Economic Cooperation and Financial Stability Forum in Hong Kong on Tuesday, Yue underlined the need to strengthen regional financial ties as Hong Kong and its... https://www.scmp.com/business/banking-finance/article/3334088/hong-kong-pushes-local-currency-use-shield-asia-global-uncertainties?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/banking-finance/article/3334088/hong-kong-pushes-local-currency-use-shield-asia-global-uncertainties?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 25 Nov 2025 09:59:28 +0000 Julie Zhang Julie Zhang A majority of Asia-Pacific institutional investors believe markets are due for a correction in 2026, citing a potential tech bubble, geopolitical tensions and recession as their primary worries, according to a survey report published on Tuesday by Natixis Investment Managers. Global markets had been “remarkably resilient” in 2025 despite challenges such as tariffs, geopolitical conflicts and supply chain disruptions, according to Natixis. However, 74 per cent of institutional investors globally... https://www.scmp.com/business/banking-finance/article/3333509/asia-pacific-investors-brace-market-correction-2026-amid-tech-bubble-fears-survey?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/banking-finance/article/3333509/asia-pacific-investors-brace-market-correction-2026-amid-tech-bubble-fears-survey?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 20 Nov 2025 06:22:42 +0000