Hong Kong Stocks Sink on Oil Shock

The Hang Seng Index slipped 1.0%, or 257 points, to 24,691 on Friday, extending losses further this week as escalating Middle East tensions and surging oil prices weighed on sentiment. Brent crude climbed above US$109 a barrel as disruptions to key shipping routes raised concerns over global energy supplies, while higher oil prices fuelled inflation fears and increased expectations for tighter monetary policy. Global bond yields also rose, with the US 10-year Treasury yield nearing 5%, adding pressure on equities ahead of the US August CPI report and the Federal Reserve’s policy meeting next week. Technology and finance stocks were among the notable laggards. Chinese AI startup Moonshot was reportedly exploring dual Hong Kong and Shanghai listings amid weaker performance among Hong Kong-listed AI stocks. Notable laggards included Tencent (-1.3%), MiniMax (-2.2%), SMIC (-2.6%), Xiaomi (-0.9%), and AIA Group (-0.9%).




