The Hang Seng Index fell 202 points, or 0.8%, to 25,950 on Thursday, reversing gains from the previous session as investors locked in profits and adopted a more cautious stance ahead of key macroeconomic data. Sentiment was shaped by a mixed global backdrop. While US equities were supported by strong corporate earnings and improved risk appetite, regional markets remained more restrained as investors weighed geopolitical uncertainty linked to the US-Iran standoff and its potential impact on energy flows through the Strait of Hormuz. Elevated oil prices continued to fuel inflation concerns, keeping risk sentiment in check across Asian markets. Locally, attention is focused on Hong Kong’s March inflation data due later in the session, which could offer fresh signals on price pressures and influence expectations for monetary conditions. Among notable laggards were Tencent Holdings (-1.3%), AIA Group (-1.1%), Geely Automobile (-3.2%), Xiaomi Corporation (-1.5%), and Anta Sports (-1.1%).
