The Hang Seng Index fell about 0.6% to 25,749 on Thursday, retreating from the previous session’s rally as Asian markets turned cautious. Sentiment was weighed down by fragility and tensions in the Middle East, which continue to drive volatility in oil prices and raise concerns that inflationary pressures could persist longer than expected. Iran’s move to restrict shipping and impose tolls in the Strait of Hormuz, an essential global oil route has further unsettled markets, posing risks to global economic growth and equity performance.
On the data front, China’s March CPI and PPI are due on Friday, with inflation expected easing to 1.2% from 1.3% and PPI rebounding 0.4% after a 0.9% drop, with the data key for Hong Kong stocks as they signal mainland demand and pricing power shaping earnings prospects for China-linked firms. Most sectors traded in the red, with early laggards including Sinotruk (-3.6%), Green Tea (-2.8%), Xiaomi (-2.6%), and Kuaishou Technology (-2.9%).
