Hang Seng Rises Slightly Amid Strong China Trade Data
Hong Kong stocks opened slightly higher on Wednesday, with the Hang Seng Index rising around 59 points, or 0.2%, to 26,013. This increase extended the previous session's gains, supported by strengthening US futures and market hopes for clarity on the direction of the Iran conflict. At the same time, strong Chinese trade data also boosted investor sentiment. Chinese customs data showed the country's exports surged 21.8% in January-February 2026, well above expectations, while the trade surplus reached US$213.6 billion.
Positive sentiment also came from the corporate sector. Chinese electric car manufacturer NIO posted its first quarterly net profit in the fourth quarter of 2025, supported by surging sales and stronger margins. The company reported quarterly net profit of 282.7 million yuan, reversing a large loss in the same period the previous year, while non-GAAP operating profit also reached a positive record.
On the stock exchange floor, consumer and technology stocks were the main drivers of the rally. Some of the issuers leading the gains included Geely Auto, China Hongqiao, and Orient Overseas. However, market gains remained restrained by concerns that China's lower economic growth target for 2026, at 4.5% to 5%, coupled with continued strong export performance, could prompt Beijing to delay new stimulus measures in the near future.
This means that the Hong Kong market is currently supported by a combination of solid economic data and positive corporate news, but investors have not yet fully abandoned their cautious stance. As long as there is no certainty regarding additional stimulus from Beijing and the global geopolitical situation remains volatile, the index's room for upside is likely to remain limited, even though short-term sentiment appears to be improving. (asd)
Source: Newsmaker.id
