February 12, 2025 04:02 GMT
ASIA: Hong Kong Listed Equities Rally, Mainland Equities Struggle
ASIA
Chinese and Hong Kong equities saw mixed moves today, with AI-related stocks continuing their rally, while pressure mounted on consumer and healthcare sectors. DeepSeek's AI-driven surge remains a key bullish driver, with Morgan Stanley, JPMorgan, and UBS expressing optimism that the rally is far from over. The MSCI China Index has now gained 15% from its January low, supported by increased global investor interest in the nation’s tech sector.
- Medical equipment stocks surged after Citigroup turned constructive on the sector, citing market share gains from foreign brands and long-term fundamentals. MicroPort MedBot (+8.5%), MicroPort Scientific (+5.7%), and Inkon Life (+7.7%) led the advance, with Citi highlighting potential stimulus measures at next month’s Two Sessions as a further catalyst.
- Meituan tumbled as much as 6.1% after JD.com announced it would waive annual commissions for new restaurant partners, intensifying competition in the food delivery sector. JD.com shares rose 2%, while Alibaba share surged almost 7%. The HStech Index tracked Alibaba higher, however has since given back about half of the mornings gains to trade 1.30% higher at the break.
- Key equity benchmarks: HSI is +1.56%, HS Property Index +2.15%, HS China Enterprise Index +1.50% while China Mainland equities underperform with the CSI 300 -0.10%.
- Overall, sentiment remains strong for AI and tech stocks, while consumer and platform businesses face increasing pressure from competition and regulatory concerns.
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