U.S. stocks continued their upward trend on Wednesday, driven by market optimism that the Middle East conflict may be nearing an end. A notable decline in oil prices further stimulated market gains, with all three major indices closing higher. The U.S. dollar weakened, while the yield on the 10-year Treasury note held steady at 4.32%. Gold prices advanced, whereas oil prices retreated from recent highs.
In today's trading session, Hong Kong's three major indices opened lower. The Hang Seng Index started down 0.16% at 25,254.49 points, the Hang Seng Tech Index fell 0.49%, and the Hang Seng China Enterprises Index declined 0.32%.
Sector performance was mixed. Technology and internet stocks were broadly lower, with Bilibili and Alibaba both dropping more than 1%, and Xiaomi down 1%. Gold-related stocks generally advanced, led by Zhufeng Gold, which rose over 2%. Semiconductor shares showed strength, with Solomon Systech climbing more than 2%. The innovative drug sector extended its gains, with WuXi Biologics rising over 1%. Automobile stocks were mostly higher, with Chery Auto advancing more than 2%.
