2026.03.0508:26:11UTC+00Hang Seng Pares Gains at Close

The Hang Seng Index rose 72 points, or 0.3%, to close at 25,321 on Thursday, snapping a three-day losing streak as financial and property stocks led the advance. Bargain hunting at an 11-week low underpinned the rebound.

Market sentiment improved after China signaled a shift toward economic rebalancing, setting its 2026 GDP growth target at 4.5%–5.0%, compared with the “around 5%” pace of recent years. Under its 15th five-year plan, Beijing pledged increased spending on innovation, high-tech industries, scientific research, and household consumption, while keeping the fiscal deficit at 4.0% of GDP and inflation close to 2.0%.

Early gains faded, however, as U.S. equity futures fell sharply amid rising geopolitical tensions, despite President Trump’s pledge to protect shippers after a U.S. submarine sank an Iranian warship. Investor caution also intensified ahead of key Chinese data due next week, including February inflation and trade figures.

Among notable movers, Akeso Inc. climbed 7.0%, AIA Group gained 5.1%, XPeng advanced 2.8%, and Sun Hung Kai Properties added 2.4%.