27.04.202602:04:26UTC+00Hong Kong Stocks Hold Steady

The Hang Seng Index was little changed on Monday, edging up 0.2% to 26,010. Early volatility faded as caution dominated trading, reflecting escalating geopolitical tensions and growing disruptions in global energy markets. Oil prices climbed to recent highs after US–Iran peace talks stalled, leaving the Strait of Hormuz largely impassable and stoking fears of prolonged supply bottlenecks and sustained global inflationary pressure.

The rise in crude prices dampened risk appetite, as investors grew concerned that persistent energy cost pressures could push back anticipated monetary easing. U.S. stock futures also slipped ahead of a packed week featuring multiple central bank meetings and a raft of major earnings releases.

Hong Kong equities underperformed most regional markets, with investors adopting a more defensive stance amid uncertainty over the future path of interest rates. Even so, semiconductor shares extended their gains from the previous session, led by SMIC, which rose 6.0%. Other notable movers included AIA Group, up 1.4%, Lenovo, up 1.3%, and Shenzhen Xunce Technology, up 1.4%.