Hong Kong stocks rose 56 points or 0.2% to 23,691 during Thursday’s morning session, marking a second straight day of gains.
Traders reacted to Beijing’s decision to lift export curbs on rare earths and military-use technologies for 28 U.S. entities, effective Wednesday, allowing exporters to apply for licenses during a 90-day window.
China also temporarily lifted trade and investment bans on 17 U.S. firms, calling the move a potential reset in bilateral ties.
Locally, Financial Secretary Paul Chan said Hong Kong’s interest rates may remain low due to ample liquidity, supporting capital and property markets.
However, gains were capped by weak April credit data from China, where new yuan loans fell to a 20-year low of CNY 280 billion, reflecting early fallout from trade tensions.
Consumer and tech shares led the advance, while financials lagged.
Tencent rose after Q1 revenue beat estimates.
Other notable gainers included Miniso Group (2.7%), AIA Group (2.3%), and Xiaomi Corp. (1.9%).
