Hong Kong’s benchmark stock market opened softer Thursday, with the Hang Seng slightly lower as Asian equities reacted to mixed sentiment from global markets and a strong U.S. jobs report that tempered risk appetite among investors. Markets across the region were influenced by data showing stronger-than-expected employment numbers in the U.S., which lifted the dollar and weighed on equities in Hong Kong early in the trading session.
Market context and early trading
The Hong Kong Stock Exchange operates a two-session trading day: a morning session beginning at 09:30 HKT and an afternoon session after lunch. Trading activity at the open reflected cautious positioning, with technology and property shares among the more active segments in the first minutes of trading.
Drivers and sentiment
Investors balanced positive earnings news and robust IPO activity — including sizeable capital-raising plans in the city’s equity market — against concerns over external demand and monetary policy. Regional markets showed mixed performance, suggesting that traders are managing a complex blend of local and global economic data.
Implications for investors
For Hong Kong, early session softness could be a function of broader risk repricing rather than local weakness. Market participants will be watching for follow-through trades in heavyweight names through the afternoon session and any shifts in sentiment triggered by U.S. and European market cues.
Newshub Editorial in Asia – 12 February 2026
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