Middle East Tensions Impact U.S. and Hong Kong Markets

U.S. President Donald Trump expressed uncertainty about reaching an agreement with Iran, leading to a significant drop in U.S. stock markets. According to Ming Pao, subsequent negotiations between the U.S. and Iran showed progress, with Iran confirming receipt of a 15-point ceasefire proposal from the U.S. through a third party. Trump decided to postpone a major bombing campaign on energy infrastructure by ten days, which helped the Hang Seng Index recover from its morning low of 24,712 points, rising by as much as 239 points to reach 25,095 points. However, it failed to challenge the 250-day moving average, currently around 25,119 points. The Hong Kong stock market has experienced three 'Black Mondays' in the past four weeks, affecting investor sentiment over the weekend, causing the index to lose the 25,000-point mark. Some stocks broke the recent trend of declining after earnings announcements. CSPC Pharmaceutical Group (1093) and Innovent Biologics (1801) rose by 13.8% and 7.68%, respectively, becoming the top gainers among blue-chip stocks. Ping An Insurance (2318) also saw a rise of 1.98%.