Hong Kong stocks hit 4-year high as China inflation data lifts chances of a rate cut

Hong Kong stocks rose to a four-year high on Wednesday amid hopes that China will cut interest rates after consumer prices fell further, alongside expectations of a rate cut by the US Federal Reserve.

The Hang Seng Index advanced 1.2 per cent to 26,246.13 at the noon break, poised for the highest close since September 8, 2021. The Hang Seng Tech Index gained 1.8 per cent.

On the mainland, the CSI 300 Index and the Shanghai Composite Index both added 0.2 per cent.

Technology stocks led the gains after Oracle surged to a record in the US amid robust demand for artificial-intelligence infrastructure. Search engine operator Baidu gained 3.8 per cent to HK$110.10. Alibaba Group Holding jumped 2.1 per cent to HK$144.90 and rival JD.com rallied 4.6 per cent to HK$133.40. Tencent Holdings advanced 1.8 per cent to HK$638.

China’s inflation rate continued to decline in August. Photo: Xinhua

Consumer prices in China dropped 0.4 per cent year on year in August, the first decline in three months, according to data from the National Bureau of Statistics on Wednesday. It was steeper than the consensus estimate of a 0.2 per cent decrease. Consumer prices were unchanged in July.

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