Lower Open Called For Hong Kong Shares

Hong Kong markets rose in back-to-back sessions, the Hang Seng gaining more than 770 points (about 2.8%) with a Thursday close at 26,626.28 after a 412.50-point (1.57%) rally. Despite recent strength led by financials and tech, brokers expect a softer open amid profit-taking and Middle East conflict uncertainty after weakness in European and U.S. markets. U.S. indices slid (Dow sharply lower) and oil jumped on Strait of Hormuz supply concerns, supporting risk-off dynamics that could cap Hong Kong gains. Major Hong Kong names such as Alibaba, Baidu, Tencent and others posted notable moves, while energy names saw steep declines.