FX.co ★ Hong Kong Stocks Begin Month Higher

The Hang Seng Index rose 0.4%, or 94 points, to close at 25,978 on Monday, following gains across global markets as risk appetite improved amid optimism over renewed US–Iran talks. Oil prices fell, while US equity-index futures advanced after US President Donald Trump announced that fresh negotiations with Iran would begin on Monday, bolstering hopes for easing tensions in the Middle East and a potential reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.

Locally, Hong Kong Financial Secretary Paul Chan indicated that the government is likely to raise its 2026 GDP growth forecast later this month, citing stronger-than-expected economic performance. At the same time, the launch of offshore China Government Bond Futures further strengthened Hong Kong’s status as an international financial hub.

Among notable movers, Tencent gained 2.1%, Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corporation added 0.5%, Kuaishou climbed 1.2%, Lenovo advanced 0.5%, and Shenzhen Xunce surged 15.8%.