FX.co ★ Hong Kong Shares Trade in the Red

The Hang Seng Index slipped 0.4% to around 25,480 in early trading on Wednesday, after a largely flat session the previous day. The benchmark underperformed other major Asian indices, which drew support from renewed strength in technology shares and growing optimism that the Middle East conflict may be edging toward a resolution. The US has indicated progress toward a potential peace agreement, even as fresh hostilities continue.

Early decliners on the Hang Seng included Tencent (-0.3%), Alibaba (-0.9%), CNOOC (-3.3%), and AIA Group (-1.3%). These losses were partially offset by gains in selected technology and industrial stocks, with Xiaomi inching up 0.2%, Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corporation advancing 3.7%, and Lenovo jumping 6.9%.