Hong Kong stocks fall to a 2-week low as investors await progress on US trade deals



Hong Kong stocks fell to a two-week low on Monday as investors geared up for details on trade deals between the US and its major partners, with a deadline fast approaching.

The Hang Seng Index dropped 0.5 per cent to 23,808.91 at the noon break, heading for its lowest close since June 23. The Hang Seng Tech Index lost 0.2 per cent. On the mainland, the CSI 300 Index slid 0.6 per cent and the Shanghai Composite Index retreated 0.2 per cent.

Some of the largest components of the Hang Seng gauge declined. Alibaba Group Holding, owner of the Post, retreated 0.3 per cent to HK$104.80 and Meituan slid 2.4 per cent to HK$117.90. Xinyi Solar Holdings slumped 4.2 per cent to HK$2.76 on worries about excessive capacity in the industry. Export-oriented companies also weakened: Wuxi Biologics plunged 5.7 per cent to HK$24.70 and Lenovo Group sank 2.2 per cent to HK$9.45.
Investors were waiting for more clarity on the US’ tariff negotiations, as the clock was ticking on a 90-day pause that expires on July 9. US President Donald Trump said he would notify about a dozen countries of their new tariff levels on Monday and the levies would be effective on August 1.

Talks with Japan, South Korea, the European Union, India and Vietnam were under way over the weekend. The 90-day ceasefire between China and the US was scheduled to end next month. Asian stocks have lately risen close to a four-year high and US equities rallied to all-time highs since the Trump administration unveiled a tentative truce with key trading partners in April.

“The path forward isn’t clear, but the terrain is littered with risk,” said Stephen Innes, a managing partner with SPI Asset Management in Bangkok. “For now, traders are adjusting positions with the caution of someone crossing a minefield in low visibility. No one wants to [have] too much directional exposure into an event where the dealer might change the cards mid-hand.”

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