China, HK stocks slip as US import curbs, Nasdaq slump dent sentiment

Aug 20, 2025, 11:38 GMT+7
(Reuters) -China and Hong Kong stocks fell on Wednesday as selling pressure mounted following a recent rally, while fresh U.S. restrictions on Chinese imports and an overnight tumble in the Nasdaq also dented market sentiment.
** China's blue-chip CSI300 Indexand the Shanghai Composite Indexboth edged 0.1% lower by the lunch break. Hong Kong benchmark Hang Sengwas down 0.6%.
** The United States said on Tuesday that it was targeting more imports of Chinese goods, including steel, copper and lithium, for high-priority enforcement over alleged human-rights abuses involving the Uyghurs.
** The Shanghai Composite Index rallied to the highest level since August 2015 on Monday, fuelled by the extension of the U.S.-China trade truce, Beijing's crackdown on excessive competition, and a rotation of funds from bonds into equities, which brokers say has flooded the market with liquidity.
** China's equity markets extended gains in August despite a string of disappointing macroeconomic data and tepid policy support, including limited measures around childcare subsidies and efforts to curb workplace "involution", UBS analysts said in a note.
** The analysts said the A-share rally could continue, as retail participation typically rises after stronger market performance. However, they continue to hold defensive names such as major banks and telecoms, given the overall lukewarm economy.
** Meanwhile, overnight declines on Wall Street weighed on sentiment in Hong Kong. Tech majorsfell 1.3%, tracking losses in tech-heavy Nasdaq.
** Shares of innovative drug makers in Hong Kong and mainland China dropped more than 2%, reversing some of the gains seen so far this month.
** China's Pop Martjumped nearly 9% to a record high after the company reported a surge in first-half profit.
** China kept benchmark lending rates in August unchanged on Wednesday, in line with market expectations.

Sumber : Reuters