Hang Seng Under Pressure Amid Shadow of Conflict and Global Risks
The Hang Seng Index weakened by around 1.5% on Monday to around 24,589, in line with pressure affecting most Asian markets. This weakening occurred as investors again reduced their appetite for riskier assets amid the escalating Middle East conflict and soaring oil prices, which worsened global sentiment. Market data also showed the Hong Kong stock index fell to around 24,548 on March 30, 2026, marking a daily decline of around 1.6%.
Market pressure arose as the Iran-Iran conflict entered its fifth week with no clear signs of resolution. The involvement of the Iran-backed Houthi group and the increased US military presence in the region raised concerns of a longer conflict and energy supply disruptions. Rising oil prices then boosted inflation expectations, lifting bond yields and the US dollar, which ultimately weighed on stock markets in the region, including Hong Kong.
Beyond geopolitical factors, sentiment in Hong Kong was also overshadowed by escalating tensions between China and the United States after Beijing protested a US warning regarding Hong Kong's expanded national security regulations. This issue adds to uncertainty regarding the regulatory climate and foreign participation in the market. In trading, several major stocks, including Tencent, Meituan, Pop Mart, and SMIC, were also in the red, reflecting investors' increasingly cautious attitude towards the Hong Kong market. (asd)
Source: Newsmaker.id
