02.04.202601:57:34UTC+00Hong Kong Stocks Retreat

The Hang Seng Index fell 0.9% to 25,082 on Thursday, extending its decline for a second consecutive session as recent optimism faded amid renewed uncertainty over a possible de-escalation of the Middle East conflict. In an address, U.S. President Donald Trump said the war in Iran was “very close” to being concluded and remained on track to meet its objectives within the next few weeks, while warning that military operations could still intensify. Despite the hardline rhetoric, he stressed that diplomatic efforts were continuing, leaving investors cautious about the geopolitical outlook and its potential implications for global markets. His remarks followed his earlier claim that Iran’s president had requested a ceasefire, a statement that Tehran swiftly rejected as false and unfounded. Most sectors finished lower, with notable declines in Tencent Holdings (-1.0%), Xiaomi Corporation (-2.0%), Zijin Mining Group Company (-3.4%), and MiniMax Group (-6.7%).