18.03.202608:14:56UTC+00Hang Seng Closes Higher After Early Losses

The Hang Seng Index rose 157 points, or 0.6%, to close at 26,025 on Wednesday, reversing early losses and extending the previous session’s gains as most sectors advanced. Sentiment improved alongside a jump in U.S. equity futures ahead of the Federal Reserve’s rate decision and the release of its first projections for 2026 later today. While the policy rate is widely expected to be left unchanged, investors are closely watching for signals on whether Jerome Powell will remain on the Federal Reserve Board after his term as chair expires in May.

In mainland China, equities edged higher in the run-up to Friday’s PBoC lending rate review. Risk appetite was further supported by reports that Nvidia has obtained approval to sell advanced AI chips in the Chinese mainland. Separately, Cathay Pacific announced it would extend its suspension of flights to the Middle East until April 30.

On the corporate front, notable gainers included Minimax Group (+19.4%), Knowledge Atlas (+18.6%), CK Hutchison (+2.9%), Henderson Land Development (+2.5%), and AIA Group (+1.6%). In contrast, Geely Auto declined 3.2% after reporting flat full-year profit despite stronger sales and improved margins.