Hong Kong stocks deliver strongest annual gain since 2017

Hong Kong stocks rose about 28% in 2025, marking their best yearly performance since 2017. Major Chinese tech firms posted large gains amid reports of advances in artificial intelligence and steadier global trade.

Hong Kong stocks closed 2025 with a notably strong annual rise. This was the market's second consecutive yearly gain and its best percentage performance since 2017. Market observers pointed to advances in China's artificial intelligence efforts and resilience in global trade as supporting factors. The year saw broad strength across technology and mainland-linked shares. What was reported: - The Hang Seng Index finished the year up about 28%, making it one of Asia's top-performing markets in 2025. - The Shanghai Composite rose roughly 18% for the year, its strongest yearly gain since 2019. - Alibaba gained about 73% and Tencent rose around 44% during 2025. - Baidu, operator of the Ernie Bot AI chatbot, increased by roughly 59% over the year. - Shares of SMIC, China's largest contract chip maker, more than doubled in Hong Kong. - Analysts and market commentary linked gains to progress in AI development and firmer trade conditions. Summary: The gains improved regional market performance and lifted a range of technology and mainland-linked stocks. How policy moves or economic changes in China will affect markets in 2026 is undetermined at this time.