Hong Kong stocks advanced after technology firms rebounded, led by Tencent Holdings Ltd., as investors continued to weigh growth prospects against regulatory risks.
The Hang Seng Index climbed 1.6% by 11:50 a.m. local time, boosted also by a gain of much as 5.2% for Anta Sports Products Ltd. Tencent rose as much 4.3%.
The moves come after a volatile couple of weeks for stocks in the financial hub, which were rocked by the shock ban on profit making at tutoring companies that late last monthtriggereda near $1 trillion global selloff.
“Today we see some technology rally, because some short-term traders might find some opportunities and are betting on technical rebound,” said Steven Leung, UOB Kay Hian executive director. “We are seeing many mainland investors buying Tencent today -- a good sign for the market since they were net sellers.”
On Tuesday, Tencent -- which had been Asia’s largest stock by market value and one of the most heavily weighted in Hong Kong’s benchmark gauge -- dropped 6.1% after a critique by state media of the online gaming industry.
Sportswear stocks contributed the benchmark’s gains Wednesday after Chinese authorities made clear their preference for physical fitness and recreation rather than online gaming.
A Bloomberg gauge tracking Macau’s casino operators fell as much as 5.5%, set for its worst day since September last year, after Macau required Covid-19 test for people departing the city after new cases were identified.
Wynn Macau Ltd. fell as much as 6.6%, while SJM Holdings Ltd. lost 4.5%. Galaxy Entertainment Group Ltd. fell 4.3%.
Chinese investors net bought a combined HK$2 billion worth of Hong Kong stocks via the trading links with Shenzhen and Shanghai on Wednesday, set for the most since July 9,Bloomberg datashows.