Hong Kong's benchmark indices kicked off the trading session on September 9 with a mixed tone. The Hang Seng Index edged higher by 0.04% to open at 25,328.13 points, while the Hang Seng Tech Index added 0.10% to reach 4,459.27 points. In contrast, the Hang Seng China Enterprises Index dipped 0.03% to 8,395.09 points, reflecting cautious sentiment among investors.

Trading activity was notably active in the AI computing hardware and storage sectors. CREALIGHTS (01191) surged 8% at the open to reach HK$162.00. The sharp move follows the stock's inclusion in the Stock Connect southbound trading list on September 7, which was followed by a substantial 31.58% gain on September 8. The opening of the southbound capital channel has triggered a re-rating of liquidity expectations for this counter.

Where the action is focused today

Internet and tech counters displayed a divergent trend, with Bilibili Inc (09626) climbing more than 2% to HK$127.40. In the semiconductor space, Hua Hong Semiconductor (01347) advanced over 1%, contributing to a firmer sector tone. Meanwhile, Chinese brokerage stocks showed resilience, led by CITIC Securities (06030) which gained over 1% to HK$25.96, as investors weighed the potential for increased market turnover.

Market context and overnight cues

Overnight on September 8, U.S. equities closed lower across the board, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average falling 1.18%, the S&P 500 slipping 0.58%, and the Nasdaq easing 0.32%. The decline was partly attributed to escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, which drove international oil prices sharply higher while gold prices retreated. In the previous trading session on September 8, Hong Kong's three major indices all closed in the red, with the Hang Seng Index down 0.38% and the Hang Seng Tech Index off 1.61%. Total market turnover during that session stood at HK$206.17 billion, reflecting a cautious but active trading environment.