HK stocks rise as mainland hit by biotech, chip losses

Mainland stocks experienced a decline on Friday, with losses in biotech and chipmaking shares surpassing gains in commodity-related stocks. In Hong Kong, the Hang Seng Index managed to rise by 19 points, or 0.1 percent, bringing the benchmark index to 25,584. The tech index, however, dropped by 15 points, or 0.3 percent, to 4,605.

China Enterprises Index remained unchanged at 8,490. Among the top performers were materials, media, and IT stocks, while semiconductor and shipping shares were among the biggest losers. The Shanghai Composite Index closed down four points, or 0.11 percent, at 3,952, while the Shenzhen Component Index fell by 95 points, or 0.68 percent, to 13,953.

The ChiNext Index dropped by 48 points, or 1.41 percent, to 3,424. Morgan Stanley stated that A-share sentiment had softened due to rising US yields, but the bank still saw potential for improving A-share market dynamics as the liquidity overhang lessens and global AI trades regain momentum. The losses were triggered by worries about potential liquidity drains from the market following massive IPOs like chipmaker CXMT's float.

In Tokyo, the Nikkei ended 273 points, or 0.4 percent, higher at 66,405, mainly driven by tech stocks, but gains were tempered by concerns about inflation and uncertainty surrounding Federal Reserve Chairman Kevin Warsh's speech at Jackson Hole. The Topix increased by 29 points, or 0.7 percent, to 4,146, marking a two percent gain for the week, which was better than the Nikkei's 0.6 percent gain for the week.

In Seoul, the Kospi closed 123 points, or 1.79 percent, lower at 6,788, marking a second weekly decline as AI optimism following Nvidia's outlook waned.