Chinese stocks head for weekly loss as AI rally loses steam

China's stock market headed for a weekly decline as the momentum behind AI shares began to wane, with concerns about higher US interest rates dampening global equities. The blue-chip CSI300 Index and the Shanghai Composite Index both opened the week slightly higher, sitting 0.4% up by mid-morning. However, the week's gains were expected to be wiped out, with the CSI300 Index forecast to close nearly 1% lower by Friday's close, while the Hang Seng Index was on track to finish the week 0.6% higher.

Consumer staples emerged as the top gainer onshore, climbing 2.6%, as investors moved away from AI supply chain stocks and into more traditional sectors, according to market observers. Chinese liquor giant Kweichow Moutai was among the winners, posting a 2.4% rise. The tech-focused STAR50 Index fell 0.7%, ending the week down nearly 4%.

The CSI Artificial Intelligence Index also edged lower, dropping 0.2%. Onshore A-share sentiment remained cautious, as rising US yield concerns and weak domestic macro data weighed on investor sentiment. Morgan Stanley analysts reduced their China equity index targets, citing weaker growth prospects, tighter liquidity, less favorable flow dynamics, and rising regulatory uncertainty.

In Hong Kong, shares rose on expectations that US Federal Reserve Governor Christopher Waller would keep interest rates steady at the central bank's policy meeting this month, if the latest inflation data showed price pressures easing. Tech giants listed in Hong Kong rebounded from a two-month low, with Alibaba shares jumping 3.4%. Shares of Chinese smartphone-to-electric vehicle maker Xiaomi also climbed 3.1%, following a deal with German auto dealers.