Market Updates
China Indexes Turned Volatile After Regulators Tightened Margin Rules
Li Chen
15 Jan, 2026
Hong Kong
China's indexes turned volatile amid elevated geopolitical uncertainties and a clouded macroeconomic outlook.
The Hang Seng Index decreased 0.4%, the CSI 300 index declined 0.2%, and benchmark indexes erased early morning gains.
Investors held out for improving earnings for domestic companies as mainland-based businesses expanded manufacturing bases in the ASEAN region, Africa, and Latin America.
Moreover, investors are estimating China's GDP growth to slow to 4.5% in 2026, the jobless rate to hover near 7%, and additional support to revive the residential market.
China's offshore yuan traded at 6.96 against the U.S. dollar, and investors avoided the U.S. dollar-denominated assets after the U.S. president renewed threats on the Federal Reserve's independence.
Market sentiment weakened after Chinese regulators raised the minimum margin for stock financing to 100% from 80%, as policymakers push to curb excessive speculation in capital markets.
China Indexes and Stocks
The Hang Seng Index decreased 0.4% to 26,883.54, and the CSI 300 Index declined 0.2% to 4,731.15.
Defense and technology stocks led decliners in Shanghai and Hong Kong trading.
BlueFocus Intelligent decreased 14.7% to ¥18.45, China Spacesat dropped 10.4% to ¥106.83, and Leo Group fell 3.1% to ¥9.64.
Trip.com Group plunged 20% to HK $457.60 after China launched an antitrust investigation into the company's business practices.
Sun Hung Kai Properties increased 2.2% to HK $111.0, China Vanke added 1.8% to HK $3.42, and Longfor Group added 1.5% to HK $9.34.
Annual Returns
| Company | Ticker | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | 2010 | 2009 | 2008 |
|---|
Earnings
| Company | Ticker | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | 2010 | 2009 | 2008 |
|---|