China's Indexes Hovered Near Flatline In Cautious Trading Ahead of SMIC Results

Li Chen
12 Aug, 2026
Hong Kong

China's indexes struggled to stay above the flatline amid uncertainty over energy shipments through the Strait of Hormuz and renewed optimism linked to AI trade. 

The Hang Seng Index decreased 1.2%, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 Index edged up 0.6% as technology stocks led the recovery. 

The Brent crude oil price per barrel increased 1% to $89.05 as the U.S. and Iran sent contradictory signals over the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, used for about 20% of the global supply of crude oil.   

Tech stocks advanced following the strong quarterly sales growth from CoreWeave and the upbeat sales outlook by Super Micro Computer. 

Moreover, investors are excited for the release of quarterly results from Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corp., which could offer fresh insights into chip demand.  

Benchmark indexes in Shanghai and Hong Kong have struggled to advance over the last three weeks, partly driven by a weakening macroeconomic outlook and uncertainty over energy shipments from the Middle East. 

The rebound in volatile tech stocks has also driven semiconductor- and AI-linked stocks higher, despite worries over stretched valuations and the difficulties of monetizing AI-driven products and services. 

 

China Indexes and Stocks 

The Hang Seng Index decreased 1.2% to 25,350.74, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 Index edged up 0.6% to 4,690.52. 

Zhongji Innolight increased 4.5% to ¥926.41, Eoptolink Technology gained 4.4% to ¥435.90, Cambricon Technologies Corp. advanced 3.4% to ¥1,124.0, and Victory Giant Technology edged up 1.2% to ¥277.90. 

Alibaba Group Holding decreased 3.4% to ¥277.90, Tencent Holdings dropped 3.1% to HK $456.40, and Meituan declined 1.8% to HK $91.35.