Market Updates

Global Investors Ignored Threat of U.S. Sanctions Targeting Chinese Banks Over Iran Ties

Li Chen
28 Aug, 2026
Hong Kong

    China's indexes traded higher despite brewing international trade and geopolitical tensions. 

    The Hang Seng Index increased 0.5%, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 Index edged up 0.1% as investors overlooked the threat of a new set of U.S. sanctions targeting Chinese banks. 

    The Trump administration intensified its pressure campaign against Iran, issued threats of additional 7.5% tariffs on Chinese goods, and targeted Chinese banks helping the Islamic Republic in selling crude oil. 

    Leaders of China and the U.S. are scheduled to meet next month, and President Xi Jinping is set to travel to the U.S. with a business delegation on September 24.  

    Investors remained focused on possible policy announcements from the ongoing meeting of top policymakers, bureaucrats, and regulators in Beijing, which is scheduled to conclude on Friday. 

    The latest string of China's macroeconomic data confirmed domestic demand growth weakness but resilient industrial activities; however, some investors held out for possible stimulus measures that could revive annual economic growth closer to 5%.  

     

    China Indexes and Stocks 

    The Hang Seng Index increased 0.5% to 25,684.28, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 Index eased 0.1% to 4,625.73.

    Tech stocks rebounded and extended the weekly rise following solid quarterly results from Nvidia Corp., the key company at the heart of the current artificial intelligence trade. 

    Zhongji Innolinght Co. Ltd. gained 3.4% to HK $1,082.0, Eoptolink Technology decreased 0.1% to ¥408.60, Huagong Tech declined 0.4% to ¥104.44, and SMIC added 1% to HK $72.10. 

     

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