Chinese Stocks Inch Up Amid Financial Gains and Policy Expectations

In a slight boon for financial markets, Chinese and Hong Kong stocks closed with minor gains on Thursday. This rise was notably driven by the financial sector as investors awaited important policy updates from the Chinese Communist Party's conclave in Beijing.

China's key stock indices showed positive movement, with the blue-chip CSI300 Index climbing 0.3% and the Shanghai Composite Index edging up 0.2%. Meanwhile, Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index rose 0.7%. Investors are keenly observing post-Plenum developments, anticipating new economic and social directives that the meeting might unveil.

Sentiment was further bolstered as the Chinese Vice Premier's upcoming trade discussions with the U.S. were confirmed. However, the tech sector, particularly the AI and semiconductor indices, experienced some downturn as investors reevaluate their positions. In contrast, software stocks saw a rise amid speculated U.S. export restrictions.