22.12.202508:29:53UTC+00Hang Seng Climbs 0.4% at the Close

The Hang Seng Index gained 111 points, or 0.4%, to finish at 25,802 on Monday, marking its highest close in over a week and extending its upward trajectory for the fourth consecutive session. This increase mirrored a rise in U.S. futures, buoyed by a resurgence in AI-related stocks which contributed to a positive trading day on Wall Street. Market sentiment was further bolstered by the People's Bank of China's decision to maintain key lending rates at record lows for the seventh consecutive meeting, as the economy progresses towards meeting this year's growth targets. With trading hours shortened this week, traders are optimistic about potential further interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve and the absence of robust market catalysts. In Hong Kong, trading hours will be reduced due to the holiday season, with an early market close on Christmas Eve, and markets will remain closed on December 25th and 26th. Key gainers included Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corp, which jumped 5.9%, Zijin Mining Group, which rose 5.3%, Pop Mart International Group, which increased by 4.6%, JD Health International, up 3.3%, and Trip.com Group, which advanced by 2.7%.