Published on 12/17/2025 at 03:49 am EST
(MT Newswires) -- Hong Kong stocks closed higher on Wednesday, recovering losses from the prior two sessions as investors made bets on how soon the U.S. Federal Reserve could cut rates.
The Hang Seng Index increased by around 233.37 points, or roughly 0.9%, to end at 25,468.78. The Hang Seng China Enterprises Index jumped by 85.64 points, or nearly 1%, to 8,843.57.
A closely watched jobs report released Tuesday showed the U.S. added 64,000 nonfarm payrolls in November, surpassing expectations of a 50,000 gain. However, the unemployment rate edged up to 4.6%, slightly above the projected 4.5% and marking the highest level since September 2021.
Despite the mixed reading, analysts said the numbers were unlikely to hasten the Fed to cut rates at its next scheduled meeting in January, the South China Morning Post reported. While the Fed is projecting a single rate cut in 2026, the probability of that happening in the coming month currently stands at 25.5%, according to the CME FedWatch tool.
Meanwhile, Hong Kong's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate remained at 3.8% in September to November, unchanged from the August to October period, government data showed.
Secretary for Labour and Welfare Chris Sun said the solid expansion of the Hong Kong economy and improving consumer confidence should continue to support the labor market, though some sectors may remain under pressure amid ongoing business challenges.
In corporate news, HashKeyhad a flat debut in Hong Kong.
The digital asset platform provider closed at HK$6.67 per share, little changed from its initial public offering price of HK$6.68.
Sumber : MT Newswires
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