Hong Kong banking stocks continued to decline. As of the time of writing, Standard Chartered Group (02888) fell 5.55%, trading at HKD 168.4; Bank of China (Hong Kong) (02388) dropped 4.59%, trading at HKD 40.34; HSBC Holdings (0005) declined 4.44%, trading at HKD 129.2; and Bank of East Asia (00023) decreased 3.44%, trading at HKD 13.46.
According to Zhitong Finance APP, Hong Kong banking stocks continued to decline. As of the time of writing, Standard Chartered Group (02888) fell by 5.55%, trading at HKD 168.4; Bank of China (Hong Kong) (02388) dropped by 4.59%, trading at HKD 40.34; HSBC Holdings (0005) declined by 4.44%, trading at HKD 129.2; and Bank of East Asia (00023) decreased by 3.44%, trading at HKD 13.46.
In terms of news, the situation in the Middle East continues to escalate, bringing uncertainty to Asian banks’ loans in the Gulf region. Data shows that Asian and Chinese banks are the main financial institutions in the Gulf region, issuing over USD 15 billion in loans last year, a record high. Reports indicate that the Hong Kong Monetary Authority contacted at least two local banks last week to assess their risk exposure in terms of loans and bonds in the Middle East.
J.P. Morgan released a research report stating that geopolitical uncertainties in the Middle East will be a short-term driver for Hong Kong banking stock prices. In a previous report, the bank mentioned that Standard Chartered Group might experience a more significant correction due to its higher exposure to the Middle East. Standard Chartered’s loan and revenue shares in the UAE for 2025 are 2.5% and 5.6%, respectively, while HSBC disclosed that its loan and revenue shares in the Middle East are 2.3% and 3.8%, respectively.


















