AI, tech firms bolster HK, mainland stocks

Hong Kong and mainland China stocks rose in the morning session, boosted by artificial intelligence shares as Chinese AI startup DeepSeek reportedly became the fastest-growing company in terms of daily active users globally.

The benchmark Hang Seng Index recorded 20,655 points by midday, up 0.29 percent or 58 points, with a turnover of HK$79.7 billion.

The Hang Seng Tech Index was up by 0.95 percent to 4,977 points.

DeepSeek, just 20 days after its launch, has garnered 20 million DAU – amounting to more than 41 percent of rival ChatGPT's total user numbers, according to mainland media Cailianpress.

The report added that the company has established two private limited companies in Hong Kong.

Meanwhile, Kingsoft Cloud (3896) rose nearly 8 percent higher at HK$8.85, while Lenovo (0992) and SenseTime (0020) gained 4.57 and 3.03 percent, respectively.

Apple supplier shares also rose. Sunny Optical Technology (2382) surged 8.43 percent and AAC Technologies (2018) gained 4.61 percent.

In China, the Shanghai Stock Exchange Index rose 0.76 percent to 3,254 points, while the Shenzhen Component Index recorded 10,309 points, up 1.43 percent.

STAFF REPORTER