The Hong Kong Observatory issued the Black Rainstorm Warning Signal at 6:35 pm. This marks the second issuance of the Black Rainstorm Warning within a single day.

The Rainstorm Warning Signal is currently Black, indicating that heavy rain exceeding 70 millimetres per hour has been recorded or is expected to fall widely across Hong Kong, and that the downpour is likely to continue.
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HQVT Technology(01392.HK), which will be listed on 22 June, opened up 177.8% to $20 on gray market. Peaking/ bottoming at $27/19.5, it closed at $26.2, up 263.9% or $19.00 from the listing price, on volume of 7.7 million shares and turnover of $189.4 million, according to Futu data. Excluding handling fee, the book gain was $9,500 per board lot size of 500 shares.

HQVT Technology(01392.HK), which will be listed on 22 June, opened up 150% to $18 on gray market. Peaking/ bottoming at $26.4/18, it closed at $26.08, up 262.2% or $18.88 from the listing price, on volume of 4.92 million shares and turnover of $117 million, according to PhillipMart data. Excluding handling fee, the book gain was $9,440 per board lot size of 500 shares.
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Red Rainstorm Warning Signal was issued by the Hong Kong Observatory at 6:10 p.m.

A band of intense thunderstorms located to the west of the Pearl River Estuary is gradually approaching Hong Kong. Rainfall in Hong Kong is expected to intensify again in the next one to two hours.
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TENCENT (00700.HK) announced that it repurchased 1.144 million shares of the Company today (18th) at a price ranging from HKD435.6 to HKD445.8 per share, involving approximately HKD501 million.

Since the repurchase mandate resolution was approved, the Group has cumulatively repurchased 23.9341 million shares, representing 0.26249% of its issued shares.
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TSE SUI LUEN (00417.HK) issued a positive profit alert, expecting to record a profit for the year ended 31 March 2026 of not less than HK$100 million as compared to the loss of approximately HK$198 million for the year ended 31 March 2025.
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CATHAY PAC AIR (00293.HK) is further reinforcing its freighter fleet with the announcement today that Air Hong Kong, under the Group, signed a lease agreement for an Airbus A330P2F converted freighter. These aircraft will provide additional cargo capacity for customers and further reinforce Hong Kong’s status as the world’s busiest air cargo hub.

This latest A330 freighter will be used by Air Hong Kong primarily to operate freighter services to the Chinese Mainland and other regional destinations for Cathay Cargo. Air Hong Kong is the first all-cargo freighter airline based in Hong Kong and a part of the Cathay Group.
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HKEX (00388.HK) and the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) announced today (18th) a joint pilot project to explore a new digital payment solution for the After-Hours Trading (AHT) session in the derivatives market.

This initiative aims to enhance Hong Kong’s capital market and meet the growing market demand for AHT. In this connection, HKEX and the HKMA are exploring the use of e-HKD - a wholesale central bank digital currency (CBDC) operating on a 24/7 basis - for advance margin payments in the AHT session, enhancing the risk management capabilities of the derivatives market outside regular banking hours, whilst maintaining existing operational workflows.

This pilot project will provide more flexibility and efficiency than the existing arrangement for advance margin payments. Currently, Clearing Participants (CPs) must submit advance margin deposit requests to HKFE Clearing Corporation Limited (HKCC) by 3:00 p.m. for funds to be counted for the subsequent AHT session.

HKEX is inviting CPs under HKCC to participate in Real-Value Trial Transactions of this pilot initiative on an optional basis. The Real-Value Trial Transactions, as well as any subsequent wider adoption, are subject to regulatory approval, market readiness and other relevant considerations.
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HKEX (00388.HK) announced that it has renewed its Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with China Financial Futures Exchange (CFFEX), affirming a commitment to deepen collaboration between the two exchanges and promote the development of the Hong Kong and Shanghai financial markets.

Under the updated MOU, HKEX and CFFEX will enhance cooperation in exploring product and business development, share research and market expertise, as well as facilitate personnel exchanges and training.

Looking ahead, both exchanges will continue to explore new areas of collaboration, leveraging their respective strengths to enhance mutual market connectivity, support the continued development of their markets, as well as the nation’s capital markets more broadly.
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HK & CHINA GAS (00003.HK) announced that it proposes to raise its basic tariff by HKD1.25 cents per MJ from 1 August 2026. The 4.4% increase is equivalent to a 3.9% increase in the average effective gas tariff (including the basic tariff and the fuel cost variation charge) in 2025. The fixed monthly maintenance charge is to be increased by HKD1, bringing it to HKD11. Concurrently, Towngas announced that the basic tariff and the monthly maintenance charge will not be subject to further adjustments for the next two years.

After the tariff adjustment, about 65% of Towngas’s residential customers will pay no more than HKD10 extra for their gas consumption each month, and about 50% of its commercial and industrial customers will pay less than HKD320 extra for their gas consumption each month.
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HQVT Technology(01392.HK), which will be listed on 22 June, opened up 177.8% to $20 on gray market, and last printed at $25.02, up 247.5% from the listing price , on volume of 4.54 million shares and turnover of $109.36 million, according to Futu data.

HQVT Technology(01392.HK), which will be listed on 22 June, opened up 150% to $18 on gray market, and last printed at $24.5, up 240.3% from the listing price , on volume of 2.79 million shares and turnover of $63.7 million, according to PhillipMart data.
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The Hong Kong Observatory issued the Amber Rainstorm Warning Signal at 3:40 pm today (18th), replacing the Red Rainstorm Warning Signal.
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The Red Rainstorm Warning Signal Special Announcement was issued by the Hong Kong Observatory at 3:05 p.m. today (18th), changing from Black Rainstorm Warning Signal. The Observatory reminds members of the public to continue to exercise due care against the danger posed by the heavy rain.
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The Hong Kong Government submitted a proposed resolution to the Legislative Council to adjust various fees under the Banking Ordinance relating to bank licences, the establishment of branches and local representative offices, as well as the registration of approved money brokers.

Among them, the bank licence fee, which involves the largest amount, is proposed to increase from HKD610,000 to HKD750,000, representing an increase of nearly 23%. The fee for establishing a local branch of a bank and the annual fee for maintaining a local branch are proposed to rise from HKD29,000 to HKD36,000, up 24%. In addition, the fee for establishing an overseas branch of a bank and the annual fee for maintaining an overseas branch are proposed to increase from HKD58,000 to HKD60,000, up 3%.

The Government spokesperson stated that in making the above recommendations, the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) considered relevant factors, including overall price inflation, corresponding fee levels in other regions, and the operating costs of financial institutions, and assessed the impact on Hong Kong's competitiveness as an international financial center.

As the total licensing fees constitute a small portion of the total operating expenses of authorized institutions and approved money brokers, the impact on affected financial institutions is expected to be minor and will not affect Hong Kong's financial competitiveness, the spokesman said. Depending on the legislative process, the Government will move the relevant resolution in the Legislative Council on July 8.
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Hang Seng Bank announced that its Hong Kong dollar prime lending rate remains unchanged at 5% p.a. Hong Kong dollar savings deposit rates also remain unchanged.
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A Black Rainstorm Warning Signal Special Announcement was issued by the Hong Kong Observatory (HKO) at 12:55 p.m. This means that heavy rain has fallen or is expected to fall generally over Hong Kong, exceeding 70 millimetres in an hour, and is likely to continue.

Because of seriously flooded roads and inclement weather conditions, people are advised to take shelter in a safe place and stay there. Parents, students, school authorities and school-bus drivers should listen to radio or television announcements on schools. Do not attempt to travel until the Black Rainstorm Warning Signal is no longer in force and traffic conditions have improved.

Heavy rain will bring flash floods, and flooding is occurring or is expected to occur in watercourses. People should stay away from watercourses. Residents living in close proximity to rivers should stay alert to weather conditions and should consider evacuation if their homes may become flooded.
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JD MALL's Wan Chai store in Hong Kong officially opened today (18th). Crowds queued outside the store in the morning. Various in-store experience zones and brand exhibition areas saw strong footfall, with visitors including social media users, tech enthusiasts and local families, creating a vibrant atmosphere.

In terms of product layout, the store offers one-stop coverage of full-category home scenarios, including big and small home appliances and mobile digital products, while also introducing trendy categories such as smart bathroom solutions, massage equipment and whole-home cleaning appliances, positioning itself as a tech hotspot on Hong Kong Island.

JD MALL also introduced multiple first-in-Hong Kong concepts and "Hong Kong Island's largest" features. For example, the Wan Chai store spans 30,000 square feet of experiential retail space, ranking among the largest professional electrical appliance retail complexes in Hong Kong.

Numerous top-tier brands have entered the store, including Bosch, Siemens, Samsung and Sony. Emerging tech brands such as DJI, Xiaomi and AgiBot are also present. Mainland quality brands including TCL, Hisense, Gree and Haier have gathered at the location, with several brands making their first foray into Hong Kong's offline channel exclusively through JD MALL's Wan Chai store.

To date, JD has cumulatively invested more than HKD35 billion to expand its presence in the Hong Kong market. Looking ahead, JD MALL plans to further expand in Hong Kong, targeting the addition of 6-8 new stores within three years. Building on local consumer demand, the company aims to upgrade offline consumption experiences on Hong Kong Island, create local employment opportunities, stimulate local consumption vitality and enhance residents' quality of life.
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BOC HONG KONG (02388.HK) announced that its HKD prime rate and savings deposit rate remain unchanged at 5% p.a. and 0.001% p.a. respectively.
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The HSI settled at 23,900 at midday, down 412 points or 1.7%, hitting a near one-year low. Half-day turnover totaled HKD164.474 billion. The HSCEI closed at 7,982 at midday, down 161 points or 1.99%. The HSTECH ended at 4,605, down 63 points or 1.36%.

Chinese authorities regulated subsidy practices of food delivery platforms to combat excessive competition. MEITUAN-W (03690.HK), Taobao Instant Commerce and JD food delivery expressed steadfast support. Leading techs came under pressure. BABA-W (09988.HK) and XIAOMI-W (01810.HK) each lost more than 3% by midday. JD-SW (09618.HK) and MEITUAN-W (03690.HK) dropped over 2%, while TENCENT (00700.HK) declined 1.5%.

Changjiang Securities initiated coverage on MINIMAX-W (00100.HK) with a Buy rating. Its share price rallied nearly 8% at midday. KNOWLEDGE ATLAS (02513.HK) skyrocketed 12.59%, while XUNCE (03317.HK) lost 1.83%.

Biopharmaceutical stocks advanced against the broader market. WUXI APPTEC (02359.HK) leaped 4.24%, becoming the best-performing blue chip at midday. AKESO (09926.HK) shot up 4.29%, ZAI LAB (09688.HK) climbed 5.46%, WUXI BIO (02269.HK) and BEONE MEDICINES (06160.HK) swelled over 3%, and INNOVENT BIO (01801.HK) increased 2.1%.

Chip and memory-related stocks executed well. MONTAGE TECH (06809.HK) surged 5.28%, GIGADEVICE (03986.HK) proliferated 6.76%, HUA HONG GRACE (01347.HK) elevated nearly 4%, and INNOSCIENCE (02577.HK) advanced 7.3%. XL2CSOPHYNIX (07709.HK) jumped up 11.84% at midday, and XL2CSOPSMSN (07747.HK) soared 4.66%.
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At midday close, HSI dropped 412 pts or 1.7% to 23,900. HSTI dropped 63 pts or 1.4% to 4,605. HSCEI fell 161 pts or 2.0% to 7,982.

Active Heavyweights:
PING AN (02318.HK) closed at $54.1, down 3.6%
BABA (09988.HK) closed at $103.5, down 3.2%
XIAOMI (01810.HK) closed at $24.64, down 3.1%
MEITUAN (03690.HK) closed at $72.8, down 2.2%
TENCENT (00700.HK) closed at $438.8, down 1.5%

HSI & HSCEI Constituents on Move:
CHINA LIFE (02628.HK) closed at $28.3, down 5.7%
CHINAHONGQIAO (01378.HK) closed at $22.56, down 5.1%
XINYI GLASS (00868.HK) closed at $9.27, down 4.9%
LONGFOR (00960.HK) closed at $7.18, down 4.6%
AKESO (09926.HK) closed at $87.5, up 4.3%
WUXI APPTEC (02359.HK) closed at $127.7, up 4.2%
CHINA OVERSEAS (00688.HK) closed at $14.32, down 3.9%
POP MART (09992.HK) closed at $164.8, down 3.8%
SANDS CHINA LTD (01928.HK) closed at $13.79, down 3.8%
WUXI BIO (02269.HK) closed at $30.94, up 3.6%
ZIJIN MINING (02899.HK) closed at $31.92, down 3.6%
GALAXY ENT (00027.HK) closed at $29.82, down 3.5%
WH GROUP (00288.HK) closed at $8.57, down 3.5%
XPENG-W (09868.HK) closed at $51.55, down 3.4%
BEIGENE (06160.HK) closed at $162.6, up 3.3%
CHINA UNICOM (00762.HK) closed at $6.84, down 3.3%
HAIER SMARTHOME (06690.HK) closed at $20.36, down 3%
PICC P&C (02328.HK) closed at $15.08, down 3%

HSMI & HSSI Constituents on Move:
QINGSONG HEALTH (02661.HK) closed at $15.79, up 26.9%
QUANTGROUP (02685.HK) closed at $13.84, up 23.7%
HASHKEY HLDGS (03887.HK) closed at $2.15, down 23.5%
FUFENG GROUP (00546.HK) closed at $4.52, down 16.8%
BRILLIANCE CHI (01114.HK) closed at $2.1, down 16.7%
ILUVATAR COREX (09903.HK) closed at $601.5, up 15.7%
CIDI (03881.HK) closed at $20.74, down 11%
JIAXIN INTL RES (03858.HK) closed at $63.4, down 10.7%
RADIANCE HLDGS (09993.HK) closed at $1.31, up 10.1%
KINGBOARD HLDG (00148.HK) closed at $123.4, up 5.9%, hitting new high
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The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation announced today (18th) that its best lending rate will remain unchanged at the current level of 5%.

The last time HSBC adjusted its best lending rate was on 31 October 2025, when it cut the rate by 12.5 bps.

At the same time, the interest rate for HKD savings deposit accounts offered by HSBC will remain unchanged.
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