Hong Kong stocks closed higher. Hang Seng Index +1.05% at 25,937.49; Hang Seng Tech Index +1.26% at 4,919.46. Market turnover HKD 240.3 bln, down from HKD 259.7 bln on prior session. Precious metals and livestock sectors led gains; coal also strong. Innovative-drug names spiked then retreated; new-consumer stocks firmed in the afternoon. Compute-hardware, optical-communications and storage sectors underperformed. Selected movers: 06181.HK +12.39%, 06885.HK +20.00%, 02714.HK +5.18%, 02259.HK +5.0

As diplomatic talks to reopen the Strait of Hormuz reached a critical stage, Iran’s supreme leader Mujtaba appointed Zolghadr as his political adviser and named Rezaei secretary of the Supreme National Security Council and the leader’s representative on that council. Rezaei led the IRGC from 1981–1997 and has served as secretary of the Expediency Council. Both men are hardliners and former IRGC commanders; it is unclear how the changes will alter Tehran’s negotiating stance. Political sources said Zolghadr’s resignation was unrelated to security and that his conditions for reopening the strait align with Mujtaba’s views and must be met for talks to proceed. Officials link Iran’s tougher posture to recent U.S. military activity in the region, U.S.-Israel cooperation and Israeli readiness to assist strikes on Iran; internal differences over the strait are described as normal but final decisions rest with Mujtaba.

Xiaoming Co. said July 2026 chicken-product sales reached 21.29 mln birds, generating 88.64 mln yuan; volumes were up 9.44% MoM and 6.82% YoY, revenue rose 18.04% MoM and 17.97% YoY. Company cited widespread high temperature and humidity that lowered laying rates, tightening egg supply and keeping egg prices elevated, prompting increased restocking by farms. It expects seasonal demand to firm in August on Mid-Autumn festival stocking and school reopenings.