HSI closed up 17.92 pts (0.07%) at 25,471.15 on Aug 18 (Tue); Hang Seng Tech Index closed down 42.85 pts (0.90%) at 4,739.18; HSCEI closed up 13.23 pts (0.16%) at 8,453.20; Hang Seng Red Chip Index closed up 21.56 pts (0.52%) at 4,183.04.

Zhuhai border inspection’s Hengqin checkpoint said that from its opening on Aug 18, 2020 through Aug 17, 2026 it processed more than 110 mln cross-border passengers and about 13 mln vehicle trips. Annual average growth rates were 37.5% for people and 35.1% for vehicles. Hengqin has become one of the busiest cross-border channels in the Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area.

The State Council published amendments to the Housing Provident Fund Management Regulations, signed by Premier Li Qiang, effective Sept 20, 2026. Key changes widen withdrawal and usage scope: withdrawals to pay rent will no longer be subject to a threshold requiring rent to exceed a specified share of household wage income. New permitted withdrawals include renovation of owner-occupied housing, payment of property management fees for owner-occupied housing, and other housing consumption cases approved by the State Council. The amendments also broaden investment channels for housing provident funds, explicitly allowing provident fund management centers to purchase policy financial bonds.