S&P downgraded BMW Group to A- with a negative outlook.

The Israeli shekel fell 1.4% to 3.20 per US dollar, its weakest level since Dec. 2025, after a sell-off in technology stocks.

The Hang Seng Index opened strong and ran higher, rising over 700 points intraday to a high of 24,749.08 before settling at 24,659.03, up 3.09% at the midday close. Turnover was HKD198.38 bln. The Hang Seng Tech Index surged, peaking above 6% early before trimming gains to close at 4,124.41, up 4.79%. Tech and internet names led the market; precious metals, autos, innovative drugs and AI application stocks outperformed. Underperformers included optical communications, PCB and oil sectors. Notable moves: Laopu Gold (06181.HK) +8.46%, Li Auto (02015.HK) +8.26%, Alibaba (09988.HK) +7.46%, Tencent Holdings (00700.HK) +5.53%; Zhongji Xuchuang (03308.HK) -7.72%, Yangtze Optical Fibre & Cable (06869.HK) -9.11%.