A-share semiconductor equipment stocks rallied again in afternoon trade; Huahai Qingke and Jingyi Equipment jumped over 11%, Jinhaitong and Huaya Intelligent earlier hit limit-up, while Huafeng Measurement & Control and Xinyuan Micro also climbed.

The Hong Kong Trade Development Council raised its 2026 Hong Kong export forecast, now projecting at least 20% growth for the year. In its Q2 2026 Export Confidence Index the HKTDC reported the current-conditions index at 51.0 and the expectations index at 52.4, both back above the 50 threshold, signalling improved exporter confidence despite ongoing US trade-policy adjustments and evolving geopolitical risks.

ACCC said the fuel rebate will be cut to A$0.16 per litre from A$0.32 per litre for the period July 1 to August 2.