Australia Oct S&P Global Composite PMI preliminary 47.7; prior 51.3.

Hang Seng Index slid 2.7% intraday, breaking below the 23,000 level; the Hang Seng TECH Index dropped 4.38%. The artificial intelligence sector plunged, with Tianshu Zhixin (09903.HK) and Zhipu (02513.HK) both down more than 9%.

Oct 22 — At a routine press briefing CHINA said its Arctic activities comply with international law and are intended to promote peace, stability and sustainable development. CHINA made the remarks in response to the EU’s new Arctic strategy and comments by kallas that China’s growing presence and cooperation with Russia pose a security risk and could dominate Arctic shipping routes. CHINA said lawful rights and freedoms to operate in the Arctic should be respected and warned that Cold War–style bloc division or stoking geopolitical confrontation would harm Arctic peace and stability.