Both Hong Kong and Tokyo stocks ended lower on Monday as investor concerns over tech stocks weighed on sentiment, according to a market analyst.
Hong Kong's stock market closed lower, with the benchmark Hang Seng Index down 0.71 percent to close at 25,635.23 points.
The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average fell 223.47 points, or 0.44 percent, from Friday to 50,526.92.
"Hong Kong shares opened higher in today's morning session, but the index failed to keep the rising trend and ended the day 0.71 percent down, with losses broadly based in basic materials, real estate, utilities and healthcare sectors. Technology shares posted a mixed picture today, with Meituan rising 1 percent and NetEase adding 1.4 percent. Consumer and financial stocks also advanced on growing expectations of stronger household spending as policy backing continues. Automobiles posted sharp gains, with NIO rising 4.9 percent, BYD company closing 3.7 percent higher, and Xpeng adding 3.88 percent. But the Hang Seng tech index remained in its negative territory in the afternoon session, losing 0.3 percent at the close, dragged down by Horizon Robotics, Alibaba and Xiaomi. In focus, Xiaomi said its co-founder planned disposals of class B ordinary shares of up to a total of 2 billion U.S. dollars from December, 2026. Shares of Xiaomi in Hong Kong dipped 1.63 percent on the news," said Wang Yin, market analyst for CGTN.
"Japan's Nikkei 225 index slipped 0.44 percent today, reversing prior-session gains as selling pressure weighed on consumer durables, electronic technology and services stocks. Tech stocks tracked Wall Street's weak finish last week and some big stocks traded ex-dividend. Chip-related heavyweights fell, with Advantest losing 2.3 percent and Tokyo Electron falling 0.3 percent. Electronic components and devices maker TDK dipped 0.92 percent. Meanwhile, some large stocks with higher dividend payouts went ex-dividend, as Japan Tobacco fell 1.6 percent while tire maker Bridgestone slipped 1.28 percent. Investors began the final trading week of the year guardedly, with sentiment dampened by the Bank of Japan's December meeting summary, which showed several board members signaling the need for further rate hikes," she said.
Analyst recaps Asian stock markets' Monday performance
