Sou Hu Cai Jing·2026-02-05 04:48Core Viewpoint - The sudden and severe sell-off in Hong Kong's tech stocks on February 3, 2026, was driven by a combination of external macroeconomic factors, domestic policy rumors, and technical market dynamics, leading to a significant loss in market value and investor confidence [1][4][8]. Group 1: Market Reaction - The Hang Seng Tech Index experienced a drop of over 4%, with major companies like Tencent and Kuaishou seeing declines of 5.18% and 6.56% respectively, resulting in a market value loss exceeding 330 billion HKD [2][4]. - The sell-off was characterized as indiscriminate, affecting not only tech stocks but also sectors like semiconductors and electric vehicles, with companies like SMIC and XPeng also facing declines around 2.6% [2][4]. Group 2: External Factors - A key trigger for the market's downturn was the rumor regarding the potential nomination of Kevin Walsh, known for his hawkish stance, as the next Federal Reserve Chair, which raised concerns about a faster tightening of monetary policy [4][5]. - The immediate reaction in the bond and forex markets included a sharp rise in the U.S. 10-year Treasury yield and a strengthening of the U.S. dollar, which negatively impacted capital flows into Hong Kong's markets [5]. Group 3: Domestic Policy Rumors - Concurrently, rumors circulated about potential changes to tax policies affecting internet companies, including the possible removal of the 15% corporate tax rate for high-tech firms and significant increases in VAT for digital services [7]. - Despite being debunked by analysts, these rumors exacerbated market fears regarding the profitability of major internet companies, further fueling the sell-off [7]. Group 4: Technical Market Dynamics - The Hang Seng Tech Index had been in a downward trend since reaching a peak in October 2025, and the breach of the annual support line triggered automated sell orders, intensifying the market's decline [8][10]. - The market's structure, combined with pre-holiday cash preservation strategies, led to a liquidity squeeze, as investors sought to liquidate positions in response to the downturn [10][11]. Group 5: Key Technical Levels - The index approached a critical support level at 5390 points, which had previously provided support, leading to a battle between buyers and sellers, with each breach prompting further selling pressure [11].