Core Viewpoint - The recent appreciation of the RMB alongside a significant decline in Hong Kong stocks (especially the Hang Seng Technology Index) is counterintuitive, as historically, both have moved in the same direction due to shared macroeconomic variables. The current divergence is attributed to a combination of "tight USD liquidity + uncertain domestic fundamentals," compounded by unique factors driving RMB appreciation [2][4][14]. Group 1: Divergence Phenomenon - The RMB has appreciated from 6.95 to 6.86 since January 28, marking a cumulative increase of 1.3%, while the Hang Seng Technology Index has dropped from 5900 to 5138, reflecting a cumulative decline of 12.9% [16][17]. - This divergence contradicts market intuition, which typically associates RMB appreciation with foreign capital inflows and rising Hong Kong stocks [17]. Group 2: Theoretical Framework - The pricing of Hong Kong stocks and the RMB exchange rate is influenced by two core drivers: domestic fundamentals and USD liquidity. The pricing of Hong Kong stocks is primarily driven by earnings (aligned with domestic fundamentals) and valuation (dependent on USD liquidity) [5][18]. - Historical data indicates that these two core drivers often exhibit a consistent directional relationship, where improvements in domestic economic fundamentals typically rely on global financial conditions being accommodative [24]. Group 3: Conditions for Divergence - Two scenarios may lead to divergence between the RMB and Hong Kong stocks: 1. A divergence in the direction of domestic fundamentals and USD liquidity (e.g., tightening USD financial conditions while domestic fundamentals improve) [6][26]. 2. Unique factors influencing the RMB temporarily overshadowing the combined effects of fundamentals and liquidity [7][27]. Group 4: Historical Cases of Divergence - Since 2015, there have been five notable instances of divergence between the RMB and Hong Kong stocks, with only one instance of RMB appreciation coinciding with a decline in Hong Kong stocks [8][31]. - The common characteristics of these divergence periods suggest that when domestic fundamentals and USD liquidity move in opposite directions, Hong Kong stock performance is more influenced by liquidity, while the RMB remains anchored to domestic fundamentals [34]. Group 5: Focus on Current Divergence - The current divergence is similar to a previous instance where the RMB appreciated while Hong Kong stocks fell. In both cases, domestic PMI was relatively low, and USD financial conditions were tightening [39][44]. - The strong export performance has supported the RMB, while the Hong Kong stock market has faced downward pressure primarily due to valuation declines, despite a slight recovery in earnings [42][44].

Group 1: Macro Analysis - The recent appreciation of the RMB contrasts with the significant decline in Hong Kong stocks, particularly in the Hang Seng Tech Index, indicating a divergence that contradicts market intuition[2] - Historically, the RMB and Hong Kong stocks have moved in tandem due to shared macro pricing variables: domestic fundamentals and USD liquidity[3] - Current conditions show a combination of "tight USD liquidity + uncertain domestic fundamentals," leading to the RMB's appreciation driven by unique factors, such as seasonal export impulses[2][9] Group 2: Divergence Scenarios - Two scenarios can drive divergence between the RMB and Hong Kong stocks: a divergence in domestic fundamentals and USD liquidity, or unique factors temporarily dominating the RMB's movement[4] - The sensitivity of the RMB to domestic fundamentals contrasts with the greater sensitivity of Hong Kong stocks to valuation changes, particularly in liquidity-driven environments[4][8] Group 3: Historical Cases of Divergence - Since 2015, there have been five notable divergences between the RMB and Hong Kong stocks, with only one instance of RMB appreciation coinciding with a decline in Hong Kong stocks[5] - In the most recent divergence (February 2026), the RMB appreciated by 1.3% while the Hang Seng Tech Index fell by 12.9%[14] Group 4: Contributing Factors - The divergence is characterized by weak domestic PMI and tightening US financial conditions, which have led to a weak profit contribution for Hong Kong stocks while the RMB remains supported by strong exports[9][47] - During the divergence periods, valuation contributions to the Hang Seng Index averaged 14.3%, significantly higher than the 4.7% profit contribution, indicating a liquidity-driven market[8][40]