Market Overview - The Hong Kong stock market experienced a decline in the afternoon session, with the Hang Seng Index closing down 0.38% at 25,830.65 points and a total turnover of HKD 2,114.26 million [1] - The Hang Seng Tech Index fell 0.69% to 5,606.9 points, while the Hang Seng China Enterprises Index decreased by 0.26% to 9,151.04 points [1] Blue-Chip Stocks Performance - Sinopec (00386) led the blue-chip stocks, rising 2.93% to HKD 4.57, contributing 4.63 points to the Hang Seng Index [2] - Other notable blue-chip performers included Chow Tai Fook (01929) up 2.7% and Zijin Mining (02899) up 2.34%, while Techtronic Industries (00669) and Li Auto-W (02015) faced declines of 2.83% and 2.6%, respectively [2] Sector Highlights - Gold stocks saw significant gains, with China Gold International (02099) rising 8.2% and Shandong Gold (01787) increasing by 7.01% [3] - The lithium carbonate futures price surged, breaking the 100,000 yuan/ton mark, indicating a strong market for lithium stocks [5] - Oil stocks were active, with Sinopec and CNOOC (00883) both showing positive performance, attributed to their resilience during periods of declining oil prices [4] Lithium Sector Insights - The chairman of Ganfeng Lithium predicted a 30% increase in lithium carbonate demand by 2026, potentially reaching 1.9 million tons [5] - The lithium battery sector is expected to see over threefold growth in shipments from 2025 to 2035, indicating a robust future for the industry [6] Notable Stock Movements - China Oriental Group (00581) saw a significant increase of 12.1% to HKD 1.39, following a positive earnings report [7] - China Shipbuilding Industry Corporation (00317) rose 9.14% to HKD 15.17, benefiting from a strong market share in new ship orders [8] - Pony.ai-W (02026) gained 4.35% to HKD 96, announcing a partnership to develop autonomous trucks [9] - Techtronic Industries (00669) faced pressure due to disappointing earnings from its major client, Home Depot, leading to a decline of 2.83% [10]

Group 1 - Ukraine has announced new sanctions against Russia, targeting Russian entrepreneurs, the military-industrial sector, and the oil industry [5][6][7] - The sanctions include measures against 33 individuals and 27 legal entities, aimed at weakening Russia's military industrial capabilities and preventing access to key technologies [7][8] - The sanctions will extend for two years and include companies linked to sanctioned Russian oligarchs [7][8] Group 2 - President Zelensky emphasized the comprehensive pressure policy against Russia and the coordination with partners for synchronized sanctions implementation [8] - Russia's military continues offensive operations in various regions, including Kharkiv and Donetsk, while Ukraine has targeted a major oil refinery in Leningrad region [9]