HKEX revamps Tech 100 Index as Hong Kong benchmark struggles to keep pace with AI rally
Seven firms including Hesai, Geekplus and Deepexi join the index as investors question whether local benchmarks reflect fast-rising AI sector
The latest additions by Hong Kong’s bourse operator increase the benchmark’s exposure to areas such as autonomous driving, robotics, enterprise software and optical communications.
The changes, which take effect on June 15, bring in Deepexi Technology, Time Interconnect Technology, Hesai Group, Beijing Geekplus Technology, TransThera Sciences (Nanjing), CaoCao and Yangtze Optical Fibre and Cable. They replace China Ruyi Holdings, TravelSky Technology, Livzon Pharmaceutical Group, Maoyan Entertainment, HealthyWay, SY Holdings Group and Hygeia Healthcare Holdings.
The reshuffle comes amid investor frustration with the performance of Hong Kong’s two primary tech indices, which have both failed to benefit from a surge in Chinese AI stocks that has boosted fundraising and trading activity in the city this year. The disconnect has fuelled criticism that the indices no longer accurately reflect where investor interest and growth opportunities lie in China’s technology sector.
The Hang Seng Tech Index, which focuses on 30 major tech companies listed in Hong Kong, dropped more than 11 per cent this year through April and remained nearly 56 per cent below its February 2021 peak, lagging global peers despite the surge in AI-related stocks.
The removal of underperformers not involved in the AI boom could boost its performance. Among them, Maoyan Entertainment has slumped 21 per cent this year.