The benchmark Hang Seng Index turned positive during the afternoon trading session on August 18, while the Hang Seng Tech Index narrowed its decline to less than 1%.

Among Hang Seng Index constituents, WuXi Biologics surged nearly 6%, leading the gains. J&T Express and Alibaba both advanced over 4%, while BeiGene and Sunny Optical Technology each rose more than 2%.