Hong Kong stocks ended higher again on Wednesday as traders awaited U.S. jobs data that could shape expectations of the Federal Reserve's next monetary move.

The Hang Seng Index rose by around 83.23 points, or roughly 0.3%, to end at 27,266.38, while the Hang Seng China Enterprises Index gained by 25.43 points, or 0.3%, to close at 9,268.18.

U.S. retail sales unexpectedly held steady in December 2025, raising expectations that the Fed may ease rates later this year, Bloomberg reported. The upcoming jobs report and inflation data will inform markets of a possible direction, the report said.

Meanwhile, business sentiment among Hong Kong's small and medium-sized enterprises eased during the first month of 2026.

The current diffusion index on business receipts amongst SMEs fell to 43.4 in January from 44.9 in December, data released by the city's Census and Statistics Department on Tuesday showed.

In corporate news, Wuxi Lead Intelligent Equipment (HKG:0470, SHE:300450) had a flat market debut in Hong Kong.

The Chinese intelligent equipment manufacturer closed at HK$45.80 per share, unchanged from its IPO price.