Macau gaming stocks continued their downward trend. At the time of writing, Melco International Development (00200) fell 4.16% to HK$3.92. Galaxy Entertainment (00027) dropped 3.3% to HK$38.08. Sands China Ltd (01928) declined 2.17% to HK$17.12. Wynn Macau (01128) decreased 1.25% to HK$5.55.

On the news front, data released on March 1st by Macau's Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau showed February's gross gaming revenue reached MOP 20.627 billion, a year-on-year increase of 4.5%. Cumulative gross gaming revenue for January and February totaled MOP 43.261 billion, up 13.9% compared to the same period last year.

J.P. Morgan released a report stating that Macau's gross gaming revenue in February rose 4% year-on-year to MOP 20.6 billion, with average daily revenue of MOP 737 million, both exceeding market and the bank's expectations. Following the February data, J.P. Morgan noted that GGR for the first two months of the year grew 14% year-on-year, recovering to 86% of pre-pandemic levels, consistent with the strong growth momentum seen in the second half of last year.

However, the bank believes March's GGR performance is unlikely to catalyze share prices in the sector, as investor focus has shifted towards profitability margins and EBITDA growth. While the bank does see initial signs of quarter-on-quarter improvement, it still advises investors to remain selective.