Iran announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz until the United States lifts its blockade. The Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy stated on the evening of April 18th that, due to the U.S. violating the ceasefire agreement and failing to remove the blockade on Iranian vessels and ports, the Strait of Hormuz would be closed effective that night until the U.S. blockade is lifted. Iran had previously announced on April 17th that it would open the strait to commercial ships following designated routes. U.S. President Trump initially posted a message of "thanks" but later stated that the "maritime blockade on Iran remains in effect." U.S. stocks rallied significantly on Friday, but within 24 hours, Iran reversed its stance, announcing it had resumed control over this critical global energy transportation route.

The Nasdaq Golden Dragon China Index rose by 0.53%. Overnight, the Dow Jones Industrial Average surged by 868.71 points to close at 49,447.43, a gain of 1.79%. The S&P 500 index increased by 84.78 points to 7,126.06, up 1.20%. The Nasdaq Composite Index climbed 365.78 points to 24,468.48, rising 1.52%. For the week, the Dow gained 3.19%, the Nasdaq climbed 6.84%, and the S&P 500 advanced 4.54%. Following Iran's Saturday announcement about opening the strait, major tech stocks generally rose, with Tesla up over 3% and Apple gaining over 2%. Lithium mining concept stocks and the oil & gas sector lagged, with Albemarle falling over 8% and U.S. Energy dropping over 7%. Most popular Chinese concept stocks advanced. The Hang Seng Index ADR rose proportionally, closing at 26,527.83 points, up 367.50 points or 1.40% from the Hong Kong market close. NYMEX WTI crude oil for the front month fell by $7.17 to settle at $84.0 per barrel, a decline of 7.86%. COMEX gold for the front month increased by $41.10, or 0.85%, to $4,849.4 per ounce.

Global shipowners responded to the "opening of the Strait of Hormuz" with cautious optimism but hesitation to act immediately. Following the joint announcement by Iran and the U.S. on Saturday that the strait would be open to all commercial vessels during the ceasefire period, global capital markets reacted swiftly, with risk assets like stocks continuing their upward trend and international oil prices plunging. Compared to the rapid moves in capital markets, shipowners trapped in the strait for over a month are still assessing the practical implications of the news. This development involves Hong Kong-listed container shipping stocks.

Conflicts in the Middle East have triggered concerns over fertilizer shortages. Reports citing sources indicate that, as the U.S.-Iran war has disrupted grain trade supply chains, the U.S. is urging G20 members, along with the IMF and World Bank, to take joint action to ensure fertilizer supplies. In late February, the U.S. and Israel launched military actions against Iran, prompting Iran to retaliate by blocking the Strait of Hormuz, which handles about one-fifth of global crude oil and LNG shipments. This situation affects Hong Kong-listed fertilizer stocks.

The AI sector's soaring power demand is intensifying competition for nuclear fuel. The U.S. is considering increasing uranium imports from Namibia, the world's third-largest producer, and supporting the country's production growth through investments by mining companies and government financing. U.S. Ambassador to Namibia, John Giordano, stated in a Friday interview, "Uranium here is the most important resource for both countries." This involves Hong Kong-listed nuclear fuel sector stocks, including CGN Mining Co. Ltd. (01164) and CNNC International Ltd. (02302).

The Hang Seng China High Dividend Yield Index underwent a component review. The Hang Seng Indexes Company announced the annual review results for the index effective until March 31, 2026. New additions include Huaneng Power International, Inc. (00902), New China Life Insurance Co., Ltd. (01336), Xtep International Holdings Limited (01368), Onewo Inc. (02602), Topcast Aviation Supplies Co., Ltd. (06110), and Haier Smart Home Co., Ltd. (06690). Stocks removed include Xinyi Glass Holdings Limited (00868), Yankuang Energy Group Company Limited (01171), China Coal Energy Company Limited (01898), Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group Limited (01929), and China Life Insurance Company Limited (02628). These changes will take effect on Monday, April 27, 2026. The number of constituent stocks remains at 50.

CATL (03750) announced that shareholder United Innovation, holding a 6.23% stake, plans to transfer 58 million A-shares, representing 1.27% of the total share capital, via a block transfer at an inquiry price. The minimum transfer price will be no less than 70% of the average trading price over the 20 trading days prior to sending the subscription invitation. The transferees will be institutional investors with pricing capability and risk tolerance. The transferred shares cannot be sold within six months. Based on CATL's latest closing price, the market value of this block transfer exceeds 25 billion RMB.

DFZQ (03958) is planning to acquire 100% of Shanghai Securities. DFZQ (600958.SH) announced it is formulating a plan to acquire 100% of Shanghai Securities Company Limited by issuing A-shares and paying cash. The company's A-share trading will be suspended from the market open on Monday, April 20, 2026, with an expected suspension period not exceeding 10 trading days.

CHINA GAS HOLD (00384) proposed the adoption of a 2026 Share Award Scheme and the grant of 462 million award shares to directors. The board proposed adopting the 2026 Share Award Scheme. On April 17, 2026, subject to shareholder approval at an EGM, the company conditionally granted a total of 462 million award shares to certain directors under the scheme. The conditional grant to directors is subject to approval by independent shareholders at the EGM.

MAN Finance and Holding S.A. reduced its stake in China National Heavy Duty Truck Group Co., Ltd. (03808) by approximately 81.05 million shares at HK$40.09 per share, according to the latest HKEX data. The total consideration was approximately HK$3.249 billion. The post-disposal holding is about 552 million shares, representing a 20.00% stake.

CIMC (02039) expects Q1 net profit attributable to equity holders to be between approximately 164 million and 224 million RMB. The group anticipates net profit after deducting non-recurring gains/losses to be between approximately 122 million and 182 million RMB.

YIDU TECH (02158) issued a positive profit alert, expecting net profit for FY2026 (ending March 31, 2026) to reach between 55 million and 70 million RMB, marking the company's first full-year profit since inception. The company attributed this to strong "AI orders."

CHINA TOWER (00788) reported Q1 profit attributable to owners of the company of 3.985 billion RMB, a year-on-year increase of 31.8%. Operating revenue for Q1 2026 was 25.146 billion RMB, up 1.5% YoY. EBITDA was 15.366 billion RMB. The significant profit increase was mainly due to reduced depreciation expenses starting from Q4 2025.

TCL Electronics Holdings Limited (01070) issued a positive profit alert, expecting adjusted net profit attributable to owners for Q1 2026 to be between approximately HK$360 million and HK$400 million, representing a year-on-year increase of about 125% to 150%. Revenue is expected to be between approximately HK$27.8 billion and HK$30.4 billion, up 10% to 20% YoY.

Xuanzhu Biopharma - B (02575) announced that data from the DIAMOND-2 Phase III clinical study of diroac for the first-line treatment of ALK-positive advanced non-small cell lung cancer were presented at the 2026 AACR meeting. The data demonstrated statistically significant and clinically meaningful efficacy advantages for diroac compared to crizotinib.

International Entertainment Corporation (01009) proposed venturing into online gaming business in the Philippines. Following the group's casino operations in the Philippines, NCLI was granted an Electronic (Online Casino) Gaming Operator License in February 2025 to operate online gaming within Philippine jurisdiction. The group has since conducted feasibility studies and explored potential investment opportunities, identifying a potential target and is currently in negotiations.

YIDU TECH (02158): Subsidiary Secures Public Health and Oncology AI Projects. Yidu Tech announced that its subsidiary, Yiduyun (Beijing) Technology Co., Ltd., recently secured two significant projects. The Beijing Cancer Hospital AI Construction Bank-Hospital Cooperation Project has a total value of approximately 4.88 million RMB. The Hainan Provincial Integrated Regional Infectious Disease Monitoring, Early Warning, and Emergency Command Information Platform (Phase II) Project has a total value of approximately 12.89 million RMB. The company's positive profit alert for FY2026 forecasts net profit between 55 million and 70 million RMB, compared to a net loss of 135 million RMB in FY2025. Analysts noted that these consecutive project wins demonstrate the strong competitiveness of Yidu Tech's "AI Medical Brain," YiduCore, in vertical sectors. The Hainan project represents continued government recognition of the company's digital capabilities in public health emergency management systems. The Beijing Cancer Hospital project marks another breakthrough in the specialized oncology AI field, innovating commercialization paths through bank-hospital cooperation models. With the deepening implementation of "Data Elements x Healthcare" policies, the company is well-positioned to benefit from the wave of medical AI infrastructure development.