COSCO Shipping has resumed new booking services for cargo from the Far East to Middle Eastern Gulf nations, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, and Iraq. However, the resumption of shipments does not mean COSCO's container vessels will transit the Strait of Hormuz. According to company sources, ships will temporarily avoid the strait, adopting a method similar to that previously used by CMA CGM. Containers will first be shipped to ports east of the strait, such as Sohar in Oman, and Khor Fakkan, Fujairah in the UAE, as well as Jeddah in Saudi Arabia, before being transported overland to their final destinations. Relevant Hong Kong-listed stocks include COSCO SHIP HOLD (01919), China Merchants Port Holdings (00144), and Orient Overseas (International) Ltd (00316).

In market outlook, WTI crude futures for the front-month contract fell $1.06 to settle at $91.29 per barrel, a decline of 1.15%. Overnight, U.S. stocks closed higher. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 305.43 points, or 0.66%, to close at 46,429.49. The S&P 500 rose 35.53 points, or 0.54%, to 6,591.9, and the Nasdaq Composite increased by 167.94 points, or 0.77%, to 21,929.93. Large-cap tech stocks generally advanced, with Arm surging over 16%, and AMD and Intel both rising more than 7%. Amazon gained over 2%, while Nvidia climbed nearly 2%. The commercial space sector also saw gains. Popular U.S.-listed Chinese stocks broadly increased, with the Nasdaq Golden Dragon China Index up 1.86%. The Hong Kong stock market ADR index rose proportionally, indicating a higher open.

In key developments, global chemical giant BASF issued its fifth price increase announcement, stating that due to rising costs linked to the U.S.-Israel-Iran conflict, it will raise prices for its commodity amines portfolio in Europe by up to 30%, effective immediately. This affects the Hong Kong chemical sector.

The National Press and Publication Administration approved 130 domestic online games in March. China Eastern Airlines (00670) announced plans to purchase 101 A320NEO series aircraft from Airbus for a total catalog price of approximately $15.802 billion. Hesai Group (02525) entered into a product sales framework agreement with Sharpa. CGN POWER (01816) reported its 2025 results, with revenue of approximately RMB 75.6966 billion, down 4.1% year-on-year, and net profit attributable to owners of the parent of approximately RMB 9.7654 billion, down 9.9%. JL MAG Rare-Earth (06680) announced annual results, with net profit surging 142.44% to approximately RMB 706 million. Guotai Junan International Holdings (01788) reported a significant increase in profit attributable to shareholders. IGG (00799) announced annual results with steady revenue. Kuaishou Technology (01024) reported a 21.4% increase in annual profit. CHINA LIFE (02628) announced a 44.1% jump in annual net profit. Kingsoft Corporation Limited (03888) posted increased annual profit. Universal Medical Group (02666) reported profit growth. Xinte Energy (00956) announced its annual results. GUMING (01364) reported a sharp rise in annual profit. InnoCare Pharma (09969) returned to profitability. DONGYUE GROUP (00189) reported a significant increase in annual profit, with its refrigerant business being the top performer.