Hong Kong stocks traded lower at midday, with the benchmark Hang Seng Index falling 0.76%, down 191 points to 24,896. The Hang Seng Tech Index dropped 0.97% as well. Turnover in the morning session reached HK$98.8 billion. Meanwhile, CRO-related stocks mostly advanced against the broader market weakness.

Innovative drug companies are seeing both higher order volumes and improved pricing, while the surge in global AI4S partnerships is expected to deliver additional tailwinds for the sector. Zhaoyan New Drug (06127) climbed 4.6%, Pharmaron Beijing (03759) added 2%, and GenScript Biotech (01548) rose 4.9%. CanSino Biologics (06185) jumped over 10% following a strategic collaboration with Depusheng Biotech on an mRNA-based therapeutic cancer vaccine. Jeuken Pharma-B (02595) advanced more than 4% after its GFH375 in combination with cetuximab was proposed for breakthrough therapy designation.

In other notable movers, Auntea (02589) surged over 10% on strong first-half results, generous shareholder returns, and a sustained rapid store expansion plan. Dmall (02586) gained more than 11% after teaming up with Doubao to launch its Dmall Flash Purchase service, accelerating its AI-driven retail ecosystem strategy. Legend Holdings (03396) climbed over 7% again on the potential sale of its 90% stake in Banque Internationale à Luxembourg, as the company sharpens its focus on technology-driven operations. Rigol Technologies (00537) soared over 18%, with Huatai Securities research suggesting that AI computing infrastructure buildout is speeding up high-speed interconnect upgrades, positioning vector network analyzers (VNA) for a growth window. Andre Juice (02218) rose over 10% after executive director Wang Meng made consecutive purchases of company shares, following its earlier acquisition of control over Yongqiang Technology.

Mainland property developers led gains, supported by stronger second-hand home transactions in key cities during the traditional September peak season and persistent rumors of further policy easing. China Vanke (02202) climbed 5%. Kingboard Laminates (01888) bucked the trend with a more than 5% gain, after JPMorgan initiated coverage with an overweight rating. On the downside, some oil and gas names weakened, as international crude prices fell after Iran said it would hold talks with the United States on Strait of Hormuz access at the UN General Assembly. Shandong Molong (00568) declined 4%.