0643 GMT - BOC Hong Kong's net interest margin is likely to be stable in 2026, says Morningstar's Kathy Chan in a note. The lender's small short-dated negative gap--where funding costs reset faster than loan yields--could help cushion interest-rate weakness, she says. However, this margin is still likely to narrow to an average of 1.38% over 2026-2030, the analyst says. Meanwhile, the lender's credit costs are likely to improve from 2026, as Hong Kong's commercial real estate shows early signs of recovery. BOC Hong Kong's net fee and commission income is expected to grow at an average of 6.0% from 2026-2030, partly thanks to a recent bank acquisition. Morningstar raises its fair value estimate by 15% to HK$45.00. Shares rise 2.1% to HK$43.68. (megan.cheah@wsj.com)

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

April 01, 2026 02:43 ET (06:43 GMT)

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