China and Hong Kong shares dip as traders await key U.S. data

Mainland China and Hong Kong equities slipped on Tuesday, Reuters reported, as investors grew cautious ahead of delayed U.S. economic data expected to clarify the Federal Reserve’s policy outlook.

Reuters said shares in both Asian and U.S. markets weakened as traders positioned for a series of postponed U.S. indicators, delayed by the recent government shutdown. The backlog is due to begin clearing this week, with the September nonfarm payrolls report set for release on Thursday.

By the midday break, the Shanghai Composite Index had eased 0.56 %, while the CSI300 slipped 0.22 %. New energy shares were among the weakest performers, with the sector sub-index down 2.68 %.

Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index fell 1.47 %, and the city’s tech index dropped 1.67 %.

Despite Tuesday’s declines, the Shanghai Composite has risen more than 18 % so far this year, while the Hang Seng has climbed more than 30 %. Several analysts expect the positive trend to extend into 2026.

James Wang, head of China strategy at UBS Investment Bank Research, said many of the drivers that supported Chinese equities in 2025 remained in place, citing artificial intelligence investment, accommodative policy, fiscal expansion and ample liquidity.

Wang said the bank preferred internet, hardware technology and brokerages, and had rotated out of high-dividend stocks while adding selected firms expanding overseas.

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