The Hang Seng closed almost flat at 24,911 on Wednesday after dipping slightly in morning deals. Traders digested comments from President Trump, who said the U.S. was close to a trade deal with China and that he would meet President Xi before year-end if an agreement is reached. Investors also anticipated key Chinese economic data, including trade figures on Thursday and inflation on Saturday, amid concerns over rising trade barriers and deflation risks. At the same time, markets braced for a possible new U.S. tariff announcement targeting semiconductors, expected as early as next week. Modest gains in consumer and tech stocks came as U.S. futures surged ahead of more corporate earnings and speeches from Fed officials later today. Meanwhile, financials and property fell slightly. Pop Mart Intl. (7.9%), BYD Electronics (6.7%), and Akeso Inc. (4.7%) advanced, while Cathay Pacific tumbled 9.1% on disappointing H1 results, joined by falls in Li Auto (–5.4%) and Anta Sports (–3.2%).