The Hang Seng jumped 470 points, or 1.8%, to finish at 26,908 on Wednesday, picking up from a subdued close in the previous session and hitting its highest level since mid-July 2021 amid a widely expected Fed rate cut later today and the prospect of further easing this year. The tech index surged 4.3%, reflecting optimism over China’s AI progress and signs of easing trade tensions with the U.S. ahead of Friday's call between President Trump and Xi Jinping. Consumer shares also logged solid advances after Hong Kong leader John Lee pledged in his 2025 policy address to improve livelihoods, attract new investment, boost tourism, and push ahead with innovation and tech infrastructure. He also floated settling some government spending in yuan for the first time. Nio soared 11% on solid sales and plans for a new SUV, while Shandong Hi-Speed climbed 17.6% on a buyback plan. Other top movers included SMIC (7.2%), Meituan (5.1%), Kuaishou Tech. (3.3%), and Tencent Holdings. (2.6%).