Chinese Tech ETFs Rally on AI Optimism
Chinese tech stocks had a standout week, with ETFs related to the Trackinsight China Digitalization theme rising 9.06%. The Hang Seng Tech Index posted its fifth consecutive weekly gain, signaling renewed investor confidence. Several factors drove this surge, from AI breakthroughs to anticipation of government support.
AI-Driven Momentum Boosts Tech Stocks
The rise of DeepSeek, a Chinese AI startup, has reignited interest in China's tech sector. DeepSeek's cost-efficient AI model showcases China's ability to compete globally in artificial intelligence, shifting the narrative from risk concerns to growth potential. This enthusiasm has spilled over to major tech stocks, with Alibaba (NYSE:BABA), Xiaomi (HK:1810), Baidu (NASDAQ:BIDU), and BYD experiencing strong gains. Notably, Alibaba's Hong Kong-listed shares jumped 4.34% on February 14, reinforcing investor optimism.
Hang Seng Tech Index Enters Bull Market
The Hang Seng Tech Index, which tracks the 30 largest tech firms listed in Hong Kong, is entering bull market territory, rising 20% from its January low. On February 14 alone, the index surged nearly 3.7%, reflecting increased confidence in Chinese tech stocks. Heavyweights like Alibaba (+20.5%), Baidu (+9.14%), and Tencent (+11.96%) saw significant gains over the week, contributing to the broader rally.
ETF Winners Amid Market Rebound
Chinese tech-focused ETFs benefited from this rally, with the KraneShares CSI China Internet ETF (NYSE:KWEB) rising 9.06%. Broader China-focused ETFs also followed suit, such as the iShares MSCI China UCITS ETF (ETR:ICGA), which gained 5.69%. Despite the recent surge, Chinese tech stocks still trade at lower valuations compared to U.S. counterparts, potentially offering further upside.