DeepSeeK Fuels Innovation at Hang Seng Tech

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Business Blog / June 2, 2025

The ever-evolving landscape of stock trading often has its moments of fervent enthusiasm and sudden transformations, and the recent rise in popularity of DeepSeeK—an artificial intelligence model—has ignited a speculatory wave in Hong Kong’s stock market. The phenomenon has been significant enough to prompt a notable increase in the performance of several Hong Kong stock indices, particularly the Hang Seng Technology Index, which has seen gains exceeding 7% over just three trading days leading up to February 10. This uptick has created ripples across related exchange-traded funds (ETFs), contributing to an environment ripe for growth.

As of the closing on February 10, 2023, several technology stocks in Hong Kong were positioned well due to this momentum, with the Hang Seng Index climbing upwards of 4%. The rapid ascent in technology stocks has been followed by optimistic gains in various ETFs specializing in Hong Kong equities. Market observers noted a stark distinction in performance among cross-border ETFs, wherein many related to Hong Kong stocks surged, while others associated with markets in Germany, Saudi Arabia, and France revealed signs of correction.

Reportedly, the excitement surrounding DeepSeeK has injected emotional fervor into the short-term dynamics of the Hong Kong market. Many experts believe that significant advancements within the AI landscape provide a positive outlook not just for local tech stocks but also for the industry at large. The confidence in the potential for renewed growth, particularly in the realm of internet assets, paints a promising picture of revaluation for these stock categories.

On February 10, the attention remained heavily skewed towards DeepSeeK and its implications on the stock market. Specific indices associated with concepts such as cloud computing, AI computing power, and big data rose more than 5%, with telecommunications and healthcare sectors reaping substantial benefits during the trading sessions. A notable uptick in market activity indicated a broader acceptance of AI technologies, which appeared to be a critical driver for stock prices across numerous sectors.

Sustained bullishness has characterized recent trading sessions for Hong Kong stocks, evidenced by robust performance indicators: the Hang Seng Index increased by 1.84%, while the Hang Seng Technology Index and the Hang Seng China Enterprises Index followed suit, recording increases of 2.65% and 2.09%, respectively. Over the preceding three days, the surging interest in technology stocks, particularly from companies like Alibaba, Meituan, and Baidu, has demonstrated a resilient rebound in the stock market post the holiday season.

The ETF landscape has experienced noticeable shifts following a period of adjustments. Many ETFs tracking Hong Kong equities have seen modest flags of recovery. For investors, this has signaled an opportunity, particularly in sectors concentrated on education, new economy initiatives, and key internet stocks—leading many ETFs to achieve gains greater than 3% contemporaneously. More than 50 Hong Kong-related ETFs have posted improved returns, signaling robust investor interest.

However, the performance metrics for other cross-border ETFs reveal a different story. ETFs that track markets outside of Hong Kong, such as the S&P consumer ETF or Eurozone-focused funds, have struggled, with declines exceeding 3%. A significant drop of over 19% was observed in certain German ETFs, showcasing the volatility linked to prior peaks in their trading trajectories. This disparity indicates not just a rotation of capital from high-risk setups to safer assets but also a reevaluation of expectations from investors as they position themselves based on evolving market outlooks.

The ascension of DeepSeeK, particularly since the recent Lunar New Year, has showcased its training efficiencies that surpass those of previous benchmarks like ChatGPT. This evolution in technology is drawing considerable attention from a new wave of investors, eager to capitalize on the AI boom in financial markets. The previous year’s impressive showings of ChatGPT had similarly fueled speculative fervor among tech stocks in the U.S., making the comparative rise of DeepSeeK all the more interesting.

Industry experts have begun unraveling the riddle of DeepSeeK’s influence on the Hong Kong market, with notable figures in asset management weighing in on the importance of technological breakthroughs. Chen Yanpeng, a fund manager, emphasizes that DeepSeeK's algorithmic improvements have ushered in a new realm of potential for significant operational efficiency across various sectors of the tech landscape, most prominently in AI. As these advancements unfold, they signal not just an opportune moment for these companies but also a pivotal opportunity for a reassessment of value among internet assets.

Equally, insights from Changcheng Fund highlight a burgeoning shift in market focus. While previous surges centered around hardware, the emergence of DeepSeeK has the potential to stimulate a new direction towards AI applications in consumer services, broadly impacting sectoral dynamics in the tech sphere. With expectations for widespread integration of DeepSeeK across diverse commercial applications, investors are hopeful for sustained elevation in stock valuations.

Investment analysts advise caution amid this enthusiasm. As highlighted by Chen, while the market’s optimism exists in the short term, it remains susceptible to volatility that could temper growth as recognition and validation of AI technology develop. Targeting companies with tangible innovations—especially in financial services, healthcare capacities, and programming efficiency—will be critical for effectively navigating this landscape.

The market's confidence surrounding the internet sector in Hong Kong appears firmly interlinked with the momentum garnered through DeepSeeK's emergence. Analysts attribute recent climbs in internet ETFs to a confluence of technical advancements, motivational shifts within investment landscapes, and responsive regulatory frameworks that favor these growth sectors. The Hong Kong internet segment is viewed as on the cusp of a new growth spurt, validated by the influx of investment as market conditions become increasingly favorable.

Nonetheless, short-term sentiment remains critical in driving this rally. The anticipation surrounding AI technology is palpable, yet the sustainability of this growth hinges on the market's ability to reconcile enthusiasm with strategic investment based on quantifiable advancements. Should AI's potential be recognized more broadly and validated through performance metrics, continued upward momentum might indeed characterize this segment for a prolonged period.

In addition to the waves of optimism regarding AI applications, there are overarching factors influencing market sentiment. According to Chen Xingwen, Chief Strategy Officer of Heiqi Capital, a reassignment of capital from overvalued cross-border ETFs towards undervalued assets in the Hong Kong market is becoming evident. Additionally, shifts in policies aimed at enhancing domestic demand and the promising breakthroughs with DeepSeeK can stimulate investor sentiment, steering funds toward sectors that align with policy benefits. This shift underlines a strategic pivot within the market and showcases the intricate dance of investment flows entwined with technological advancements.