February 26, 2026 - China Stock Market Midday Review: Market Divergence Intensifies, AI Hardware and Power Equipment Lead Gains Against the Trend

#A-Shares#Hong Kong Stocks#AI Hardware#Communication Equipment#Power Equipment

Market Overview: Index Divergence Highlights Structural Trends

As of the midday close, the Shanghai Composite Index edged down 0.08% to 4,144.08 points, the Shenzhen Component Index rose 0.28%, and the ChiNext Index fell 0.39%. Over 2,300 stocks advanced across the market, but trading volume increased, indicating heightened divergence between bulls and bears. In Hong Kong, the Hang Seng Index opened high and closed low, down 0.39% at midday, with the Hang Seng Tech Index dropping 1.65% to a recent low, reflecting overall cautious sentiment.

Hot Sectors: AI Hardware and Power Equipment as Havens

The AI hardware sector emerged as the strongest theme. Sub-sectors like CPO, copper cable high-speed connections, and liquid cooling servers rallied, driving a significant surge in communication equipment stocks. By midday, Zhongtian Technology (600522.SH), Hengtong Optic-Electric (600487.SH), and Tongding Interconnection (002491.SZ) hit the daily limit-up, while FiberHome Telecommunication Technologies (600498.SH) and TFC Optical Communication (300394.SZ) also posted substantial gains.

Meanwhile, the power equipment sector rose against the broader market trend, supported by expectations for grid investment and overseas expansion logic. Grid-related ETFs gained around 3%. Additionally, lithium battery stocks diverged following news of a supply halt from a major African lithium exporter, with upstream resource stocks strengthening.

Weak Sectors: Heavyweights Weigh on Indices

Downward pressure primarily stemmed from heavyweight sectors. Large financial stocks, including real estate, insurance, and banking, saw broad-based pullbacks, dragging down the indices. Major tech stocks in Hong Kong also underperformed. Furthermore, concepts like AI applications, photovoltaics, and gold experienced adjustments.

Outlook: Focus on Structural Opportunities and Risks

In summary, the market lacks systemic upward momentum but still offers structural opportunities. High-growth tech directions represented by AI hardware, and sectors with strong overseas expansion logic like power equipment, have become key allocation targets for funds in this volatile market. Investors should remain vigilant about shifts in market sentiment and the ongoing adjustment pressure from heavyweight sectors. Focusing on sub-sectors with strong earnings visibility and clear industry trends is advisable.

This article does not constitute any investment advice. The stock market involves risks, and investment requires caution!