HOT TOPICS
Optical fiber demand
Prices for certain optical fiber products have surged by 650% year-on-year, driven by surging demand from artificial intelligence data centers. Top manufacturers have seen sales multiply, with backlogs stretching into the first quarter of next year.
New A-share leader
Optical chip leader Yuanjie Semiconductor Technology Co. Ltd. (688498.SH) closed at 1,445 yuan Friday, surpassing Kweichow Moutai to become the highest-priced stock on China’s A-share market. The company specializes in the research, development and sale of optical chips.
HKEX settlement
The Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKEX) issued a consultation paper Friday proposing adjustments to transition its cash equities market to a T+1 settlement cycle. The transition is expected to be implemented in the fourth quarter of 2027, with the consultation period ending on May 18, 2026.
Moderately loose monetary policy
People’s Bank of China (PBOC) Governor Pan Gongsheng said at a G20 meeting that the central bank will implement a moderately loose monetary policy. He emphasized that the PBOC aims to support China’s modernization with high-quality financial services.
NEWS SUMMARY
DeepSeek has reportedly initiated its first external financing round at a valuation exceeding $10 billion.
Seres took a stake in BMW and Mercedes-Benz’s supercharging joint venture in China.
Chinese investors bought a record amount of gold exchange-traded funds in March as prices dipped.
Airlines are raising fees and cutting routes as surging fuel costs weigh on the industry.
China and Vietnam issued a joint statement to promote power interconnection and new energy cooperation.
Contact editor Lin Jinbing (jinbinglin@caixin.com)
