Chinese stocks closed higher, driven by the coal sector after a deadly mine disaster, while semiconductor stocks also supported the market. The Yuan rose to a three-year high against the dollar amid hopes for a de-escalation in the Iran conflict.
Alibaba (BABA) options see 5:1 call-to-put ratio with 88% of $160M premium in calls, speculating a short squeeze and benefiting from potential improved U.S.-China relations, also boosting China-centric ETFs like KWEB and unexpectedly Ford Motor (F) on battery tech hopes.
Fund managers and investment banks predict Chinese stocks will maintain resilience shown since the Middle East war began, driven by haven demand for yuan-linked assets, recovering property prices in first-tier cities, and upcoming tech IPO additions to Hong Kong benchmarks. Morgan Stanley expects AI companies like Knowledge Atlas and MiniMax to join key indices in June, drawing fresh capital.
