Chinese stocks post first annual gain since 2020, HK ends four-year rout
Live Mint* Policy support sets stocks on path to end multi-year routs * Banking and chip sectors led gains in 2024 * Dividend plays could continue to outperform, analysts say Hong Kong, - Chinese stocks dipped on Tuesday, the final trading day of 2024, but were on track for their first annual gain following an unprecedented three-year decline, while Hong Kong shares also ended the year higher. The Shanghai Composite Index gained 13.9% in 2024, ending a two-year decline, while Hong Kong's benchmark Hang Seng Index closed the year's final session up 0.1%, for an annual gain of 17.9% that ended four consecutive years of losses. However, mainland stocks weakened on the year's final trading day, with the CSI Index falling 0.6% after data showed China's factory activity expansion slowed in December amid rising trade risks. Looking ahead to 2025, dividend-paying stocks could still outperform the broader market in the short term, especially when U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's January inauguration may bring market disruptions, he added.