Asia-Pacific stock markets collectively plunge, A-share oil and gas stocks tumble sharply, green energy concept stocks defy the trend with a surge, and Hong Kong stocks' old favorite gold jumps 8%

Reporter | Jin Shan, Pang Huawei

Editor | Jiang Peixia

On March 24, Asian-Pacific stock markets opened higher and then fell back. The Nikkei 225 index initially surged by 1,000 points at the open, but the gain has since narrowed to 0.57%. The Korea Composite Index opened up 4% and its latest gain has also narrowed to 0.52%.

In the A-shares market, the three major indices all opened higher. Soon after, the ChiNext Index turned red, having previously risen nearly 1%. The oil and gas, chemical, precious metals, and coal sectors led the declines.

Regarding specific sectors, the green energy concept continued its strength, led by the computing power collaboration sector. Shao Neng Shares hit the daily limit with a five-day streak of gains, Hunan Development hit the limit, and Huadian LiaoNeng approached the limit. Disen Shares, Huayin Electric Power, and Li New Energy also rose together. On the news front, on March 23, the National Data Bureau stated that it will work with relevant departments to vigorously promote the computing power collaboration project, ensuring that the proportion of green electricity used in new computing facilities at key nodes exceeds 80%, maximizing the support role of green power.

Oil and gas stocks accelerated their decline after opening, with Heshun Petroleum falling over 7%, Intercontinental Oil & Gas nearly 7%, and China National Petroleum, Sinopec, and CNOOC all dropping over 2%.

In Hong Kong stocks, the Hang Seng Index and Hang Seng Tech Index also opened high and then fell back. As of the report, the Hang Seng Tech Index was down over 0.3%. Old Gold opened nearly 15% higher, with the latest increase exceeding 8%.

Institutional Reminder: Don’t Recklessly Take Risks

“When will the market bottom?” This has been the question on everyone’s mind recently. Overall, two major signals are needed to confirm a market bottom: first, easing tensions in the Middle East leading to a halt in oil price rises; second, the complete clearing of panic selling, with trading volume shrinking.

A source from an institutional firm advised that in the short term, investors should avoid making reckless moves.

Zhang Pengyuan, a researcher at PaiPaiWang Wealth, provided clear short-term indicators: shrinking volume with stabilization, recovery in the number of stocks rising and falling, and continuous inflow from the northbound trading. Before these signals appear, it’s best to hold steady. Additionally, the situation in the Middle East, oil price trends, and Federal Reserve policy expectations are key external variables influencing the strength of any rebound. Zhang Pengyuan believes that the fundamentals of A-shares have not experienced systemic deterioration. In the short term, the market may continue to digest fluctuations, but as sentiment gradually recovers, structural opportunities will eventually focus on undervalued defensive assets and high-quality growth assets.

In the medium term, investors should focus on “mispriced” and “true growth” stocks. The view from institutional analysts is that, from a medium-term perspective, allocation strategies can revolve around “defense + certainty + post-correction growth.”

First, the main pillars are “high dividend + energy.” Zhang Pengyuan pointed out that sectors like electricity and utilities, with stable cash flows and dividend advantages, are safe havens for core holdings. Second, the offensive sectors are “AI and resource commodities.”

Zhang Kexing, General Manager of Beijing Grey Asset, believes that AI and resource commodities remain the main themes this year, and recent adjustments present opportunities for phased deployment.

Minsheng JiaYin Fund highlighted a new logic for AI: extending from computing power to “storage + computing + electricity.” The huge electricity demand generated by AI data centers will drive growth in power grid and electrical equipment demand.

Yuesheng Investment Research: Extended reading on trending thematic company clues

(Disclaimer: The content of this article is for reference only and does not constitute investment advice. Investors operate at their own risk.)

Produced by | 21 Finance Client, 21st Century Business Herald