EV, tech shares lift HK stocks to one-month high as trade concerns ease

HONG KONG, May 2 (Reuters) - Hong Kong stocks climbed to nearly a one-month high on Friday as signs of easing Sino-U.S. trade tensions comforted investors, while electronic vehicle (EV) makers rallied on strong sales.

** Hong Kong's benchmark Hang Seng Index .HSI added 1.7% to end at 22,504.68, the highest close since April 3.

** The gain followed the 4.3% decline in April, the worst month for the benchmark since November 2024 as U.S. President Donald Trump's "reciprocal tariff" triggered a global markets rout.

** The Hang Seng China Enterprises Index .HSCE ended 1.9% higher at 8,231.04, a one-month closing high.

** The mainland markets are closed till next Tuesday for the Golden Week holiday.

** China's Commerce Ministry said Beijing is "evaluating" an offer from Washington for talks over Trump's crippling tariffs, signalling a potential de-escalation in the trade war that has roiled global markets.

** Investors have taken comfort from signs of potential de-escalation between the U.S. and China and the start of trade talks with Japan and others, analyst at Citi said in a note.

** EV makers are among the top performers in Hong Kong, driven by the strong April delivery figures.

** Xpeng 9868.HK surged 6.7% to a one-week high after reporting a 273% year-on-year surge in smart EV deliveries last month. Peer Li Auto 2015.HK climbed 3.6% and BYD 1211.HK gained 3.3%, supported by sales increases.

** Tech stocks advanced, with the Hang Seng Tech Index .HSTECH adding 3.1%. Alibaba 9988.HK strengthened more than 3.8% and Tencent 0700.HK added 2.2%. Both stocks hovered near their one-month highs.

** The Chinese yuan CNH=D3 strengthened in offshore trading to as much as 7.2400, its strongest level in a month.