Laopu Gold and CATL Join Hang Seng Index in Boost to China's Stock Market

Laopu Gold and Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Ltd. (CATL), two of China's leading companies, have been added to the Hang Seng Index, a widely followed stock market index in Hong Kong. This development is expected to have a significant impact on China's stock market and reflect the growing influence of Chinese companies in the global economy. The Hang Seng Index, which is considered a benchmark of the Hong Kong stock market, tracks the performance of the 80 largest and most liquid stocks listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. The inclusion of Laopu Gold and CATL in the index is seen as a recognition of their growing importance in the Chinese economy. Laopu Gold, a leading gold mining company in China, has been expanding its operations in recent years, with a focus on increasing its gold production and exploring new mining opportunities. The company's inclusion in the Hang Seng Index is expected to increase its visibility and attract more investors. CATL, on the other hand, is a leading manufacturer of lithium-ion batteries, a critical component in electric vehicles. The company has been at the forefront of China's push to become a leader in the electric vehicle industry, and its inclusion in the Hang Seng Index reflects its growing influence in the sector. The addition of Laopu Gold and CATL to the Hang Seng Index is seen as a positive development for China's stock market, which has been experiencing a surge in recent years. The inclusion of these two companies is expected to attract more investors and increase the index's representation of the Chinese economy. "Laopu Gold and CATL are two of the most important companies in China's economy, and their inclusion in the Hang Seng Index is a recognition of their growing influence," said David Ingles, host of "Bloomberg: The China Show." "This development is expected to increase their visibility and attract more investors, which will have a positive impact on China's stock market." The Hang Seng Index is reviewed quarterly by a committee, which considers factors such as market capitalization, liquidity, and trading activity when selecting new constituents. The inclusion of Laopu Gold and CATL in the index is a reflection of their growing importance in the Chinese economy and their potential for long-term growth. In recent years, China has been actively promoting the development of its stock market, with a focus on increasing transparency and attracting more foreign investors. The inclusion of Laopu Gold and CATL in the Hang Seng Index is seen as a significant step in this direction, as it will increase the visibility of Chinese companies and attract more investors to the market. Overall, the addition of Laopu Gold and CATL to the Hang Seng Index is a positive development for China's stock market and reflects the growing influence of Chinese companies in the global economy. As China continues to promote the development of its stock market, it is likely that more Chinese companies will be included in the Hang Seng Index, increasing the index's representation of the Chinese economy. Sources: * "Laopu Gold, CATL Added to Hang Seng Index" by Bloomberg: The China Show, February 16, 2026.