The Hong Kong Productivity Council has officially released the Standard Chartered Hong Kong SME Leading Business Index data for the third quarter of 2026. According to the report published on Thursday (July 9, 2026), the index registered a 0.8-point increase to 44.1, a positive signal amid challenging global market dynamics.
The most significant surge was seen in the Global Economy sub-index, which jumped 12.2 points to 33.1. This growing optimism was mainly supported by improving international geopolitical stability, particularly following the ceasefire between the United States and Iran, which also contributed positively to the stabilization of global oil prices.
The import-export trade and professional services sectors recorded the most striking index growth, rising by 15.6 and 15.3 points, respectively. Chief Marketing Officer of the Hong Kong Productivity Council, Karen Fung, noted that this achievement indicates a better shift in perception among small and medium-sized entrepreneurs regarding overseas economic conditions.
Despite external optimism, domestic operational challenges continue to loom over business operators. The Profit Performance index, sitting at 37.8, indicates that corporate profitability remains a key concern. Furthermore, a majority of SMEs (64 percent) project upward pressure on raw material prices in the near term, while most are still holding back from adjusting their product selling prices.
Senior Economist for Greater China and North Asia at Standard Chartered, Kelvin Lau, explained that Hong Kong's current economic resilience is inseparable from the dominance of the technology sector. Given that around 70 percent of Hong Kong's exports focus on electronic products and artificial intelligence (AI), this sector has managed to maintain growth momentum amid ongoing geopolitical fluctuations.
