Business
Li Auto Stock Rises 3% in Hong Kong as March Deliveries Rebound and New L9 Launch Looms in China EV Recovery
HONG KONG — Li Auto Inc. shares climbed more than 3% Friday on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, closing at HK$74.20 after adding HK$2.30, as investors cheered a strong March delivery rebound and anticipation for the upcoming launch of the refreshed flagship Li L9 amid a competitive but recovering Chinese new energy vehicle market.

The Beijing-based automaker, listed as HKG:2015, saw its stock rise on elevated trading volume as the company resolved production bottlenecks for its battery electric vehicle lineup and pushed forward with technology upgrades, including advanced autonomous driving systems unveiled at NVIDIA’s GTC 2026 conference. The move extended recent gains following positive March figures that helped lift first-quarter deliveries above internal guidance.
Li Auto delivered 41,053 vehicles in March 2026, marking a 12% increase from the same month a year earlier and a sharp sequential jump after earlier softness. The performance pushed the company’s cumulative deliveries past 1.635 million vehicles since inception. Notably, the Li i6 pure electric SUV surpassed 24,000 monthly units once production constraints eased, signaling improving momentum in Li Auto’s BEV transition.
For the first quarter overall, Li Auto delivered approximately 95,142 vehicles, a modest 2.5% year-over-year gain that exceeded its earlier guidance range of 85,000 to 90,000 units. The rebound came despite ongoing price competition and a challenging 2025, when full-year deliveries fell about 19% to roughly 406,343 vehicles amid margin pressure and slower demand for some extended-range electric vehicle models.
The company has set an ambitious target for 2026, aiming for around 20% growth in vehicle sales, which would translate to roughly 490,000 units. Management has emphasized a “3+2” strategy focusing on overhauling its retail network, successfully launching the next-generation Li L9, and accelerating battery electric vehicle sales. The all-new Li L9, scheduled for official launch in the second quarter, is expected to feature significant upgrades including a larger battery for over 400 km of pure electric range, an enhanced chassis, and cutting-edge computing power.
Analysts and investors view the refreshed L9 as a potential catalyst. The model is projected to incorporate Li Auto’s self-developed M100 chip and advanced smart cockpit features, with some variants boasting up to 2,560 TOPS of computing power — far exceeding many competitors. A higher-priced “Livis” trim has also been previewed, targeting premium family buyers seeking luxury and intelligent driving capabilities. Orders for certain current L-series models were paused in March ahead of the refresh, a common industry tactic to clear inventory and build excitement for new versions.
Li Auto has also been investing heavily in artificial intelligence and autonomous driving technology. The company unveiled its MindVLA autonomous driving foundation model at NVIDIA GTC 2026, pairing hardware advances with in-house software to differentiate its vehicles in a crowded market. These efforts align with broader industry shifts toward AI-native vehicles, where Li Auto aims to blend extended-range reliability with pure electric innovation and intelligent features.
On the financial front, Li Auto reported a challenging 2025, with revenue declining about 22% and net income dropping sharply. Fourth-quarter vehicle margins improved sequentially to 16.8%, though still below prior peaks due to pricing competition. The company returned to modest profitability in the quarter despite lower volumes. For the first quarter of 2026, it had guided revenue between RMB 20.4 billion and RMB 21.6 billion, reflecting the impact of softer early-year deliveries before the March uptick.
To signal confidence, Li Auto announced a US$1.0 billion share repurchase program in March 2026, with initial buybacks executed on both Nasdaq and Hong Kong exchanges. Executives described the move as reflecting strong belief in the company’s long-term value creation. The program comes alongside ongoing efforts to optimize its sales network through a “store partner” profit-sharing model aimed at boosting retail performance.
Li Auto’s portfolio spans extended-range electric vehicles (EREVs) like the popular L6, L7, L8 and L9 families, alongside pure EVs including the Li i6, Li i8 and the flagship Li MEGA MPV. The company has positioned itself as a leader in premium smart EVs tailored for families, emphasizing spacious interiors, advanced safety systems and convenient energy solutions. Its nationwide supercharging network exceeded 4,000 stations by early 2026, supporting over 1.45 million charging sessions during the Spring Festival travel peak alone.
Despite domestic headwinds, Li Auto has begun modest international expansion, introducing select L-series models in markets such as Egypt, Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan. While China remains the core focus, these early steps signal ambitions to diversify beyond the world’s largest EV market.
The Chinese EV sector continues to face intense competition from rivals including BYD, NIO and XPeng, compounded by price wars and fluctuating consumer demand. Li Auto’s hybrid approach — combining range-extended powertrains with growing BEV offerings — has helped it maintain appeal among buyers concerned about charging infrastructure. However, gross margins have faced pressure from higher raw material costs and promotional pricing.
Analysts remain mixed but generally constructive on longer-term prospects. Consensus price targets cluster around levels implying upside from current valuations, with some highlighting the potential for margin recovery as new products ramp up. Morgan Stanley recently trimmed its target but maintained an overweight rating, citing execution risks around the L9 launch while noting expected benefits from AI investments and product cycle improvements. The stock trades at a relatively low multiple compared to some growth peers, though volatility persists amid broader China EV sentiment.
Li Auto also released its 2025 ESG Report and inaugural climate-related disclosures on April 10, underscoring commitments to sustainable manufacturing and supply chain practices as it scales production. The company operates with a vertically integrated model focused on user value, from vehicle design to software updates delivered via over-the-air (OTA) technology. Recent OTA version 8.3 brought enhancements to its VLA driver model, smart cockpit and electric functionality.
Looking ahead, attention will turn to the May earnings report, where management is expected to provide more color on Q2 guidance, L9 production ramps and BEV contribution. The company plans to launch an all-new Li i9 battery electric SUV in the second half of 2026, further broadening its pure EV lineup.
Challenges remain, including sustaining delivery growth in a high-competition environment, managing R&D expenses that have risen with AI and autonomy pushes, and navigating potential regulatory or subsidy shifts in China’s NEV sector. Supply chain stability and raw material costs will also influence margins.
Friday’s trading in Hong Kong showed strong participation as the stock tested recent resistance levels following the March delivery news. Technical observers noted improving momentum, though the shares remain well below 2025 peaks amid last year’s delivery slowdown.
Founded in 2015, Li Auto has grown rapidly by targeting the premium family segment with vehicles that combine the convenience of gasoline range with electric efficiency and smart features. Under CEO Xiang Li, the company has prioritized user experience, with high net promoter scores for models like the Li i8.
As China’s EV market matures and global interest in intelligent vehicles grows, Li Auto’s blend of hardware innovation, software differentiation and family-focused design positions it as a resilient player. Success with the new L9 and continued BEV momentum could help the company reclaim stronger growth trajectory in 2026 and beyond.
Investors will closely monitor execution in the coming quarters, particularly whether the refreshed lineup can drive order backlogs, stabilize pricing and deliver on margin targets. For now, the March rebound and technology roadmap have provided fresh optimism in a sector where product cycles and innovation often dictate market leadership.
Business
Australian shares snap eight-session run of losses
Australia’s share market has broken its worst losing streak since 2018 as oil prices eased from four-year highs and strong US earnings boosted investor sentiment.
Business
Kotak Mutual Fund temporarily suspends subscriptions in its 4 international funds
The fund house said that acceptance of fresh or additional lump sum or switch-in transactions, and fresh SIP or STP registrations in these schemes, will be discontinued with effect from April 30, 2026, while permitting fresh or additional lump sum or switch-ins or registration of SIP or STP up to Rs 1 lakh per PAN per month in the respective schemes.
Also Read | International funds deliver up to 50% returns in a year, subscriptions halted. Should investors book profits or stay invested?
The unitholders were informed about these changes through a notice-cum-addendum. The notice-cum-addendum also said that all purchase or switch transactions of the schemes timestamped on or before 3.00 pm on April 29, 2026, shall be accepted and processed at applicable NAV. However, instalments falling due under existing SIP or STP registered prior to the effective date will be processed under respective Plans or Options of the schemes at applicable NAV.
As of March 2026, Kotak Global Emerging Market Overseas Equity Omni FOF, Kotak Global Innovation Overseas Equity Omni FOF, Kotak International REIT Overseas Equity Omni FOF, and Kotak Quality Overseas Equity Omni FOF had an AUM of Rs 935 crore, Rs 604 crore, Rs 98 crore, and Rs 58.02 crore, respectively.
These four international funds are managed by Arjun Khanna. In the last one year, Kotak Global Emerging Market Overseas Equity Omni FOF, Kotak Global Innovation Overseas Equity Omni FOF, and Kotak International REIT Overseas Equity Omni FOF gave returns of 65.96%, 43.51%, and 20.74%, respectively.
Kotak Quality Overseas Equity Omni FOF was launched on March 25, 2026, and has delivered a 5.12% return since inception.
Also Read | Best mutual fund SIP portfolios to invest in May 2026
Apart from these four international funds, Kotak Mutual Fund manages one more international fund, Kotak US Specific Equity Passive FoF, which is also managed by Arjun Khanna and has delivered a 56.20% return since its inception on February 2, 2021.
(Disclaimer: Recommendations, suggestions, views and opinions given by the experts are their own. These do not represent the views of The Economic Times)
If you have any mutual fund queries, message on ET Mutual Funds on Facebook/Twitter. We will get it answered by our panel of experts. Do share your questions on ETMFqueries@timesinternet.in alongwith your age, risk profile, and twitter handle
Business
25 equity MFs deliver over 25% in April; Nippon India Taiwan Equity Fund tops list. Will momentum continue in May?
The top 10 funds were sectoral and thematic funds. Out of 613 funds, 248 funds gave double-digit returns, 363 gave single-digit returns and two gave negative returns.
Also Read | Low-cost index funds & ETFs should form backbone of your portfolio: Vishal Jain, CEO, Zerodha Mutual Fund
Indices movement
In April, Indian and global indices remained in the positive territory with Nasdaq being the biggest gainer as the index went up 12.96%, followed by S&P 500 which was up 8.52%. Nifty50 and BSE Sensex were up 6.60% and 5.96% respectively.
Dow Jones, Hang Seng and DAX were up 4.93%, 3.23% and 2.81% respectively in the month of April.
How equity funds performed
Nippon India Taiwan Equity Fund delivered the highest return of 27.83% in the month of April, followed by Motilal Oswal Nasdaq 100 FOF which gave 26.19% in the same period. Mirae Asset NYSE FANG+ETF FoF and Quant Infrastructure Fund gave 21.46% and 20.24% respectively.
Invesco India – Invesco Global Consumer Trends FoF posted a return of 20.16% followed by three funds from Quant Mutual Fund. Quant Commodities Fund, Quant PSU Fund and Quant Manufacturing Fund delivered a return of 20.14%, 19.74% and 18.85% respectively in April.
Bank of India Small Cap Fund and HDFC Defence Fund delivered 17.27% and 17.03% returns respectively. Three small cap funds – JM Small Cap Fund, Groww Small Cap Fund and Bajaj Finserv Small Cap Fund offered 15.41%, 15.38% and 15.34% returns respectively in April.
Two funds from Motilal Oswal Mutual Fund – Motilal Oswal Small Cap Fund and Motilal Oswal ELSS Tax Saver Fund offered a return of 15.02% and 14.96% respectively. Aditya Birla SL Infrastructure Fund and Quant ESG Integration Strategy Fund gave 14.93% each.
Mirae Asset Infrastructure Fund and DSP India T.I.G.E.R Fund posted a return of 14.19% each. SBI Energy Opportunities Fund delivered a return of 13.74% in April. Quant Small Cap Fund and Axis Global Innovation FoF delivered 13.02% each.
Two friends from Quant Mutual Fund – Quant ELSS Tax Saver Fund and Quant Large Cap Fund gave 12.48% each in April. SBI Small Cap Fund delivered a return of 11.65% in the said time period.
Two funds from SBI Mutual Fund – SBI Focused Fund and SBI Midcap Fund gave 11.31% each in the mentioned time period. Abakkus Flexi Cap Fund posted a return of 11.01% in April. Abakkus Small Cap Fund gave 10.55% return. DSP Midcap Fund, ICICI Pru Commodities Fund and Tata Multicap Fund gave 10.20% each. Axis Greater China Equity FoF was the last one to deliver a double-digit return of around 10.02% in April.
Helios Financial Services Fund and HDFC Consumption Fund gave 9.95% return each in April. Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund, the largest active fund and flexi cap fund based on assets managed, gave 5.81% return in April.
Edelweiss ASEAN Equity Off-Shore Fund was the last one to deliver positive returns as the fund gave 0.05% return in April.
Also Read | Can Rs 70 lakh grow to Rs 5 crore? Expert says a 10% step-up SIP may fall short of the goal
Negative performers
ICICI Pru Strategic Metal and Energy Equity FoF and Axis US Specific Treasury Dynamic Debt Passive FoF lost 2.42% and 0.21% in April.
What should investors do?
Rajesh Minocha, a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) and Founder of Financial Radiance shared with ETMutualFunds that in April, equity funds saw gradual recovery, led by mid and small cap stocks, while large caps maintained steady performance.
“The sector trends diverged, with PSU and infrastructure sectors remaining strong and the IT sector showing early signs of improvement and international funds remained stable due to stronger global market indicators.”
Minocha further said that market fluctuations are expected in May, large cap stocks are likely to offer more consistent performance than mid and small caps, which require careful stock selection and investors are advised to use SIPs for flexi-cap funds and also include some mid-cap funds in their portfolio.
(Disclaimer: Recommendations, suggestions, views and opinions given by the experts are their own. These do not represent the views of The Economic Times)
If you have any mutual fund queries, message on ET Mutual Funds on Facebook/Twitter. We will get it answered by our panel of experts. Do share your questions on ETMFqueries@timesinternet.in alongwith your age, risk profile, and twitter handle
Business
Australian Travellers Warned to Stay Vigilant as UK Raises Terrorism Threat to ‘Severe’

Australian travellers are now being advised to stay vigilant when travelling to the United Kingdom after the latter upgraded the terror threat from “substantial” to “severe.”
The upgraded of the terror threat follows the stabbing of two Jewish men in London.
Aussie Travellers Advised to Stay Vigilant
According to a report by 9News, the “severe” terror threat level is the second-highest level out of five. Per the report, the change in threat level is an indication that intelligence agencies believe a terrorist attack is highly likely to happen in the next six months.
Australian travellers are being warned to exercise an extreme level of caution during their stay in the UK.
“Be alert to the risks and take official warnings seriously”, the Australian government’s Smartraveller has advised.
Starmer Reacts to Stabbing Attack
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has pledged to act against those “venerating the murder of Jews.”
Starmer also acknowledged that there is fear in the Jewish community following the stabbing attack. Fortunately, both victims survived the attack.
“People are scared, scared to show who they are in their community, scared to go to synagogue and practise their religion, scared to go to university as a Jew, to send their children to school as a Jew, to tell their colleagues that they are Jewish, even to use our NHS,” Starmer said.
He added, “Nobody should live like that in Britain, but Jews do.”
Starmer has committed to do “everything in our power to stamp this hatred out,” according to a report by The Guardian.
Business
Politics And The Markets 05/01/26
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MJ Gleeson sees profits in line with forecasts despite softening demand

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Meridian Mining begins trading on London Stock Exchange

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Taxpayer bill for Mt Lawley hospital revealed
The total taxpayer bill for the purchase and fit-out of St John of God Mount Lawley by the state government has been revealed.
Business
Zuckerberg links Meta layoffs to AI spending, won’t rule out more cuts
Meta President Dina Powell McCormick discusses AI innovation, potential threats, and details the platform’s new Muse Spark model on ‘Mornings with Maria.’
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg said Thursday the company’s latest round of layoffs is tied to increased spending on artificial intelligence, while leaving the door open to additional job cuts.
Zuckerberg made the remarks during a company town hall, his first time addressing employees since Meta confirmed plans to cut roughly 8,000 jobs — about 10% of its workforce.
The layoffs, which are expected to begin May 20, come as the company ramps up investment in AI and infrastructure, FOX Business previously reported.
“We basically have two major cost centers in the company: compute infrastructure and people-oriented things,” Zuckerberg said, according to Reuters.
ELON MUSK SAYS HE WAS A ‘FOOL’ FOR FUNDING OPENAI: REPORT

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg said the company’s latest layoffs are tied to increased spending on artificial intelligence. (Alex Wong/Getty Images / Getty Images)
“If we’re investing more in one area to serve our community, then that means we have less capital to allocate to the other,” he added. “So that means we do need to take down the size of the company somewhat.”
Zuckerberg said the cuts are not tied to Meta’s shift toward an “AI-native” structure or efforts to build autonomous AI agents.
“Getting everyone internally to use AI tools and getting to do the work more efficiently is not the thing that’s driving layoffs,” he said.
| Ticker | Security | Last | Change | Change % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| META | META PLATFORMS INC. | 611.91 | -57.21 | -8.55% |
Still, Zuckerberg declined to rule out additional job cuts.
FEDERAL RESERVE LEAVES INTEREST RATES UNCHANGED AS POWELL’S CHAIRMANSHIP NEARS END

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg said the company is cutting jobs as it ramps up investment in artificial intelligence. (David Paul Morris/Bloomberg via Getty Images / Getty Images)
“We’ll see how all this stuff trends” he said, adding that the company would “be able to share more soon.”
“I wish that I can tell you that I have a crystal ball plan for the next, like, three years of how all this stuff is going to play out,” he said. “I don’t. I don’t think anyone does.”
Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp, has also begun tracking employee activity — including clicks, shortcuts and how workers navigate apps — as part of efforts to train its AI systems.
US ECONOMIC GROWTH BOUNCES BACK, AS AI BUILDOUT AND CONSUMER SPENDING FUEL FIRST QUARTER

Mark Zuckerberg, chief executive officer of Meta Platforms Inc., appears during the Meta Connect event in Menlo Park, California, on Sept. 17, 2025. (David Paul Morris/Bloomberg via Getty Images / Getty Images)
Reuters reported the layoffs and monitoring efforts have sparked internal criticism, with employees voicing concerns on company message boards.
Meta referred FOX Business to comments from CFO Susan Li, who said during an earnings call that the company’s long-term size remains uncertain.
“We don’t really know what the optimal size of the company will be in the future,” Li said, citing rapid changes in AI capabilities.
GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE
Meta previously cut 11,000 jobs in November 2022 and another 10,000 months later. The company employed nearly 79,000 people as of Dec. 31, according to its latest filing.
FOX Business’ Louis Casiano and Reuters contributed to this report.
Business
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