China's STAR Composite Index Drops 1.45 Percent Friday

China's STAR Composite Index closed 1.45 percent lower at 1,817.68 points on Friday. The decline marked a continued softness in the market for high-tech stocks. The STAR 50 Index, which tracks the largest and most liquid names on the board, fell 1.01 percent to 1,553.39 points. Both indices track the Shanghai Stock Exchange's sci-tech innovation board. This board was launched in June 2019 to support strategic emerging sectors. The market reaction occurred alongside news of growing interest in computing power services. These services are increasingly tied to artificial intelligence applications.

Index performance reflects tech sector trends

The STAR Composite Index measures the performance of all eligible stocks on the innovation board. The STAR 50 Index focuses on the 50 largest stocks that meet specific liquidity criteria. The 1.45 percent drop in the composite index indicates broad weakness in the sector. The 1.01 percent decline in the STAR 50 suggests large caps also faced selling pressure. These figures are reported by GN auto markets/indices. The data reflects the closing prices at the end of the trading session.

Computing services drive trade growth

The 2026 China International Fair for Trade in Services opened in Beijing. Participants from 90 countries and regions attended the five-day event. Over 1,800 companies displayed their service products on-site. A key focus was the integration of computing power with AI. China Tower Beijing Branch cited the upgrade of communication machine rooms into data centers. These facilities now support real-time computing for local applications. Examples include AI-powered forest fire prevention and water quality monitoring.

Semiconductor companies showcased customized chip solutions for different markets. European and American clients prefer high-performance chips for large models. Clients in the Middle East and Southeast Asia focus on edge-side AI chips. These chips support smart city projects and robotics initiatives. The Trade in Services Development Index Report 2026 was released at the fair. The report states that digitally deliverable services reached 57.9 percent of global services exports in 2025. This shift highlights the growing economic importance of digital infrastructure.