AI apps lead the charge—CSOP STAR 50 Index ETF (03109.HK) surges nearly 4%.

NewTimeSpace — 14 Jan: the AI supply chain exploded at the open, sending the STAR-series indices sharply higher. As of 10:48 a.m., theCSOP STAR 50 Index ETF(03109.HK) was up nearly 4 % and has gained more than 60 % over the past year.

HKEX data show that 03109.HK tracks the STAR 50 Index, which comprises the 50 largest, most liquid stocks on Shanghai’s STAR Market. The gauge is dominated by “hard-tech” leaders: semiconductors account for over 65 %, and together with medical devices, software development and PV equipment the weight approaches 80 %.

Chip-makers top the sector split at roughly 31 %, followed by computer applications, specialty equipment, chemicals and biotech. The top three industries exceed 86 % of the index, aligning with China’s “tech-powerhouse” strategy.

BOCI argues that the AI sector is shifting from an early “computing-power race” to a second half led by “application roll-outs.” Historically, hard-tech follows a cyclical framework while soft-tech is driven by evolving business models; the accelerating commercialisation of AI applications could spark a new software-led up-leg. (BOCI Strategy Quick Take, 12 Jan 2026, “From Computing-Power Race to Application Roll-out”).