SynopsisChina’s stock markets edged higher on Tuesday, led by agriculture, energy and gold-related shares, while technology stocks declined. The CSI 300 rose 0.1% and the Shanghai Composite gained 0.4%, while Hong Kong’s Hang Seng fell 0.3% as escalating Middle East tensions weighed on sentiment. Investors are also awaiting US inflation data for clues on the Federal Reserve’s interest-rate outlook, keeping global markets cautious.AgenciesChina’s stock markets edged higher on Tuesday, supported by gains in agriculture, energy and gold-related shares, while technology stocks came under pressure. In Hong Kong, equities declined as escalating tensions in the Middle East weighed on investor sentiment, Reuters reported.The blue-chip CSI 300 Index rose 0.1% by the lunch break, while the Shanghai Composite gained 0.4%. Both benchmarks have stabilised in recent sessions after a mid-year sell-off erased their gains for the year.Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index, which is generally more sensitive to global market sentiment, fell 0.3%.Read more: Global Market: Japan stocks mixed as strong data boosts rate-hike betsAgriculture Stocks Lead GainsAgriculture-related stocks in China jumped about 4.6% after the central government announced a plan aimed at strengthening funding for rural revitalisation. The move boosted expectations of greater policy support for the agricultural sector.Energy stocks also advanced as oil prices climbed amid heightened tensions in the Middle East. Reuters reported that Iran on Tuesday threatened the United States with economic retaliation and said it had fired an advanced missile at the US, adding to concerns over potential disruptions to energy supplies.Read more: Global Market: Kospi extends winning streak to four sessions as Samsung, SK Hynix rallyGold Stocks Gain as Dollar SlipsGold-related shares also moved higher as bullion prices strengthened, while the US dollar weakened. Investors have continued to seek support from gold amid concerns surrounding fiscal conditions and geopolitical risks.Reuters, citing Schroders portfolio manager James Luke, reported that the structural factors supporting gold prices remain strong, particularly against the backdrop of mounting US fiscal pressure.Technology Shares Under PressureThe gains in broader Chinese markets were limited by weakness in technology stocks, which reversed some of Monday’s rebound.Computer, information-security, new-energy and chipmaking shares were among the biggest decliners in mainland China, with each sector falling by roughly 1%.Hong Kong technology stocks also weakened, highlighting the cautious mood among investors as they assessed geopolitical risks and awaited key economic data.US Inflation Data in FocusMarkets are also closely watching upcoming US inflation data, which could influence expectations for the Federal Reserve’s next policy decision. The figures are expected to provide fresh clues on the trajectory of US interest rates and could have implications for global equities, currencies and commodities.For Chinese and Hong Kong markets, investors are balancing domestic policy support against external risks, particularly developments in the Middle East and the outlook for US monetary policy.Read More News on(What's moving Sensex and Nifty Track latest market news, stock tips, Budget 2025, Share Market on Budget 2025 and expert advice, on ETMarkets. Also, ETMarkets.com is now on Telegram. For fastest news alerts on financial markets, investment strategies and stocks alerts, subscribe to our Telegram feeds .) Subscribe to ET Prime and read the Economic Times ePaper Online.and Sensex Today. Top Trending Stocks: SBI Share Price, Axis Bank Share Price, HDFC Bank Share Price, Infosys Share Price, Wipro Share Price, NTPC Share Price...moreless(You can now subscribe to our ETMarkets WhatsApp channel)Read More News on(What's moving Sensex and Nifty Track latest market news, stock tips, Budget 2025, Share Market on Budget 2025 and expert advice, on ETMarkets. Also, ETMarkets.com is now on Telegram. For fastest news alerts on financial markets, investment strategies and stocks alerts, subscribe to our Telegram feeds .) Subscribe to ET Prime and read the Economic Times ePaper Online.and Sensex Today. Top Trending Stocks: SBI Share Price, Axis Bank Share Price, HDFC Bank Share Price, Infosys Share Price, Wipro Share Price, NTPC Share Price...moreless