Hong Kong equities are pushing toward their highest levels in nearly a month as investors appear increasingly optimistic that Washington's budget standoff might finally be reaching resolution. The rally suggests growing confidence that US government shutdown risks are fading, which typically removes a layer of uncertainty that weighs on global risk assets. When political gridlock in major economies eases, we often see capital flowing back into Asian markets, and Hong Kong is catching that wave right now. It's worth watching whether this momentum holds if the shutdown drama actually concludes—market sentiment can shift fast once the headlines change.