Alibaba investors have had tough months. But now hope is budding: According to Bloomberg, the Chinese government is planning a multi-billion rescue package for the retail giant. At the same time, former CEO and founder Jack Ma has also sent a strong signal of confidence. As a result, the stock unexpectedly rose by 7.85 percent on the NYSE. In Hong Kong, it increased by 7.32 percent.

The Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba lost about 40 percent of its value on the NYSE within a year. A counter-movement was urgently needed. But on Tuesday, there was an unexpected price jump: the share rose to $74.02, and on Wednesday, it went up another 1.95 percent in pre-market US trading.

Also in Hong Kong, Alibaba's shares rose and were counted among the biggest gainers on Wednesday. The trigger for this was speculation about a stock market rescue package by the Chinese government.

These measures are intended to stabilize the weak stock market. Among other things, there is a plan to use a stabilization fund of two trillion yuan to purchase stocks in the Chinese market.

Further measures to support the stock market are also being considered. This news has positively affected not only Alibaba but also other companies like real estate stocks.

Another factor that could contribute to the rise of Alibaba shares is the action of former CEO Jack Ma. After clashing with China's political elite by sharply criticizing the financial industry and regulators, he fell into disfavor and withdrew from the public eye.

Now, however, he is said to have unexpectedly bought Alibaba shares worth 50 million US dollars in the past quarter. Former Chairman Joseph Tsai, a close confidant of Ma, has also acquired a large block of shares worth 150 million US dollars for the first time since 2017.

These purchases are seen on the market as a positive signal for confidence in the company, which had lost market share in recent months and had restructured its leadership.

Analyst Willer Chen from Forsyth Barr Asia Ltd. views Jack Ma's stock purchase very positively: "Given Jack Ma's image, this could be a symbolic signal and boost market confidence in the short term. It is also the first time in eight years that Ma has bought stocks again," the expert is quoted by Bloomberg.

However, for the time being, these actions do not change Alibaba's operational problems, says Chen. "The most important question for Alibaba remains how they can compete with PDD and restore their growth," Chen adds.