Hong Kong shares slipped on Tuesday, as lingering worries over anticipated monetary tightening in the United States offset bullish sentiment about China on mainland markets.
The Hang Seng index fell 0.2 per cent to 23,901.49, but the China Enterprises Index gained 0.2 per cent to 11,837.78 points.
Analysts say Premier Li Keqiang’s remarks over the week-end have improved China’s economic outlook, and boosted market confidence, but the gains in Hong Kong shares have been suppressed by worries that the US may soon raise interest rates, which would put pressure on liquidity in the city’s markets.
Among the most actively traded stocks on Hong Kong’s main board were Ping Shan Tea, up 12.5 per cent at HK$0.06, China National Culture Group, down 16.5 per cent at HK$0.13, and South China Financial Holdings, up 8.0 per cent at HK$0.11.
Total trading volume of companies included in the HSI index was 1.2 billion shares.